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 evolving over the past few years, and it’s no surprise that these technologies are transforming the way we live and work. With the increasing adoption of AI and ML across various industries, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas is skyrocketing. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India is expected to 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 opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in AI and ML, with top-tier ML jobs potentially fetching salaries of up to ₹80 lakh per annum.
The report highlights the growing demand for AI and ML professionals in India, driven by the increasing adoption of these technologies across various industries such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. As companies continue to invest in AI and ML, the need for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and maintain these systems is becoming more pressing. The report notes that senior AI engineers, working remotely for US firms, can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum. This is a significant jump from the current average salaries for AI and ML professionals in India, and it’s a testament to the growing demand for these skills.
But it’s not just experienced professionals who can benefit from the growing demand for AI and ML skills. Freshers can also expect attractive packages for AI and ML roles, with salaries ranging from ₹5-₹9 lakh per annum. This is a great opportunity for students and recent graduates who are looking to build a career in AI and ML. With the right skills and training, individuals can quickly climb the career ladder and earn higher salaries as they gain more experience.
The report also notes that the average annual salary growth for AI and ML professionals is expected to be around 15-20%. This is significantly higher than the average salary growth for other industries, and it’s a reflection of the growing demand for these skills. As companies continue to invest in AI and ML, the need for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and maintain these systems is becoming more pressing. This is driving up salaries for AI and ML professionals, and it’s creating new opportunities for individuals who are looking to build a career in these areas.
So, what skills do you need to build a career in AI and ML? The report notes that proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Java is essential for AI and ML roles. Additionally, knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn is also important. Data science skills, including data visualization, data mining, and data analysis, are also in high demand. Furthermore, experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is also becoming increasingly important.
In terms of job roles, the report notes that some of the most in-demand AI and ML jobs include AI engineer, ML engineer, data scientist, business intelligence developer, and computer vision engineer. These roles involve developing, implementing, and maintaining AI and ML systems, as well as working with data to identify trends and patterns. The report also notes that there is a growing demand for AI and ML professionals who can work in specialized areas such as natural language processing, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
Overall, the report highlights the growing demand for AI and ML professionals in India, and the attractive salaries that these roles can offer. With the right skills and training, individuals can build a successful career in AI and ML, and take advantage of the many opportunities that these technologies are creating. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a fresher, the field of AI and ML has something to offer, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this rapidly evolving industry.
In conclusion, the future of AI and ML in India looks bright, with more than a million roles expected to be created by 2026. With average annual salary growth expected to be around 15-20%, and top-tier ML jobs potentially fetching salaries of up to ₹80 lakh per annum, it’s an exciting time to build a career in these areas. Whether you’re looking to work remotely for a US firm or build a career with an Indian company, the opportunities are endless, and the potential for growth and development is vast.
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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