India’s AI and machine learning sector continues its rapid expansion, and hence, salary projections for 2026 hint at lucrative opportunities across experience levels. Freshers are expected to start at competitive packages and seniors will be commanding premium compensation boosted by specialised skills.
According to industry analysis by TestLeaf,, the demand for AI/ML professionals is expected to support over 1 million job roles by 2026, driven by a 40%+ year-on-year growth in the market. Salaries are forecasted to rise 15–20% annually, allowing dedicated professionals to progress from around Rs 7 LPA early in their careers to Rs 30 LPA or more within five years, often supplemented by bonuses and equity stock options.
AI/ML salary structure by experience level
The compensation varies significantly based on years of experience:
Freshers (0–2 years): Starting packages range from Rs 5–9 LPA, with AI engineers typically earning Rs 6–9 LPA and ML engineers Rs 5–8 LPA. Entry-level roles include AI/ML Associates or Junior Engineers.
Mid-Level (3–6 years): Salaries escalate to Rs 10–20 LPA, averaging Rs 12–20 LPA for AI engineers and Rs 10–18 LPA for ML engineers. Common positions at this stage are ML Developers, AI Engineers, or Data Scientists.
Senior-Level (7+ years): Top earners can expect Rs 20–45 LPA or higher, with AI engineers reaching Rs 25–45 LPA+ and ML engineers Rs 20–40 LPA+. Leadership roles such as Lead AI Engineer, MLOps Architect, or AI Consultant dominate here. Seniors with global remote opportunities may see equivalents of Rs 60–80 LPA.
Location plays a key role in determining pay scales, with tech hubs offering the highest figures.
For example, Bengaluru leads with Rs 15–40 LPA for mid-to-senior roles, whereas Delhi NCR follows with an average salary range of Rs 10–28 LPA.
Factors driving higher salaries
Several elements can significantly boost earnings:
Skills premium: Mastery of tools like Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and LangChain adds 20–30%. Expertise in Generative AI and LLMs yields up to 35% premium, while MLOps skills contribute 20%.
Industry focus: Roles in Fintech and Healthcare often pay 1.5 times more than traditional service-based companies.
Company type: Multinational corporations provide structured bonuses, whereas startups offer aggressive ESOPs.
Additional boosts: Certifications, strong project portfolios, and upskilling in areas like AI-driven testing can lead to substantial hikes.
These projections highlight AI/ML engineering as one of India’s most rewarding tech careers in 2026, with specialised expertise in emerging technologies like Generative AI, positioning professionals for the highest compensation brackets.
