Data Scientist Salary in India After Data Science Course – A 2026 Guide

In the modern job market, data science is among the most lucrative career fields. The surge and need for data-driven decisions across various industries has put data scientists into limelight. The demand for data scientist courses has led to better data scientist salaries per month. Thus, making it a suitable career choice for aspiring data scientists. 

The year 2026 will witness a significant growth in the data science field. Rising demand for programming languages, data analysis and machine learning is said to enhance the salary prospects of data scientists.

This guide gives an accurate reflection of data scientist salary in India on the basis of experience, job profile, type of data science course, and other essential parameters.

Read this blog to get a better idea of salary trends and future prospects in the data science field.

Must Read: Top Data Science Courses to Boost Your Career in 2026

Data Scientist Salary in India – 2026 Quick Snapshot

In India, the need for data scientists is growing fast across various industries. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, the financial reward in this field continues to grow. As data scientists are particularly employed across various industries, their pay scales vary based on factors such as experience, education, portfolio strength, and location. 

Highlights	Particulars
Field	Data Science Salary
Average Data Scientist Salary in India	9,27,349 [1]
Salary Factors	Experience, Education, Location, Portfolio
Popular Data Science Courses	B.Sc in Data Science

Average Data Scientist Salary in India

The average salary of a data scientist in India typically ranges from 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 annually. However, the salary scale for senior data scientists can even reach 25,00,000 annually. This number can vary on the basis of your skill level, experience, location, and company type. 

Data scientists having high exposure and knowledge of coveted skills like Microsoft Excel, SQL, Data Analysis can even earn 37LPA to 50LPA. In your role in this field, you will witness exponential growth in your salary. 

Must Read: How to Become a Data Analyst : Step-by-Step Career Guide

Fresher vs experienced pay

Experience is considered an essential factor in calculating a data scientist’s salary. A data scientist salary for a fresher per month is less in comparison to senior-level positions. Fresher data scientists earn 4 to 8LPA. On the other hand, experienced data scientists can earn between 16LPA to 25LPA and even more.

Highest-paying cities

Salary factor is critically influenced by the location factor. Top cities in India offer handsome salaries to data science professionals. The salary structure varies significantly across cities due to factors like industry demand, presence of top companies and cost of living. 

Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata have a robust demand of data scientists. Hence, these cities are in a position to pay higher salaries. 

Top industries hiring in 2026

In 2026, the demand for data scientists is growing across industries like healthcare, e-commerce, BFSI, IT, manufacturing, AI projects, automation and cybersecurity. 

Average Data Scientist Salary in India – 2026

Data scientists are a precious asset in an organisation. Though, the average salary of a data scientist in India varies on the basis of location, experience, project, and work portfolio. The base data scientist salary for freshers is less in comparison to that of an experienced data scientist. Freshers usually earn 4LPA to 8LPA. But the pay scale of experienced data scientists is high. 

Monthly vs annual salary breakdown

The monthly salary of a fresher data scientist can start from 40,000 to 50,000 per month. While the monthly salary of an experienced data scientist is comparatively high. 

The average data scientist salary for a fresher starts from 4LPA and can go up to 8LPA and even beyond. Salary structure for mid-level roles typically ranges from ₹10–22 LPA. For senior-level roles, salary can go beyond 25LPA. 

Low, median, high salary percentiles

Data Scientist Salary in India varies on the basis of location, experience, portfolio strength and company type. To have an accurate estimate of average salary, it is good to understand low, median and high salary percentiles. 

Low Percentile ( 10th to 25th Percentile) 

For entry-level data scientists, the salary range can start from 5.5LPA

Median Percentile ( 50th Percentile)

For mid-level roles, the salary range can lie between 10LPA to 22LPA. 

High Percentile ( 75th – 90th )

For senior-level data scientists, the salary range can go beyond 25LPA, with specialised roles’ salaries often exceeding 30LPA.

Data Scientist Salary in India by Experience Level

Experience is necessary to determine the earning potential of a data scientist. Experienced data scientists with over a decade of working experience can earn quite well. Although, the base salary of a fresher data scientist with no experience is also good.

Below is a breakdown of a data scientist’s salary structure on the basis of experience level: 

Fresher / Entry-Level (0–2 Years)

Freshers with little or no experience start at entry-level roles. A data scientist salary as a fresher will be around 4LPA to 8LPA.

