Salary of a Data Scientist in India – For Freshers and Experienced

The profession of a ‘Data Scientist’ is considered to be one of the most valuable in the contemporary world of technological advances and analytics, not only in India but also on an international level. Data scientists are part of organizational teams that help translate large datasets into useful information for planning and decision-making. While the number of new jobs in skilled professions grows, people remain interested in potential pay when entering this field. This paper aims to give a positive outlook on Data science salary trends in India, look at other factors affecting salaries, and what young and experienced data scientists would want to know about their remuneration.

Table of Content

  • Who is a Data Scientist ?
  • Average Salary of Data Scientist in India
  • Data Scientist Job Roles and Responsibilities
  • Top Paying Companies for Data Scientists in India
  • Salary of a Data Scientist: Based on Experience Levels
  • Salary of a Data Scientist: Top Hiring Cities
  • Salary of a Data Scientist: Based on Industries
  • Salary of a Data Scientist: Other Countries
  • Skills Required for Data Scientist
  • What does a Data Scientist do?
  • Why Become a Data Scientist?
  • How to Maximize Your Salary in Data Science?

Who is a Data Scientist ?

Data scientists are professionals who possess analytical skills, programming expertise, and domain knowledge. This unique combination empowers them to decipher complex patterns, trends, and practical insights from large and diverse datasets. Data scientists are trained to work through the data science salary process using Python libraries such as Pandas, Matplotlib, and Numpy, among others. They often work with large amounts of data to develop and test hypotheses, make inferences, and analyze customer and market trends, financial risks, cybersecurity threats, stock trades, equipment maintenance needs, and medical conditions.

Average Salary of Data Scientist in India

The data science salary in India fall within the range of INR ₹3.7 to ₹25.8 lakhs. However, this number can vary due to skill level, location, industry, and job responsibilities. It’s worth noting that skilled data scientists with proven track records can command even higher salaries.

Data Scientist Salary in India ranges from ₹3.7 to ₹25.8 Lakhs, with an average salary of ₹9,27,349 per year. Average monthly salary of a Data Scientist with relevant experience is ₹70,000 to ₹75,000 INR. According to current standards, the lowest or entry-level Data Scientist salary in India is ₹5,77,893 per year. However, with experience, your location, and the company you work for, your salary can go up to ₹19,44,566 per annum.

Data Scientist Job Roles and Responsibilities

The job roles in data science are vast and evolving as the field continues to grow. Some of the most common data science salary job roles include:

Job Role Primary Responsibility Key Skills
Data Scientist Solve business problems with data Statistics, machine learning, programming
Data Analyst Collect, clean, and analyze data Statistics, data visualization, BI
Data Engineer Build and maintain data infrastructure Data engineering, cloud computing, software engineering
Machine Learning Engineer Develop and deploy ML models Machine learning, programming, statistics
Data Architect Design and implement data architecture Data modeling, data warehousing, data security
Statistician Use stats to collect, analyze, and interpret data Statistics, data analysis, data visualization
Business Analyst Translate business needs into technical requirements Business analysis, requirements gathering, communication

The specific duties and responsibilities of each data science job role will vary depending on the organization and the project. However, all data science job roles require strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Top Paying Companies for Data Scientists in India

The top paying companies for Data Scientists are as follows –

Companies

Average Salary Lakhs Per Annum

Amazon

15 LPA

Flipkart

13.5 LPA

Ola

12 LPA

Uber

11 LPA

Swiggy

10 LPA

Zomato

9 LPA

IBM

12 LPA

Microsoft

15 LPA

Google

20 LPA

Accenture

12 LPA

Deloitte

15 LPA

KPMG

14 LPA

EY (Ernst & Young)

14 LPA

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

14 LPA

Fractal Analytics

18 LPA

Mu Sigma

17 LPA

LatentView Analytics

16 LPA

American Express

15 LPA

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

18 LPA

Goldman Sachs

20 LPA

Salary of a Data Scientist: Based on Experience Levels

Experience plays a significant role in determining the earning potential of a data scientist. Entry-level data scientists with 0 to 3 years of experience can expect an average yearly income of INR 5-8 lakhs. Mid-level data scientists with 4 to 7 years of experience can anticipate salaries ranging from INR 8-15 lakhs as professionals advance in their careers. In comparison, experienced data scientists with eight or more years of experience often secure wages of INR 15 lakhs or more annually.

