Data Scientist Salary in the UK: Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay Guide

Understanding Data Scientist Salary in the UK: Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay

When researching a data scientist salary in the UK, it’s important to look beyond a single headline figure. Pay can be quoted as an hourly rate, a weekly wage, or an annual salary, and each tells a different story. This guide breaks down the latest data from official sources and reputable surveys to help you understand what you might earn as a data scientist, and how that compares with statutory minimums and broader market trends.

Statutory Minimum Wage Rates for 2026/27

Before examining specialist roles, it’s useful to know the legal minimum. From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour, according to GOV.UK guidance. Workers aged 18–20 are entitled to at least £10.85 per hour, while under-18s and apprentices must receive £8.00 per hour. These rates are set by the government and apply to almost all workers, including those in entry-level data roles.

For context, the median hourly earnings for all full-time employees in the UK were £19.67 in April 2025, as reported by the ONS Average Weekly Earnings bulletin. That means a typical full-time worker earns well above the minimum, and data scientists typically earn significantly more.

Data Scientist Salary Benchmarks

A 2026 salary survey from TaxdCalc puts the average data scientist salary at £60,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around £40,000, while experienced senior data scientists can command £85,000 or more. The same source estimates that a data scientist on £60,000 would take home approximately £43,557 per year after tax and a 5% pension contribution, equating to about £3,630 per month.

It’s worth noting that the IT & Technology sector as a whole averages £53,674, with strong growth of 13.5% year on year. Data science sits at the higher end of this range, driven by demand for skills in Python, machine learning frameworks, and cloud platforms.

Hourly vs Weekly vs Annual Pay

When comparing roles, always check whether a salary is quoted as hourly, weekly, or annual. A data scientist on £60,000 per year working a standard 37.5-hour week earns roughly £30.77 per hour. That’s more than double the National Living Wage and well above the national median hourly earnings of £19.67.

Weekly earnings for a data scientist on £60,000 would be around £1,154 (before deductions). By contrast, the ONS reports that median weekly earnings for all full-time employees were £766.60 in April 2025. So a data scientist’s weekly pay is about 50% higher than the national median.

Annual figures can be misleading if you don’t account for bonuses, overtime, or pension contributions. The ONS median gross annual earnings for full-time employees were £39,039 in April 2025. A data scientist at £60,000 is well above that, but take-home pay will be lower after deductions.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

Your actual take-home pay depends on your tax code, pension contributions, student loan repayments, and any other deductions. The TaxdCalc estimate of £43,557 for a £60,000 salary assumes a 5% pension contribution and standard 2026/27 tax rates. If you contribute more to your pension, your take-home pay will be lower, but your retirement savings will grow.

It’s also important to remember that advertised salaries are usually gross (before deductions). Always use a take-home pay calculator to get a realistic figure for your circumstances.

Sector and Regional Variations

Data scientist salaries vary by industry and location. The finance and legal sector averages £50,648, while engineering averages £52,500. London and the South East typically offer higher salaries to offset higher living costs, but the ONS notes that Northern Ireland saw the strongest earnings growth (7.4%) in 2025.

For those considering public sector roles, NHS Agenda for Change pay scales for 2026/27 show Band 1 (closed to new entrants) at £25,272 annual and £12.92 hourly. Data science roles in the NHS would be on higher bands, but still likely below private-sector averages.

How to Use This Information

When negotiating a data scientist salary, consider the full package: base pay, bonuses, pension, and benefits. Use our pay guides to compare roles across sectors, and check the pay data for up-to-date benchmarks. Remember that minimum wage rates are a floor, not a target – your skills and experience should command a premium.

For more on how statutory rates affect different roles, see our UK Minimum Wage page.

Key Takeaways

• The average data scientist salary in the UK is £60,000, with a range of £40,000–£85,000.
• Take-home pay on £60,000 is around £43,557 per year.
• Hourly rates for data scientists are well above the National Living Wage of £12.71.
• Always compare hourly, weekly, and annual figures, and factor in deductions.
• Use official ONS data and reputable salary surveys for accurate benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average data scientist salary in the UK?

According to a 2026 salary survey from TaxdCalc, the average data scientist salary in the UK is £60,000 per year. Entry-level roles start around £40,000, while senior data scientists can earn up to £85,000. These figures are before tax and pension contributions; typical take-home pay on £60,000 is around £43,557 annually.

How does the data scientist salary compare to the National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. A data scientist earning £60,000 per year working a standard 37.5-hour week would have an hourly rate of approximately £30.77, well above the statutory minimum. Even entry-level data scientists at £40,000 earn about £20.51 per hour, comfortably above the NLW.

What is the take-home pay for a data scientist on £60,000?

Take-home pay depends on tax code, pension contributions, and other deductions. Using a typical 5% pension contribution and standard tax allowances, a data scientist earning £60,000 would take home approximately £43,557 per year, or £3,630 per month. This is based on 2026/27 tax rates and assumes no student loan or other deductions.