Changing to a data career might feel daunting, but all it takes is one decisive step to begin that journey. Singapore has a data-driven economy, with unprecedented demand for skilled Data Analysts and Scientists, making this one of the most promising career transitions right now.
This is further reflected in their respective salaries. Data Scientists over here earn between SGD 72,000 and SGD 108,000 per year, with an average of SGD 90,000. For Data Analysts, this ranges from SGD 48,000 to SGD 72,000 per year, with an average of SGD 60,000.
This blog will look at how you can begin a Data Scientist and Data Analyst career in Singapore. It will also focus on the careers you can pursue here as a Data Analyst.
Sources: Glassdoor, as of December 9, 2025
Take your skills to the next level — Explore Data Science Courses
How to Begin Your Data Analyst/Data Scientist Career from Scratch
It does not matter whether you are already working in a technical domain or have a non-technical background in Singapore. Having a clear, structured roadmap to begin a Data Analyst career here can help you build the right skills, gain practical experience, and position yourself for success.
1. Understanding What Data Science Actually Involves
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific methods, systems, and algorithms to extract actionable insights and knowledge from both structured and unstructured data.
The following are its core components:
- Statistics and Mathematics
- Computer Science and Programming
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Domain Expertise
- Communication and Data Visualization
Data Science involves typically the following processes:
- Defining the Business Problem
- Data Collection
- Data Preparation and Cleaning
- Exploratory Data Analysis
- Data Modeling
- Model Deployment and Evaluation
- Communicating Results
In Singapore, it is applied to various sectors, such as:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)
- Transportation
2. Learning the Core Skills
To start a data career here, you require a potent combination of essential soft skills and technical proficiency. Those skills may be enumerated as follows:
A. Technical Skills
- Programming Languages
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Data Cleaning and Wrangling
- Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Visualization Tools
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Cloud Computing Basics
B. Soft Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Storytelling and Communication
- Business Acumen
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability
3. Starting to Build Real Projects
You must build end-to-end, real-world projects to start a data career here, as it will demonstrate the business acumen and practical skills you possess to prospective employers. Here are some strategies you can adopt to build an effective portfolio:
- Focusing on End-to-End Projects
- Leveraging Relevant Datasets
- Demonstrating Business Impact
- Showcasing Communication Skills
- Hosting Your Work Professionally
4. Learning the Tools That Matter
If you want to begin a data career here, you must master a core set of programming languages, along with specific data visualization and analysis tools that local employers highly value.
This includes the following:
A. Core Programming Languages
- Python
- Structured Query Language (SQL)
- R
B. Platforms and Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Visualization Tools
- Version Control Tools
C. Libraries
- Pandas
- Scikit-learn
- PyTorch or TensorFlow
Also Read: Data Science Tools You Should Know in Singapore
5. Joining the Community
You must also join the data community over here to begin your career in this domain. Such networking will provide you with access to industry insights and mentorship, as well as job opportunities that may not have been advertised.
These are your best options in this regard:
A. Events and In-Person Networking
- Attending Mixers and Meetups
- Going to Workshops and Conferences
- Participating in Competitions and Hackathons
B. Online Platforms and Communities
- Online Communities and Forums
- Job Portals
Read More: Why Finance Professionals in Singapore Are Shifting to Data Science in 2026
Specialties You Can Pursue As a Data Analyst
The following are the top options you have in terms of a Data Scientist career in Singapore and the salaries you can earn in those job roles:
| Job Role | Annual Salary Range |
| Quantitative Researcher | SGD 100,000 – SGD 200,000 |
| Data Architect | SGD 108,000 – SGD 168,000 |
| Quantitative Analyst | SGD 100,000 – SGD 160,000 |
| AI Scientist | SGD 72,000 – SGD 132,000 |
| Data Analyst Manager | SGD 84,000 – SGD 108,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | SGD 72,000 – SGD 108,000 |
| Research Scientist | SGD 60,000 – SGD 84,000 |
| BI Analyst | SGD 60,000 – SGD 84,000 |
| Product Analyst | SGD 48,000 – SGD 84,000 |
Sources: Glassdoor, as of October 27, November 12, 27, and December 1, 5, 7, and 9, 2025
Read More: Why Data Analytics Is Crucial for Career Growth in Singapore’s Business Landscape
Benefits of the Essential Skills Required for a Successful Data Analyst Career
We have already enumerated the skills you require to become a Data Scientist in Singapore. Now, let us discuss how they can benefit you in this quest.
For starters, programming languages like SQL and Python help you in different ways in your data career. Python is the most widely used language in this domain due to its robust libraries. You must be proficient in SQL to manage and extract data from relational databases, a routine task in most data roles.