Experience

Salary

Entry-level Software Engineer (0-2 years of experience):

Average Annual Salary: 5,00,000 to 8,00,000 INR

Mid-level Software Engineer (2-5 years of experience):

Average Annual Salary: 8,00,000 to 12,00,000 INR

Senior Software Engineer (5+ years of experience):

Average Annual Salary: 12,00,000 to 15,00,000 INR

Technical Lead/Manager

Average Annual Salary: 15,00,000 to 25,00,000 INR or more

Salary of a Data Scientist: Top Hiring Cities

Geographical location is an essential factor in determining data scientist salaries in India. Major technological hubs like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR offer higher wages due to the concentration of tech companies and higher living costs. Second-tier urban areas may also offer competitive wages, although slightly lower.

Location

Lowest Salary (INR)

Average Salary (INR)

Highest Salary (INR)

Bangalore

4.0 LPA

10.0 LPA

25.0 LPA

Pune

3.5 LPA

7.4 LPA

20.0 LPA

Chennai

3.5 LPA

8.0 LPA

20.0 LPA

Mumbai

4.0 LPA

9.0 LPA

22.0 LPA

Hyderabad

3.5 LPA

8.0 LPA

20.8 LPA

New-Delhi

3.5 LPA

9.2 LPA

22.9 LPA

Noida

4.0 LPA

10.0 LPA

24.6 LPA

Kolkata

4.0 LPA

8.4 LPA

24.0 LPA

Salary of a Data Scientist: Based on Industries

Data scientists earn different salaries in different industries because their skills are needed for various purposes. They’re experts at understanding data to help make decisions. This can mean things like predicting outcomes, improving customer experiences, or using technology better. Because these skills are used in different ways, the pay for data scientists can change based on where they work.

Industries

Lowest Salary (INR)

Average Salary (INR)

Highest Salary (INR)

Agriculture

2.6 LPA

8.3 LPA

27.3 LPA

Automobile

5.0 LPA

12.2 LPA

25.0 LPA

Banking

4.9 LPA

14.0 LPA

35.3 LPA

Chemical

4.4 LPA

15.1 LPA

34.9 LPA

Internet

4.5 LPA

12.0 LPA

31.9 LPA

IT Services & Consulting

4.0 LPA

8.5 LPA

23.0 LPA

Industrial Automation

5.0 LPA

13.0 LPA

27.0 LPA

Electrical

4.5 LPA

10.4 LPA

27.1 LPA

Defence and Aerospace

5.4 LPA

13.0 LPA

25.1 LPA

Telecom

4.5 LPA

10.8 LPA

25.0 LPA

Salary of a Data Scientist: Other Countries

Data scientists salaries can vary significantly from country to country due to the diverse demands for their expertise. These professionals are skilled at analyzing data to provide valuable insights, aiding decision-making processes. Whether it’s predicting trends, optimizing customer experiences, or advancing technological innovations, their skills are harnessed in different capacities worldwide. As a result, their compensation can differ based on the specific requirements of each nation’s job market. Where the United States is one of the top-paid nations for data Scientists, with base pay at the entry level starting at 79.1 LPA to the highest at 2.08 crore per annum.

Country Average Yearly Salary Salary Range (per year or per month)
United States $120,000 $10,391 – $17,063 (per month)
Australia AUD $75,233 – AUD $121,578 $9,882 – $14,766 (per month)
Israel ₪65,000 (ILS) ₪7,174 – ₪10,815 (ILS) (per month)
Canada $81,000 $8,037 – $12,500 (CAD) (per month)
Germany €69,500 €2,740 – €9,470 (per month)

Skills Required for Data Scientist

The skills required for a data scientist vary depending on the specific role and the industry they work in. However, some of the most essential skills for data scientists include:

Skill Description
Statistics Strong foundation in statistical concepts: probability, distributions, hypothesis testing, regression.
Machine Learning Ability to use machine learning algorithms like linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, and random forests.
Programming Proficiency in coding, with popular languages like Python, R, and SQL for data manipulation and model building.
Data Visualization Skill in using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib to create meaningful data visualizations.
Communication Ability to convey findings clearly and concisely, explaining complex concepts to stakeholders.
Problem-solving Capability to identify and solve problems using data, critical and creative thinking.
Creativity Capacity to generate innovative ideas and solutions, thinking outside the box.
Attention to Detail Ability to meticulously review work and spot potential errors or inconsistencies.
Collaboration Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, working towards common objectives.

