Data Scientist Salary in India 2025: Freshers to Experts Guide

By Rohit Sharma

Updated on Sep 23, 2025 | 11 min read | 934.32K+ views

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Do You Know? According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Employment of data scientists is expected to grow 34% by 2034. 

A data scientist salary in India ranges from INR 4L – INR 30L. Salaries usually depends on your experience, skills, location, industry, and the company you work in. 

In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about data scientist salaries in India. You will learn how much freshers, mid-level, and senior professionals can earn in India, how salaries varies across top cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, which companies and industries pay the most, and how skills and education impact salary.  

So, stay with us till the end to know how a career as a data scientist can be the best choice for you! 

Boost your career with our top Online Data Science Courses and gain the skills needed to earn a high data scientist salary in India.

Average Data Scientist Salary in India 

A data scientist's salary in India is one of the highest in the entire tech industry. According to the Ambition Box, a data scientist can earn around INR 15.1LPA. And if we talk about the monthly salary, it ranges from INR 78,000 – INR 80,000.  

However, salary of data scientist in India is not same for everyone. It can change depending on several factors such as: 

  • Experience level  
  • Location of the job  
  • Company type  
  • Industry sector  
  • Skills and educational background 

If you want to increase your chances of getting a highest paying data science job in India, the right education can make a big difference. You can join our top data science courses like: 

Here is the salary of data scientist in India based on experience:  

Experience   Average Annual Salary  
1 year   INR 10.9 L  
2 years   INR 11.3 L  
3 years   INR 12.5 L  
4 years   INR 15.1 L  
5 years   INR 17.3 L  
6 years   INR 19.1 L  
7 years   INR 20.4 L  
8 years   INR 22.6 L  

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Related Article: Top Highest Paying Data Science Jobs in India  

Fresher Data Scientist Salary in India 

For fresh graduates or early-career professionals, the average fresher data scientist salary in India typically ranges between ₹6–14 LPA (as per Glassdoor). Entry-level salaries depend on skills in Python, SQL, and Machine Learning, as well as the employer, with companies like TCS, Infosys, Accenture, and fast-growing startups offering varying packages. 

Entry-Level Data Science Roles and Salaries: 

Job Role 

Salary (INR per year) 

Data Scientist Intern  1–8.5 LPA 
Junior Data Analyst  3–6 LPA 
Machine Learning Engineer  5–11 LPA 
Data Scientist (Fresher)  6–14 LPA 
AI Engineer  6–14 LPA 
Analytics Consultant  5–10 LPA 

Source By: Glassdoor 

Mid-Level Data Scientist Salary in India 

With 4–6 years or more experience, experienced data scientists in India can earn anywhere between ₹10–22 LPA, while senior-level professionals with strong expertise in Big Data, Deep Learning, and Data Engineering can cross the ₹40 LPA mark. Leadership roles and niche technical skills play a major role in driving salaries higher. 

Mid-Level Data Science Roles and Salaries: 

Job Role 

Salary (INR per year) 

Data Scientist (Mid-Level)  10–22 LPA 
Machine Learning Specialist  6–21 LPA 
Data Scientist Lead  17–32 LPA 
AI & ML Engineer  8–18 LPA 
Analytics Manager  14–25 LPA 
Senior Data Scientist  16–29 LPA 

Sourced By: Glassdoor 

Senior and Experienced Data Scientist Salary in India 

The highest salary of a data scientist in India is among the most competitive in the technology sector. Senior professionals who take up leadership roles, manage complex projects, and drive AI adoption in large organizations can command packages that rival global standards.  

Companies such as FAANG firms (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), unicorn startups, and leading fintech companies are known to offer the highest data scientist salaries in India. 

Top-Paying Data Science Roles in India: 

Job Role 

Highest Salary (INR) 

Principal Data Scientist  24–96 LPA 
AI/ML Specialist  10.2–40 LPA 
Data Science Lead  14–59.3 LPA 
Analytics Head  40–66.3 LPA 
Senior Data Engineer  14.5–47 LPA 
Data Science Consultant  14–42 LPA 

Sourced By: Glassdoor, Ambition box

Data Scientist Salary in India by Location 

The salary of a data scientist in India can vary across top cities in India. They can change on the basis of job opportunities, higher demand and cost of living. Cities like Gurugram, Bangalore, Noida, and Hyderabad are some of the locations offering highest salary for data scientist in India 

Here is a table showing the average data scientist salary in the top 10 cities of India: 

Top Cities 

Average Annual Salary 

Bangalore  INR 15.7L 
Mumbai  INR 14.8L 
New Delhi   INR 15.2L 
Hyderabad  INR 15.2L 
Pune  INR 14.2L 
Chennai  INR 14.6L 
Gurgaon  INR 16.6L 
Noida  INR 15.4L 
Kolkata  INR 14.4L 
Ahmedabad  INR 9.8L 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Data Scientist Salary in India by Companies 

When it comes to the data scientist salary in India, the company you work in makes a huge difference. Top MNCs, consulting firms, and analytics companies generally offer higher salary of data scientist as compared to service-based IT firms.  

