Top data jobs in the UK

The demand for data professionals in the UK is at an all-time high, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to the UK government's Digital Strategy, data-driven roles are expected to play a critical part in the country's tech economy, with predictions that data-related job openings will reach 100,000 per year by 2025.

This growth is largely driven by companies across industries adopting data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to make more informed business decisions.

A 2023 report from Tech Nation found that roles in data analytics, data engineering, and data science were among the fastest-growing tech jobs in the UK, with salaries often starting at £25,000 for entry-level roles and exceeding £100,000 for senior positions.

As organisations continue to prioritise digital transformation, the job market for data professionals offers not only stability but also ample opportunities for advancement. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to move into a senior role, these data jobs provide a secure pathway for long-term success in the UK.

1. Junior data analyst

Salary: £25,000 - £35,000
Key skills: Data analysis, Excel, SQL, data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
Responsibilities: Assist in collecting, processing, and performing basic data analysis. Create reports, visualizations, and insights to guide business decisions.
Qualifications: A degree in data science, computer science, or related field; entry-level roles can also be accessed with online certifications in data analysis.

2. Business intelligence analyst

Salary: £35,000 - £60,000
Key skills: SQL, data visualization, business analysis
Responsibilities: Transform data into actionable business insights through dashboards and reports. Help companies make data-driven strategic decisions.
Qualifications: A degree in business, IT, or data-related fields is ideal, along with experience in data analysis and BI tools like Tableau or Power BI.

3. Data scientist

Salary: £40,000 - £70,000
Key skills: Machine learning, Python or R, statistics, data modeling
Responsibilities: Apply machine learning and statistical methods to interpret complex data sets. Build predictive models and develop algorithms to solve business challenges.
Qualifications: A strong background in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. A master’s degree or industry certifications in data science may be preferred.

4. Data engineer

Salary: £45,000 - £75,000
Key skills: SQL, Python, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools, cloud services (AWS, Azure)
Responsibilities: Design, build, and maintain data infrastructure. Ensure that data pipelines are scalable and running smoothly.
Qualifications: A degree in software engineering, computer science, or experience with data systems and cloud platforms.

5. Data governance manager

Salary: £50,000 - £85,000
Key skills: Data privacy regulations (GDPR), data quality, compliance
Responsibilities: Ensure proper management, protection, and maintenance of data across the organization. Establish data policies for compliance and accuracy.
Qualifications: Expertise in data management and regulatory compliance, often with a background in data science, law, or business.

6. Data privacy officer

Salary: £50,000 - £95,000
Key skills: GDPR, data protection, compliance
Responsibilities: Ensure that an organization complies with data protection regulations like GDPR. Oversee data protection strategies and conduct audits for compliance.
Qualifications: Strong knowledge of privacy laws and regulations is essential. Certifications like CIPP/E and experience in data governance or legal studies are often required.

7. Data product manager

Salary: £55,000 - £85,000
Key skills: Product management, data strategy, leadership
Responsibilities: Lead the development of data-focused products. Collaborate with teams to ensure data-driven products meet business needs.
Qualifications: A background in product management with an understanding of data science or analytics. Leadership and communication skills are key.

8. Machine learning engineer

Salary: £60,000 - £100,000
Key skills: Machine learning algorithms, Python, deep learning, AI
Responsibilities: Develop and deploy machine learning models. Collaborate with data scientists to create automation and predictive tools.
Qualifications: Strong programming skills in Python or R, and a solid understanding of machine learning techniques. A degree in computer science, mathematics, or related fields is usually required.

9. Data architect

Salary: £65,000 - £90,000
Key skills: Data warehousing, database architecture, cloud technologies
Responsibilities: Design and manage the overall structure of a company’s data systems. Ensure data architecture aligns with business goals and is scalable.
Qualifications: Extensive experience in data engineering or IT architecture, and strong technical and analytical skills.

10. Chief data officer (CDO)

Salary: £100,000+
Key skills: Leadership, data strategy, data governance
Responsibilities: Oversee the organization’s data strategy. Lead data initiatives, manage teams, and align data projects with business objectives.
Qualifications: Extensive experience in data management or governance, leadership skills, and possibly an MBA or master's degree.

Whether you're starting as a junior data analyst or working your way to a senior role like Chief Data Officer, the demand for data professionals in the UK is only growing. These roles offer excellent career stability, with clear paths for advancement based on skills and experience.