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Data science offers higher mid-level salaries, while cybersecurity can surpass at leadership roles
Entry-level salaries remain close in both careers, with data science showing a slight advantage
Global tech firms reward expertise with six-figure salaries for both cybersecurity and data science
The debate of Cybersecurity Vs Data Science highlights two of the most in-demand tech fields today. Two prominent career options in the tech industry today are cybersecurity and data science.
Both fields are expanding rapidly, witnessing strong demand, and offering competitive salaries. However, the question many students continue to ask in 2025 is which of the two professions provides higher pay.
At the beginning of a career, the difference is minor. Fresh data scientists in India usually earn between Rs. 4 and 10 lakh a year. Cybersecurity beginners start with around Rs. 3 to 6 lakh a year. Understanding Cybersecurity Salary 2025 can help professionals assess earning potential before entering the field.
Reviewing Data Science Salary 2025 provides clarity on how this career path compares financially. With three to five years of experience, the gap becomes clear. Data scientists often earn between Rs. 10 and 20 lakh a year. Cybersecurity professionals at the same stage earn around Rs. 8 to 15 lakh a year. Companies in finance, e-commerce, and healthcare are willing to pay more for data scientists because their work directly helps with business decisions.
Also Read: Free Harvard Online Courses on Data Science & Cybersecurity
Career progression in both data science and cybersecurity are often very rewarding at the highest levels of seniority. Highly experienced data scientists can earn salaries of upwards of Rs. 25 to Rs. 45 lakh annually. Some leaders of whole teams go beyond that. Senior cybersecurity professions make much less, typically, around Rs. 25 to Rs. 35 lakh annually.
However the top position in cybersecurity protection, Chief Information Security Officer, often can earn salaries above Rs. 1 crore annually. Choosing a Cybersecurity Career Path requires high analytical, technical, and problem-solving abilities and protecting a company against online assaults is still so enormously valuable - sometimes provides higher pay than leading a data science team.
Salaries depend on where a person works. In Bengaluru, data scientists can make between Rs. 15 and 50 lakh a year, while cybersecurity professionals often get Rs. 12 to 18 lakh at mid-level roles.
Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad also pay higher than smaller cities. The industry matters too. Large IT companies, banks, and e-commerce giants usually pay more for both careers compared to smaller firms.
Also Read: Data Science Vs Business Intelligence: Know the Difference
Looking outside India, the pay gap grows even wider. In the United States, tech companies like Costco, Walmart, and Microsoft pay data scientists anywhere from $191,000 to $286,000 per year.
Cybersecurity engineers and architects also make six-figure salaries, with some roles crossing $200,000 annually. Senior AI specialists at Microsoft can earn as much as $336,000 to $377,000 per year, showing how global firms reward expertise in cutting-edge technology.
In 2025, data science generally offers higher pay at the mid-career stage, while cybersecurity has the potential to surpass it at senior and leadership levels. At the entry level, salaries in both fields remain close, with data science maintaining a slight advantage. Globally, both careers are highly rewarding, with certain positions reaching salaries of over Rs. 2 crore per year.
For students and young professionals, the decision often comes down to individual interest. Those inclined toward numbers, statistics, and uncovering insights through data typically gravitate toward data science. Following a Data Science Career Path can open doors to roles in AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
Those drawn to problem-solving, safeguarding systems, and outsmarting hackers may find cybersecurity more appealing. Both career paths ensure strong earning potential and long-term growth opportunities in the digital economy.
