Data Science Career Opportunities & Roles: Data Scientist RoadMap & Salary
Discover your future in data with the right role, roadmap, and real salary expectations
Introduction: Why Everyone’s Talking About Data Science Careers
Have you ever wondered why Data Science careers are booming right now? From powering Gen AI innovations to building smarter products, data science is at the heart of today’s digital transformation. But with so many new titles like Prompt Engineer, AI Researcher, and AI Product Manager it’s easy to get confused about which role is right for you.
If you’re a student, professional, or someone planning a career switch, this blog will give you a crystal-clear picture of:
- What each Data Science or Gen AI job actually involves
- What salaries to expect (for freshers and experienced professionals)
- Step-by-step roadmap to start preparing today
Let’s dive into your future in data science and AI!
What’s Fueling the Data Science Career Boom?
A high-demand, high-reward field
The world is generating data at an unimaginable pace, and companies need experts to make sense of it. That’s where Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and Prompt Engineers come in.
Some stats to blow your mind:
- The demand for Gen AI jobs has grown by 250% in the last 12 months.
- Top roles like AI and Machine Learning Engineer and AI Product Manager are some of the highest-paying jobs in tech.
Now let’s break down each job role, their salary, and how to start your journey.
1. Data Scientist
Job Description (JD)
A Data Scientist analyzes large datasets to uncover patterns, build predictive models, and support decision-making. They often work closely with business and engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Data Preparation
- Statistical modeling
- Model Building
- Insight Reporting
- Business Collaboration
Salary
- Freshers: INR 6–10 LPA
- 3–5 years experience: INR 15–25 LPA
Roadmap to Become a Data Scientist
- Learn Python, SQL, and basic statistics
- Master data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI
- Dive into machine learning algorithms
- Build real-world projects
- Get hands-on with cloud (AWS/GCP) and basic GenAI tools (OpenAI API, Hugging Face)
- Practice mock interviews with Interview Preparation Program
Education & Courses
- Background: Engineering, Statistics, Math
- Courses: Data Science and AI Certification Program
- Anyone looking to transform their career in tech can start with the basics and take up online courses by INTTRVU.
2. AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Job Description (JD)
They build, train, and deploy machine learning models that power intelligent systems in apps, products, and services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Model Development
- System Integration
- Performance Optimization
- Model Deployment
Salary
- Freshers: INR 8–12 LPA
- 3–5 years experience: INR 18–30 LPA
Roadmap to Become One
- Strong coding skills in Python, TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Understand algorithms & deployment tools
- Practice with Kaggle competitions
- Learn MLOps tools (MLflow, KServe)
- Fine-tuning LLMs, LangChain, Embeddings, Vector DBs
Education & Courses
- Background: Computer Science, Engineering
- Courses: Anyone looking to transform their career in tech can start with the basics and take up online courses by INTTRVU.AI
3. Prompt Engineer
Job Description (JD)
A Prompt Engineer designs and tests prompts to guide large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, or LLaMA for best performance in Gen AI applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Craft effective prompts
- Fine-tune large language models (LLMs)
- Evaluate model responses
- Prompt Optimization
Salary
- Freshers: INR 6–8 LPA
Experienced: INR 15–20 LPA
Roadmap
- Learn how LLMs work
- Learn prompt design patterns
- Experiment with ChatGPT & OpenAI API
- Build projects
Education
- Background: Any (Tech preferred)
- Courses: Anyone looking to transform their career in tech can start with the basics and take up online courses by INTTRVU.AI
4. AI Researcher
Job Description (JD)
An AI Researcher works on cutting-edge algorithms and models, aiming to advance the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Publish research papers
- Explore novel AI techniques
- Collaborate with academic and industry teams
Salary
- Freshers with PhD: INR 20–35 LPA
- Experienced: INR 40+ LPA
Roadmap
- Strong foundation in math & deep learning
- Read top AI papers
- Contribute to open-source
- Pursue MS/PhD or deep-dive courses
Education & Courses
- Background: CS/AI PhD or Master’s
- Courses: Anyone looking to transform their career in tech can start with the basics and take up online courses by INTTRVU.AI
5. AI Product Manager
Job Description (JD)
An AI Product Manager bridges the gap between tech and business. They manage Gen AI products from concept to launch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define AI product features
- Collaborate with dev, data, and design teams
- Conduct market/user research
- AI Evaluation
- Product Strategy
Salary
- Freshers (rare): INR 10–15 LPA
- Experienced PMs: INR 25–45 LPA
Roadmap
- Learn product management fundamentals
- Understand Gen AI and data workflows
- Gain experience with AI teams/projects
- Learn agile methodologies
Education & Courses
- Background: Business/Tech blend
- Courses: Anyone looking to transform their career in tech can start with the basics and take up online courses by INTTRVU.AI
Summary Table of Data Science & Gen AI Job Roles
Conclusion: Which AI or Data Science Role Is Right for You?
The future for Data Scientists and Gen AI professionals is brighter than ever. Whether you’re drawn to building models, researching cutting-edge AI, or managing intelligent products, there’s a place for you.
Start small. Pick a roadmap. Upskill with trusted courses like Data Science and AI Certification Program and most importantly start now.
Watch these YouTube videos to understand how to choose the right data science career path:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average salary for a Data Scientist in India starts at INR 6–10 LPA for freshers and can go beyond INR 25 LPA with experience.
Start with Python, statistics, and real-world projects. Follow a guided Data Scientist roadmap through platforms like INTTRVU.AI
Yes, jobs in Data Science are booming across all industries from tech and finance to healthcare and e-commerce.
Gen AI (Generative AI) involves using AI to generate text, images, code, and more. Careers in Gen AI include roles like Prompt Engineer and AI Researcher.
A Prompt Engineer crafts effective prompts to interact with AI models. It's a high-demand role with salaries ranging from INR 6–20 LPA.
