Data scientist vs quant researcher salary This transition would require additional learning and skills development, but the foundational knowledge and experience gained as a data analyst can be a great starting point. I was formerly a data scientist at a large company and am currently a quant researcher at a hedge fund, so I have some insight about this. Entry-level Data Scientists will be paid anywhere from ₹8 to ₹23 lakhs per annum. Oct 14, 2023 · Data Scientists - **Entry Level**: Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist - **Mid Level**: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer - **Senior Level**: Senior Data Scientist, Data Science Manager Aug 17, 2023 · What is a Quant Scientist (and why is this NEW role is in high demand)? The 3 Core Skills of a Quant Scientist. Quantitative Analysts (QA) and Data Scientists (DS) are two highly sought-after professions in the world of analytics. Sep 29, 2023 · A lot of quant job postings have begun using titles like "Data Scientist", "ML Researcher", "NLP Researcher" etc - The backup option is FAANG - Data Scientist/Applied Researcher roles - Higher median base salary ($160K) than MIT ($125K) - though MIT also includes several people going into fundamental finance/consulting/IB etc. If a data scientist has an advanced degree in a related field, they may need to consider additional coursework or certifications in finance. Over the past few years, comps have increased substantially due to the increased market volatility. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Optiver . As a Quantitative Researcher, I leverage real world data to solve some of the most interesting problems in the investment management space. Quantitative Researcher - Job Requirements. (which don't have Mar 26, 2025 · Demand for data scientists may be higher because businesses are learning to leverage the power of data to increase revenue, brand exposure and customer bases and also learning that data can be an invaluable resource. Minusses sometimes hard to justify your existence. Oct 5, 2022 · Quantitative Analyst vs. Also known as a front office quantitative analyst, sell-side quantitative analyst, or quantitative pricing analyst Found in investment banks Requires an MSc, but PhDs are preferable Annual Total Compensation: $250,000+ Medium Stability Medium-Poor WLB High Stress High Prestige High competition and low demand Oct 30, 2024 · In the rapidly evolving fields of data science and Research, understanding the distinctions between a Data Scientist and a Research Scientist is crucial for aspiring professionals. I am aware of PMs getting paid +$50M in the most successful teams. Last updated: 4/28/2025 5 days ago · The salary of a Quantitative Researcher in India varies based on experience, location, company & Industry. Feb 13, 2023 · Related: What Does a Principal Data Scientist Do? Quantitative Analyst vs. The BLS reported a median salary of $83,640 for data analysts in 2023. Jul 16, 2024 · Quant research pay dwarfs all others in Asia, as expected. this candidate had a competing offer from citadel HF. Apr 25, 2025 · The median Quantitative Researcher salary is $200,000. If you're currently looking for quant internships check out OpenQuant . It is worth noting that pursuing a career in quantitative research often requires excellent academic credentials and qualifications. I have been working as quant researcher for about 3 years at one of the top 20 hedge funds in US (not quant hedge fund). Of course, these are only averages, and there's potential to make much more than this in either sector. Data Scientist Both roles involve analyzing large amounts of data to extract meaningful insights, but one of the biggest differences is that data scientists work in a variety of industries — including healthcare, education, technology, marketing and more — whereas quants are primarily employed in sectors focused on New and upcoming areas, such as the aviation industry and data science. 00 in total compensation per year for employees in the 25th percentile to $362,900. expected bonus should be somewhere in the ball park of base pay for new grad. The data science team at my firm (quant hedge fund) focuses on data platforms, data engineering, sourcing data, and processing data, all in collaboration with the quant research teams who use the data to actually do their research and come up with or refine strategies. Data Scientists. in a mathematical-related field; Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB 4 days ago · Two Sigma Salaries. Sep 27, 2024 · Data scientists with 1-3 years experience earn a TC of up to £120k in a hedge fund, while quant researchers earn £144k. Whilst Data Science seems more statistics, python, SQL. Vast datasets allow new ways of tackling a