AI/ML jobs may pay up to ₹80 lakh per annum in 2026: Report
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is rapidly evolving, and India is 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 not only creating new job opportunities but also driving up salaries. In fact, senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum (LPA). Even freshers can expect packages of ₹5-₹9 LPA for AI/ML roles, making these jobs some of the most lucrative in the industry.
The average annual salary growth for AI and ML roles 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 becoming increasingly important for businesses, and companies are willing to pay top dollar for professionals who can help them leverage these technologies. As a result, AI and ML professionals are in high demand, and their salaries are reflecting this demand.
One of the main drivers of the growth in AI and ML salaries is the increasing adoption of these technologies by businesses. Companies are using AI and ML to automate processes, improve customer experiences, and gain insights from data. This is creating a huge demand for professionals who can develop and implement AI and ML solutions. As a result, companies are willing to pay high salaries to attract and retain top talent in the field.
Another factor contributing to the growth in AI and ML salaries is the shortage of skilled professionals in the field. While there are many people interested in pursuing careers in AI and ML, there is a lack of skilled professionals who have the necessary expertise and experience. This shortage is driving up salaries, as companies are forced to compete for the limited number of skilled professionals available.
The report by Testleaf also highlights the fact that remote work is becoming increasingly common in the AI and ML industry. Many companies are open to hiring professionals who can work remotely, which is creating new opportunities for people who want to work in the field. Senior AI engineers who work remotely for US firms can earn salary equivalents of ₹60-₹80 lakh per annum, which is significantly higher than the average salary for AI and ML professionals in India.
For freshers, the job market for AI and ML roles is also looking promising. Many companies are willing to hire freshers and train them in AI and ML technologies. The average salary for freshers in AI and ML roles is around ₹5-₹9 LPA, which is competitive with other industries. However, as freshers gain experience and develop their skills, they can expect their salaries to increase rapidly.
The growth in AI and ML salaries is not limited to India. Globally, AI and ML professionals are in high demand, and their salaries are reflecting this demand. According to a report by Glassdoor, the average salary for an AI engineer in the United States is around $141,000 per year, which is equivalent to around ₹1 crore per annum. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the average salary for an AI engineer is around £62,000 per year, which is equivalent to around ₹60 lakh per annum.
In conclusion, the job market for AI and ML professionals is looking promising, with high salaries and a huge demand for skilled professionals. As the adoption of AI and ML technologies continues to grow, we can expect the demand for AI and ML professionals to increase, driving up salaries even further. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, a career in AI and ML can be highly rewarding, both in terms of salary and personal satisfaction.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the role of AI and ML professionals will become even more critical. They will be responsible for developing and implementing AI and ML solutions that can help businesses automate processes, improve customer experiences, and gain insights from data. As a result, AI and ML professionals will be in high demand, and their salaries will reflect this demand.
For those who are interested in pursuing a career in AI and ML, there are many resources available to help them get started. There are many online courses and tutorials that can help you learn the basics of AI and ML, as well as more advanced topics such as deep learning and natural language processing. Additionally, there are many communities and forums where you can connect with other AI and ML professionals and learn from their experiences.
In terms of the future, the prospects for AI and ML professionals look bright. As the adoption of AI and ML technologies continues to grow, we can expect the demand for AI and ML professionals to increase, driving up salaries even further. Additionally, as AI and ML technologies continue to evolve, we can expect new job opportunities to emerge, such as AI ethicist, AI researcher, and AI consultant.
Overall, the future of AI and ML is looking bright, and the job market for AI and ML professionals is expected to continue to grow. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, a career in AI and ML can be highly rewarding, both in terms of salary and personal satisfaction.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/technology/2026-ai-wave-top-tier-ml-jobs-may-fetch-up-to-rs-80-lpa-salaries
About the Author
