ISRO Scientist Salary: See How Much India's Space Research Top Guns Earn!

India has finally landed on the moon. After a failed attempt in 2019, the success of Chandrayaan 3 has left all the Indians brimming with pride. Apart from this, the success of the mission has also generated an unusual curiosity amongst fellow Indians about the scientists working in India's space organization.

With their undying passion for space science, the ISRO scientists literally aim for the stars as they work tirelessly in the different research facilities spread across the country. But have you ever wondered how much they get paid for the work they do? Let's explore the salaries of ISRO scientists and the benefits that come along.

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ISRO Scientist Salary: How much do India's rocket scientists earn?

Before we check out the salaries of ISRO scientists, let us quickly understand the hierarchy of the scientists' posts.

ISRO scientists and engineers are assigned various grades that correspond to their monthly salaries. Fresh engineering graduates typically start at the SC level. Gradually, they attain the designation of Scientist/Engineer-SD. There are higher grade levels as well, such as SE, SF, SG, G, and H. At the pinnacle of these grades are two distinguished titles: Outstanding Scientist (recognized for their exceptional qualifications) and Distinguished Scientist (the highest grade attainable within ISRO).

Below are the grade pay details of the different posts as per the 7th pay commission.

Post	Grade Pay
Scientist/ Engineer – H & G	INR 10,000
Scientist/ Engineer – SG	INR 8,900
Scientist/ Engineer – SF	INR 8,700
Scientist/ Engineer – SE	INR 7,600
Scientist/ Engineer – SD	INR 6,600

The following is the salary structure for different scientific posts under ISRO:

Post	Pay Band
Distinguished Scientist	INR 75,500 -INR 80,000
Outstanding Scientist	INR 67,000 -INR 79,000
Scientist/ Engineer – H & G	INR 37,400 – INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer – SG	INR 37,400 – INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer- SF	INR 37,400 – INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer- SE & SD	INR 15,600 – INR 39,100

Apart from the basic pay, ISRO scientists are also eligible for HRA (House Rent Allowance), TA (Travel Allowance), DA (Dearness Allowance), medical allowance, and more. Hence, adding the benefits to the base pay, the total salary of ISRO senior scientists is around INR 75,000 to INR 80,000, while ISRO's distinguished scientists enjoy a salary of INR 2 lakh per month. As per reports, the salary of ISRO's chairman, S. Somanath, is around INR 2.5 lakh per month.

Bringing brilliant minds from small regional colleges and top institutes to work together

ISRO's vision is to harness, sustain and augment space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration. Taking this vision further, scientists from not only the top-notch institutes of India but from small-town colleges as well, work together with dedication and passion. Looking beyond college tags, ISRO is a place for anyone with right potential and the gist to work towards making India a 21st centuary space power.

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Apart from a decent salary, ISRO offers a secure job and various benefits to its scientists. In times, where one-third of country's graduates are opting for studying or working abroad, we have some tenacious professionals, ditching highly paid corporate jobs for being an integral force behind India's space missions. Having a zealous workforce with unwavering spirits, ISRO will continue to make indelible contribution in the future space technology.

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Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.

Updated On: 4 Sep'23, 07:47 PM IST