Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are no longer future focused technologies. They are already shaping how companies operate across India, and this shift is clearly reflected in salary trends. From fresh graduates to senior experts, professionals in AI and ML are seeing steady and sharp growth in pay. By 2026, these roles are expected to rank among the highest paying jobs in the Indian tech sector.
Industry analysis by a training and research platform shows that India’s AI and ML market is growing at a rate of more than forty percent every year. The ecosystem is expected to support over one million job roles by 2026.
For freshers, starting salaries in AI and ML usually range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh per year. These figures are already higher than many traditional information technology roles. As professionals gain practical experience and work on real projects, their income rises quickly.
Those with three to five years of experience often earn between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per year. At this stage, practical skills matter more than academic degrees. Professionals who understand data handling, model training and deployment are in high demand.
Senior professionals with more than seven years of experience see the biggest jump in pay. Experts working as AI architects, senior data scientists or ML leads can earn between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 45 lakh per year. In some cases, salaries go even higher for those managing large teams or leading critical projects.
One major reason for this rapid growth is the shortage of skilled talent. While many people are learning AI, companies are looking for professionals who can solve real business problems, not just write code.
The use of AI is also expanding across industries such as finance, healthcare, ecommerce and media. This has increased competition for skilled workers. Specialised skills in areas like Python, deep learning, generative AI and MLOps further boost salary prospects.
Location also plays a role. Bengaluru remains the leading hub for AI jobs, followed by Delhi NCR, Hyderabad and Pune. Startups offer faster growth and stock options, while large companies provide stability, structured bonuses and global exposure.
As India’s AI ecosystem grows, these skills are becoming essential for future careers. Professionals who keep upgrading their knowledge are likely to benefit the most.
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