Junior to Mid-Level (2–5 Years)

With a certain sort of experience, you can gain more specialised skills. The average annual salary for mid-level data scientists can typically lie between 8LPA to 12LPA. 

Senior Data Scientist (6–9 Years)

Experienced data scientists are in the position to demand high salaries. Their earning potential can reach 12LPA to 15LPA. 

Lead, Principal & AI Manager (10+ Years)

Average annual salary of data scientists at team lead roles and manager roles lie between 15LPA to 25LPA. 

Must Read: Top 8 Professional Degrees to Pursue After 12th in 2026

Data Scientist Salary in India by City

A data scientist’s salary in India varies based on the city.  Big cities are hubs to tech companies and high-profile clientele. Hence, the salary of data scientists in these cities is high. On the other hand, small cities have a lower salary base. 

Data Scientist Salary in Bangalore

The average annual salary of a data Scientist in Bangalore is about 15.7LPA with senior-level data scientists earning even more salaries.

Data Scientist Salary in Delhi NCR

Delhi is home to big and reputable companies. A data scientist’s average salary in Delhi NCR is 15LPA [2] 

Data Scientist Salary in Pune 

Pune is another major city where a data scientist can earn around 14.6LPA [3]

Data Scientist Salary in Chennai

Chennai offers a lucrative data scientist salary with an annual pay scale of 15.9LPA [4]

Data Scientist Salary by Industry

The salary of a data scientist in India is also dependent on the industry you choose. Industries including IT software and finance offer high salaries to data scientists as they are always dependent on data-driven decisions. 

The average salary of a data scientist in these industries varies based on work in IT services or specialized analytical jobs. 

IT Services & Consulting Firms

IT service & Consulting Firms typically pay 14.3LPA to data scientists on varied designations. 

Product-Based & SaaS Companies

The average salary of a data scientist in a product-based and SaaS company is around 16.9LPA. 

Startups & AI-First Companies

AI Data Scientist Salary varies from around INR 9.5L for freshers to INR 18.5L for senior-level roles. 

Banking, FinTech & Financial Services 

A data scientist’s salary in Banking, FinTech & Financial Services ranges between 10LPA to 40LPA based on your designation. 

Healthcare, Pharma & Life Sciences

The average starting salary of a data scientist is around ₹15LPA  to ₹16.5LPA in the healthcare sector. 

Data Scientist Salary by Company Type

Data scientist salaries in India are not the same for everyone. The salary variation exists because of a number of factors. One such factor is company type. The nature, size and type of company play a huge role in determining a data scientist salary. 

Below is a breakdown of the company type where you can see variation in the salary structure. 

FAANG & global tech firms

FAANG and global tech firms are known for their reputed clientele. FAANG companies like Google, Amazon, Apple and global tech companies like Microsoft and Walmart offer the highest salaries to data scientists. Their salary base can go from 30LPA to 70LPA. 

Indian unicorns

At Indian unicorns and major tech firms, data scientist salaries are significantly higher. For mid-level roles, the average salary can lie between 15LPA to 25LPA. However, for senior positions, the salary package can go up to 30LPA.

MNCs vs Indian Unicorns 

MNCs are known to offer high salary packages as compared to Indian enterprises. Big MNCs like Google and Microsoft are reputed to offer handsome salaries to data science profiles. Though Indian unicorns like Jio and Flipkart also pay well to data scientists. However, their salary packages are low compared to MNCs. 

Startups vs large organizations

Startups pay less data scientist salary for freshers. However, big and established firms hold a position where they can offer good salary packages to aspirants. These salary packages can go into lakhs for senior-level roles. 

Data Scientist Salary by Skills & Tech Stack (2026)

For early-career professionals and aspiring data scientists, the salary base can be low in comparison to that of experienced data scientists. The data scientist salary in India varies based on their technical skills, such as Python, Machine Learning, SQL, and data visualization tools. Salary packages are offered to data scientists on the basis of project complexity and tech stack.

Must Read: Top 5 Programming Languages For Data Engineers

Python, SQL & R salary impact

Proficiency in Python, SQL & R positively impact your salary base. Companies accept employees having knowledge of these skills. 

