AI/ML jobs may pay up to ₹80 lakh per annum in 2026: Report
The world of artificial intelligence and machine learning is rapidly evolving, and India is poised to be at the forefront of this revolution. According to a recent analysis by Testleaf, the country is expected to host more than a million AI and ML roles by 2026. This surge in demand for AI and ML professionals is likely 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 report highlights the growing trend of remote work, especially in the tech industry, where professionals can work with top-tier companies from anywhere in the world. This has opened up new opportunities for Indian professionals to work with global companies and earn salaries that are comparable to their international counterparts. Senior AI engineers, in particular, can expect to earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum, making them among the highest-paid professionals in the country.
But it’s not just experienced professionals who are likely to benefit from this trend. Freshers can also expect to earn attractive packages, ranging from ₹5-₹9 lakh per annum for AI and ML roles. This is significantly higher than the average salary for freshers in other industries, making AI and ML a lucrative career option for young professionals.
The average annual salary growth for AI and ML professionals is expected to be around 15-20%, which is significantly higher than the national average. This is driven by the growing demand for AI and ML talent, as well as the increasing complexity of projects that require specialized skills. As companies continue to invest in AI and ML, the demand for skilled professionals is likely to remain high, driving up salaries and benefits.
The report also highlights the importance of upskilling and reskilling for professionals who want to remain relevant in the job market. With the rapid evolution of AI and ML technologies, professionals need to continuously update their skills to remain competitive. This includes learning new programming languages, such as Python and R, as well as developing expertise in areas like deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
The growth of AI and ML in India is also likely to have a positive impact on the economy. As more companies invest in AI and ML, it is likely to lead to the creation of new jobs, not just in the tech industry but also in other sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. This, in turn, is likely to drive economic growth and increase the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
In addition to the financial benefits, a career in AI and ML can also be highly rewarding from a professional perspective. Professionals in this field have the opportunity to work on complex and challenging projects, using cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems. This can be a highly motivating and fulfilling experience, especially for those who are passionate about technology and innovation.
However, the report also highlights the challenges of working in the AI and ML industry. One of the biggest challenges is the need for continuous learning and upskilling, as mentioned earlier. This can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. Additionally, the industry is highly competitive, and professionals need to be able to adapt quickly to changing technologies and trends.
Despite these challenges, the future of AI and ML in India looks bright. With the government’s focus on promoting the use of AI and ML in various sectors, the industry is likely to continue growing and evolving in the coming years. As more companies invest in AI and ML, it is likely to lead to the creation of new job opportunities, as well as an increase in salaries and benefits for professionals in this field.
In conclusion, the report by Testleaf highlights the significant opportunities available in the AI and ML industry in India. With salaries ranging from ₹5-₹80 lakh per annum, it is an attractive career option for professionals who are passionate about technology and innovation. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it is likely to have a positive impact on the economy and create new job opportunities for professionals 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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