Scientist Average Salary 

• Updated on  Jul 25, 2025, by Anusmita Bhatta

Graduates of a Master of Science (MSc) degree in India are likely to have a wide variety of career options in research, academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data analytics. A research scientist or other similar professions have an average annual salary that goes between INR 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 a year depending upon the specialization as well as experience. In biotechnology and clinical research, salaries are as high as 9 lakhs per annum. Salaries typically begin at about INR 3 lakh rupees per annum when recruited as entry-level officials, but senior employees receive much higher salaries in fields like academia, environmental consultancy, and pharmaceutical industries.

 

In general, the salary prospects of MSc degree holders are competitive and increase with skills and expertise. The salaries are distributed depending on the area of study, place and size of the employer. As an illustration, MSc graduates of mathematics or physics can receive better salaries (up to 8-8.5 LPA) than other science majors. Applied skills, research skills and higher level of knowledge helps in getting good jobs in the developing scientific and technological regions in India.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Scientist Salary after Experience
  2. Scientist Salary after different level of study
  3. Scientist Salary as per Designation
  4. Scientist Salary Salary in Some Top Cities
  5. Scientist Salary in Abroad Countries
  6. Skills Acquired after Master of Science
  7. FAQs

 

Scientist Salary after Experience

In India, a scientist's salary improves significantly with experience, research exposure, and seniority in labs or research organizations.

Job Role

Experience Required

Average Salary (per annum)

Junior Research Fellow

0 - 2 years

INR 3 - 6 LPA

Research Associate

2 - 4 years

INR 6 - 8.5 LPA

Scientist B

3 - 6 years

INR 7 - 10 LPA

Scientist C / D

6 - 10 years

INR 10 - 14 LPA

Senior Scientist / Project Lead

10+ years

INR 14 - 20+ LPA

 

Scientist Salary after different level of study

A Master's degree is often enough to begin a scientific career, with higher qualifications and field specialization salary increases.

Job Role

Experience Required

Education Qualification

Average Salary (per annum)

Lab Assistant

0 - 2 years

B.Sc.

INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA

Junior Researcher

1 - 3 years

M.Sc.

INR 4.5 - 7.5 LPA

Scientist / Research Associate

3 - 6 years

M.Sc. + Research Experience

INR 7 - 10 LPA

Senior Scientist

5 - 10 years

M.Sc. + NET/GATE Qualified

INR 10 - 14 LPA

Principal Scientist

10+ years

Ph.D. Preferred

INR 14 - 20 LPA

 

Scientist Salary as per Designation

Designations vary across institutions like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, and private R&D labs, affecting pay scale and perks for Master of Science graduates.

Designation

Experience Required

Average Salary (per annum)

Project Fellow

0 - 2 years

INR 3 - 5 LPA

Scientist B

2 - 5 years

INR 6 - 8.5 LPA

Scientist C

4 - 7 years

INR 8.5 - 11.5 LPA

Senior Scientist

7 - 10 years

INR 11.5 - 15 LPA

Chief Scientist / HOD

10+ years

INR 15 - 20+ LPA

 

Scientist Salary Salary in Some Top Cities

Top research hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune provide higher pay due to the presence of central labs, pharma giants, and tech research firms.

Job Role

City

Experience Required

Average Salary (per annum)

Research Associate

Hyderabad

2 - 4 years

INR 6 - 8 LPA

Scientist C

Bengaluru

3 - 6 years

INR 7.5 - 10.5 LPA

Research Scientist

Pune

4 - 8 years

INR 8 - 11 LPA

Senior Scientist

Delhi NCR

5 - 10 years

INR 10 - 14 LPA

Principal Scientist

Mumbai

10+ years

INR 14 - 18 LPA

 

Scientist Salary in Abroad Countries

Indian scientists with an M.Sc. degree and strong research backgrounds often move abroad for advanced roles in pharma, biotech, and academic labs.

