Data Scientist Salary in India in 2024: For Freshers & Experienced
Data is the new oil. It’s everywhere, driving decisions, innovations, and business growth across industries. And at the heart of this transformation are data scientists – the experts who turn raw data into valuable insights. Whether it’s recommending products, predicting trends, or solving complex problems, data scientists make it happen!
What is Data Science?
Data science blends statistics, machine learning, and data processing to extract meaningful insights from large sets of data. Think of data scientists as modern-day detectives who sift through data, clean it, analyze it, and find patterns to help businesses make smarter decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
Data Scientist Salary in India in 2024
As businesses continue to embrace data-driven strategies, the demand for skilled data scientists is booming. This surge in demand has led to impressive salary packages and strong job security, making data science one of the most sought-after career choices in India.
Data Scientist Salary for Freshers
In 2024, freshers entering the field of data science can expect a promising start with attractive salary packages. Companies are constantly looking for fresh talent with a solid understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and programming. Even with little experience, freshers with the right skills are in high demand.
Average Salary for Freshers
For a fresher, the average salary for a data scientist in India in 2024 is between ₹5,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per annum, depending on the company, location, and skill set. Roles in major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune may offer higher salaries due to the presence of top tech companies.
Skills That Boost a Fresher’s Salary
- Strong knowledge of programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.
- Understanding of machine learning algorithms and tools.
- Experience with big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, etc.
- Ability to analyze and visualize data effectively using tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Data Scientist Salary for Experienced Professionals
As data scientists gain experience, their salaries see significant growth. With years of expertise, data scientists can move into more specialized roles, such as Senior Data Scientist, Data Science Manager, or even Chief Data Officer (CDO).
Average Salary for Experienced Data Scientists
For data scientists with 3-5 years of experience, the salary typically ranges from ₹12,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 per annum. For those with more than 5 years of experience, salaries can go beyond ₹25,00,000 per annum, especially for roles that involve leading teams or working on cutting-edge AI and machine learning projects.
What Influences the Salary of an Experienced Data Scientist?
- Expertise in advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques.
- Experience with handling large datasets and big data technologies.
- Ability to lead teams and manage data science projects.
- Strong communication skills to explain complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders.
Conclusion
In 2024, the data science field in India offers attractive salary packages, both for freshers and experienced professionals. With companies across industries seeking data-driven solutions, data scientists are well-positioned for lucrative careers. So, whether you’re just starting or you’re already an experienced professional, the future of data science looks bright!
Data Scientist Salary in India in 2024: Roles & Growth Opportunities
Data is the driving force behind modern businesses, and data scientists are at the forefront of this revolution. With expertise in statistics, machine learning, and data processing, data scientists convert raw data into valuable insights that fuel business decisions and innovation. Whether it’s optimizing operations, personalizing user experiences, or predicting future trends, data scientists are the key players in making it all happen.
Data Scientist Role and Responsibilities
Data science is all about extracting meaningful patterns from vast datasets. Data scientists combine programming, statistical analysis, and machine learning to analyze data, clean it, and find actionable insights. Their work is critical for businesses looking to leverage data to make smarter decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
Approximate Salary in 2024 (INR per annum)
| Job Role | Salary Range (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | INR 6,00,000 – INR 14,00,000 |
| Data Analyst | INR 4,00,000 – INR 8,00,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | INR 6,00,000 – INR 11,00,000 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | INR 4,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 |
| Data Engineer | INR 5,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 |
Source: Glassdoor
The salary ranges above reflect the strong starting salaries freshers can expect, especially in major tech cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. As more companies focus on data-driven strategies, these roles are in high demand and come with competitive pay packages.
Career Growth for Freshers
For freshers, the first few years are crucial for building practical skills and gaining hands-on experience. As you work on a variety of data projects, your abilities will grow, making you eligible for higher-paying roles. Many freshers quickly transition into positions like Senior Data Scientist, Machine Learning Specialist, or Data Science Manager. Within 2-4 years, your salary could increase significantly, often reaching INR 12,00,000 or more, depending on the industry and the role.
At upGrad, we believe that continuous skill development is the key to advancing in the data science field. By staying updated with the latest tools, programming languages, and industry trends, freshers can maximize their career growth potential.
Data Scientist Salary for Experienced Professionals
For experienced data scientists, 2024 continues to offer impressive earning potential. As the demand for experts who can tackle complex data challenges grows, the salaries for mid-level and senior-level data scientists continue to climb. With several years of hands-on experience in managing large datasets, building machine learning models, and providing strategic insights, experienced professionals are highly valued across industries.
Salary Ranges for Experienced Data Scientists
| Job Role | Experience Level | Salary Range (INR per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | 3-5 years | INR 10,00,000 – INR 22,30,000 |
| Senior Data Scientist | 5-8 years | INR 13,30,000 – INR 28,00,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 3-6 years | INR 10,00,000 – INR 20,00,000 |
| Lead Data Scientist | 6-10 years | INR 20,00,000 – INR 36,00,000 |
| Data Science Manager | 8+ years | INR 25,30,000 – INR 37,80,000 |
Source: Glassdoor
These salary ranges reflect the significant financial rewards that come with years of experience. As companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, mid-level and senior-level data scientists are highly valued, and their expertise commands impressive compensation packages.
Also read: Data Analyst Salary in India in 2024 [For Freshers & Experienced]
Career Growth for Experienced Data Scientists
Climbing the Career Ladder in Data Science and AI
Leadership Opportunities for Experienced Data Scientists
As experienced data scientists move further along in their careers, opportunities for leadership and specialized roles become more accessible. Professionals often transition into roles such as:
- Lead Data Scientist
- Data Science Manager
- Chief Data Officer (CDO)
Their responsibilities span across teams and departments. Additionally, many experienced data scientists find growth in niche areas like deep learning, AI strategy, or big data architecture, which are highly valued and compensated accordingly.
