Understanding the Machine Learning Engineer Salary in the UK

If you are considering a career in artificial intelligence or looking to hire a specialist, knowing the current machine learning engineer salary in the UK is essential. Salaries for this role vary widely depending on the data source, experience level, and location. This article breaks down the latest official and industry figures, explains how to convert between hourly and annual pay, and highlights important caveats.

What the Official Data Says: ONS ASHE 2025

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is the most authoritative source for actual employee earnings. The 2025 release shows that median full-time weekly earnings across all occupations were £766.60, and median annual full-time earnings were £39,039. For machine learning engineers specifically, ONS ASHE data (via Orbyt Intelligence) reports a median base salary of £56,264 per year, with a typical range from £41,059 (25th percentile) to £76,393 (75th percentile). This figure is derived from the 4-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for machine learning engineers and is based on a 1% sample of PAYE records.

These are gross salaries before tax and National Insurance. The corresponding hourly rate, assuming a standard 37.5-hour week, is approximately £28.85 per hour at the median. It is important to note that ASHE captures actual payments, not advertised salaries, so it reflects what employees are currently earning.

Industry Data from IT Jobs Watch

Another frequently cited source is IT Jobs Watch, which analyses job advertisements. For the six months leading to October 2026, the median machine learning engineer salary quoted in permanent job ads was £65,000 per year. The lower quartile was £48,750 and the upper quartile £90,000. Interestingly, the median salary outside London was higher at £70,000, suggesting that many high-paying roles are based outside the capital. However, the sample size is small (49 salaries quoted), and the year-on-year median dropped by 23.5%, which may reflect market volatility or changes in role definitions.

When comparing the two sources, the ONS ASHE figure (£56,264) is lower than the IT Jobs Watch median (£65,000). This is common because advertised salaries often include bonuses or total compensation, while ASHE records base pay only. Additionally, job ads may target more experienced candidates.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

For UK employees and job seekers, converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is straightforward if you know your contracted hours. The standard full-time week is often 37.5 hours (common in tech and office roles) or 35 hours (public sector). Use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, a machine learning engineer earning £30 per hour on a 37.5-hour contract would have an annual salary of approximately £30 × 37.5 × 52 = £58,500. If you work 40 hours, the same hourly rate gives £62,400. Remember that this calculation assumes no unpaid overtime, and actual pay may be affected by holiday pay, bonus, or salary sacrifice arrangements. Use our Hourly to Salary tool for quick conversions.

London Weighting and Regional Variations

Location plays a significant role in machine learning engineer salaries. The IT Jobs Watch data shows that the median salary outside London is £70,000, which is higher than the national median of £65,000. This suggests that while London has many high-paying roles, other tech hubs like Cambridge, Manchester, and Edinburgh also offer competitive salaries. Some employers add a London weighting or allowance, typically 10–20% on top of base pay. Always check the specific location when evaluating a job offer.

Part-Time and Contract Considerations

If you work part-time or on a contract basis, your hourly rate may differ. Part-time machine learning engineers often earn a higher hourly rate to compensate for fewer hours, but this is not guaranteed. Contractors typically charge a daily rate, which can be converted to an annual equivalent by multiplying by the number of days worked per year (e.g., 220 days). For permanent roles, the hourly rate is usually derived from the annual salary divided by contracted hours.

Caveats and Further Reading

All salary figures are estimates and should be used as benchmarks. The ONS ASHE data is provisional for 2025 and subject to revision. IT Jobs Watch data is based on a small sample and may not represent the entire market. Always consider your experience, skills, and the specific employer. For more detailed breakdowns, explore our salary articles on tech roles and regional pay differences.

In summary, the machine learning engineer salary in the UK ranges from around £56,000 to £65,000 per year at the median, with hourly equivalents of £29 to £33. Use the conversion methods above to compare offers, and remember to factor in location and benefits.