Data Scientist Salary in India: Factors That Matter

Data science has emerged as one of the most dynamic and sought-after professions in India, driven by the digital revolution and the growing significance of big data across industries.

Data Scientists are pivotal in analyzing and interpreting complex digital data to help guide decision-making and strategic planning. However, the salary of data scientists in India is influenced by a myriad of factors, including geographical location, experience level, and the hiring company. Understanding these factors is essential for both aspiring and current data scientists to navigate their career paths effectively.

This article provides an in-depth look at the key factors that determine the salary of data scientists in India, offering valuable insights for those looking to pursue or advance in this lucrative field.

Refer to the below articles:

• What is Data Science in Simple Words?
• What Does a Data Scientist Do?
• Exploring Data Science Job Opportunities and Salaries Worldwide

Navigating the Booming Data Science Landscape: High-Demand Roles and Attractive Salaries

The data science market is experiencing a remarkable expansion, driven by the increasing importance of data-driven strategies across various industries. The market for data science and analytics is not only vast but also shows a consistent upward trend, highlighting the growing need for expertise in this area. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a growth rate of 15% from 2019 to 2029 for data science and mathematical science occupations, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Within the diverse field of data science, several key data science job roles in India stand out, each offering unique responsibilities and opportunities:

• Data Analysts: Data Analyst professionals focus on interpreting and managing data, turning raw figures into comprehensible insights for decision-making.
• Data Engineers: They handle the architecture of data systems, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval, which is crucial for any data-driven operation.
• Machine Learning Engineers: Specialists in implementing algorithms and predictive models, these engineers are central to advancing AI-driven processes within organizations.
• Data Scientists: At the top of the data science hierarchy, these individuals blend skills from various roles to extract and interpret complex data sets, providing strategic insights.

Professionals in these roles often command higher salaries, a testament to the significant value they add to organizations. The capacity to convert data into strategic business insights makes them critical assets, prompting companies to offer competitive salaries to attract and maintain top talent.

This lucrative and dynamic sector of data science presents a compelling career path for those aspiring to influence the technological landscape. As the market continues to grow, the demand for data science professionals is expected to surge, further underscoring the field’s critical role in driving innovation and organizational success.

How much does a data scientist earn in India?

Data scientists are among the highest-paid professionals in India, reflecting the significant demand for their skills in a rapidly digitizing economy. The role of a data scientist is highly valued across various industries due to the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making and the insights these professionals can provide. Here’s a closer look at the average annual salaries for data scientists in India, according to different sources:

Glassdoor: According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a data scientist in India was around INR 12,00,000 per annum. However, this number can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer.

PayScale: PayScale reported a somewhat lower average, typically around INR ₹953,360 per annum for a data scientists salary in India. Again, this figure could fluctuate based on experience, skill set, and other factors.

Indeed: On Indeed, the average salary for a data scientist in India was reported to be an average of INR ₹10,30,737 per annum.

The salary of a data scientist can differ based on numerous factors, including educational background, experience level, specific skill sets, industry, and location within India. These factors can be discussed in more detail to understand how they impact earning potential in the field of data science.

1. Salary Based on Experience

In India, the data science field offers attractive salaries across various experience levels, especially for data scientist fresher professionals. For freshers or those with up to one year of experience, the average salary is around INR 5.7 Lakh per annum (LPA), which increases to about INR 8.06 LPA for early career professionals with 1-4 years of experience. This growth demonstrates the value and potential in the data science domain for data scientist fresher in India.

At the mid-level stage (5-9 years of experience), data scientists can expect a significant jump in salary, with the average ranging between INR 12 LPA and INR 14 LPA, highlighting the importance of advanced skills and industry experience.

Senior-level data scientists, with over 10 years of experience, see a substantial increase in earning potential, with salaries typically starting at INR 24 LPA and above. This level reflects the high demand for experts capable of leading complex, data-driven initiatives, emphasizing the rewarding nature of a long-term career in data science in India.