In 2024, staying ahead in this field means continuously developing your expertise, learning new tools and techniques, and being adaptable to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
With the right approach, experienced professionals can continue climbing the career ladder while enjoying a steady rise in salary and responsibilities.
Salary Comparison: Data Scientist vs. Other Tech Roles
Data scientists typically earn more than many other tech professionals, and this salary difference is largely due to the specialized nature of their work.
Unlike traditional software developers or IT professionals, data scientists need expertise in a blend of fields—mathematics, statistics, machine learning, and business acumen—making them highly versatile problem solvers.
Their ability to extract actionable insights from large datasets gives businesses a competitive edge, especially in today’s data-driven world.
Moreover, the growing adoption of AI, big data analytics, and machine learning further boost the demand for data scientists. Here’s a comparison of average salaries for various tech roles in 2024:
| Tech Role | Experience Level | Approximate Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | 3-5 years | INR 10,00,000 – INR 22,30,000 |
| Software Developer | 3-5 years | INR 5,00,000 – INR 13,90,000 |
| AI Engineer | 3-5 years | INR 7,00,000 – INR 16,00,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | 3-5 years | INR 7,00,000 – INR 15,00,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | 3-5 years | INR 7,00,000 – INR 13,00,000 |
While roles like AI Engineers and DevOps Engineers also offer competitive salaries, data scientists often enjoy a slight edge due to their multidisciplinary expertise and direct impact on business outcomes.
This trend is expected to continue as industries increasingly rely on data science to drive innovation and efficiency.
Future Salary Trends for Data Scientists in India (2025)
The future for data scientists in India looks bright, with salaries expected to see significant growth over the next 5-10 years. As industries continue to embrace AI, big data, and automation, the demand for data scientists is forecasted to rise steadily.
This increase in demand will naturally drive up salaries, particularly for those with specialized skills in machine learning, AI, and big data analytics.
Are you ready to accelerate your career in data science? Stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning new technologies, refining your expertise, and exploring leadership roles.
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Salary Growth & Emerging Roles for Data Scientists
Trends and Insights for 2024 and Beyond
Projected Salary Growth for Data Scientists (2024 – 2030)
The graph above shows data scientists’ projected salary growth trend from 2024 to 2030.
As companies across various sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing continue to invest heavily in data-driven strategies, the average salary for mid-level data scientists in India is expected to grow from INR 12 L in 2024 to around INR 22 L by 2030.
Emerging Roles That Will Command High Salaries in 2025
As the field of data science continues to evolve, new and specialized roles are emerging. These roles are expected to command high salaries due to their critical impact across industries:
AI Specialists
AI Architects, AI Strategists, and AI Research Scientists will play pivotal roles in developing and scaling AI solutions across industries.
High Salary Expectation: ₹30,00,000 – ₹50,00,000
Robotics & Automation Experts
As industries adopt robotics, professionals skilled in robotics process automation (RPA) will be in high demand to automate complex workflows.
High Salary Expectation: ₹25,00,000 – ₹45,00,000
Data Ethics & Privacy Specialists
With growing concerns around data privacy and ethical AI, these specialists will be highly sought after to ensure compliance and governance across sectors.
High Salary Expectation: ₹28,00,000 – ₹48,00,000
As these roles continue to gain prominence, data scientists will enjoy even more lucrative opportunities as the technology landscape rapidly evolves.
Highest Paying Industries for Data Scientists
Data science is now critical across industries. Let’s look at the sectors offering the highest salaries for skilled data scientists:
Finance
Why? Financial institutions depend on data science for risk management, fraud detection, and investment forecasting.
Salary Range: ₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 per annum
Top Roles: Risk Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist for Financial Services
E-commerce
Why? E-commerce companies use data to personalize recommendations and optimize customer behavior analysis.
Salary Range: ₹12,00,000 – ₹28,00,000 per annum
Top Roles: E-commerce Data Scientist, Consumer Insights Analyst
Healthcare
Why? AI and big data are transforming healthcare, improving disease management, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics.
Salary Range: ₹18,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 per annum
Top Roles: Health Data Scientist, Biomedical Data Analyst
Technology & IT
Why? Tech and IT companies are at the forefront of AI and machine learning innovation, with data scientists driving key developments.
Salary Range: ₹20,00,000 – ₹45,00,000 per annum
Top Roles: AI Specialist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Architect
Salary Comparison Table
Key Insight: Technology and IT lead the pack, but industries like healthcare and e-commerce are rapidly closing the gap.
| Industry | Salary Range (INR) | Top Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Technology & IT | ₹20,00,000 – ₹45,00,000 | AI Specialist, Data Architect |
| Healthcare | ₹18,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 | Health Data Scientist, Biomedical Data Analyst |
| Retail & Consumer Goods | ₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 | Retail Data Scientist, Supply Chain Data Analyst |
| E-commerce | ₹12,00,000 – ₹28,00,000 | E-commerce Data Scientist, Consumer Insights Analyst |
| Finance | ₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 | Risk Analyst, Quantitative Analyst |
Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore emerging roles and salary trends in the ever-evolving field of data science!
Explore Career Opportunities in Data ScienceHow Can Vista Academy Help You?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a professional looking to upskill, Vista Academy offers flexible and industry-relevant courses to fit your schedule.
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Here’s how Vista Academy makes your learning journey easier and impactful:
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