9 High Salary Jobs in Science Stream

In India, the science stream is popular for students considering career options. Studying science can lead to various career opportunities and science jobs, whether you excel in biology, physics, or chemistry or more niche areas like bioscience, astrophysics, nanotechnology, and forensic science, along with various other diverse areas. 

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) industry is growing globally, with a high demand for workers across fields. The competitive industry requires hard work and dedication to gain a place in the courses offering the highest salaries. 

Use this guide to learn about nine science stream jobs, including requirements, salary, and job outlook. 

What is a science stream job?

A science stream job is a job role within the field of science that is available after studying 12th science. The majority of these science stream jobs require a science degree and possibly a master’s level degree following that. Science stream jobs are vast as the discipline of science is so wide, and science-related careers are popular. 

High-salary jobs in the science stream

The science stream is diverse and has scope for career advancement. While it can be competitive, you’ll find a wide range of roles to consider depending on your specialisms and areas of study. Many of these specialist roles carry high salaries. Take a look at nine examples to consider. 

1. Medical surgeon 

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 12,16,315 [1]

A medical surgeon is a highly skilled, extremely specialised role in the science stream. As a result, surgeons command high salaries. They perform operations on patients and manage a team of medical professionals.  

Typical education: To work as a medical surgeon, you must pass your Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and have a year of work experience before applying for a three-year Master of Surgery in General Surgery (MS General Surgery) programme. Certain skills, such as dexterity, precision, and outstanding medical knowledge, are also vital. 

2. Astronomer

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 9,24,324 [2]

Astronomers study science outside the Earth’s atmosphere, including outer space, planets, stars, comets, and celestial bodies in our galaxy and beyond. This field requires a high skill level in maths and physics and an understanding of the theories of motion and meteorology. 

Typical education: Astronomy is a complex field and usually requires a master’s degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or similar. You may often study for a PhD and apply for funding to continue research as an astronomer. This role can be lab-based and in the field. 

3. Geoscientist

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 1,400,000 [3]

A geoscientist studies the environment, nature, earth matter, and historical patterns. Many geoscientists specialise in geology or oceanography, and you’ll find many variations in this field. The role involves lab work and work in the field. Demand for geoscientists is high because of new and ongoing environmental concerns and clean energy trends. 

Typical requirements: To become a geoscientist you’ll need a relevant bachelor’s degree in geology or earth science. For the best chances of gaining employment in this field, consider a relevant master’s degree. It can be a good idea to tailor your master’s degree to your particular area of interest, such as earthquake engineering or applied geology.  

4. Software engineer

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 7,21,433 [4]

As a software engineer, you design, develop, and maintain software for applications, games, websites, and computer networks. Software engineers can work in a range of industries from healthcare, to education, to technology. This role is highly technical and predicted to have steady growth. 

Typical education: To work as a software developer, you can choose a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as computer science, or a BTech in computer engineering. You may also be able to enter this career with a diploma, certifications, and relevant experience.

5. Pharmacist

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 2,95,533 [5]

Pharmacists are experts in research and chemistry who develop and design drugs and treatments for medical conditions. They work alongside doctors to recommend treatment for certain conditions and can prescribe drugs to patients. With public health concerns growing, the growth rate for pharmacist roles is set to increase. 

Typical education: To work as a pharmacist, you need a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. 

6. Aerospace engineer

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 7,51,589 [6]

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft and technology such as satellites. The aerospace industry in India is growing, providing career opportunities to those with the right qualifications and skills. In fact, the Union Minister of State Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, expects the space economy in India to grow from 8.4 billion USD in 2023 to 44 billion USD by 2033 [7].

Typical education: To work as an aerospace engineer, you typically need a degree in an engineering discipline and may continue to a master’s degree or PhD in many cases. Experience is important, whether it is an internship or professional experience in engineering. Entry to top engineering schools in India is highly competitive and based largely on a good JEE score. 

7. Data scientist 

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 9,98,656 [8]

Data scientists work with large volumes of data. As a data scientist, you are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analysing various data points for patterns and trends to identify solutions to specific business problems. Data science is one of the highest-paying fields in India. It has a multidiscipline role, meaning that you can find employment in multiple sectors and solve various problems as a data scientist.

Typical education: Most employers look for a degree in a relevant field, such as engineering or computer science, with technical skills, including basic programming and excellent maths ability. 

8. Machine learning engineer

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 9,30,074 [9]

A machine learning engineer builds software to automate systems based on specific processes, much like the human brain would learn from repeated experiences. To do this job, you must have excellent maths skills as well as data modelling and programming. Salaries are high and increase with experience.

Typical education: Machine learning is a specialist field that requires a high level of learning. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as computer science or engineering, is often required, and sometimes a master’s degree is also required.

9. Biotechnologist

Average annual IN salary (Payscale): INR 4,88,843 [10]

As a biotechnologist, you use your knowledge of biology, including cells, tissues, and chemical functions, to develop industrial products and processes. A biotechnologist's role varies with job opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and animal breeding, which means a high demand for candidates and high salaries. 

Typical education: Biotechnologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or biotechnology, with a master’s degree preferable in many cases in a field relevant to your area of interest. 

How to make a start in a science stream career

Getting a relevant education is important to have a successful career in a science stream. A bachelor’s degree is typically a minimum requirement, and it’s helpful to tailor this to the area of science you want to work in. You’ll often need a master’s level qualification and experience in your chosen field. 

Relevant skills

To work in science, having a range of skills is important. Many required skills relate directly to a specific field, so it’s a good idea to tailor your skill development to your chosen science role. However, you’ll also find some useful general skills in most science roles. These include:

Technical skills

• Programming and coding

• Laboratory skills

• Research skills

Workplace skills

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Interpersonal skills

• Organisation

• Teamwork

• Maths

• Logical and reasoning

• Working under pressure

• Attention to detail 

Getting started with Coursera

To pursue your career with a science stream job, a great place to start is with some online courses to enhance your resume and give you a taste of different areas within the science field. Take a look at Introduction to Forensic Science, delivered by Nanyang Technological University, or consider Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space, delivered by the University of Arizona.