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What is the Average Data Scientist Salary Malaysia

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Lewis

Jun 27, 2025

You can expect the average data scientist salary in Malaysia to reach around RM 90,000 per year in 2025. This data scientist salary Malaysia figure highlights the strong demand for data scientist roles and underscores the importance of benchmarking your compensation. As a data scientist in Malaysia, you play a crucial role in driving business growth through data-driven decisions. FanRuan leads the way in business intelligence and data analytics, supporting your career advancement with cutting-edge tools and certifications.

Key Takeaways

  • The average data scientist salary in Malaysia is around RM 90,000 per year, with higher pay in cities like Kuala Lumpur.
  • Entry-level data scientists earn between RM 5,750 and RM 8,250 per month, while senior roles can reach up to RM 21,600 or more.
  • Skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization, plus certifications like the FanRuan Global Certification, boost your salary and job prospects.
  • Technology, finance, and healthcare sectors offer the highest salaries for data scientists in Malaysia.
  • Mastering business intelligence tools like FineReport and FineBI helps you deliver better insights and advance your career.

Data Scientist Salary Malaysia Overview

Average Data Scientist Salary

You can expect the average data scientist salary Malaysia to remain highly competitive in 2025. According to recent salary disclosures from Jobstreet and the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the average monthly salary for a data scientist in Malaysia ranges from RM 5,500 to RM 12,000, depending on location and experience. This translates to an annual salary of approximately RM 66,000 to RM 144,000. In Kuala Lumpur City Centre, you may see the highest average monthly salary at RM 12,000, while other regions such as Penang Island and Kuching Division offer averages between RM 5,500 and RM 6,750.

LocationAverage Monthly Salary (RM)
Kuala Lumpur City Centre12,000
Petaling8,125
Kuching Division6,750
Bukit Jalil6,300
Kuchai Lama5,750
Penang Island5,500
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You will notice that the average salary for a data scientist in Malaysia stands well above the national average salary in Malaysia. For comparison, the average salary in Malaysia across all professions typically ranges from RM 2,000 to RM 4,200 per month, depending on the region. This significant difference highlights the value and demand for data scientist roles in the current job market.

Salary Range in Malaysia

When you look at the salary range for data scientists, you see a broad spectrum based on experience, skills, and location. The minimum monthly salary for a data scientist in Malaysia starts at around RM 4,500, while the maximum can reach up to RM 9,000 or more for senior professionals. The median base salary for a data scientist is approximately RM 7,000 per month, which positions you well above many other tech roles in the country.

RoleMinimum Salary (RM/month)Median Salary (RM/month)Maximum Salary (RM/month)
Data Scientist4,5007,0009,000
Data Analyst2,2504,50011,500

The average salary in Malaysia varies by region, as shown in the table below. Kuala Lumpur leads with an average salary of RM 4,200, while states like Kelantan and Sabah offer lower averages.

RegionAverage Salary (RM)Median Salary (RM)
Kuala Lumpur~4,200~3,960
Selangor~3,560~3,000
Penang~3,500~2,800
Johor~3,375~2,800
Sarawak~3,080~1,880
Kelantan~2,070~1,680
Sabah~2,070~1,880
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Note: The ERI Economic Research Institute and the Department of Statistics Malaysia provide these figures, ensuring accuracy and reliability for your salary benchmarking.

You will also find that the average data scientist salary Malaysia reflects the high demand for professionals who can drive data-driven business strategies. Companies across industries seek data scientists to unlock insights, optimize operations, and maintain a competitive edge. As a data scientist in Malaysia, you benefit from this demand, which translates into higher salaries and better career prospects compared to many other roles.

Data Scientist Salary Malaysia by Experience and Location

Entry-Level Data Scientist Salary

If you are just starting your career as a data scientist in Malaysia, you can expect a competitive entry-level salary. Many companies offer attractive packages to fresh graduates and those with less than two years of experience. The average salary in Malaysia for entry-level data science jobs ranges from RM 5,750 to RM 8,250 per month. This figure stands out when compared to other tech jobs, making data scientist roles highly desirable for new graduates.

