AI/ML jobs may pay up to ₹80 lakh per annum in 2026: Report
The artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) industry is booming, and India is expected to be at the forefront of this revolution. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, the country will host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This is a significant increase from the current numbers, and it’s not just the quantity of jobs that’s impressive – the salaries for these roles are also expected to be substantial.
The average annual salary growth for AI and ML roles is expected to be around 15-20% per annum. This is much higher than the average salary growth in other industries, and it’s a testament to the high demand for skilled professionals in this field. But what’s even more exciting is that senior AI engineers, working remotely for US firms, can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA). This is a staggering amount, and it’s a clear indication that companies are willing to pay top dollar for talent in this field.
But it’s not just experienced professionals who can expect high salaries. Freshers can also expect a decent package for AI/ML roles, with salaries ranging from ₹5-₹9 LPA. This is a great starting point for young professionals who are looking to kickstart their careers in this field. And with the average salary growth expected to be around 15-20% per annum, there’s a lot of room for growth and advancement in the coming years.
So, what’s driving this demand for AI and ML professionals? The answer lies in the fact that these technologies are being adopted across industries, from healthcare to finance to e-commerce. Companies are looking to leverage AI and ML to gain a competitive edge, and they need skilled professionals to help them do so. Whether it’s building chatbots, developing predictive models, or creating personalized recommendations, AI and ML are being used in a wide range of applications.
And it’s not just Indian companies that are driving this demand. US firms are also looking to hire AI and ML talent from India, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for it. This is because India has a large pool of skilled professionals in this field, and companies are looking to tap into this talent pool to drive innovation and growth.
But what does this mean for professionals who are looking to transition into AI and ML roles? The good news is that there are many resources available to help them make this transition. From online courses to boot camps, there are many ways to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field. And with the demand for AI and ML professionals expected to continue growing in the coming years, there’s never been a better time to make this transition.
In addition, the fact that many companies are open to hiring remote workers is a big plus. This means that professionals can work from anywhere in the country, and they don’t need to be limited by geographical location. This is especially beneficial for professionals who are looking to work with US firms, as they can do so from the comfort of their own homes.
However, it’s worth noting that the competition for AI and ML roles is expected to be fierce. With so many professionals looking to transition into this field, companies can afford to be picky. This means that professionals need to have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python, R, and Java, as well as experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
In conclusion, the future of AI and ML jobs in India looks bright. With the demand for skilled professionals expected to continue growing, and salaries expected to reach up to ₹80 lakh per annum, there’s never been a better time to be in this field. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a fresher, there are many opportunities available to you. So, if you’re looking to transition into an AI or ML role, now is the time to do so.
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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