Salaries for AI Roles Rise 12% as Traditional IT Pay Stagnates

2 Sept 2026, 3:56 pm · 10d ago · 1 min read · YourStory

Salaries for technology professionals possessing artificial intelligence skills grew 12% year-on-year, while compensation in traditional IT roles stagnated or declined, according to a report by foundit. Over the past two years, AI salaries have compounded by 23%. Entry-level AI engineers earn between Rs 8.87 lakh and Rs 15.41 lakh per annum, roughly triple the Rs 2.68 to Rs 5.08 lakh offered to traditional IT freshers. Pay for senior AI specialists with over 15 years of experience ranges from Rs 70.99 lakh to Rs 89.24 lakh annually.