What does a Data Scientist do?

Data scientists typically mine data for information that can be used to predict customer behaviour, identify new revenue opportunities, detect fraudulent transactions and meet different business needs. They also do valuable analytics work for healthcare providers, academic institutions, government agencies, sports teams and different organizations.

Why Become a Data Scientist?

In a world where data drive business decisions, the role of data scientists becomes crucial in making decisions based on insightful information. Becoming a data scientist is increasingly attractive for several compelling reasons:

  1. High Demand: Data scientists are in high demand across various industries due to their ability to extract meaningful insights from data, driving informed decision-making and business strategies.
  2. Lucrative Career: The field offers attractive data science salary potential and benefits, often exceeding many other professions, particularly as experience and expertise grow.
  3. Intellectual Challenge: Data science presents continuous intellectual challenges, requiring problem-solving skills and creativity to tackle complex data problems effectively.
  4. Impactful Work: Data scientists directly contribute to solving real-world problems, from improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing customer experiences to optimizing business operations and predicting market trends.
  5. Continuous Learning: The field is dynamic, with ongoing advancements in technology and methodologies, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
  6. Versatile Skill Set: Skills acquired as a data scientist, such as data analysis, machine learning, and programming, are highly transferable across industries, offering flexibility in career paths.
  7. Future Growth: With the increasing digitization of industries and the exponential growth of data generation, the demand for data scientists is expected to continue growing, ensuring long-term career prospects.

How to Maximize Your Salary in Data Science?

Here are some tips on how to maximize your salary in data science:

  • Get the right education and training: Learn the fundamentals of data science.
  • Gain experience: Work on data science projects.
  • Specialize in a particular area: Focus on a specific field of data science.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest trends: Keep learning about new developments in data science.
  • Network with other data scientists: Connect with people in the data science community.
  • Become a data science thought leader: Share your knowledge and expertise.
  • Negotiate your salary: Be prepared to bargain for your desired salary.

Conclusion

In the rapidly changing world of data science, understanding the intricacies of compensation is essential for both professionals and employers. With India witnessing a surge in data-driven enterprises, data scientists are well-positioned to capitalize on their skills. By continuously improving their skill sets, staying attuned to industry trends, and effectively negotiating, these professionals can impact business outcomes and enjoy well-deserved financial rewards.

If you are an aspiring Data Scientist, the complete roadmap of: How to become a Data Scientist might be helpful for you.

Data Scientist Salary in India – FAQs

What is the starting salary for an entry-level data scientist in India?

The initial salary for a new data scientist in India typically ranges from INR 5 to 8 lakhs, depending on location and industry context.

How does professional experience impact a data scientist’s salary?

The professional experience history significantly affects a data scientist’s financial package. Mid-level and senior data scientists with extensive expertise generally command higher salaries than those just starting.

What is the average salary for a Data Scientist?

The salary for a Data Scientist in India falls between INR 3.7 lakhs to 25.8 lakhs per year, with an average salary of 9.2 lakhs per year.

What qualifications do Data Scientists usually have?

Data scientists often possess advanced degrees in data science, computer science, or statistics, proficiency in programming languages (Python, R), data visualization tools, and strong analytical skills.

Can a Data Scientist earn one crore?

Yes, it is feasible for a data scientist to make one crore or more annually in India, contingent on factors like industry, job role, experience, and skills.

What is the salary for a fresh Data Science graduate in India?

The salary for a Data Science graduate in India varies between INR 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs per year.

Which industry-specific certifications enhance a data scientist’s earning potential?

Certifications like Certified Data Scientist (CDS) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate validates expertise, adding value and increasing earning potential.