Fact: As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on an average there are expected to be around 23,000 new job openings for data scientists every year 

Here is a table of the salary of data scientist in India at some of the top companies in India: 

Company 

Average Annual Salary 

TCS  INR 8.7 L 
Accenture  INR14.2 L 
IBM  INR 18.4 L 
Cognizant  INR 11.6 L 
Deloitte  INR 14.9 L 
Capgemini  INR 10.9 L 
LTI Mindtree  INR 16 L 
Fractal Analytics  INR 18.7 L 
Tiger Analytics  INR 16.9 L 
Infosys  INR 9.2 L 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Also read: Career in Data Science 

Data Scientist Salary in India by Industry 

The data scientist salary in India also depends on the industry you choose. Some industries like IT, software products, and finance generally offer higher salaries than others because of the demand for data-driven decisions.  

The average salary of data scientist in India can vary by several lakhs per year based on whether you work in IT services, consulting, or specialized analytics jobs. 

Here is a table showing how the salary of data scientist in India varies across top industries: 

Industry 

Average Annual Salary 

IT Services & Consulting  INR 14.3 L 
Software Product  INR 16.9 L 
Financial Services  INR 16.7 L 
Analytics & KPO  INR 15.7 L 
Consulting  INR 13.5 L 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

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Essential Skills and Qualifications for Data Scientist Jobs in India 

The data scientist salary in India heavily depends on the skills professionals have. Many big companies pay more salaries to professionals who have strong technical skills that add value to their business.  

Learning the right tools can help you earn a higher salary and grow faster in your career. 

Technical Skills 

Soft Skills 

Education 

  • Bachelor’s Degree: B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics 
  •  Master’s Degree: M.Tech, M.Sc., or MCA in relevant fields 
  •  Ph.D. (for research-heavy data science or AI roles) 
  •  Professional Certifications like  
  1. IABAC: Certified Data Scientist (CDS™)  
  2. Google Professional Data Engineer  
  3. Executive Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Data Science & AI 
  4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate  
  5. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate 

Career Progression and Growth in Data Scientist Salary in India 

The career path of a data scientist in India usually begins as a fresher and advances through multiple levels:

Fresher → Junior Data Scientist → Data Scientist → Senior Data Scientist → Lead/Manager → Principal/Head of Data Science. 

For a detailed guide read How to Become a Data Scientist – Answer in 9 Easy Steps 

How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in India 

If you’re aiming for the highest salary of a data scientist in India, you need to focus on a mix of technical upskilling and strategic career choices: 

  • Master trending technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data 
  • Target high-paying industries such as tech, finance, and consulting 
  • Work in top-paying metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Delhi NCR 
  • Build domain expertise in fields like fintech, e-commerce, or healthcare 
  • Gain leadership and project management experience to qualify for senior roles 

How can upGrad help you? 

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One of the most exciting parts?  

We have free data science courses as well which can be a great starting point for your learning. It covers all the essentials from statistics and data visualization to machine learning that provides you with strong basics for data science jobs. 

Here’s how upGrad can make your learning journey easier and more impactful: 

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Confused about your Data Science career? Get free expert guidance to choose the best path for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is data science a high-paying career in India?

Yes, data science is considered one of the most rewarding careers today. The data scientist salary in India is higher than most IT roles, ranging from ₹10–25 LPA for mid-level talent. With AI and ML skills, professionals can grow into senior roles earning even more. 

2. What is the starting salary of data scientist in India in startups?

The salary of data scientist in India in startups usually begins around ₹5–7 LPA for freshers. Startups may offer lower fixed pay but compensate with incentives or ESOPs. Skilled candidates in Python, SQL, and ML often secure higher packages.

3. Does a master’s degree increase the average salary of data scientist in India?

Yes, having a master’s degree or higher specialization generally boosts the average salary of data scientist in India. Employers value advanced academic knowledge, especially in AI, statistics, or big data, leading to better job offers.

4. Which city pays the highest data scientist average salary in India?

Metro cities offer the best packages. For example, Bengaluru provides the data scientist average salary in India at ₹15.6 LPA, with Mumbai and Delhi NCR close behind. These cities have more MNCs and tech startups, which drives pay higher. 

