Data protection officer
150.5K UK workers · typical pay £39,500 · entry route Postgraduate degree (Level 7+). Projected decline of -7% to 2035.
Real Claude.ai usage mapped to this occupation's SOC group, Apr+May 2026, CC-BY. Claude users only; task times model-estimated; augment/automate is how AI is used, not a count of jobs lost. Method →
The role is entirely digital and involves high-level information processing, such as auditing data, drafting policies, and interpreting complex regulations like GDPR. While the role requires human accountability and liaison with regulators, AI is exceptionally well-suited to automate the core tasks of document review, risk assessment, and monitoring data processing activities.
Output is primarily driven by the number of data-processing entities and statutory compliance events, which do not scale linearly with the cost of auditing.
Headcount contracts -10%, an Anti-Jevons curve.
Change the scenario in the nav to reshape this curve.
UK employment share by region, SOC-joined to 2482.
Relatively balanced: 49.4% women.
Five roles with transferable skills and better demand dynamics.
data-protection-officer · dataset 2026.03 · CC-BY-4.0