Factors Influencing Data Analyst Salaries in Singapore
The following are the most critical factors influencing the money you make as a Data Analyst here:
- Experience Level
- Specialized Certifications and Technical Skills
- Industry Type
- Company Type and Size
- Educational Background
- Soft Skills
In Singapore, all these factors affect such salaries differently. For example, your experience level is a major determinant of such salaries. The more experienced you are, the more money you make in this domain.
If you are proficient in high-demand technologies and tools, it directly boosts your earning potential.
Also Read: Data Analyst Salary in Singapore – Freshers, Experienced, Veterans
How upGrad Helps You Transition into a Data Analytics or Data Science Career
The courses offered through upGrad help you transition easily into data science and analytics careers in Singapore. These are university-accredited, industry-aligned programs that offer you the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects, along with dedicated career support services and expert mentorship.
- Master of Science in Data Science, Liverpool John Moores University
- Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI, Indian Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB)
- Executive Post Graduate Certificate Program in Data Science & AI from IIITB
Related Articles
- Data Analytics Career Growth in Singapore
- How to Become a Freelance Data Analyst Using Skills from Online Courses
- Data Analysis in Singapore: Courses, Techniques, and Tools
- Can You Become a Data Scientist without a Master’s Degree in Singapore?
- Exploring Data Science Jobs in Singapore
- Top Companies Hiring Data Scientists in Singapore in 2025-26
🎓 Explore Our Top-Rated Courses in Singapore
Take the next step in your career with industry-relevant online courses designed for working professionals in Singapore.
FAQs On Data Analyst and Data Scientist Career in Singapore
You need both technical and soft skills to start a career as a Data Analyst from scratch in Singapore. This includes programming languages such as SQL and Python, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking.
Yes, even if someone does not have a tech background, they can always become a Data Analyst in Singapore. This is because local employers often prefer candidates with transferable skills, such as communication and problem-solving, and a willingness to learn the necessary technical tools.
Becoming job-ready in data analytics in Singapore can take anywhere from 3 months to a year of dedicated practice and study.
You do not need to learn Python for every entry-level Data Analyst role in Singapore, but it is recommended that you learn it.
Having a portfolio is a crucial and essential part of being hired for data analytics roles in Singapore.
Sources:
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-data-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,24.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/singapore-singapore-data-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,19_IM1123_KO20,32.htm
https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/data-science/#:~:text=Data%20science%20is%20the%20study,be%20done%20with%20the%20results.
https://www.coursera.org/in/articles/what-is-data-science
https://www.naukri.com/campus/career-guidance/what-is-data-science#:~:text=on%20Data%20Science-,Data%20Science%20Definition,finance%2C%20healthcare%2C%20and%20technology.
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/most-in-demand-jobs-singapore/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20surest%20ways,Software%20Development
https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/data-science-skills
https://www.ashokit.in/blog/data-science-skills-that-get-you-hired-faster
https://medium.com/data-science-collective/ultimate-guide-to-building-a-data-science-portfolio-that-lands-interviews-1770c7a31091
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/computer-science-project-ideas-for-singapore-tech-students/
https://www.refontelearning.com/blog/how-to-build-a-data-science-portfolio-that-gets-you-hired
https://verticalinstitute.com/resources/entry-level-data-analyst-salary-singapore/
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/top-data-science-tools-every-singapore-professional-should-learn/#:~:text=Q:%20What%20are%20the%20most,SAS
https://karan220595.medium.com/top-10-data-science-tools-and-skills-employers-look-for-in-entry-level-candidates-624d75f56944
https://verticalinstitute.com/blog/mid-career-switch-to-data-science/#:~:text=Navigating%20the%20job%20market%20requires,enhance%20your%20visibility%20and%20prospects.
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/top-companies-hiring-data-scientists-in-singapore/#:~:text=Tips%20to%20Land%20the%20Best,experience%20working%20with%20large%20datasets.
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/can-you-become-data-scientist-without-masters-singapore/
https://www.upgrad.com/sg/blog/top-companies-hiring-data-scientists-in-singapore/#:~:text=The%20top%20companies%20offering%20data,One%20Tech%20Stop
https://sg.indeed.com/q-data-scientist-jobs.html
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/data-scientist-jobs/?currentJobId=4348766434&originalSubdomain=sg
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/singapore-singapore-quantitative-researcher-salary-SRCH_IL.0,19_IM1123_KO20,43.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/data-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-quantitative-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,30.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/ai-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/data-analyst-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-research-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/singapore-singapore-business-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,19_IM1123_KO20,36.htm
