AI/ML jobs may pay up to ₹80 lakh per annum in 2026: Report
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is booming, and India is no exception. With the increasing demand for AI and ML professionals, the job market is expected to witness a significant surge in the coming years. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India will host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026, with average annual salary growth expected at 15-20%. This is a promising trend for professionals looking to make a career in this field, with senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms potentially earning salaries equivalent to ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA).
The report highlights the growing demand for AI and ML professionals in India, with top-tier ML jobs expected to fetch salaries up to ₹80 LPA. This is a significant increase from the current average salaries, and it’s not just limited to experienced professionals. Even freshers can expect packages of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles, making it an attractive career option for students and young professionals.
The growth of AI and ML in India can be attributed to the increasing adoption of these technologies across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Companies are leveraging AI and ML to improve their operations, enhance customer experience, and gain a competitive edge in the market. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop and implement AI and ML solutions is on the rise.
Senior AI engineers, in particular, are in high demand, with many US firms looking to hire talent from India to work on their AI and ML projects. With the option to work remotely, these professionals can earn salaries equivalent to ₹60-₹80 LPA, making it a lucrative career option. The report notes that these professionals can work on complex AI and ML projects, including natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
The average annual salary growth of 15-20% is a significant increase, and it’s expected to continue in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for AI and ML professionals, as well as the limited supply of skilled talent in the market. As a result, companies are willing to pay premium salaries to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
The report also highlights the various job roles that are in demand in the AI and ML industry. Some of the top job roles include:
- AI/ML engineer: Responsible for developing and implementing AI and ML models to solve complex business problems.
- Data scientist: Responsible for analyzing and interpreting complex data to gain insights and make informed decisions.
- Business analyst: Responsible for working with stakeholders to identify business needs and develop AI and ML solutions to address them.
- Solution architect: Responsible for designing and implementing AI and ML solutions to meet business requirements.
These job roles require a combination of technical and business skills, including programming languages such as Python, R, and Java, as well as knowledge of AI and ML algorithms and frameworks. Professionals with experience in these areas can expect to be in high demand, with companies willing to pay premium salaries to attract and retain top talent.
In conclusion, the AI and ML job market in India is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, with average annual salary growth expected at 15-20%. Senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms can earn salaries equivalent to ₹60-₹80 LPA, while freshers can expect packages of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles. With the increasing demand for AI and ML professionals, it’s an exciting time for students and professionals looking to make a career in this field.
As the demand for AI and ML professionals continues to grow, it’s essential for companies to invest in training and development programs to upskill their employees. This will not only help to address the shortage of skilled talent in the market but also ensure that companies have the necessary skills and expertise to leverage AI and ML to drive business growth.
For professionals looking to make a career in AI and ML, it’s essential to develop a strong foundation in programming languages, AI and ML algorithms, and frameworks. Additionally, having experience in industries such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce can be beneficial, as these industries are among the largest adopters of AI and ML technologies.
Overall, the future of AI and ML in India looks promising, with significant growth expected in the coming years. With the right skills and expertise, professionals can expect to be in high demand, with companies willing to pay premium salaries to attract and retain top talent.
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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