Data job market insights report: Trends and statistics for the UK data sector [January 26]
Based on current data taken from Adzuna, one of the UK's largest job search engines, we've identified the clear trends and figures that define the state of the data sector job market today. This report was last updated on 27 January 2026.
What's on this page?
Jump to:
Data salaries are 18.8% above the national average
- Despite an incline at the end of 2025, mean salaries for data roles consistently exceed the national average.
- The mean salary for data roles October 2025 to January 2026 inclusively is £50,412 which represents a 5.8% YoY increase.
Demand for data professionals is high compared to the national average
- The total number of unique postings for data job roles on the Adzuna website, October 2025 to January 2026: 5,170
- The number of new postings for data job roles on the Adzuna website, October 2025 to January 2026: 4,219.
- The dip in unique and new postings at the end of 2025 and very beginning of 2026 is due to seasonal trends - both increase as expected further into January, with a 2.7% YoY increase for new postings.
Communications and finance industries among the top hiring data professionals
The demand for data analysts is increasing - as we move into 2026, organisations across a variety of sectors are recognising the critical importance of data in driving business strategies and making informed decisions.
As industries evolve and data generation expands, Data Analysts and Data Scientists play a pivotal role in interpreting complex datasets and providing actionable insights that improve efficiency and outcomes.
Top benefits for data roles include life insurance and flexible working
The salary data above is calculated from 2,348 (45.4%) unique data job role postings.
1,904 (36.8%) unique postings offered at least one benefit.
Over half of data roles are flexible or remote
- 48.82% of data job roles were listed on Adzuna as hybrid or flexible roles.
- 43.25% required on-site work - many data roles involve handling sensitive or proprietary information, which is easier to secure and monitor in a controlled office environment.
- 7.93% were fully remote.
South East and North West England see high demand for data professionals
London leads data job demand with 1,896 job openings on Adzuna, reflecting its status as a major business hub. The South East follows with 542 unique postings, and the North West with 444 for the period October 2025 to January 2026.
Where does this data come from and what does it mean?
To create this report, we've partnered with Adzuna, one of the UK's biggest job search engine platforms and an extremely comprehensive source of job market data.
Based on millions of job postings, the Adzuna Intelligence database gives us a better understand of job or specific role demand in the data sector. It also helps us identify trends related to salary, geographic location within the UK, the kinds of benefits that are being offered to data professionals, and much more.
These insights into the data job market provide an overview of October 2025 - January 2026.
The purpose of this? To give you insight into the job market that can guide your career choices as well as decision about training and development within the data sector, ensuring better alignment with market demands.
The following data job titles were included when collecting the data for this report:
Find out if a career in data is right for you
Learning People are here to help you unlock your potential.
Our data certification courses will provide you the industry relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in a career as a data professional.
With flexible learning options, career support, and certifications from industry leaders, we’ll empower you to take the next step toward your dream career in data.
Ready to find the right path for you? Start your data career journey with Learning People and get in touch today.
Read our latest articles
Data ScienceThe growing demand for certified Business Analysts in 2025
Read More
Data ScienceHow does Spotify use data analytics to curate your Wrapped summary?
Discover how Spotify Wrapped turns listening habits into a shareable feature using data analytics and machine learning. Explore career opportunities in data science with Learning People.
Read More
Data ScienceThe future of data science: Trends to watch in 2025
Explore the top data science trends shaping 2025, from AI integration to real-time analytics.
Read More
Data ScienceTikTok's role in making and breaking music careers: a data-driven perspective
Learn how data literacy is launching the careers of stars like Lola Young and Addison Rae, and how you can get into the industry.
Read More