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 trend in the coming years. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India is likely to host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This surge in demand for AI/ML professionals is expected to lead to a significant increase in salaries, with senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms potentially earning up to ₹80 lakh per annum.
The average annual salary growth for AI/ML roles is expected to be around 15-20%, which is significantly higher than the average salary growth in other industries. This is due to the increasing demand for AI/ML professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology. As companies continue to adopt AI and ML technologies to improve their operations and services, the need for skilled professionals who can develop and implement these technologies is expected to rise.
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a career in AI/ML is the potential for high salaries. Senior AI engineers, who have several years of experience and work remotely for US firms, can earn salaries equivalent to ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum. This is significantly higher than the average salary for other engineering roles, and it’s a testament to the high demand for skilled AI/ML professionals.
However, it’s not just experienced professionals who can benefit from the growing demand for AI/ML skills. Freshers who are just starting their careers can also expect attractive salary packages for AI/ML roles. According to the report, freshers can expect packages ranging from ₹5-₹9 lakh per annum, which is significantly higher than the average starting salary for other engineering roles.
The growing demand for AI/ML professionals is not limited to India. The global demand for AI/ML skills is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with companies across the world looking to adopt AI and ML technologies to improve their operations and services. This means that Indian professionals who have the necessary skills and experience can expect to have a wide range of job opportunities, both in India and abroad.
To take advantage of the growing demand for AI/ML skills, it’s essential for professionals to have the necessary education and training. This can include degrees in computer science, mathematics, or statistics, as well as specialized courses and certifications in AI and ML. Additionally, professionals should have a strong understanding of programming languages such as Python, R, and Java, as well as experience with AI and ML frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
In addition to technical skills, professionals should also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in teams. They should also be able to communicate complex technical ideas in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing.
The growth of the AI/ML industry is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian economy. As the demand for AI/ML professionals continues to rise, it’s likely that we’ll see the emergence of new companies and startups that specialize in AI and ML technologies. This can lead to the creation of new job opportunities, not just for AI/ML professionals, but also for professionals in related fields such as data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the future of AI/ML jobs in India looks bright, with salaries expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Senior AI engineers can expect to earn up to ₹80 lakh per annum, while freshers can expect packages ranging from ₹5-₹9 lakh per annum. To take advantage of the growing demand for AI/ML skills, it’s essential for professionals to have the necessary education and training, as well as strong technical, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
As the AI/ML industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see new and exciting developments in the coming years. From the emergence of new companies and startups to the creation of new job opportunities, the future of AI/ML in India is looking bright.
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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