A data scientist in United Kingdom earns a median gross salary of £62,000 per year in 2026 (about $78,000). Entry-level roles start around £37,000, and senior data scientists reach £105,000 or more.
| Experience level | Gross salary (GBP) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £37,000 | $47,000 |
| Median | £62,000 | $78,000 |
| Senior | £105,000 | $130,000 |
The British market for data scientists
UK salaries sit well below US levels but London remains Europe's highest-paying hub for finance, law and tech. Outside London expect 15–30% less, partly offset by dramatically lower living costs.
Tax reality
Income tax at 20/40/45% plus National Insurance. The effective marginal rate between £100k and £125k is 60% due to personal allowance withdrawal.
How United Kingdom compares
United States median
$130,000
United Kingdom pays 40% less
United Kingdom median
$78,000
United Kingdom pays 0% more
EU average median
$72,000
United Kingdom pays 8% more
Data Scientist pay in United Kingdom: FAQ
How much does a data scientist earn in United Kingdom?
In 2026, a data scientist in United Kingdom earns a median gross salary of about £62,000 per year (roughly $78,000). Entry-level pay starts around £37,000 and experienced seniors reach £105,000 or more.
What does an entry-level data scientist make in United Kingdom?
Around £37,000 gross per year. Typical entry route: master's degree, and reaching the median usually takes about 4 years of experience.
Is United Kingdom a good country for data scientists?
UK salaries sit well below US levels but London remains Europe's highest-paying hub for finance, law and tech. Outside London expect 15–30% less, partly offset by dramatically lower living costs.
How much tax does a data scientist pay in United Kingdom?
Income tax at 20/40/45% plus National Insurance. The effective marginal rate between £100k and £125k is 60% due to personal allowance withdrawal.
Gross annual estimates derived from the Paygrade research dataset (updated 7 July 2026) using country wage factors and 2026 exchange rates. Read the full methodology. Actual offers vary by company, city and negotiation.