From predictive modelling to generative AI, the world of data is evolving faster than ever – and so is the competition to hire top talent.
At [Your Company Name], we work closely with clients across the UK and US to help them build high-performing data teams. Here's what we're seeing right now in the data and data science recruitment market, and what it means for your hiring plans.
Demand Continues to Surge
Data has officially become the lifeblood of business strategy. Whether it’s driving real-time decision-making or powering AI products, data teams are more crucial than ever. In fact, hiring for data roles is up 24% year-on-year (LinkedIn), with particularly strong demand in sectors like finance, health tech, retail, and SaaS.
We're seeing increased pressure on businesses to scale their data capabilities quickly – but top-tier candidates are snapped up fast, often within just 1–2 weeks.
Skills That Are Topping Hiring Wishlists
The market is competitive, and the bar is high. Right now, the most in-demand skills include:
Python, R & SQL for core analytics and data science
Machine learning frameworks like Scikit-learn and TensorFlow
Cloud & Big Data tools – especially AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks
Real-time streaming technologies like Kafka and Apache Flink
Data visualisation skills using Power BI, Tableau, or Looker
LLM expertise & GenAI capabilities for companies exploring AI products
Technical skills aside, employers are also prioritising data professionals who can communicate insights, collaborate cross-functionally, and align data with business outcomes.
The Rise of Emerging Tech
Innovations in AI and data platforms are reshaping the roles companies are hiring for:
Generative AI is now more than a buzzword – companies want people who can fine-tune large language models and build intelligent applications.
Synthetic data is gaining traction, especially in finance and healthcare, for training models without compromising on privacy.
Data observability tools like Monte Carlo are being used to boost trust in reporting and model outputs.
Keeping your stack modern isn’t just a tech play – it’s a hiring advantage.
Salary Expectations for 2025
With demand high and supply tight, salaries are holding strong – particularly for candidates with niche skills or cross-disciplinary experience.
Role | UK (London) | US (NYC/SF) |
|---|---|---|
Junior Data Analyst | £35k–£45k | $70k–$90k |
Data Scientist | £60k–£85k | $110k–$150k |
Senior Data Scientist | £85k–£120k+ | $150k–$200k+ |
Data Engineer | £65k–£95k | $120k–$160k |
Head of Data / Director | £120k–£160k+ | $180k–$250k+ |
Note: Specialisms like AI/ML or GenAI can command up to 30% higher.
Hiring Trends to Watch
Here are five trends we're seeing across the data recruitment landscape:
Speed is everything – The best talent is off the market in under 10 days.
Flexibility matters – Remote or hybrid roles remain highly attractive.
Fractional hires are on the rise – Companies are bringing in senior data leaders on short-term contracts for strategic projects.
Diversity is front of mind – Diverse shortlists and inclusive hiring practices are non-negotiable for many clients.
Cross-functional thinking wins – Data talent with product, marketing, or commercial know-how is in high demand.
Need Support Hiring Data Talent?
Whether you're building a data science function from scratch or hiring niche roles like ML Ops or GenAI Engineers, we can help.
We specialise in sourcing permanent and contract data professionals across the UK, US, and Europe – from analysts and engineers to Heads of Data and beyond.
📩 Drop us a message to learn how we can support your hiring goals with market insights, talent strategy, and access to top-tier candidates.