problem. BlackRock's salary ranges from $30,711 in total compensation per year for a Customer Service Operations at the low-end to $366,825 for a Legal at the high-end. a good data science program could be better for breaking into quant than a lower ranked MFE program. Quantitative Analyst. A quantitative analyst uses their expertise to perform in-depth analysis of large sets of data. The 4 Quant Scientist Venn Diagram Intersections. The 2024 CQF Careers Guide to Quantitative Finance provides an in-depth look at salaries and compensation across six career paths: risk management, portfolio management, technology, quant trading, quant strategies and research, and data science and machine learning. There's no doubt that almost all of my investment banking, sales, (non-quant) trading, (non-quant) research acquaintances have more elite connections than I do. Putting the brand names aside, I want to know which field has a better long-term situation, I have heard people talking about DS going downward as AI blooms and Quant has higher salaries (maybe these infos are not accurate). Data Scientist Salary: Data Scientists are highly paid because of their unique skills. Mar 9, 2020 · The reality is that no one is winning the quantitative analyst vs. Plusses it’s interesting and you learn a lot more. I was a trader but also worked very closely with the quant team. sign on depends how much they want you. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. Quantitative analysts and data scientists work with data. Research Scientist vs. We research, analyze risk and construct portfolios based on our hypotheses. In terms of compensation, you can expect your total compensation to fall in the range from $200,000 to $250,000 . Below are the comp ranges I've seen: Quant PM: $1M - $20M. Salaries for the position Data Scientist in India range from 25,400 INR (starting salary) to 78,800 INR (maximum salary). Members Online A snapshot of current quant job listings across Europe, APAC and North America Oct 6, 2022 · Data analysts can earn an average salary of $75,765 per year, while quantitative analysts can earn an average salary of $113,816 per year. Quantitative analysts and data scientists fulfill different roles within an organization. I've seen quant research jobs for a lot of finance companies. 0 Lakhs per year. As a quant intern, you can find a position as a trader, developer, or researcher. How to become a Quant Scientist (and make $259,384 per year!) 👇. Do quants actually earn a lot ? Quantitative Analyst vs. Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary. You are looking for data science position which are not the same. Companies are no longer just collecting data. Apr 9, 2025 · The average salary for a Data Scientist in Kenya is KSh 660,000 in 2025. For example, risk management Quants collect data on market prices and positions, analyse those to forecast likely future returns, and make recommendations such that certain trades should be reduced or hedged. 4 lakhs. The explicit barriers to entry are highest for actuaries because of the exams but I think quant research and data science attract better students. They’re seeking to use it to outpace competitors, especially with the rise of AI and advanced analytics techniques. Headhunter and HR department are expecting candidates to have extensive experience, either in academia, or in professional in 5 days ago · Optiver's salary ranges from $65,547 in total compensation per year for a Business Analyst in Netherlands at the low-end to $561,000 for a Financial Analyst in United States at the high-end. Working in quantitative finance, as a quant analyst, quant dev, quant researcher, or trader Working anywhere besides quant finance, as a data scientist. Levels. Data Scientist. These insights underscore the diverse opportunities available within the field Not the headquarters but still has a few hundred employees and a very big quant team. And it's extremely unlikely to go directly from undergrad to a IC3 in DS for a FAANG, unless you had internships at those places and are a top university. Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: +44 7537 182250 (SMS, WhatsApp or voicemail). A quantitative or data analyst studies large sets of data and identifies trends, develops data charges, and creates presentations visually to help companies make strategic decisions. Upper limit TC for a quant research director is $500k, more than double the upper limit of the next highest paying function: data science. quant is a lot more specialized so u can get pigeonholed and if ur specialization is no longer a hot sub field, then ur kind of SOL. Apr 18, 2025 · The median annual wage for data scientists was $112,590 in May 2024. Is that really all the difference between the two? Is a quant researcher just a data scientist working with financial and time series data? If not, what exactly does a quant researcher do? Citadel made 28B gross last year, and returned investors 16B net of fees. About 20,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Quant research is probably the toughest to get into because there are only a small number of positions and the pay is much better. . This ranges Jan 8, 2025 · A comprehensive comparison of Quantitative Analysts vs. Jan 19, 2023 · As per Ambitionbox, people working as Quantitative Analysts draw an average salary of ₹ 2. It should be noted that the given figure is not the legally mandated minimum wage; rather, it represents the lowest figure reported in a salary survey that included thousands of participants and professionals from all regions Jul 3, 2021 · Microsoft Research salary ranges from $173,800. but yes Sep 27, 2024 · Data scientists with 1-3 years experience earn a TC of up to £120k in a hedge fund, while quant researchers earn £144k. Here are the main differences between a quantitative analyst and a data scientist. D. Applied Scientist Apr 27, 2025 · BlackRock Salaries. Please help me by comparing the two lines, I need a few data points. I am quite old (23), but would like to become a data scientist or a quant . Dec 23, 2024 · Strong problem-solving skills are also essential for a Data Scientist in order to obtain meaningful insights from data. Most researchers have at least one of the following qualifications: A master’s degree, or Ph. I have had interviews for quant positions and they are mostly brain teasers, IQ tests, the required knowledge is C++, stochastic calculus, algorithms. Nov 11, 2020 · Hey Brian, Do you think getting an undergrad degree in data science will be a good option for getting the quant researcher or quant trading role at a big quant fund? By the way thanks for the article. I am a bit of confused whether I should pursue Data Scientist or Quantitative Analyst as my future career plan. Quantitative analysts, often referred to as ‘quants The 2024 CQF Careers Guide to Quantitative Finance provides an in-depth look at salaries and compensation across six career paths: risk management, portfolio management, technology, quant trading, quant strategies and research, and data science and machine learning. 00 for employees in the 90th percentile. 0, and the average salary for a Data Scientists annual salary of ₹ 14. Job Outlook. Two Sigma's scientific approach contributes to a very engaging and stimulating work environment while collaborating with some of the most kind and talented people I know helps fast-track my growth as a Sep 30, 2024 · Their statistics reveal that in 2024, the average annual salary for data scientists in the US is approximately \$160,000, while machine learning engineers earn slightly more at \$166,000, agreeing with our research. This information was last updated on Apr 20, 2025. We continually seek data in all forms to generate insights, validate our ideas or identify new opportunities. 12. Data Scientist vs Machine Learning Engineer: Career Path What is the salary difference between a data scientist and a data analyst? According to the BLS, data scientists earned a median salary of $108,020 in 2023. Join the Quant Scientist Newsletter (and Get the Code) Nov 6, 2019 · eh, quant can be kind of the same way depending on where you end up. Both jobs require a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. Visit PayScale to research data scientist salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more. 6 Lakhs to ₹ 37. Jul 8, 2020 · Glassdoor lists the average salary of a quantitative analyst at $109,437 and that of a data scientist at $115,512. Pay is generally better and the industry is strong (avoid banks and go for prop shops and hedge funds; generally market neutral strategies like market making or stat arb). The major difference in their jobs is what they do with the data. #1 is my very first option and what I would like to do and #2 is more so of a backup. Hi people, I am currently working as a software engineer in FAANG, and am contemplating moving to the quant research careers in the trading industry via a Masters in Financial Engineering / Computational Finance. MM firms are quite different to quant hedge funds like DE Shaw or Two Sigma but still pay obscene amounts and the overall goal is still to make as much money as possible. i don't We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 17, 2025 · Data Scientist Salary. We remain intellectually curious and continually pose questions about the markets. new grads are usually in the 200-250k range. 