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SQL vs Python Salary in India: Which Pays More in 2026?
What is the average salary of a Python developer in India?
By 2026, the average salary for a python developer in india will be between ₹10-15 lakhs each year. This amount shows there is more need for python skills. Many people want to work in data science and web development now. That is why being a python developer has become a good career.
Key Highlights
Here is a short view of what pay looks like for people who work with SQL and people who use Python in India for 2026.
Jobs that focus on Python, like Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer, usually get a higher average salary compared to jobs that use only SQL.
For people with some work experience, the average salary for Python roles is about ₹8-20 lakhs per year. For SQL jobs, it's between ₹6-12 lakhs.
Both Python and SQL are in high demand. But Python gives you more good career opportunities in fast-growing areas such as artificial intelligence and data science.
For freshers, jobs where you use Python usually pay a bit more at the start than jobs that use only SQL.
If you mix Python with machine learning or use SQL with Power BI, you can earn more as this can make your skills stronger.
Introduction
Are you thinking about your future in tech and want to see which skills can help you earn more? Many people talk about sql vs python salary in india when they plan to work in tech. The tech market in India will grow a lot by 2026, so the programming language you choose now can change your salary and your job growth in a big way. Python and SQL are two of the main skills used in data science and software development. But they each have different uses. They also lead to different salaries. Let’s find out which one can help you earn more, and why.
Why SQL and Python Skills Directly Impact Salaries in India’s 2026 Tech Market
Companies in India are spending a lot more money on big data and artificial intelligence tools. This is creating a strong demand for people who can read and use data. The need for these skills makes higher salaries possible for those who have them. Python and SQL are important if you want to work in these jobs, and they help people get those bigger paychecks.
If you know Python or SQL, you can get more career opportunities at work. Your experience level, the company size where you work, and the industry you are in can change how much you earn. If you want to be a business intelligence analyst or work in business intelligence, or even become an AI expert, you should learn Python or SQL first. These skills help you get good jobs in India.
Salary Growth Drivers: India’s Rising Demand for Programming and Data Skills
There are many things making people need to know programming and data analysis in India. This affects how much india pays for sql and python jobs. Many companies in different industries are making moves to be more digital, so they are getting a lot of data. These companies need people who can use this data and find good ideas from it. So, the need for data science and analytics experts keeps going up. There are not many people with these skills, so their pay is going up too.
Technology is changing fast, and this is one reason things are different now. There are new fields like machine learning, AI, and cloud computing. These jobs were not around ten years ago. They need you to have good programming skills. Companies are willing to pay well for people who have these skills. The place where you work also matters. Tech centers like Bengaluru and Hyderabad often give bigger salaries.
Remote work has made many new job chances for people. Now, there are people from all over the world in the field. Because of this, many want to learn new things to get better at what they do. Hands-on courses help you stay up-to-date and get noticed. Employers look for those who have fresh knowledge and new skills. They also pay more to staff with these skills.
Industries and Roles Fueling SQL vs Python Salary Trends
The need for people who know python and sql is high in india. But it can be more or less in different fields. A big part of the jobs, almost 75%, are in IT services and technology. Other areas with jobs include banking technology, health, online shopping, and media. All these fields use data a lot in their daily work.
Both SQL and Python are in high demand. But Python is liked a bit more in new fields. Many people pick Python for jobs in data science, AI, and machine learning. These are some of the top paying jobs now. But you still need to know SQL for jobs in database management and business intelligence.
Here are some good jobs that pay well for people who know python and sql:
SQL Roles: A data analyst, a business intelligence (BI) analyst, and a database administrator all use SQL. They work with databases and handle a lot of data to help companies make decisions.
Python Roles: A data scientist, a machine learning engineer, a backend developer, and an automation engineer use Python. They write code for tools, data projects, and different types of automation.
These jobs show how SQL and Python are both important in business, database work, and automation today.
What Do SQL and Python Professionals Actually Do?
Knowing what people who work with SQL and Python do can help us see why they get paid in different ways. An SQL developer or database administrator mostly uses the SQL programming language to work with data that is put into order. They spend a lot of time using SQL to get, handle, and look after data in relational databases. Their big goal is to make sure that data is safe, easy to get to, and put in good order.
