Data Scientist Salary in London (2026)
In 2026, Data Scientist salaries in London range from £45,300 to £94,300, with a median of £75,000. This reflects the high demand for data professionals in the city.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Data Scientists in London is £75,000.
- Entry-level positions start at £45,300.
- Top companies hiring include Amazon Web Services and Capgemini.
- Cost of living index in London is 81.4.
- Proficiency in Python and Machine Learning can increase earning potential.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level: £45,300 - £65,400
- Mid-Level: £65,400 - £80,900
- Senior-Level: £80,900 - £94,300
- Lead/Manager: £94,300 - £114,600
How London Compares
London's median salary for Data Scientists (£75,000) is higher than the UK average of £56,000. However, the cost of living index in London is 81.4, significantly higher than other UK cities like Manchester (64.6) and Edinburgh (68.2).
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Machine Learning techniques are highly valued. Experience with cloud platforms and big data tools can also lead to higher salaries.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in London offer competitive benefits, including flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development opportunities. The work culture emphasizes innovation and collaboration.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing skills in Python, SQL, and Machine Learning. Networking and staying updated with industry trends are also crucial.
Data Scientist Insights — London
Data Scientist salaries in London range from £45,300 to £94,300, a 65% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of £75,000 sits near or above the midpoint, indicating strong market demand pushing compensation upward.
London's cost of living index of 81.4/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the £75,000 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for data scientist in London is anchored by employers like Amazon Web Services, Capgemini, and frog, along with 2 other notable employers. These employers offer competitive packages that generally align with market rates, with differentiation coming through benefits, growth opportunities, and work flexibility.
Demand for data scientist in London centers around expertise in Python, SQL, Machine Learning, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the £94,300 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Data Analyst or Machine Learning Engineer.
Related Roles in London
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineer | London | £47,250 - £120,750 | £80,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | London | £60,000 - £140,000 | £80,000 |
| ML Engineer | London | £60,000 - £157,000 | £93,000 |
| Security Engineer | London | £40,000 - £90,000 | £70,000 |
| Cloud Architect | London | £75,000 - £135,000 | £85,000 |
| DevOps Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Data Scientist in London?
The average salary for a Data Scientist in London is £75,000 per year.
How does the cost of living in London affect Data Scientist salaries?
While salaries are higher in London, the cost of living index is 81.4, which is significantly higher than other UK cities, affecting overall disposable income.
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