Job Role

Country

Experience Required

Average Salary (per annum)

Research Assistant

USA

0 - 2 years

USD 45,000 - 60,000

Junior Scientist

UK

2 - 4 years

GBP 30,000 - 42,000

Scientist

Canada

3 - 6 years

CAD 60,000 - 85,000

Research Officer

Australia

3 - 6 years

AUD 65,000 - 90,000

Lab Manager / Scientist

Germany

4 - 8 years

EUR 55,000 - 80,000

Senior Researcher

Singapore

5 - 10 years

SGD 70,000 - 100,000

 

Skills Acquired after Master of Science

The following are some of the main skills that have been obtained upon completion of a Master of Science:

 

Advanced Research Skills- Graduates will develop the ability to plan, conduct carry out and analyze the research project such as literature review, conduct survey and write scientifically substantiated findings.

 

Statistics and Data proficiency- They will learn how to understand complex data using statistical tools and software, how to interpret results and how to make data driven decisions.

 

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving- MSc students will attain good analytical capability to deconstruct complicated issues, consider alternative solutions rationally, and incorporate executable strategies.

 

Scientific and Technical Communication- They learn how to write scientific reports, presentations, papers etc. in a better manner; as well as communicate scientific results orally in a more effective way (thesis defenses, oral presentations).

 

Digital and Technical Literacy- The skills of operating digital applications and platforms, industry-specific software, and tools such as the laboratory or technical equipment, can become a part of their training.

 

Time Management and Self-Motivation- Graduates develop the skills to work on their own, juggle difficult projects, and balance assignments and research, gaining personal efficiency and staying on tight deadlines.

 

FAQs

What are the best sectors that employ M.Sc-qualified Scientists at the highest salaries?

Companies in high-pay sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, clinical research, chemical industries and government research institutes (such as CSIR, DRDO, ISRO) will pay well.

What is the impact of location on the salary of M.Sc Scientists in India?

The higher wages can be expected in metros like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad where the wages are usually 15 to 30 percent above the national average.

Is it a well-paying job working in government research labs for Scientist?

The government scientific research jobs provide initial salaries of 4 lakhs to 7 lakhs per year, increasing with promotion with additional perks and job security.

What role do other certifications such as programming or Lab certification play in salary advancement of Scientists?

R and Python as well as data analytics, ability to apply in the laboratory, and the research methods can increase the salaries by 20-50 percentage points least in biotech and data science industries.

Are M.Sc graduates in clinical research better paid compared to pure sciences?

CRA or Trial managers who have pursued post-Graduation (M.Sc) study can acquire a salary range of 4 l to 9 l per annum, which can be promoted very fast depending on the requirement of the pharmaceutical world.

Are certifications on skills in the lab safety and data analysis or project management worth it for Scientists?

Yes, certification in these fields makes one more employable and may command premium salaries of 10-30 percent above non-certificated peers.

Explore Other Popular Master of Science (M.Sc.) Colleges

Exam Accepting

Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA|
Engineering
ExamApr 2, 2025 - Apr 9, 2025
ResultApr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
Online|
PG|
IITs and IISc|
Engineering
ExamFeb 1, 2025
ResultMar 19, 2025
ONLINE|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Engineering
ExamMay 18, 2025
ResultJun 2, 2025
Online|
UG|
Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
Engineering
ExamMay 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Offline|
UG|
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board|
Engineering
ExamApr 27, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency|
Design
ExamFeb 9, 2025
Result
Online|
UG|
Consortium of National Law Universities|
Law
ExamDec 1, 2024
ResultMay 17, 2025
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Science
ExamMay 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
ResultJul 15, 2025
Offline|
UG|
Central Board of Secondary Education
ExamJan 1, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
ResultMay 13, 2025
Offline|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Medicine and Health Sciences
ExamMay 4, 2025
ResultJun 14, 2025

Explore Popular M.Sc. Courses

Loading exam list...

Students learning mobile

Your opinion matters to us!

Rate your experience using this page so far.