AI/ML Sector Salaries in India: A 2026 Outlook

AI/ML is rapidly transforming the landscape in India, with significant growth expected in the sector by 2026. Salary forecasts indicate some of the most appealing compensation packages within the country’s technology job sector. The demand for AI and ML skills is altering salary structures, career trajectories, and the preferences of professionals regarding their workplaces.

According to analysis conducted by TestLeaf, India’s AI/ML market is projected to grow at an impressive rate of more than 40% each year, anticipating the creation of over one million job roles by 2026. This swift advancement is directly linked to increasing salaries, which are expected to rise by 15-20% annually.

For individuals who continuously enhance their skills, the payoffs can be substantial. Starting incomes may begin around Rs 7 lakh per annum (LPA) at entry-level positions but can escalate to Rs 30 LPA or more within five years, often accompanied by performance bonuses and equity stock options.

How Salaries Stack Up by Experience

Compensation in the AI/ML field varies significantly based on experience and specific roles.

Entry-Level Professionals (0-2 Years)

Fresh graduates can anticipate initial packages ranging from Rs 5-9 LPA. AI engineers typically earn between Rs 6-9 LPA, while ML engineers see figures in the Rs 5-8 LPA range. Common positions include AI/ML Associates and Junior Engineers, where basic skills and project involvement are paramount.

Mid-Level Professionals (3-6 Years)

For mid-level professionals, salaries experience a notable increase, typically ranging from Rs 10-20 LPA. AI engineers in this tier often earn between Rs 12-20 LPA, while ML engineers see Rs 10-18 LPA. Roles such as ML Developer, AI Engineer, and Data Scientist are prevalent in this category.

Senior Professionals (7+ Years)

Senior professionals receive the most significant compensation, with salaries that can start at Rs 20-45 LPA or beyond. AI engineers can earn between Rs 25-45 LPA+, while ML engineers typically see Rs 20-40 LPA+. Leadership roles and specialists such as Lead AI Engineer, MLOps Architect, or AI Consultant are common at this level. Those utilising global remote opportunities may even secure salaries equivalent to Rs 60-80 LPA.

Location Impacts Salary

Geographical factors continue to heavily influence salary scales within the AI/ML sector. Bengaluru leads as the top-paying destination, where mid-to-senior AI/ML professionals can earn between Rs 15-40 LPA. Following closely is Delhi NCR, which offers average salaries ranging from Rs 10-28 LPA, while other technology hubs lag slightly behind.

Factors Influencing Salary Upsurge

Several elements can elevate compensation levels significantly beyond average salaries:

• Skills Demand: Expertise in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and LangChain can enhance pay by 20-30%. Proficiency in Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) can command premiums of up to 35%, while MLOps skills can further elevate salaries by around 20%.
• Industry Type: Positions in fintech and healthcare can offer compensations up to 1.5 times greater than those in traditional IT services.
• Company Structure: Multinational corporations often provide structured bonuses and greater stability, while startups may attract talent through aggressive employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
• Skill Enhancement: Professional certifications, extensive project portfolios, and specialised skills like AI-driven testing can lead to substantial salary increases.