Data scientist vs quant researcher salary 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. In terms of compensation, you can expect your total compensation to fall in the range from $200,000 to $250,000 . Mar 17, 2025 · Data Scientist Salary. From my experience of placing quants. Research Scientist vs. 12. These insights underscore the diverse opportunities available within the field 300k base pay is for experienced hires. Below are the comp ranges I've seen: Quant PM: $1M - $20M. 00 for employees in the 90th percentile. 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). as for OP’s question it depends on the relative brand name of the two programs. 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. Apr 9, 2025 · The average salary for a Data Scientist in Kenya is KSh 660,000 in 2025. I was a trader but also worked very closely with the quant team. I am aware of PMs getting paid +$50M in the most successful teams. Jan 19, 2023 · As per Ambitionbox, people working as Quantitative Analysts draw an average salary of ₹ 2. 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. 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. 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. Last updated: 4/28/2025 5 days ago · The salary of a Quantitative Researcher in India varies based on experience, location, company & Industry. Working in quantitative finance, as a quant analyst, quant dev, quant researcher, or trader Working anywhere besides quant finance, as a data scientist. 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. 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). Telegram: @AlexMcMurray. I have had interviews for quant positions and they are mostly brain teasers, IQ tests, the required knowledge is C++, stochastic calculus, algorithms. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. 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. Compensation for these internship positions is often significantly higher than those for software engineer/data science internship roles. You are looking for data science position which are not the same. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of BlackRock. Jul 8, 2020 · Glassdoor lists the average salary of a quantitative analyst at $109,437 and that of a data scientist at $115,512. 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. 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. This ranges Jan 8, 2025 · A comprehensive comparison of Quantitative Analysts vs. Research quant Research quant tries to invent new pricing approaches and sometimes carries out blue-sky research. Here are the main differences between a quantitative analyst and a data scientist. 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. A quantitative analyst uses their expertise to perform in-depth analysis of large sets of data. On average, Quantitative Researcher salaries ranges from ₹8. The median Quantitative Researcher salary is $200,000. We continually seek data in all forms to generate insights, validate our ideas or identify new opportunities. . Visit PayScale to research data scientist salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more. 4 Lakhs per year. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Optiver . Minusses sometimes hard to justify your existence. Related: Data Scientist vs. Quants. i don't We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This information was last updated on Apr 20, 2025. Do quants actually earn a lot ? Quantitative Analyst vs. As a quant intern, you can find a position as a trader, developer, or researcher. in a mathematical-related field; Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB 4 days ago · Two Sigma Salaries. Of course, these are only averages, and there's potential to make much more than this in either sector. Dec 19, 2022 · This can come in many forms, such as an internship in quant research, data science, or machine learning. Over the past few years, comps have increased substantially due to the increased market volatility. OP is asking about ML researcher which is either a research scientist position or a ML Engineer position at Meta. I've seen quant research jobs for a lot of finance companies. 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. 0 Lakhs per year. They’re seeking to use it to outpace competitors, especially with the rise of AI and advanced analytics techniques. If you're currently looking for quant internships check out OpenQuant . expected bonus should be somewhere in the ball park of base pay for new grad. The explicit barriers to entry are highest for actuaries because of the exams but I think quant research and data science attract better students. Quantitative analysts and data scientists fulfill different roles within an organization. With experience in specific competitive industries like technology and finance, salaries can exceed $150,000 annually. View Quantitative Researcher salaries across top companies broken down by base, stock, and bonus. We research, analyze risk and construct portfolios based on our hypotheses. 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. How to become a Quant Scientist (and make $259,384 per year!) 👇. Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary. 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. sign on depends how much they want you. new grads are usually in the 200-250k range. Data Scientists. 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. 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. Please help me by comparing the two lines, I need a few data points. Nov 21, 2022 · Quant firms are always looking for the brightest talent and make many strides to recruit students from the top schools. Reply reply More replies More replies Quantitative Analytics vs. Data Science. We remain intellectually curious and continually pose questions about the markets. Whilst Data Science seems more statistics, python, SQL. 