AI Skills Now In 15.4% Of Tech Jobs

A recent report by Naukri has found that AI-related skills are now featured in 15.4% of technology job descriptions, marking a significant increase from 0.9% in 2020. This represents a nearly 17-fold increase in employer demand over the past six years.

The report, which drew insights from nearly 27,000 professionals across 80+ industries and 15+ cities, analyzed over 3 lakh job descriptions. It found that AI adoption is spreading beyond traditional technology functions, with mentions of AI-related skills in non-technology job descriptions increasing from 0.26% in 2020 to 1.59% in 2026.

According to Sumeet Singh, Group CMO, Info Edge (India) Ltd, AI is no longer a future trend, but is already reshaping how India works. He emphasized the importance of readiness in the face of this rapid change.

The report also found that professionals with AI skills earn higher median salaries across both IT and non-IT roles than peers without AI skills. AI-enabled roles have recorded stronger salary growth over the past four years, reinforcing the growing business value of AI expertise.

AI hiring has grown fastest among professionals with 13 to 16 years of experience, followed by those with 16+ years. Recruiter demand has also increased significantly for higher salary brackets, including Rs 40-49 lakh and Rs 50 lakh and above.

AI usage is particularly high among professionals working in AI-intensive functions, such as Product Management, Data Science and Analytics, and Engineering, Software and QA. These professionals rely heavily on AI in their work, highlighting the importance of AI skills in these fields.

The report notes that India's AI journey has entered a new phase, with organizations accelerating AI adoption and demand for specialized skills continuing to grow. However, sustained investment in workforce development will be crucial in determining how effectively businesses and professionals realize AI's full potential.

As AI continues to transform the workplace, it is clear that professionals with AI skills will be in high demand. With the report finding that AI skills can boost salary prospects, it is essential for professionals to develop these skills to remain competitive in the job market.

In conclusion, the surge in demand for AI skills is a significant trend that is shaping the future of work in India. As AI adoption continues to expand beyond tech roles, it is essential for professionals and organizations to be prepared to harness the full potential of AI.

The report's findings have significant implications for the Indian job market, highlighting the need for professionals to develop AI skills to remain competitive. With AI usage high in key functions, it is clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of work in India.

Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the growing demand for AI skills in India, and highlights the importance of sustained investment in workforce development to realize the full potential of AI.