2026 data salary guide.

This guide is for employers hiring data professionals and individuals working in analytics, business intelligence, AI, or machine learning. Whether you lead a data function or work with insights, models, or infrastructure, this guide is for you.

It provides accurate salary benchmarks across every core data discipline. Whether you're hiring data talent or exploring your own next step, this guide helps you understand where the market stands in 2026 and what skills are in highest demand.

The guide includes roles across data analysis, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It covers all levels from Junior Data Analyst to Director of Machine Learning or Head of AI, across technical, research, and engineering roles.

The projected average salary for data roles in the UK in 2026 is around £77,800. This estimate is based on 2025 salary benchmarks combined with expected annual pay growth of approximately 3%, enabling organisations to attract and retain skilled data professionals.

The rise in AI adoption, predictive analytics, and real-time data use is pushing salaries up across the board. Businesses are investing in data-driven decision-making, which has increased demand for professionals who can extract, model, and interpret data effectively.

Yes. Our bespoke salary benchmarking service provides tailored insights for data-focused roles. Whether you're building a team or reviewing pay structures, we give you real market data to support better decisions. Learn more here.