AI/ML jobs may pay up to ₹80 lakh per annum in 2026: Report
The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has been rapidly growing in recent years, and it’s expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India is expected to host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This growth is not only limited to the number of job openings but also reflects in the salary packages offered to professionals in this field. The average annual salary growth for AI and ML jobs is expected to be around 15-20%, with senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms potentially earning salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA).
The report highlights the increasing demand for AI and ML professionals in India, driven by the growing adoption of these technologies across various industries. As companies continue to invest in AI and ML to improve their operations, customer experiences, and decision-making processes, the need for skilled professionals to develop, implement, and maintain these systems is on the rise. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, making AI and ML one of the most sought-after career paths for professionals in India.
For freshers, the job market for AI and ML roles is also looking promising. According to the report, freshers can expect package of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles, which is significantly higher than the average salary packages offered to freshers in other fields. This is a testament to the high demand for AI and ML professionals and the willingness of companies to invest in talent to drive their digital transformation initiatives.
The report also highlights the growing trend of remote work in the AI and ML industry. With many US firms setting up their operations in India or hiring Indian professionals to work remotely, the opportunities for AI and ML professionals to work with global companies have increased significantly. Senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms can potentially earn higher salaries, with some roles offering salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 LPA. This not only provides a lucrative career path for professionals but also opens up opportunities for them to work with global companies and gain international experience.
The growth of the AI and ML industry in India is also driven by the government’s initiatives to promote the adoption of these technologies. The government has launched several initiatives, such as the National AI Strategy, to promote the development and adoption of AI and ML in various sectors. These initiatives are expected to drive the growth of the AI and ML industry in India, creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth.
In terms of the skills required for AI and ML jobs, the report highlights the need for professionals to have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python, R, and Java. Additionally, professionals should have experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, as well as expertise in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model deployment. With the increasing demand for AI and ML professionals, it’s essential for professionals to continuously update their skills and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
The report also notes that the demand for AI and ML professionals is not limited to the IT industry. Various sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and retail, are also adopting AI and ML to improve their operations and customer experiences. This has created new job opportunities for AI and ML professionals in these sectors, and professionals with domain expertise and AI/ML skills are in high demand.
In conclusion, the AI and ML job market in India is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, with salary packages for senior AI engineers potentially reaching ₹80 LPA. The growing demand for AI and ML professionals, driven by the adoption of these technologies across various industries, is expected to create new job opportunities and drive economic growth. With the government’s initiatives to promote the adoption of AI and ML, the future of the AI and ML industry in India looks promising, and professionals with the right skills and expertise can expect lucrative career opportunities.
To stay ahead in the AI and ML job market, professionals should focus on developing a strong foundation in programming languages, ML frameworks, and data science. They should also stay updated with the latest developments in the field and be willing to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and trends. With the right skills and expertise, professionals can capitalize on the growing demand for AI and ML professionals and build a successful and lucrative career in this field.
About the Author
