In today’s rapidly evolving world of technology and data analysis, the demand for skilled data science and analytics professionals is on the rise. SAS (Statistical Analysis System) has established itself as a prominent player among the various tools and programming languages utilised in this domain. In this article, we’ll delve into the SAS programmer salary in India for freshers and experienced professionals in 2023. So, let’s get started.

What is SAS?

SAS, or “Statistical Analysis System”, is a software suite developed by SAS Institute Inc. It provides data management and statistical analysis tools for businesses to make informed decisions. SAS has become the premier analytics platform in virtually every industry, including healthcare, retail, finance and telecommunications.

The core of SAS is its powerful analytics and data management capabilities. The SAS programmer salary in India is amongst the highest worldwide; it is a sought-after career choice for data scientists.

SAS Salary in India

The salary range for SAS professionals in India varies as per the experience, location, and organisation. At the entry level, the average salary is around ₹12,53,523 per year, reflecting compensation for individuals new to the field or with limited experience with SAS. On the other hand, senior SAS professionals with significant expertise can expect a higher salary of approximately ₹21,75,758 per year.

SAS Salary in Other Countries

• US

In the US, the salary range for SAS professionals varies as per experience, location, and the specific industry they work in. On average, entry-level SAS professionals can expect a salary starting at around $57,000 annually. Senior SAS professionals in the United States can earn up to $124,000 per year or even higher.

• UK

The salary range for SAS professionals varies from £25,000 to £46,000 per year in the United Kingdom.

SAS Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Your job as a data analyst involves analysing and interpreting large datasets using SAS tools and techniques.
• Your task will involve cleaning and converting unprocessed data into an organised format that is suitable for further analysis.
• As a SAS programmer, your primary responsibility is to develop and maintain SAS programs for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting purposes.
• You will write efficient and reusable SAS code to automate tasks and improve data processing efficiency.
• Developing and maintaining SAS-based business intelligence solutions to enable data-driven decision-making within the organisation.
• Designing and implementing SAS-based solutions, including data management, data integration, and advanced analytics.

SAS Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in either computer science, statistics, mathematics, or data science, is often required for entry-level SAS positions.
• Proficiency in SAS programming is a fundamental requirement for SAS positions. Familiarity with SAS tools and technologies, such as Base SAS, SAS Enterprise Guide, or SAS Visual Analytics, is highly desirable.
• Strong statistical knowledge and analytical skills are essential for SAS roles. Understanding statistical concepts, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and data modelling is important.

How to Become a SAS?

1. Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field.
2. Familiarise yourself with the SAS programming language and its various components.
3. Look for internships or entry-level positions that involve working with SAS.
4. Attend SAS conferences, workshops, and webinars to learn from industry experts and network with other SAS professionals.
5. Create a portfolio showcasing your SAS projects, demonstrating your ability to work with different datasets and perform data analysis tasks using SAS.
6. Join online forums, social media groups, and professional networks specific to SAS professionals.

Conclusion

A career in SAS is an excellent and rewarding opportunity. For those looking to get into data analytics, SAS offers a great platform for growth and development. It provides excellent salaries to freshers and experienced professionals, thereby making it a viable option for those serious about pursuing a successful career in this field.

FAQs

Q1. What is the salary of a SAS in India?

A. On average, a SAS professional can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from INR 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs. While salaries can vary depending on various factors, including experience and location, those with advanced certifications, such as ASSA can expect to earn higher wages. 

Q2. What are the top-paying cities for SAS in India?

A. Some top cities where SAS professionals receive higher salaries are Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Q3. What are the skills required to be a SAS?

A.To succeed in SAS, one must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a good understanding of mathematics, statistics and computer programming is essential.

Q4. What is the future of SAS as a career?

A.There’s no doubt that SAS will stay and remain a popular choice for data analysis professionals. The growing demand for analytics means there is a need for capable SAS users, and the field continues to grow in terms of job opportunities.