A data scientist or python developer works with python to do many things. They use it to clean data and handle numbers. They also use python for automation and to build machine learning models. The next parts will talk about what each job is, and show where their careers can go.
SQL in Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Reporting Roles
People who work as data analysts or work in business intelligence use SQL a lot. They use this query language every day to get things done in relational databases. They write SQL queries to find and pull out the information they need. They also make reports and set up dashboards. This helps people who lead at work see all the facts. It helps them make good choices for the company.
For example, the company can ask you to look at sales from the last few months. You will use sql to get things like what customers buy, how well products do, and sales numbers from different places. You can get all of this from the database. This can help you see what people like to buy and see what places are not doing as well.
These jobs are important in every business that works with data to plan and grow. If you know SQL, you can get many career opportunities in data analysis, business intelligence, and database management. These skills help you build a good path for a career that focuses on data.
Python in Machine Learning, Automation, and GenAI Applications
Python is often the preferred choice for lots of advanced tech fields. It is good for more than just data analysis. People use Python a lot in artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning. The language comes with handy libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-learn. These make it easier to build models and make scalable web applications.
Today, python is important in GenAI. People use it to make models that can create text, pictures, and code. For example, an engineer may use python to build a system that suggests products on an online store. You can also use python to make programs for self-driving cars. A lot of automation engineers write scripts with python. This lets them do tasks without needing people to do them, so it saves time and helps avoid mistakes.
Python is simple to use and has a lot of great tools. This is why it is so important for anyone who wants to work in technology. Today, companies spend more money on artificial intelligence and automation. Because of this, people who know python are needed more now. If you want one of the best jobs in tech, you should learn python. It is a good choice for your future.
SQL vs Python Salary in India: A 2026 Overview
Now, let’s talk about what matters most: the numbers. If you look at the average salary for sql vs python in india, you will see that both pay well. But glassdoor and linkedin reports show that jobs that use python often have a higher average salary. There is also a better chance for your pay to go up over time, mainly in jobs where these special skills are needed.
In the next parts, you will see a clear picture of what you can get paid for jobs that need sql and python. You will find out more about how your job title, years of experience, and having more skills can change what you earn. This will help you know more about your career opportunities.
SQL-Focused Roles and Their Expected Salary Ranges
The pay for jobs that focus on SQL is good. But, for many in the data field, it is only the starting point. Jobs like data analyst, business intelligence analyst, and database administrator are needed in most jobs and fields. Data from Glassdoor and other places show that sql developer salaries keep getting better over time.
Here is a look at what people who work with SQL in India might earn in 2026:
Role | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
|---|---|
Data Analyst | ₹4 Lakhs – ₹9 Lakhs |
Business Intelligence Analyst | ₹7 Lakhs – ₹8 Lakhs |
Database Administrator | ₹6 Lakhs – ₹12 Lakhs |
Your pay can go up or down because of many things. For example, sql developer salaries are usually higher in big tech cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. If you work for large companies, you may also get better pay. Big multinational firms also often pay more. When you have certifications in areas like sql, it can help you get a higher salary or ask for more during talks.
Python-Focused Roles and Their Expected Salary Ranges
Python developer jobs are known for giving some of the highest salaries in the tech world in India. This is because Python is a main language in fields that grow fast, like data science, deep learning, machine learning, and automation. The average salary for a Python developer is high because their work is complex and can really make a difference. A data scientist can get an average salary of about ₹12 lakhs every year.
Salaries for important Python roles are much higher than many other tech jobs. If you are a python developer with some experience, you can get paid from ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs each year. People who have more experience and work in deep learning or AI can get the highest salaries, sometimes between ₹20-30 lakhs or more. The top companies and startups that build AI products usually give the highest salaries.
Bangalore is a top city to find python developer jobs. The average salary for a python developer in Bangalore is about ₹7.4 lakhs. Some big names like JPMorgan Chase & Co. offer even higher pay. As more companies look to use analytics and AI, people who know python can get better pay in the future. The value of python skills is going up, and they help you get good jobs and higher earnings in Bangalore.
Comparing Fresher, Mid-Level, and Senior Salary Trajectories
When you plan your career, you should not just look at the starting pay. It is good to also think about how your pay will go up with years of experience, from your first job to a time when you reach a senior position. If you work with python or sql, the way your salary grows with your years of experience can be very different. If you know about this, you can get the most out of your work life and your money later on.
