Scala Developer Salary in India 2024 [For Freshers & Experienced]

Scala was invented by Martin Odersky in 2001 at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL). It is a programming language that allows both object-oriented and functional programming, as well as supports static and dynamic typing.

Scala was released for corporate use in 2004 and is an extension of Java. In fact, most design decisions of Scala aim to eliminate the shortcomings of Java. Scala runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making it a highly scalable and sought-after skill, so much that expertise in Scala can help IT professionals steer their careers in a rewarding manner. 

In this article, we will discuss Scala developer salary in India, the various career options an engineer with Scala can pursue, and Scala’s future scope.

Scala Developer Salary in India and Career Opportunities

As a Scala Developer, you can earn an average of ₹7,28,099 per year and branch into senior positions that command higher salaries. Due to Scala’s highly scalable and multi-paradigm nature, it is ranked as the 14th most loved programming language. Top companies like Apple, LinkedIn, Netflix, Tumblr, At & At&T, Sony, and Twitter, among nearly 45 others, use it to develop their products and services, driving the demand for job opportunities across different sectors.

As per search results on LinkedIn, ‘Scala developers’ are most sought-after in India, the USA, and the UK. A simple search on LinkedIn will reveal over 6000 jobs listed for Scala developers, ranging from Software Engineers and application developers to Machine Learning Engineers, Big Data Engineers, and Technical Architects. 

Among the many lucrative positions a Scala Developer can land, here’s discussing the top 5:

1. Software Engineer

Average Base Salary: INR 996 k /year

After learning Scala, an engineer becomes proficient at executing the entire software development life cycle. As Scala is a complex programming language, it empowers engineers to design software that is bug-free, error-free, and secure. Software engineers can develop scalable applications using Scala and provide maintenance after an application is deployed. 

Other job responsibilities of a software engineer include designing and implementing functional elements for applications that have intricate specifications and require enhanced operational feasibility.

2. Senior Software Engineer 

Average Base Salary: INR 1375 k /year

A senior software engineer’s role is largely similar to that of a  software engineer, with the major difference being the enhanced judgement capacity that a senior developer brings to the job. Since a senior software engineer has greater experience, they can contribute in the development of more complex software.

They are also better positioned to make complex architectural decisions. A senior software engineer is also charged with the responsibility of training and mentoring new recruits and junior software engineers and helps them hone their skills. 

3. Software Developer

Average Base Salary: INR 1002 k /year

The role of a software developer is to test the software products (tools, frameworks, and applications). With Scala as a part of an engineer’s qualification, the testing process becomes relatively easy as Scala helps in identifying errors more effectively and rectifying them. An error-free software enhances the user experience and consequently allows businesses to be more efficient in producing systems that are structured.

A software developer’s job responsibilities also include reviewing existing systems and suggesting cost-effective systems for overall improvement. They also work closely with analysts and UX/UI designers and prepare documentation and manuals for users. Given the broader range of responsibilities, the Scala developer salary is higher. 

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4. IT Consultant

Average Base Salary: INR 852 K /year

As an IT Consultant, learning Scala can help an engineer understand a business’s needs better. Based on this, an IT consultant can integrate IT solutions, written or oral, to enhance operational efficiency. Since Scala provides type interference for variables and functions, IT Consultants are better equipped with skills to determine the kind of technology that will be required for a business to run efficiently. 

In addition to this, an IT consultant also identifies hardware needs, and software, and network requirements within companies. They are also competent in recognising potential clients and building and maintaining contacts with new clients. They possess excellent communication skills and work closely with clients to determine a project’s scope. They are also required to liaise with a company’s staff at all organisational levels. IT consultants are also involved in installing new systems, tracking their progress, and organising training sessions for users. 

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5. Application Developer

Average Base Salary: INR 505 k /year

An application developer modifies the source code for software applications, which contributes to a better user experience. This involves writing code, maintaining, and executing it. With knowledge of Scala, an application developer can identify and avoid bugs, which is especially useful when applications are complex.

Furthermore, a Scala-based Application Developer helps in building high-performing systems that are easy to use. Their job role also includes implementing prototype applications and fostering efficient coordination between app development teams and clients.

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6. Machine Learning Engineer

Average Base Salary: INR 693k /year

Machine learning engineers require experience of 5+ years in either Java or Scala, along with expertise in Python, JavaScript, and others. They are also familiar with writing ML algorithms and have NoSQL database experience. Machine learning engineers are expected to possess excellent communication and teamwork skills and are responsible for the end-to-end software development implementation. They are also tasked with scaling theoretical data science models to deployable production-level models with the ability to handle terabytes of data in real-time. 

