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 this trend in the coming years. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, India is expected to host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This growth is not only limited to the number of jobs but also in terms of salaries. The average annual salary growth for AI/ML roles is expected to be around 15-20%. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the report and explore the various aspects of AI/ML jobs in India.
Senior AI Engineers: The Highest Paid Professionals
The report states that senior AI engineers, working remotely for US firms, can earn salaries equivalent to ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA). This is a significant amount, considering the average salary for a software engineer in India is around ₹15-20 LPA. The high demand for AI/ML professionals, combined with the limited supply of skilled workers, has driven up the salaries for these roles. Senior AI engineers with experience in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics are in high demand, and companies are willing to pay top dollar to attract and retain them.
Freshers: A Promising Start
Freshers in the AI/ML field can also expect a good starting package. According to the report, freshers can expect a package of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles. This is a good starting point, considering the average starting salary for a software engineer in India is around ₹3-5 LPA. The high starting salary for AI/ML freshers is a testament to the growing demand for these skills in the industry. As the field continues to grow, we can expect the starting salaries to increase further.
Growth of AI/ML Industry in India
The growth of the AI/ML industry in India is expected to be driven by several factors. The increasing adoption of digital technologies, the growing demand for automation, and the availability of large amounts of data are some of the key drivers of this growth. The Indian government has also been actively promoting the development of AI/ML in the country, with initiatives like the National AI Strategy and the establishment of the National Institute of Artificial Intelligence.
Skills in Demand
The report highlights the skills that are in demand in the AI/ML industry. Some of the key skills include:
- Python programming: Python is the most widely used programming language in the AI/ML field, and proficiency in Python is a must-have for any AI/ML professional.
- Deep learning: Deep learning is a subset of ML that involves the use of neural networks to analyze data. Skills in deep learning are in high demand, particularly in areas like computer vision and natural language processing.
- Data science: Data science is the process of extracting insights from data, and it’s a critical skill for any AI/ML professional.
- Cloud computing: Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet, and it’s a key technology for deploying AI/ML models.
Conclusion
The report by Testleaf highlights the growing demand for AI/ML professionals in India. With salaries ranging from ₹5-₹80 LPA, the AI/ML field offers a promising career path for professionals. The growth of the AI/ML industry in India is expected to be driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of digital technologies and the availability of large amounts of data. As the field continues to grow, we can expect the demand for AI/ML professionals to increase further.
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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