The best-paying tech jobs in the UK right now
Key Points
- Head of AI is the UK’s best-paying tech job at a £157,250 median
- Top heads of AI can earn £205,000
- Head of Machine Learning ranks second at £92,750
- Business Intelligence Analyst is the lowest-paid role listed at £44,000
- Average UK tech pay growth is forecast at 2.1% for 2027
Head of AI is the best-paying UK tech job, with a median salary of £157,250, according to Robert Half. The recruitment firm published the figures in its 2027 UK IT and technology salary guide for business intelligence and data analytics roles.
Robert Half said the most experienced heads of AI can earn £205,000, while entry-level appointments start around £98,000.
The median Head of AI salary is more than double the £77,250 median for a Head of Data and Analytics.
Head of Machine Learning ranks second with a median of £92,750 and a top-quartile salary of £118,500.
Robert Half ranked the median salaries for business intelligence and data analytics roles in the UK as follows:
| Rank | Position | Median salary | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head of AI | £157,250 | £98,000 | £205,000 |
| 2 | Head of Machine Learning | £92,750 | £77,250 | £118,500 |
| 3 | Head of Data and Analytics | £77,250 | £72,750 | £86,750 |
| 4 | Machine Learning Engineer | £77,000 | £61,500 | £97,250 |
| 5 | Machine Learning Consultant | £71,250 | £57,500 | £84,500 |
| 6 | Business Intelligence Manager | £68,250 | £54,000 | £80,000 |
| 7 | Artificial Intelligence Engineer | £67,000 | £50,750 | £92,500 |
| 8 | Data Engineer | £67,000 | £57,500 | £79,500 |
| 9 | Data Scientist | £66,500 | £57,500 | £82,000 |
| 10 | Data Governance Manager | £65,750 | £49,500 | £78,000 |
| 11 | Database Manager | £61,250 | £54,500 | £66,750 |
| 12 | Artificial Intelligence Consultant | £56,500 | £42,250 | £69,000 |
| 13 | Data Analyst | £48,500 | £33,750 | £57,250 |
| 14 | Business Intelligence Analyst | £44,000 | £33,500 | £57,750 |
The lower figure in each range reflects the 25th percentile, which covers candidates with little or no experience in the role.
The median reflects average experience, and the upper figure covers candidates with above-average experience and specialist qualifications.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer has one of the widest spreads, with experienced engineers earning £92,500 against £50,750 at entry level.
Robert Half said starting salaries vary with skills, experience, organisation size, sector and local demand for the role.
Fastest-growing salaries
Robert Half expects average pay growth of 2.1% across IT and technology roles in 2027.
The firm forecast above-average growth for the following roles:
- ERP Functional Consultant – 4.2%
- Security Network Engineer – 3.8%
- Back-End Developer – 3.7%
- Business Intelligence Analyst – 3.5%
- Project Manager – 3.5%
- Chief Architect – 3.4%
46% of UK tech hiring managers are paying above their planned salary ranges to secure top talent, Robert Half said. 38% said they are paying more for professionals with generative AI skills.