Machine Learning & Deep Learning 

Data scientists knowing ML and DL have the potential to unlock their capabilities and get good salary packages. As a fresher, you can earn 4LPA to 8LPA with your machine learning and deep learning knowledge.

Generative AI, LLMs & MLOps

Based on the estimation of 2026 reports, Data Scientists MLOps engineers, and AI specialists working for Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) usually command significant salaries.

Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)

If you have experience in cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, you can easily get high compensation packages, especially from big tech companies. 

Big Data tools (Spark, Hadoop)

Knowledge of big data tools like Spark and Hadoop helps you gain an edge over other candidates. Even if you are a fresher in the field of data science, you can earn well with the knowledge and understanding of these tools. 

Data Scientist Salary by Education & Qualification

The average data scientist salary in India is directly proportional to the education and qualifications of a data scientist.  Choosing an ideal data science course is vital to enhance your earning potential. 

Online Certifications & Bootcamps

Completing an online certification in data science can give a boost to your career prospects. These certification courses help you earn the essential skills required in the data science industry. Online certifications and bootcamps enhance your resume while providing hands-on experience in data learning. The average salary for a fresher after these courses can start from 4LPA.

Bachelor’s Degree (B.Tech / B.Sc / BCA)

For B.Tech,  B.Sc, and  BCA graduates, data scientist salary vary based on skillset and experience level. A fresher data scientist with zero or no experience can earn 4LPA to 8LPA. Mid-level position professionals can earn up to 20LPA. Those at senior-level positions can earn 25LPA and more.

Master’s / PG Programs in Data Science

Pursuing a master’s degree or a Postgraduate (PG) program in Data Science is known to significantly enhance your career graph and earning potential. 

A M.Sc in data science helps you strengthen the skills needed to excel in the data science field. As an entry-level data scientist, you can earn anywhere between 5LPA and 8LPA. However, the salary spectrum can vary as you progress in your career. 

IIT / Tier-1 vs Tier-2 College Salary Gap

IIT / Tier-1 vs Tier-2 Colleges generally offer high salary packages to data science students. These colleges have better recruiter access and are known for top-notch campus placements. 

Hence, students of these colleges often get good salary packages. Tier-2 colleges also offer good salary packages and placement opportunities to students. However, their salary packages are less in comparison to Tier-1 colleges. 

Self-Taught Data Scientists – Real Pay Range

It is also crucial to understand the pay range for self-taught data scientists. These self-taught data scientists too demand high salaries especially when they have formal degrees and strong portfolios. 

A self- taught data scientist’s salary can start from 5LPA. The salary spectrum can go high in case of data scientists with more industry experience. 

Data Scientist Salary in India vs Abroad

Data Scientists usually get high salaries abroad, especially in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. Location and experience drive much higher salary packages for data scientists,especially in famous tech hubs like London and New York. 

Below is a glimpse of the average salary in various countries. 

Data Scientist Salary in the United States

A data scientist salary in the USA ranges between $120,000 – $180,000+ USD. Tech hubs like New York offer even higher salaries to experienced data scientists. 

Data Scientist Salary in Canada

Canada offers better salaries to data scientists as their average salary lies between $60k-$90k USD. 

Data Scientists’ Salary in the United Kingdom

UK cities like London are considered a tech hub for data scientists. You can earn anywhere between $50k-$90k USD and more in the UK. 

Data Scientist Salary in Germany 

Germany offers lucrative job opportunities to data scientists as they can earn $65k USD and more. 

Data Scientist Salary in Australia 

Australia is a hub for data scientists to earn high. You can earn around $60k USD to $85K USD in Australia. 

Data Scientist Salary Growth Trends in India (2026–2030)

In India, the career path of data scientists usually begins as junior-level or fresher data scientists. However, with experience and a job role, you advance through multiple stages. With this advancement, you can see a push in your salary structure.

It is projected that data scientists will witness a dramatic growth through 2030, driven by technology, AI, and ML. Data scientist skills, including deep learning, GenAI, and Cloud, will help you get good salaries. Moreover, tech hubs will witness an exponential rise in the salary spectrum. 

Hiring demand & CAGR

At a global level, the hiring demand for data scientists will increase. India is projected to show around 20 to 30% push in CAGR by the year 2030. Big data, digital transformation, and AI will be the next big thing. 

