AI Job Salaries Rise 23% in India Since 2024

Salaries for artificial intelligence-related jobs in India have increased by 23% since 2024, according to a report by jobs platform Foundit. This growth is significant, with AI pay rising by 12% in the latest year alone.

In contrast, some traditional technology roles have seen stagnant or declining compensation. Computer hardware and e-commerce have reported declines, while IT services have remained largely unchanged.

The report highlights the growing demand for AI professionals, with entry-level professionals earning between Rs 8.87 lakh and Rs 15.41 lakh annually. Senior professionals with more than 15 years of experience can earn up to Rs 70.99-89.24 lakh per year.

Bengaluru remains the highest-paying AI market in India, with senior professionals earning Rs 61.70-91.25 lakh annually. This is around 10-15% more than what professionals in NCR or Mumbai earn, and up to 40% more than those in Chennai.

Hyderabad is emerging as a strong challenger, driven by growing global capability centres and product engineering investments. Cybersecurity professionals can earn even higher salaries, with a ceiling of Rs 97.81 lakh.

In contrast, entry-level IT and IT services salaries range between Rs 2.68 lakh and Rs 5.08 lakh, while professionals with more than 15 years of experience can earn Rs 57.55-72.13 lakh. Both categories recorded a 1% decline in pay last year.

The report also highlights the growth of other specialized skills, with semiconductors recording 17% compounded salary growth over two years, and industrial automation posting 13% growth.

The rise of AI salaries in India reflects the growing importance of this technology in the country's job market. As companies increasingly adopt AI and machine learning, the demand for skilled professionals is likely to continue to drive up salaries.

The growth of AI salaries also has implications for the broader tech industry, as traditional roles decline in value. This shift is likely to have significant effects on the job market, as professionals adapt to the changing landscape.

In conclusion, the report highlights the significant growth of AI salaries in India, driven by the increasing demand for specialized skills. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is likely that AI salaries will remain a key area of growth and development.