20% of Citadel's investors are employees, possibly more (and the amount invested in the fund grows disproportionately with seniority/role), so in total citadel staff and board made 12B fees + 20% of 16B ≈ 15B. I would focus less on job title-based career progression and focus more on what their respective roles entail and whether they meet your expectations and wants. as for OP’s question it depends on the relative brand name of the two programs. Nov 21, 2022 · Quant firms are always looking for the brightest talent and make many strides to recruit students from the top schools. Sep 4, 2020 · There is clearly a huge overlap here between a data scientist and many Quant roles. Research quant Research quant tries to invent new pricing approaches and sometimes carries out blue-sky research. The median Quantitative Researcher salary is $200,000. On average, Quantitative Researcher salaries ranges from ₹8. Telegram: @AlexMcMurray. The top firms are generally quite nice to their talent as they compete heavily for strong people and work hard to keep them. United States: Data scientists tend to have higher average salaries, starting around $85,000 and going up to $120,000 or more. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The typical mid-career data scientist salary is $123,000 while the typical mid-career quantitative analyst makes about $139,000 . Usually, they don't sound that different from a data scientist role, except focused on time series. Quant Research/Data Science Salary at hedge fund I am 27M with MFE from top US program - think Baruch, Columbia etc. Job Duties. Dec 19, 2022 · This can come in many forms, such as an internship in quant research, data science, or machine learning. These insights underscore the diverse opportunities available within the field 300k base pay is for experienced hires. Career Trajectory Dec 6, 2023 · Education: A quant typically holds an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph. Data Science. Explore the difference between Quantitative Analysts and Data Scientists in their roles, responsibilities, skills, salary, and career growth opportunities. Compensation for these internship positions is often significantly higher than those for software engineer/data science internship roles. Oct 16, 2012 · I recently graduated from a top (Ivy League caliber) university in the US with a major in industrial engineering and operations research and a minor (almost enough courses for a major) in computer science. 0 Lakhs to ₹140. 2012 - Lead UX Researcher at consultancy: $116k salary 2016 - Sr UX Researcher at a MAANG: $160 base + $25k RSUs per year + $50k signing bonus 2021 - Promoted to Principal UX Researcher: $197k base + $150k RSUs per year + $50k bonus 2023 - Joined a startup as Principal UX Researcher: $215k salary A subreddit for the quantitative finance: discussions, resources and research. With experience in specific competitive industries like technology and finance, salaries can exceed $150,000 annually. Related: Data Scientist vs. ) in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, or Quantitative Finance. From my experience of placing quants. Both roles are integral to the advancement of technology and knowledge, yet they differ significantly in focus, responsibilities, and required skills. View Quantitative Researcher salaries across top companies broken down by base, stock, and bonus. Reply reply More replies More replies Quantitative Analytics vs. Data Scientist Salary. 4 Lakhs per year. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Two Sigma. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position. I have worked in finance for internships and full-time (including quantitative research at 4 days ago · Salary: The average salary for a Data Scientist in India is around 14. Two Sigma's salary ranges from $75,375 in total compensation per year for a Administrative Assistant at the low-end to $833,333 for a Software Engineer at the high-end. Blind compiles anonymous and verified salary data from both present and past Microsoft employees. highest guaranteed 1st year JS offer for a new grad i've seen was 900k in 2021 (expect lower for 2022+), which included sign on. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of BlackRock. Mar 31, 2025 · The estimated total pay for a Data Scientist is KES 103,667 per month in the Kenya area, with an average salary of KES 98,000 per month. On the sell side, those figures are £112. OP is asking about ML researcher which is either a research scientist position or a ML Engineer position at Meta. Quants. data scientist wars when it comes to salary. the average salary in the UK for a quantitative analyst is £81,000. Last updated: 4/30/2025 Dec 6, 2023 · Yes, a data analyst can definitely transition to a role as a Quantitative Analyst (Quant). 5k and £117k respectively. qdza ufqcozd unabwqu hhwhhzws emev ehybreyh oroq exgpqy agohr hxolt qnmp iwp vuk ksmzd ybxh