RoleAverage Monthly Salary (RM)
Data Scientist5,750 – 8,250
Data Analyst3,200 – 4,500
Machine Learning Engineer5,792
Business Intelligence Analyst3,800 – 6,200
Data Engineer6,550 – 9,050
Data Visualization Specialist3,020 – 8,660

You can use tools like FineReport and FineBI from FanRuan to build your technical skills early in your career. These platforms help you create reports, analyze data, and stand out in the job market.

Senior Data Scientist Salary

As you gain experience, your earning potential increases significantly. Senior data scientist jobs in Malaysia often come with leadership responsibilities and higher pay. The average salary in Malaysia for senior roles can reach RM 10,800 to RM 21,600 per month, especially if you move into positions like Chief Data Scientist or Data Team Lead. In some funded startups, senior professionals may earn up to RM 100,000 per month for delivering exceptional value.

RoleMonthly Salary Range (RM)Description
Data Team Lead6,100 – 8,800Leads a team, manages projects, and mentors junior members.
Chief Data Scientist10,800 – 21,600Works with executives, drives data strategy, and oversees large-scale analytics initiatives.
Funded StartupsUp to 100,000Exceptional cases for high-impact roles in fast-growing companies.

You can leverage advanced features in FineReport and FineBI to manage complex analytics projects and lead data-driven teams. These tools support your growth as you move into senior roles.

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Data Scientist Salary in Kuala Lumpur and Other Cities

Location plays a key role in determining your salary. Kuala Lumpur offers the highest average salary in Malaysia for data scientist jobs, with monthly pay often exceeding RM 12,000. Other cities like Petaling, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang also provide strong opportunities, though salaries may be slightly lower.

Tip: If you want to maximize your earning potential, consider jobs in Kuala Lumpur or other major urban centers. These locations attract top employers and offer better compensation packages.

You will find that companies in these cities value professionals who can use business intelligence tools like FineReport and FineBI. These platforms are widely adopted across industries, from finance to manufacturing, helping you deliver insights and drive business growth.

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Sales Dashoboard Created by FineReport

Data Scientist Salary Malaysia by Industry and Skills

Industry Differences

You will notice that your salary as a data scientist in Malaysia can vary greatly depending on the industry you choose. Technology, finance, and healthcare sectors offer some of the highest pay. The Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025 shows that data scientists in tech can earn between RM 144,000 and RM 240,000 per year. Finance and asset management also provide strong compensation, with senior roles reaching up to RM 840,000. Manufacturing and engineering offer competitive salaries, but they tend to be lower than those in tech or finance.

Sectors like banking, oil & gas, and healthcare continue to see the highest salary increases due to strong demand for skilled professionals.

The TimeCamp report confirms that industry sector is a key factor in salary levels. High-profit sectors such as technology, finance, and oil & gas pay more than education or hospitality. You can see the differences in annual salary increases across industries in the table below.

IndustryAverage Annual Salary Increase
Banking4%
Energy8%
Information Technology3%
Healthcare7%
Travel2%
Construction6%
Education1%
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Skills and Certifications Impact

Your skills and certifications play a major role in boosting your earning potential. Employers look for data scientists who have strong technical skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization. Certifications, such as the FanRuan Global Certification Examination, help you stand out and can lead to higher salaries. For example, data scientists with advanced certifications and experience can earn up to RM 103,000 per year.

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You can increase your value by mastering tools like FineReport and FineBI from FanRuan. These platforms let you build advanced reports, analyze complex data, and deliver insights that drive business decisions. Upskilling with these tools and earning recognized certifications will help you move into higher-paying roles and stay competitive in the job market.

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Data Scientist Salary Malaysia: Comparison and Benefits

Data Scientist vs. Related Roles

When you compare the average salary of a data scientist in Malaysia to similar tech jobs, you see a clear gap. The Computer & IT sector leads with a median salary of RM 6,000 in 2023, showing the highest growth among all specializations. You will notice several factors that influence this gap:

  • The sector experienced a 28% increase in median salary, making it the top-growing field.
  • Corporations saw a 57.4% salary growth, while SMEs had a 10.3% decrease, showing that company size matters.
  • Cyberjaya offers the highest median salary among cities, highlighting geographic differences.
  • AI-skilled professionals, including data scientists, command salaries 20-30% higher than non-AI roles. Jobs that require AI skills often pay at least 25% more.
  • Switching from non-AI to AI roles can result in up to a 35.8% salary increase. Moving from machine learning to deep learning roles offers a 23.6% increase. Transitioning from SQL to Python skills can boost your pay by 18.8%.

