Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer in India during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Engineer salary lies between USD 30,000 and USD 31,200 in India. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Jan. 12, 2025

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 5622 jobs Python | 5457 jobs Machine Learning | 4719 jobs Computer Science | 4091 jobs Architecture | 3281 jobs AWS | 2706 jobs Java | 2663 jobs Testing | 2508 jobs Security | 2432 jobs Pipelines | 2090 jobs Kubernetes | 1997 jobs APIs | 1953 jobs SQL | 1713 jobs Azure | 1704 jobs Research | 1643 jobs Agile | 1624 jobs GCP | 1544 jobs Privacy | 1457 jobs Docker | 1435 jobs Distributed Systems | 1434 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 5417 jobs Equity / stock options | 3221 jobs Health care | 3080 jobs Startup environment | 1922 jobs Competitive pay | 1902 jobs Salary bonus | 1833 jobs Flex hours | 1735 jobs Medical leave | 1650 jobs Flex vacation | 1584 jobs Insurance | 1413 jobs Parental leave | 1365 jobs Team events | 1163 jobs 401(k) matching | 999 jobs Wellness | 738 jobs Relocation support | 457 jobs Fertility benefits | 404 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 357 jobs Home office stipend | 335 jobs Transparency | 332 jobs Flexible spending account | 309 jobs

Salary Composition

In India, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component and is influenced by factors such as the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad may offer higher base salaries compared to other regions. Performance bonuses are often tied to individual or company performance and can vary significantly. Larger companies or those in high-growth industries like fintech or e-commerce might offer more substantial bonuses. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in startups or large tech companies, providing long-term incentives aligned with company growth.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a team lead or project manager, which often come with higher pay.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.
• Industry Switch: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries for AI/ML expertise, such as finance, healthcare, or autonomous systems.
• Negotiation: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher pay during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles involving complex research or development tasks. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications, which can be crucial for high-level problem-solving and innovation.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate expertise:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) Certification

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level position requires 5-10 years of experience in software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to AI/ML or data science projects. Experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Demonstrated success in leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to strategic initiatives is also important.

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