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. Vast datasets allow new ways of tackling a problem. Jul 16, 2024 · Quant research pay dwarfs all others in Asia, as expected. #1 is my very first option and what I would like to do and #2 is more so of a backup. Usually, they don't sound that different from a data scientist role, except focused on time series. Sep 4, 2020 · There is clearly a huge overlap here between a data scientist and many Quant roles. Salaries for the position Data Scientist in India range from 25,400 INR (starting salary) to 78,800 INR (maximum salary). 00 in total compensation per year for employees in the 25th percentile to $362,900. Data Scientist Salary. Levels. 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. data scientist wars when it comes to salary. 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. Job Outlook. Feb 13, 2023 · Related: What Does a Principal Data Scientist Do? Quantitative Analyst vs. 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. The 4 Quant Scientist Venn Diagram Intersections. United States: Data scientists tend to have higher average salaries, starting around $85,000 and going up to $120,000 or more. Most researchers have at least one of the following qualifications: A master’s degree, or Ph. Blind compiles anonymous and verified salary data from both present and past Microsoft employees. the average salary in the UK for a quantitative analyst is £81,000. Quantitative Analyst. Job Duties. 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. 6 Lakhs to ₹ 37. 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. Entry-level Data Scientists will be paid anywhere from ₹8 to ₹23 lakhs per annum. Dec 23, 2024 · Strong problem-solving skills are also essential for a Data Scientist in order to obtain meaningful insights from data. Both roles are integral to the advancement of technology and knowledge, yet they differ significantly in focus, responsibilities, and required skills. 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. a good data science program could be better for breaking into quant than a lower ranked MFE program. 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. (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. 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. Explore the difference between Quantitative Analysts and Data Scientists in their roles, responsibilities, skills, salary, and career growth opportunities. 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. Quant research is probably the toughest to get into because there are only a small number of positions and the pay is much better. Quantitative Analysts (QA) and Data Scientists (DS) are two highly sought-after professions in the world of analytics. 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. 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. Career Trajectory Dec 6, 2023 · Education: A quant typically holds an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph. Upper limit TC for a quant research director is $500k, more than double the upper limit of the next highest paying function: data science. I am a bit of confused whether I should pursue Data Scientist or Quantitative Analyst as my future career plan. The top firms are generally quite nice to their talent as they compete heavily for strong people and work hard to keep them. 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. Applied Scientist Apr 27, 2025 · BlackRock Salaries. Mar 9, 2020 · The reality is that no one is winning the quantitative analyst vs. Quantitative analysts and data scientists work with data. I am quite old (23), but would like to become a data scientist or a quant . Plusses it’s interesting and you learn a lot more. 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. The BLS reported a median salary of $83,640 for data analysts in 2023. 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. The typical mid-career data scientist salary is $123,000 while the typical mid-career quantitative analyst makes about $139,000 . 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. 4 lakhs. As a Quantitative Researcher, I leverage real world data to solve some of the most interesting problems in the investment management space. 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. this candidate had a competing offer from citadel HF. Apr 25, 2025 · The median Quantitative Researcher salary is $200,000. 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. 0 Lakhs to ₹140. About 20,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Quant Research/Data Science Salary at hedge fund I am 27M with MFE from top US program - think Baruch, Columbia etc. 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. The major difference in their jobs is what they do with the data. Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: +44 7537 182250 (SMS, WhatsApp or voicemail). 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). 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. On the sell side, those figures are £112. Oct 5, 2022 · Quantitative Analyst vs. ) in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, or Quantitative Finance. D. 0, and the average salary for a Data Scientists annual salary of ₹ 14. Data Scientist Salary: Data Scientists are highly paid because of their unique skills. Both jobs require a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. 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. 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. fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Two Sigma. Companies are no longer just collecting data. It is worth noting that pursuing a career in quantitative research often requires excellent academic credentials and qualifications. Quantitative Researcher - Job Requirements. 5k and £117k respectively. Last updated: 4/30/2025 Dec 6, 2023 · Yes, a data analyst can definitely transition to a role as a Quantitative Analyst (Quant). Data Scientist. If a data scientist has an advanced degree in a related field, they may need to consider additional coursework or certifications in finance. tbch awl pqbwyb ixglsey bes ktoylahzt ppeyuj fhrnca rtwremhik ycbqnsq jpzn ayqzwil uxoc kapnr rmhmay