Industries driving salary growth

Primary industries driving salary growth of data scientists are IT Services, Software Industry, Finance and Banking, E-commerce and Retail, and Healthcare. These industries heavily rely on data to make complex decisions like data analysis, fraud detection, and supply chain optimization. Hence, they need data scientists to make these decisions 

AI & automation impact

AI is the next big thing. There is no denying the fact that the AI wave is impacting the data scientist field. In this AI generation, advanced-level skills and technological upgradation will help you pay a good data scientist salary. 

Career Scope for Data Scientists in India

The career scope in the field of data science is exponential. High demand for data scientists across diverse industries has helped aspiring data scientists to take the center stage. Thus, widening your career scope in fields like Data Analyst, ML Engineer, and Data Architect roles. In the innovation -driven field, you can get excellent job prospects. 

Job roles beyond Data Scientist

Beyond Data Scientist, the flourishing roles include: data analyst, machine learning engineer, data engineer, data architect, Business Intelligence (BI) developer, and other specialised roles like data modeller, statistician, and leadership roles like data officer. 

Key Aspects Influencing the Salary Structure of a Data Scientist 

A data scientist’s salary is not static. It is influenced by key parameters like experience, location, portfolio strength, and company type. Hence, understanding these parameters is essential to calculating the average salary of a data scientist in an easy way. 

Experience & role seniority

Seniority roles in the field of data science often pay well. More years in this field with proven expertise of big projects help you get high pay. Your pay scale enhances as you move from junior-level roles to senior-level roles. 

Skills, projects & portfolio strength

Your skillset plays a pivotal role in helping you land a desired data science job. Moreover, the kind of projects you take help enhance your portfolio strength. Thus, giving a push to your overall data scientist salary. 

Company type & industry

High-profile tech firms and MNCs usually pay higher salaries to aspirants as compared to small-scale companies. 

Location, remote & global hiring

Location is a key factor that influences the salary structure of a data scientist. Big tech firms situated in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai are in a position to offer high salaries to data scientists. On the other hand, small-scale companies or startups situated in remote areas and small cities comparatively pay lower salaries.

How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in India

To maximise your data scientist salary in India, it is essential to learn demanding skills in this field. Skill upgradation is essential to stand tall in this competitive industry. Moreover, to get better career prospects, you should target major cities offering handsome salaries. 

High-ROI skills to learn in 2026

To maximise your salary as a data scientist, you need to learn high ROI skills. You should have highly demanding skills like Gen AI, ML, Deep Learning, and Computer Vision. Moreover, learning programming languages like Python, R, and SQL is essential. 

Portfolio & real-world project strategy

To target better companies and earn high-paying salaries, you need to pitch real-world projects. Taking part in esteemed projects is good for enhancing your portfolio strength. 

Certifications vs experience

For any data scientist, experience is the key driver to earn well. After earning three to five years of experience, you can witness a significant jump in salary structure. Certification on the other hand, proves your expertise in a critical skill or area. These certifications validate high-demand skills like Generative AI. Thus, boosting earnings significantly.

How to Choose the Right Data Science Course in India

To choose the right data science course, the first step is to define your career goals. After that, you need to analyse your critical skills and choose the best course that aligns perfectly with your goals and skillset.

Curriculum benchmarks

Choosing the right data science course is your first step towards an influential career. When you select a course or a degree program, you always look for a well-defined course curriculum covering all the necessary topics. A comprehensive course curriculum is essential to provide in-depth knowledge of the field. 

Industry exposure & tools

Real-world projects and tools knowledge is essential to implement the practical aspect of a data science degree. Hence, considering this parameter is crucial. 

Internships & placement support

Look for a data science institute that offers top-notch internships and better placement opportunities to help you excel in your career goals. 

Choose AAFT Noida for Data Science

AAFT School of Data Science is renowned for its expert faculty and extensive curriculum. AAFT offers degrees B.Sc in data science and M.Sc in Data Science to help candidates attain mastery in this field. 

Positioned after full value delivery

There is no better way to become a high-end product in the data science market than enrolling in a best-in-class data science course by AAFT Noida. The course curriculum, expert guidance, training programs, and placement opportunities help you get the full value of your skills and time.

Data Scientist Salary FAQs (2026)