These trends show that data scientist jobs offer higher total compensation compared to data analyst, BI engineer, or other related roles, especially when you have advanced AI or programming skills.

Additional Compensation and Perks

You will find that total compensation for a data scientist in Malaysia goes beyond base salary. Many employers offer a mix of bonuses, merit pay, and fringe benefits. Common perks include:

  • Annual performance bonuses
  • Health and life insurance
  • Paid vacation and flexible work arrangements
  • Pension contributions and retirement plans
  • Professional development and certification support

A study of 400 employees in Malaysia’s service industry shows that reward and compensation have a strong positive effect on employee retention. Strategic compensation planning, which combines monetary pay with benefits like insurance and professional growth, is crucial for keeping skilled talent. As a data scientist, you benefit from these structured packages, which help you stay motivated and advance your career.

FanRuan’s ecosystem supports your career growth and higher total compensation. By mastering tools like FineReport and FineBI, you can position yourself for better jobs and leadership roles. FanRuan also offers certification programs that help you stand out and negotiate for higher pay.

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How to Increase Your Data Scientist Salary Malaysia

Upskilling and Certifications

You can take several practical steps to boost your earning potential as a data scientist in Malaysia. Building a strong foundation in essential skills and staying current with industry trends will set you apart. Consider these strategies:

  • Develop core skills in SQL, statistics, and data analysis. These remain the backbone of any data science role.
  • Learn Generative AI (GenAI) tools. Start by experimenting with one platform, such as Hugging Face or OpenAI API, to gain hands-on experience.
  • Move toward specialized roles. As the field evolves, positions like Data Strategy Manager or Data Product Manager are in high demand. These roles require both technical expertise and business insight.
  • Embrace continuous learning. The tech landscape changes rapidly. Adaptability and a willingness to learn new tools or methods will help you stay competitive.
  • Pursue recognized certifications. Earning credentials like the FanRuan Global Certification Examination demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional growth. This certification covers both FineReport and FineBI, validating your skills in BI reporting and data analysis.

Tip: Changing employers or moving to a larger company can also result in a significant salary increase, especially if you bring specialized skills or certifications to the table.

Leveraging FanRuan Tools

Mastering advanced business intelligence tools can give you a distinct advantage in the job market. FineReport and FineBI from FanRuan simplify complex data processing and visualization, allowing you to focus on high-value analysis and communication with stakeholders. FineBI’s intuitive interface and built-in analytical models let you perform sophisticated analyses without heavy coding. FineReport streamlines report creation with an Excel-like environment, saving you time on complex reporting tasks.

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Data Process of FineBI

When you become proficient in these tools, you gain essential skills in data analysis and visualization—skills that employers value highly. FineBI also supports industry-specific analysis, helping you deliver actionable insights that drive business decisions. By combining technical expertise with business acumen, you position yourself for higher-paying roles and long-term career growth in Malaysia’s competitive data science landscape.

You now know that data scientist salaries in Malaysia average RM 90,000 per year, with top roles earning much more. Benchmark your pay against these figures to stay competitive.

  • Upskill with certifications like the FanRuan Global Certification Examination to boost your career.
  • Master advanced BI tools such as FineReport and FineBI for greater impact.

Explore FanRuan’s resources to keep learning and unlock new professional opportunities.

Click the banner below to experience FineReport and FineBI for free and empower your enterprise to convert data into productivity!

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FAQ

What is the average starting salary for a data scientist in Malaysia?
You can expect an entry-level data scientist salary to range from RM 5,750 to RM 8,250 per month. This figure depends on your skills, education, and the company’s location.
How do certifications like the FanRuan Global Certification Examination impact my salary?
Certifications validate your expertise and make you stand out. You can negotiate higher pay and access better job opportunities by earning recognized credentials such as the FanRuan Global Certification Examination.
Which industries offer the highest salaries for data scientists in Malaysia?
You will find the highest salaries in technology, finance, and healthcare. These sectors value advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making, so they reward skilled data scientists with competitive compensation.
How can FanRuan tools help me advance my data science career?
You can use FineReport and FineBI to master data visualization and analysis. These tools help you deliver actionable insights, making you more valuable to employers and opening doors to senior roles.
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The Author

Lewis

Senior Data Analyst at FanRuan