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 India is expected to be at the forefront of this revolution. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India will host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026, with the average annual salary growth expected to be around 15-20%. This is a significant increase from the current numbers, and it’s no surprise that AI/ML jobs are becoming increasingly attractive to professionals and freshers alike.
One of the most interesting aspects of this report is the salary range for AI/ML jobs. Senior AI engineers, who are working remotely for US firms, can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA). This is a staggering amount, and it’s clear that companies are willing to pay top dollar for the best talent in the industry. Even freshers can expect a decent package of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles, which is significantly higher than the average salary for other industries.
The reason for this high demand for AI/ML professionals is the increasing adoption of AI and ML technologies across various industries. From healthcare to finance, and from e-commerce to automotive, AI and ML are being used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. As a result, companies are looking for professionals who can develop and implement AI and ML solutions, and they are willing to pay a premium for the right talent.
The report also highlights the fact that India has a unique advantage when it comes to AI/ML talent. With a large pool of skilled engineers and a strong education system, India is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for AI/ML professionals. Additionally, the Indian government has been actively promoting the development of AI and ML technologies, with initiatives such as the National AI Strategy and the establishment of AI research institutes.
For professionals who are looking to transition into AI/ML roles, this report is a clear indication that it’s a great time to make the move. With the average annual salary growth expected to be around 15-20%, AI/ML jobs offer a lucrative career path with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Moreover, with the increasing adoption of AI and ML technologies, professionals can expect to work on exciting and challenging projects that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
However, it’s also important to note that the demand for AI/ML professionals is not limited to India. With the global AI and ML market expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, companies around the world are looking for talented professionals who can develop and implement AI and ML solutions. As a result, Indian professionals who have the right skills and experience can expect to have a global career, with opportunities to work with top companies and clients around the world.
In terms of the skills required for AI/ML jobs, the report highlights the importance of programming languages such as Python, R, and Julia. Additionally, professionals need to have a strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks, and data science concepts. With the increasing use of cloud-based technologies, professionals also need to have experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
For freshers who are looking to enter the AI/ML industry, the report offers some valuable advice. Firstly, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in programming languages and data science concepts. Secondly, freshers need to be willing to learn and adapt quickly, as the AI and ML landscape is constantly evolving. Finally, freshers need to be open to working on a variety of projects and technologies, as this will help them to develop a broad range of skills and expertise.
In conclusion, the report by Testleaf is a clear indication that AI/ML jobs are here to stay, and they offer a lucrative career path with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. With the average annual salary growth expected to be around 15-20%, and senior AI engineers earning salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum, it’s no surprise that AI/ML jobs are becoming increasingly attractive to professionals and freshers alike. As the Indian government continues to promote the development of AI and ML technologies, and companies around the world look for talented professionals to develop and implement AI and ML solutions, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the AI/ML industry.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/technology/2026-ai-wave-top-tier-ml-jobs-may-fetch-up-to-rs-80-lpa-salaries
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