AI, ML & Data Science Salary and Rate Guide 2026

Salary and day rate benchmarking for AI, Machine Learning & Data roles

Hiring across AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science in the UK remains highly competitive, with demand continuing to outpace supply for specialist skills. Organisations investing in AI and data-driven transformation need clear, reliable salary and contractor rate benchmarks to attract and retain in-demand talent.

The Talent Locker AI, ML & Data Science Salary & Rate Insights Guide 2026 provides up-to-date UK salary and contractor day rate benchmarks for permanent and contract roles, built using Talent Locker’s own hiring data and market insight. The guide offers a practical view of current pay expectations and the hiring trends shaping the AI and data market in 2026.

Covering roles across Machine Learning, AI engineering, MLOps, and Data Science, the guide supports informed hiring, salary reviews, and contractor rate benchmarking across the UK market.

Download the full guide for clear insight into AI, ML and Data Science salaries, contractor day rates, and hiring trends in 2026.

Who is this guide for?

• Hiring managers recruiting AI, ML and Data Science professionals

• Organisations reviewing salaries or total reward strategies

• Businesses benchmarking contractor day rates

• AI and data professionals assessing market value

Speak to an AI, ML & Data Science Recruitment Specialist

For role-specific insight or hiring support, contact Jake Rickman at 📧 jake@talentlocker.co.uk