Let’s see how the average salary goes up when you get more years of experience with python and sql. This look at python and sql pay will point out the important things you will meet in your job life. It will help you know what you can get as you learn new skills and move up in your work.
Entry-Level: SQL vs Python Starting Salaries for Freshers
For freshers who want a tech job, picking between Python and SQL can change how much you get paid at first. Most of the time, the average salary for Python jobs is higher. If you know Python, you could start with ₹4 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs a year. Your pay can go up if you have the right certifications, or if you did internships.
Jobs that need only SQL skills give an average salary of around ₹3 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs each year to freshers. This is a good way to start. But Python helps you get a higher pay in less time. The reason is, Python is needed in data science and AI. These fields are new and many people want to get into them.
It is good for freshers to know that it does not matter if you learn python or sql, some real experience helps a lot. Things like an internship or a few projects can make your starting pay better. A hands-on program like a data science course in hyderabad can give you a head start with the skills most employers want.
Mid-Level and Senior Progression: Key Salary Milestones
When you have more years of experience, you will see a bigger pay gap between SQL jobs and Python jobs. A data scientist or machine learning engineer who uses Python and has three to seven years of experience can make ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs in a year. But if you are a database administrator working with SQL at the same level, you might get a salary between ₹6 lakhs and ₹12 lakhs.
At the senior level, if you have over 8 years of experience, the pay gap is even bigger. A senior Python developer, who works in data science or leads teams, can earn ₹20 lakhs a year, and sometimes even more than ₹30 lakhs. A senior SQL expert, like a database architect, often gets around ₹21 lakhs or more. But for those in top Python jobs, the pay is usually higher. This happens because data science and Python skills are in high demand, especially for new and bigger tasks in the field.
These trends say that while SQL gives you a good and steady job path, Python helps you reach the highest salary faster. When you are at the top level, you get a good boost in pay if you work with enterprise systems. Leading teams or handling big and hard projects also makes your pay go up. These are important points for people who work in data science, python, and sql.
How Hybrid Skill Combinations Maximize Earning Potential
In the 2026 tech market, it helps to know one language well. But now, being a hybrid professional is even better. Employers want people who have more than one skill. They look for those who can handle a project from start to end. If you use both SQL for working with data and Python for analyzing and automation, you will get more career opportunities.
The next parts will show how having these skills can help you earn more money. You will also be seen as more valuable at work. Jobs that blend data science with business intelligence can set you up for what is next. These jobs are good if you want to grow and get good pay.
SQL + Power BI Salary India: Role Examples and Pay Insights
When you use SQL with a business intelligence tool like Power BI, you have a skill set that many companies look for. People with both skills, like BI Analysts or Data Visualization Specialists, know how to use data and tell a story with it. They use SQL to work with data. Then, they use Power BI to make reports and dashboards that people can use. The average salary, or power bi salary india, shows that this mix of business intelligence and sql skills is wanted in india.
Having skills in both SQL and Power BI helps a business a lot. They need people who can see how things are going and help the team make quick choices. For example, you can use sql to make a live sales dashboard for managers. You can also make a dashboard for the logistics team so they can check daily work.
Some things to know about this path:
Higher Earning Potential: If you are a BI Analyst and you know both SQL and Power BI, you can get an average salary of about ₹8 lakhs. This pay is more than what you get if you only have skills in SQL.
Increased Demand: Many companies now look for people who do more than just work on data. They want you to show data in a way that others can use and understand.
Career Growth: If you learn both skills, you get a good chance to move up in your analytics path. You can get jobs like BI Manager or Head of Analytics.
Python + Machine Learning and GenAI Salary India: Breaking into High-Paying Roles
If you know Python and deep learning, you can get some of the highest salaries in tech. Jobs for people with these skills are in high demand in india. This is because they help make new tools and systems that automate many things using machine learning and GenAI.
People in these jobs make smart systems that help shape the future. That is why the pay is good in this line of work. In india, senior ML engineers and GenAI experts can get more than ₹30 lakhs in one year. This is a field that gives people more if they put in the time to learn. You need a good base to get to this level. Platforms like SocialPrachar help learners build strong skills and be ready for jobs. Their ai engineering course in hyderabad shows you what you need to know for the best jobs.
