AI Salaries in India Surge 23% Since 2024 as Traditional Tech Pay Slips: Report

AI salaries in India have surged 23% since 2024, with experienced professionals commanding significantly higher pay as demand for specialised technology skills continues to outpace traditional IT roles.

AI Salaries in India Rise 23% Since 2024

Salaries for artificial intelligence-related roles in India have recorded strong growth over the past two years, while compensation in several conventional technology segments has remained flat or declined, according to a report by jobs platform foundit.

The report highlights a widening gap between emerging technology skills and traditional IT roles, as companies increasingly seek professionals with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors and automation.

AI Pay Records Strong Growth

AI-related salaries recorded a 23% compounded increase between 2024 and 2026, making the segment one of the strongest performers in the technology job market.

During the latest year alone, AI salaries increased by 12%, marking the highest annual growth among the categories covered in the report.

The trend indicates that companies are willing to offer higher compensation to attract and retain professionals with specialised artificial intelligence capabilities.

Other Technology Segments Also See Salary Growth

AI was followed by Computer and Network Security and Semiconductors, with both sectors recording 9% salary growth during the latest period tracked.

However, the salary trend was not uniform across the technology industry. Computer hardware and e-commerce witnessed declines, while salaries in IT services remained broadly unchanged.

Senior AI Professionals Earn Nearly Rs 90 Lakh

Experience continues to have a major impact on AI compensation in India.

Professionals with up to three years of experience can earn between Rs 8.87 lakh and Rs 15.41 lakh annually. At the other end of the experience spectrum, professionals with more than 15 years of experience can command salaries ranging from Rs 70.99 lakh to Rs 89.24 lakh per year.

The figures underline the premium companies are placing on experienced AI talent capable of handling complex projects and specialised responsibilities.

Bengaluru Leads India's AI Salary Market

Bengaluru continues to stand out as India's highest-paying market for AI professionals.

Senior AI professionals in the city can earn between Rs 61.70 lakh and Rs 91.25 lakh annually. According to the report, these salaries are around 10–15% higher than those offered in the NCR and Mumbai markets.

At the upper end, Bengaluru's AI salaries can be as much as 40% higher than those in Chennai, highlighting the city's strong position in India's technology ecosystem.

Hyderabad Emerging as a Major AI Hub

Hyderabad is also strengthening its position as an important technology and AI employment centre.

The city's growing presence of global capability centres (GCCs) and increasing investments in product engineering are contributing to demand for specialised technology professionals.

This expansion could further increase competition for experienced AI and engineering talent across India's major technology hubs.

Cybersecurity Offers High Salary Potential

While AI has emerged as one of the fastest-growing salary segments, cybersecurity professionals can also command exceptionally high compensation.

The salary ceiling for cybersecurity roles reaches Rs 97.81 lakh, according to the report.

The strong pay potential reflects the increasing importance of protecting digital infrastructure, networks and data as organisations expand their technology operations.

Traditional IT Salaries Face Pressure

The salary trend for conventional IT roles has been considerably weaker compared with AI.

Entry-level professionals in IT and IT services earn between Rs 2.68 lakh and Rs 5.08 lakh annually. Professionals with more than 15 years of experience can earn between Rs 57.55 lakh and Rs 72.13 lakh.

However, salaries in both experience categories declined by 1% during the latest year, contrasting with the double-digit growth recorded in AI.

The trend suggests that traditional technology roles are facing greater compensation pressure as businesses increasingly prioritise specialised and emerging digital skills.

Semiconductors and Automation Gain Momentum

The report also points to strong salary growth in specialised technology-linked industries beyond AI.

Semiconductor salaries increased by 17% on a compounded basis over two years, while industrial automation recorded 13% growth during the same period.

These trends reflect growing demand for specialised capabilities in areas connected with advanced manufacturing, automation and next-generation technology.

Growing Premium for Specialised Skills

The contrasting salary movements across technology sectors highlight a broader shift in India's employment market.

AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors and industrial automation are benefiting from increased demand for specialised expertise, while some legacy technology segments are experiencing slower salary growth.

For professionals, the trend highlights the growing value of developing skills in emerging technologies. For employers, it also points to increasing competition for experienced talent in high-demand fields.

Conclusion

India's AI job market is witnessing a significant salary boom, with compensation rising 23% since 2024 and senior professionals earning up to Rs 89.24 lakh annually. Meanwhile, traditional IT salaries have faced modest declines, underscoring the growing premium for specialised technology skills.