Median data scientist salary in United Kingdom is £80k. Junior roles (0–2 years) start at £50k; senior roles (7+ years) reach £140k+. Numbers reflect 2026 UK market data.
Data Scientists in the United Kingdom earn between £45,000 and £85,000 annually, with London salaries consistently 15-20% higher than regional averages. Your actual salary depends heavily on experience level, specialisation, and employer sector—fintech and healthcare companies typically pay above market rate. Early-career professionals (0-2 years) should expect £40,000-£55,000; mid-level practitioners (3-5 years) command £60,000-£75,000; and senior roles with leadership responsibility reach £80,000+. Contract and consulting positions often pay 20-30% more than permanent roles. The market remains competitive, particularly in London and Manchester, where demand for machine learning expertise outpaces supply. Negotiating salary early is critical—many employers have flexibility, especially if you can demonstrate impact on revenue or cost reduction. To understand what specific roles are currently offering and what questions you should prepare for interviews, explore the live job listings and common technical assessments below.
| Level | Years | Salary (median) | 10th–90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 | £50k | £43k – £60k |
| Mid-level | 3–6 | £80k | £68k – £96k |
| Senior | 7+ | £140k | £119k – £196k |
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