Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are not just tech buzzwords anymore — they’re career-defining paths in 2026. India’s AI job market has grown by over 40% year-on-year, with demand soaring across every industry — from finance and healthcare to testing and automation. Whether you’re a fresher exploring AI or a senior engineer eyeing leadership roles, understanding the salary landscape can help you plan smarter.
Let’s break down AI & ML Engineer salaries in India for 2026, explore the key skills that drive pay hikes, and uncover how AI is even reshaping traditional domains like software testing.
What Does an AI or ML Engineer Do?
AI and ML engineers design intelligent systems that can think, learn, and predict using massive data sets. An ML Engineer focuses on data pipelines, model training, and deployment, while an AI Engineer works on broader problem-solving — combining ML, automation, and sometimes natural-language or generative models.
Their work powers chatbots, recommendation engines, self-driving tech, fraud detection, and even intelligent test automation frameworks. As companies race to infuse intelligence into every product, AI and ML engineers are now some of the most sought-after professionals in India.
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AI & ML Engineer Salary in India (2026)
| Experience Level | AI Engineer Salary (Annual) | ML Engineer Salary (Annual) | Typical Role Titles |
| Freshers (0–2 yrs) | ₹6 LPA – ₹9 LPA | ₹5 LPA – ₹8 LPA | AI/ML Associate, Junior Engineer |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | ₹12 LPA – ₹20 LPA | ₹10 LPA – ₹18 LPA | ML Developer, AI Engineer, Data Scientist |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | ₹25 LPA – ₹45 LPA + | ₹20 LPA – ₹40 LPA + | Lead AI Engineer, MLOps Architect, AI Consultant |
Global remote roles pay even more — senior AI engineers working remotely for US firms can earn ₹60 LPA – ₹80 LPA equivalent.
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City-Wise Salary Breakdown
In India’s tech corridors, salaries vary widely by location:
| City | Average AI/ML Engineer Salary |
| Bengaluru | ₹15 – 40 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹12 – 32 LPA |
| Pune / Mumbai | ₹10 – 30 LPA |
| Chennai / Coimbatore | ₹9 – 25 LPA |
| Delhi NCR | ₹10 – 28 LPA |
Bengaluru continues to lead India’s AI wave, while tier-2 hubs like Coimbatore and Chennai are fast catching up as companies decentralize their tech talent hubs.
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Factors That Influence AI & ML Salaries
Several factors can cause pay to fluctuate dramatically:
1. Skill Stack – Expertise in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, LangChain, and MLOps can boost salaries by 20 – 30%.
2. Industry Domain – Fintech and Healthcare AI roles often pay 1.5× higher than service-based companies.
3. Company Type – Start-ups offer aggressive ESOPs, while MNCs offer structured pay with bonuses.
4. Certifications & Projects – Proven project portfolios and AI certifications strongly influence pay hikes.
5. Location & Remote Work – Global remote jobs pay 2× to 3× the local average.
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AI in Software Testing — The Unexpected Game-Changer
One of the fastest-rising applications of AI today is AI in Software Testing. Modern QA teams now use AI-powered models to detect flaky tests, predict defect patterns, and generate test data automatically. Tools using AI can even write or self-heal test scripts when UI elements change — reducing manual maintenance by over 50%.
This has opened a new vertical for professionals who blend automation testing with AI. Many automation testers in 2026 are transitioning into AI Testing Engineers, commanding salaries between ₹12 LPA and ₹22 LPA after upskilling.
If you’re already into Selenium, Playwright, or API testing, learning AI in Software Testing can dramatically raise your career and salary potential.
Skills That Drive Higher Salaries
AI & ML salaries grow fastest for those who combine strong technical and domain skills. Here’s how specific skills influence earnings:
| Skill / Tool | Salary Impact (Approx.) |
| Python + TensorFlow + PyTorch | +25 % |
| MLOps (AWS SageMaker, MLflow) | +20 % |
| Generative AI (LLMs, LangChain) | +35 % |
| Data Engineering (SQL, Spark) | +15 % |
| AI in Testing & Automation | +30 % |
Upskilling in Generative AI and AI Testing provides the biggest leap in pay, especially for mid-level engineers moving into leadership roles.
Career Growth — From Fresher to Senior Engineer
· 0 – 2 Years: Learn the fundamentals — Python, statistics, ML basics. Build small AI projects or Kaggle challenges.
· 3 – 6 Years: Move into specialized areas like NLP, computer vision, or MLOps.
· 7 + Years: Lead teams, design AI systems, consult for multiple products, or start your own AI solutions venture.
In just five years, a dedicated AI/ML engineer can grow from ₹7 LPA to ₹30 LPA plus bonuses and stock options.
Global Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
By 2026, India will host over 1 million AI & ML job roles, with average salary growth expected at 15–20 % year-on-year. The rise of GenAI and enterprise-level automation is pushing demand for engineers who understand both AI systems and real-world product integration.
Those who can blend data engineering, model deployment, and AI-driven testing will be at the forefront of India’s tech revolution.
Conclusion
2026 is shaping up as the golden era for AI & ML engineers in India. From freshers to senior professionals, the opportunities — and paychecks — are expanding faster than ever before.
If you’re already in QA or automation, diving into AI in Software Testing or MLOps can transform your career trajectory. And if you’re starting fresh, now is the best time to learn, build projects, and step into one of the most rewarding tech careers of the decade.
FAQs
Q1. What is the starting salary of an AI or ML Engineer in India in 2026?
Freshers typically earn ₹5 LPA – ₹9 LPA, depending on technical skills, project experience, and location.
Q2. Which city pays the highest salary for AI & ML engineers in India?
Bengaluru leads with average salaries ranging from ₹15 LPA to ₹40 LPA for mid to senior roles.
Q3. What skills increase AI & ML engineer salaries?
Experience with Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, MLOps, and Generative AI can boost salaries by 20–35%.
Q4. Can software testers transition into AI careers?
Yes. Test automation engineers are moving into AI testing and MLOps, earning ₹12 LPA–₹22 LPA after upskilling.
Q5. Will AI & ML salaries grow further in India?
Yes. Demand is rising across industries, with 15–20% projected year-on-year salary growth.
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Author’s Bio:
Content Writer at Testleaf, specializing in SEO-driven content for test automation, software development, and cybersecurity. I turn complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories that educate, inspire, and drive digital transformation.
Ezhirkadhir Raja
Content Writer – Testleaf