Typical job titles and what you could earn:
Machine Learning Engineer: ₹8 lakhs to over ₹25 lakhs
AI Scientist or GenAI Specialist: ₹15 lakhs to over ₹40 lakhs
Deep Learning Engineer: ₹12 lakhs to over ₹35 lakhs
Conclusion
When we look at coding and data jobs in India for 2026, we can see these skills will be needed more. People who are freshers and those with more years in the field should know how pay is different when talking about SQL and Python. SQL works well for a job in analytics or business intelligence. But Python is also a skill you now need, mainly for things like automation and machine learning.
If you use your SQL skills with Power BI, or mix Python with GenAI, you will stand out at work. This can help you get better pay and have more job options. If you start to learn these now, you can build a strong career soon. If you want to go up in tech, you can book a free meeting with SocialPrachar. They will help you find the best way to learn what you want and need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Python salary higher than SQL salary in India?
In India, most jobs where you use Python will pay a higher average salary than jobs where you use SQL. There is high demand for people who know Python, and you can see this in data science, machine learning, and AI jobs. A lot of companies want these skills now. A person who works with Python can get higher salaries because the work is often a bit more advanced. While SQL is important, Python can help you move up in your work and get better jobs with good pay.
What is the salary difference between a data analyst with Python skills and one with only SQL in India?
A data analyst in India with both Python and SQL can get a better average salary than someone who knows only SQL. When you have Python, you can work with more data and run bigger checks. You can also guess what might happen in the future. This helps make your skills stronger as a data analyst. It can push the average salary higher by about 20-30% or even more. How much more you get will depend on how long you have been doing this job.
How can SocialPrachar help me increase my tech salary?
SocialPrachar helps you get a better tech salary. The programs give you the training you need to earn more money. You can take their hands-on [generative ai course in hyderabad] or [machine learning course in hyderabad]. In these courses, you will learn Python, SQL, and AI. These skills open up new career opportunities in Hyderabad and will help you reach your salary goals.
What is the salary difference between a data analyst with Python skills and one with only SQL in India?
In India, data analysts with both Python and SQL skills earn much more than those with only SQL. Python expertise enables advanced analysis, automation, and machine learning—skills highly valued by employers. Entry-level analysts with only SQL earn ₹3–5 lakh per year; those with Python earn ₹5–8 lakh. The gap widens at mid-level, with dual-skilled professionals earning ₹8–12 lakh or more. Higher salaries reflect Python’s role in complex data tasks and its importance in data science. Other factors influencing pay include industry (IT, fintech, e-commerce, and consulting pay more), location (metros offer higher salaries), experience, and employer reputation. In short, adding Python greatly increases a data analyst’s earning potential in India.
How does the salary for a Python developer vary across cities in India, like Bangalore?
Python developer salaries in India depend on city, experience, and industry. Bangalore offers the highest pay: entry-level roles earn ₹4–8 lakh per year, while experienced developers make ₹10–25 lakh or more. Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai offer competitive salaries—₹3.5–7 lakh for entry-level and up to ₹18 lakh for experienced roles—typically a bit lower than Bangalore. Delhi-NCR and Mumbai salaries are similar to Bangalore but vary by company size and sector; smaller cities generally pay less due to lower demand.
Key salary factors include education, expertise with frameworks (Django, Flask), data science libraries (Pandas, NumPy), cloud experience, and industry sector. Fintech and AI startups often offer higher packages, sometimes with stock options or remote work. While Bangalore leads for high-paying Python jobs, skilled developers can find attractive opportunities in other major cities as well.
Is Python better than SQL?
Python and SQL are both powerful but serve different purposes. Python is a versatile, general-purpose language used for web development, automation, data analysis, AI, and machine learning, thanks to libraries like Pandas and scikit-learn. SQL is designed specifically for managing and querying relational databases—ideal for storing, retrieving, and manipulating structured data in systems like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
Often, professionals use both: SQL to extract data from databases and Python to analyze or visualize it. Choose SQL if your focus is database management. Opt for Python for statistical analysis, automation, application development, or advanced modeling. Most modern workflows combine both—using SQL for efficient data handling and Python for processing and analysis.
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