2. Geographical Impact on Salaries

The salary of data scientists in India significantly varies based on the city of employment. This disparity is influenced by factors such as the concentration of tech companies, cost of living, and the local demand for data science expertise. Here’s a comparative look at the average salaries in major Indian cities, as per Glassdoor:

• Bangalore: Known as India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore offers an average base salary of INR ₹14,75,000​​.
• Hyderabad: As a growing IT hub, Hyderabad presents an average base salary of INR ₹10,50,537.
• Mumbai: This financial powerhouse offers an average base salary of INR  ₹10,00,000.
• Pune: Hosting several major IT firms, Pune’s average base salary for data scientists is INR ₹9,69,766.
• Chennai: A key IT outsourcing destination, Chennai offers an average base salary of INR ₹10,80,094.
• Gurgaon: Rapidly emerging as a tech hub, Gurgaon offers an average base salary of INR ₹14,43,124.
• Kolkata: As a city embracing modern data science transitions, Kolkata provides an average base salary of INR ₹9,22,500.
• Noida: Part of the National Capital Region, Noida offers an average base salary of INR ₹10,78,197.
• Ahmedabad: With a growing IT sector, Ahmedabad’s average base salary is INR ₹7,12,892.
• Kochi: In Kochi, the average salary for data scientists is around INR 6,60,000 per year​​.
• Chandigarh: Data scientists in Chandigarh earn an average of INR  ₹11,40,952 per year​​.
• Jaipur: The average salary in Jaipur for this role is about INR ₹6,59,421 per year​​.
• Indore: Data scientists in Indore earn an average salary of INR 6,00,000 per year​​.
• Lucknow: In Lucknow, the average salary for a Data Scientist is approximately INR 10,00,000 per year​​

Overall, Bangalore stands out as a top-paying city for data scientists in India, reflecting its status as a major tech hub. However, each city offers unique opportunities and salary scales, influenced by their specific market demands and the presence of tech and IT companies.

Read the below article:

Exploring Data Analyst Job Opportunities and Salaries Worldwide

3. Salary Variations by Company

Salary ranges for data scientists in top companies in India, such as Amazon, Flipkart, and others, can vary significantly based on factors like experience, expertise, and the specific role within the company. Here’s an overview of what you might expect in terms of salary ranges for data scientists in these companies in India:

Amazon India: Data scientists at Amazon India can expect competitive salaries. For entry-level positions, salaries might start around ₹10-20 lakhs per annum. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Amazon India is ₹31,00,000 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) More experienced data scientists, especially those in senior or specialized roles, can earn upwards of 50 lakhs or more per annum.

Flipkart: Being one of the leading e-commerce companies in India, Flipkart offers competitive salaries for data scientists. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Flipkart India is ₹27.5 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) The salary range is similar to Amazon India, with entry-level roles starting in the range of ₹10-20 lakhs annually, and more experienced roles can go significantly higher.

Google India: Google is known for offering competitive salaries worldwide. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Google India is ₹35.5 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) In India, data scientists in Google can expect salaries starting from around ₹15 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions, with experienced roles earning significantly higher, often going beyond ₹30 lakhs per annum.

Microsoft India: Microsoft offers competitive packages in India as well. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Microsoft India is ₹39.4 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) Entry-level data scientists might start around ₹10-20 lakhs per annum, with more senior roles earning upwards of ₹25-35 lakhs or more, depending on experience and specialization.

IBM India: IBM, with a significant presence in India, offers salaries that can start from around ₹8-15 lakhs per annum for entry-level data scientist roles. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at IBM India is ₹18.6 Lakhs.  (AmbitionBox) More experienced data scientists can expect higher salaries, potentially exceeding ₹20 lakhs per annum.

Accenture India: Accenture, being a global consulting firm, offers competitive salaries for data scientists in India. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Accenture India is ₹15 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) Starting salaries for entry-level positions can range from ₹6-12 lakhs per annum, with more experienced roles earning more.

TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and other IT services companies: These companies have a range of roles in data science and analytics. In India, Data Scientists command competitive salaries across leading IT firms. TCS offers an average of ₹9.9 Lakhs, Infosys at ₹10 Lakhs, and Wipro at ₹11 Lakhs annually. (AmbitionBox) These figures underscore the demand for skilled data professionals in the thriving tech landscape of major IT companies in the country.

Startups and Unicorns (like Ola, Zomato, Paytm): Salary ranges in startups can vary widely. Some may offer below-market salaries but with equity compensation, while others may offer competitive or even above-market salaries to attract talent. Entry-level roles might start around ₹10-15 lakhs per annum, with the potential for more in senior roles.

Reliance Jio: As a major player in the Indian market, Jio offers competitive salaries for data scientists. The average annual salary for Data Scientists at Reliance Jio India is ₹19.3 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) The range could be similar to other tech giants, with entry-level roles starting around ₹10-20 lakhs per annum and higher for experienced roles.

Consulting Firms (like Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC): Data Scientists are well-compensated in top consulting firms in India. Deloitte offers an average annual salary of ₹14.4 Lakhs, KPMG at ₹15.2 Lakhs, Ernst & Young at ₹13.9 Lakhs, and PwC at ₹12 Lakhs. (AmbitionBox) These figures reflect the recognition and financial rewards for data expertise in the consulting industry, making it an attractive career path for professionals in the field.

4. Additional Factors Influencing Salaries

Education and Certifications:

• Higher Education: Advanced degrees like a Master’s or Ph.D., especially in fields like computer science, statistics, data science, or a related field, can lead to higher salaries. Employers often value the depth of knowledge and research skills that come with advanced degrees.

• Certifications: Professional certifications (such as Certified Data Scientist Certification, IABAC Certification, or those from IBM, Microsoft, etc.) can also boost a data scientist’s credentials. While they might not directly lead to a higher salary, they can make a candidate more competitive and open doors to higher-paying positions.

Also refer to these below articles:

• How to Become A Data Scientist in India
• How to Become a Data Engineer in India?
• How to Become a Data Analyst in India

Industry-Specific Skills and Expertise:

Specialized Industry Knowledge: Data scientists with expertise in high-value industries like finance, healthcare, or energy often command higher salaries. This is due to the specialized knowledge required and the high stakes involved in data-driven decision-making in these sectors.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in specific tools and languages (like Python, R, SQL, TensorFlow, Hadoop, etc.) is crucial. However, expertise in more niche or emerging tools can sometimes lead to higher pay.

Experience with Complex Projects: Experience in handling complex data projects, especially those involving big data, machine learning, or AI, can significantly increase a data scientist’s market value.

Communication Skills: The ability to effectively communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders can make a data scientist much more valuable to an organization.

Understanding Business Context: Data scientists who can align their work with business objectives and demonstrate a clear impact on business outcomes can command higher salaries.

Understanding and optimizing these factors can be key for data scientists looking to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. It’s important to maintain a balance of technical prowess, industry knowledge, and soft skills to maximize salary prospects in this evolving field.

Final Say

Data science salaries in India are influenced by factors such as educational qualifications, industry-specific expertise, proficiency in emerging technologies, and professional experience. The market for data scientists in India is robust, with competitive salaries offered by top companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and Google, especially for those with specialized skills and experience. The demand for data science professionals is expected to remain strong, driven by the growing tech industry and digitalization of traditional sectors. Consequently, the outlook for data science salaries in India is positive, with opportunities for growth as the field evolves.

At DataMites Institute, we’re committed to empowering the next generation of data science professionals. Our comprehensive data science courses are designed to meet the growing demands of the industry. With a curriculum endorsed by IABAC® and NASSCOM®, our certified data scientist training not only provides in-depth theoretical knowledge but also practical, hands-on experience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, our courses are tailored to equip you with the skills and certifications needed to excel in this dynamic field. Join us at DataMites to unlock your potential and become a part of the future of data science.