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 play a significant role in this growth. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India will host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This is a significant increase from the current numbers, and it is expected to have a major impact on the job market.
One of the most interesting aspects of this report is the expected salary growth for AI and ML professionals. The average annual salary growth is expected to be around 15-20%, which is significantly higher than the average salary growth in other industries. This is because AI and ML are highly specialized fields that require a lot of expertise and training, and companies are willing to pay top dollar to attract and retain the best talent.
But what’s even more exciting is that senior AI engineers who work remotely for US firms can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA). This is a staggering amount, and it’s a testament to the high demand for AI and ML talent in the industry. These professionals will be working on complex projects that involve developing and implementing AI and ML algorithms, and their expertise will be crucial in driving business growth and innovation.
But it’s not just senior professionals who will benefit from this trend. Freshers can also expect to earn attractive packages for AI and ML roles. According to the report, freshers can expect to earn packages ranging from ₹5-₹9 LPA, which is significantly higher than the average salary for freshers in other industries. This is because companies are looking to attract young and talented professionals who can help them build their AI and ML capabilities, and they are willing to pay a premium to get the best talent.
The growth of AI and ML in India is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing adoption of digital technologies, the availability of large amounts of data, and the growing demand for automation and efficiency. As more and more companies look to leverage AI and ML to drive business growth and innovation, the demand for AI and ML professionals is expected to increase exponentially.
The report also highlights the importance of remote work in the AI and ML industry. With the pandemic having accelerated the shift to remote work, many companies are now open to hiring professionals who can work from anywhere. This has opened up new opportunities for AI and ML professionals who can work remotely for US firms and earn attractive salaries.
In terms of the skills required for AI and ML roles, the report highlights the importance of expertise in areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Professionals who have experience in these areas will be in high demand, and they can expect to earn attractive salaries.
Overall, the report paints a very positive picture for the AI and ML industry in India. With the expected growth in demand for AI and ML professionals, and the attractive salaries on offer, it’s an exciting time for professionals who are looking to build a career in this field.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see new and innovative applications of AI and ML emerge. From healthcare to finance, and from retail to manufacturing, AI and ML are expected to have a major impact on a wide range of industries. And with India expected to play a significant role in this growth, it’s an exciting time for professionals who are looking to build a career in this field.
In conclusion, the report by Testleaf highlights the exciting opportunities that are available in the AI and ML industry in India. With attractive salaries, a wide range of job opportunities, and the chance to work on complex and innovative projects, it’s an exciting time for professionals who are looking to build a career in this field.
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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