5. Are product-based companies better for data scientist salary in India?

Yes, product firms and global tech companies usually offer better pay than service-based ones. The data scientist salary in India in these firms can be 20–30% higher since they focus on innovation, AI-driven products, and scalable data solutions

6. Can freshers get remote data science jobs in India?

Yes, freshers today have growing opportunities in remote setups. Even the fresher data scientist salary in India for remote roles is competitive, often ₹5–7 LPA. Remote jobs also provide flexibility and international exposure for new graduates. 

7. What is the salary difference between data analysts and data scientists in India?

Data analysts generally earn less than data scientists. While entry-level analysts start with salaries around ₹4–8 LPA, data scientists typically begin at ₹6–14 LPA, because they require advanced technical, statistical, and modeling expertise.

 

8. Can a Data Scientist earn 1 crore in India?

Yes, you can earn INR 1 Cr in India, if you are senior data scientists or working in top MNCs, consulting firms, or product-based companies. While the average salary of data scientist in India is around INR 15 LPA, but professionals with 10+ years of experience, top skills, and leadership jobs can earn INR 1 crore.

9. Does having a PhD guarantee the highest salary of data scientist in India?

No, a PhD doesn’t guarantee the highest salary of data scientist in India, but it certainly improves chances. PhDs often secure research, leadership, or consulting roles in AI/ML that can reach ₹40–50 LPA or more in top firms. 

10. Do certifications like AWS or Azure increase data scientist salary in India?

Yes, cloud and data certifications often improve career prospects. Professionals with AWS, Azure, or GCP credentials usually command higher data scientist salary in India, as companies value expertise in deploying scalable AI models. 

11. Do data scientists earn more than software engineers in India?

Yes, in most cases the average salary of data scientist in India is higher than that of software engineers. This is because data science involves specialized skills like AI, big data, and machine learning, which are in high demand.

12. What is the salary range for data scientists in government jobs in India

Government jobs tend to pay less but offer stability. The data scientist salary in India per month in government or PSU roles typically earns an average of INR 30LPA. Benefits like pensions and allowances balance the lower base pay. 

13. Do freelance data scientists in India earn well?

Yes, freelancing can be very lucrative for skilled professionals. While not a fixed income, freelance work can exceed the data scientist average salary in India, especially when working on global projects with international clients.

14. What is the salary trend for women in data science roles in India?

The salary of data scientist in India is generally gender-neutral when based on skills and experience. Women in data science earn similar pay to men, though representation in senior roles is still lower compared to other fields. 

15. What is the monthly in-hand salary of a data scientist in India?

On average, a data scientist earns INR 78,000 to INR 80,000 in hand per month. Of course, this depends on the company and experience, but it gives a good idea of how strong the data scientist salary in India can be. 

16. How much does a lead data scientist or chief data officer earn in India?

At leadership levels, salaries rise sharply. The data scientist highest salary in India can go up to ₹40–50 LPA, while Chief Data Officers at top firms may cross ₹1 crore annually, depending on company size and industry. 

17. Are data scientist salaries in India comparable to US salaries?

No, Indian salaries are lower in absolute terms. However, the highest salary of a data scientist in India still offers strong growth when adjusted for the cost of living. US salaries remain higher due to larger budgets and global demand. 

18. Do companies in Tier-2 cities pay less for data scientist roles in India?

Yes, salaries are generally lower outside metros. The data scientist salary in India per month in Tier-2 cities can be 20–30% lower compared to Bengaluru or Mumbai, mainly because of fewer MNCs and startups. 

19. Can internships affect fresher data scientist salary in India?

Absolutely. Internships provide real-world exposure and boost employability. Candidates with projects or internships usually secure higher data scientist fresher salary in India, often starting at ₹6–8 LPA instead of ₹5 LPA.

20. How do bonuses and stock options affect the highest salary of data scientist in India?

Bonuses and ESOPs can significantly raise total compensation. In startups and tech firms, these perks often push the highest salary of data scientist in India far beyond the base pay, rewarding long-term contributions.

Reference Links:

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-science-intern-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/junior-data-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/analytics-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/lead-data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-ml-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/analytics-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/senior-data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/principal-data-scientist-salary
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https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/head-of-analytics-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/senior-data-engineer-salary?experience=10
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-science-consultant-salary?experience=9
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Government-of-India-Data-Scientist-Salaries-E335550_D_KO20,34.htm

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/bengaluru-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/mumbai-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/hyderabad-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/pune-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/chennai-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/gurgaon-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/noida-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/kolkata-location 
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary/ahmedabad-location 

Rohit Sharma

834 articles published

Rohit Sharma is the Head of Revenue & Programs (International), with over 8 years of experience in business analytics, EdTech, and program management. He holds an M.Tech from IIT Delhi and specializes...

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