7. Data Engineer

Average Base Salary: INR 836k /year

Data Engineers have a wide range of skills that includes machine learning, expertise in database systems like SQL and NoSQL, and competence in programming languages like Python, Java, and Scala. Their job revolves around conducting data analysis to identify trends and patterns in data sets, using Big Data analysis coupled with Apache Spark and Hadoop.

Based on this, they develop algorithms that provide uninterrupted access to raw data so that companies can leverage insights for a better customer experience. In addition to this, data engineers require an understanding of data warehousing solutions, data structures, distributed systems, and ETL tools.

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Why Should Java Developers Learn Scala?

Identified as one of the most scalable languages that produce improved outcomes, it enjoys widespread usage and is the server-side programming language of 1.8% of all the known websites. 

As an advanced programming language, it supports multiple paradigms. Programmers can use Object-Oriented programming and employ functional programming to write codes in Scala. As a result, it is much more efficient to code in Scala. Further, as a strong static typed language, which is better than any dynamic language, Scala provides stability with respect to patterns and practices in keywords and case classes.

Given that Scala is currently the most competent language for unifying OOP and functional programming compared to .NET or Java, it has a bright future ahead. As per the TIOBE Index, Scala has grown five times in popularity since 2006.

Transitioning from a Java Developer to Scala may be challenging, but it enhances a software developer’s marketability. Here are the top 8 reasons why you should learn Scala.

Top 8 Reasons to Learn Scala 

1. Collaboration with Java: Scala supports interoperability with Java. Java programmers can use Java libraries directly from Scala Code since it runs on Java Virtual Machine. This is highly advantageous as Java engineers and makes Scala a mainstream and widely-used programming language.

2. Clarity and precision: Writing code in Scala is clear and precise and provides better and efficient output. Where Java Programming needs ten lines to write a program, Scale makes it possible to fit it within one line.    

3. Scala uses best practices and patterns: Having gained mainstream applicability at large-scale companies, Scala has case classes, and it provides closure just like any dynamic language would provide. It is, therefore, a prototype for not just static but also dynamic languages like Python and Ruby. 

4. Functional and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Scala proffers understanding of object-oriented and functional programming, thereby enhancing its serviceability. This confluence makes Scala one of the best in the market and is widely used by top-notch organisations.  

5. Growing compatibility with frameworks: There’s a wide range of Scala web frameworks designed for Scala programmers. Lift and Play are two such web frameworks, with Akka being the third one, which is an established tool kit for many applications on JVM. For Big Data applications, Scala is used along with Apache Spark to enhance its functionality. 

Scala has been accepted as one of the most efficient programming languages. It has a robust support system in the form of frameworks and IDEs. Therefore, it attracts many Java Developers to continue their learning and write faster and more concise codes with a dynamic programming language’s stability and dynamism.

1. Concise syntax: The Scala compiler, called scala, is clear and concise. It qualifies an engineer to write clear code using minimum lines. For those who prefer Java for its readability, Scala gives a whole new meaning to the word with its concise and readable syntax. It can generate toString, equals, hash code which is also possible using Lombok.

2. Easy to learn: Since Scala is a multi-paradigm programming language, it is far easier to learn for Java Developers than other languages like Haskell or OCaml. Knowledge of OOP concepts allows you to learn other programming languages as well to enhance your skillset. 

3. More statically-typed: Since Scala is statically-typed if an unclassified type is identified during compilation, it is instantly denoted as an error. This helps programmers identify programming errors at an early stage. So, therefore fewer chances of running into major errors down the line.

Key Takeaways 

Given the increasing demand of Scala developers, more and more developers are shifting to Scala to develop Android and desktop applications to attract lucrative opportunities from top firms like Twitter, Foursquare, and Quora. Scala doesn’t just allow you to stand apart from your competitors but also highlights the competence you would bring to the job.

As its growing community of developers continues to enhance its integration using IDEs and frameworks, the language has become extremely popular. Companies, especially those in the USA, India, and the UK, are seeking IT professionals with expertise in Scala. 

Furthermore, it opens doors to high-profile roles in the data science domain where salaries are incredibly high. If you are an experienced Scala developer, a certification in machine learning and data science can advance your career. Here is an Advanced Certification in Data Science from IIIT-B if you are interested. upGrad has a range of programs for backend development and machine learning as well, in case you would like to check them out.