Data Scientist take-home calculator

Contract data science and machine-learning roles pay a premium, especially with production ML or specific domain experience. Rates have risen with demand for AI skills.

Typical day rate

£450–£800

Inside IR35 take-home*

£70,235/yr

Outside IR35 take-home*

£76,769/yr

*At £550/day over 220 billable days. Outside IR35 (limited company) is £6,534/year better at this rate.

Work out your take-home

Pre-filled with a typical data scientist rate — change it to match your contract.

Advanced options

Inside IR35 (umbrella)

£70,235/yr

You keep 58% of the contract value

Assignment rate£121,000
Umbrella margin-£1,150
Employer NI-£14,912
Apprenticeship levy-£522
Income tax (PAYE)-£30,081
Employee NI-£4,099
Take-home pay£70,235

Outside IR35 (limited company)

£76,769/yr

You keep 63% of the contract value

Company revenue£121,000
Director salary-£12,570
Employer NI on salary-£1,136
Corporation tax-£24,683
Dividend tax-£18,413
Income tax + NI on salary-£0
Take-home pay£76,769

Outside IR35 (limited company) leaves you £6,534/year better off at this rate.

Questions

What is a typical data scientist day rate in the UK?

Data Scientist day rates in the UK typically fall between £450 and £800, with around £550 a common mid-point. Your rate depends on experience, location, sector and IR35 status.

How much does a data scientist take home after tax?

At £550 a day over 220 billable days, take-home is roughly £70,235 inside IR35 (umbrella) or £76,769 outside IR35 (limited company) for 2025/26. Adjust the calculator for your exact figures.