India's AI talent can earn ₹60 lakh a year. Here's which skills pay the most

The landscape of employment in India is rapidly transforming as artificial intelligence continues to rise in prominence. A recent study by 1 Finance reveals that experienced Generative AI engineers can command impressive salaries averaging ₹60 lakh annually. This shift is largely driven by the emergence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which are now reshaping the job market and offering pay packages akin to those of high-ranking executives. The findings, part of the 1 Finance Global Economic Outlook Report 2026, highlight the growing demand for expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Roles related to AI are now attracting significantly higher salaries compared to traditional IT positions, reflecting the urgent need for specialized talent in the sector. Currently, GCCs provide approximately 10.4 million jobs in India, and their demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. Among the most lucrative positions is that of a Generative AI engineer, particularly for those with over eight years of experience, who can earn around ₹60 lakh per year. For professionals with three to five years in the field, salaries average about ₹25 lakh, while entry-level positions start at around ₹12 lakh annually. Cybersecurity experts are also well-compensated, earning an average of ₹55 lakh for those with substantial experience. Likewise, cloud computing and data engineering roles offer impressive salaries of approximately ₹45 lakh and ₹42 lakh, respectively. The report indicates that GCCs typically offer salaries that are 12-20% higher than traditional IT service companies, with AI and data science roles enjoying even more significant premiums of 30-50%. The GCC sector undeniably serves as a major engine for employment in India, currently supporting 10.4 million jobs—2.1 million of which are direct positions. Projections suggest that this figure could increase from 2 million in 2025 to 2.8 million by 2030, showcasing a remarkable 40% growth. Furthermore, the export revenues from GCCs are expected to escalate from $65 billion in FY24 to $110 billion by FY30, effectively doubling their contribution to the nation's GDP from 1% to 2%. The report also outlines a surge in AI adoption within Indian GCCs, rising from 65% in FY19 to 86% in FY24, alongside a significant increase in cybersecurity measures, which rose from 55% to 88%. Animesh Hardia, Senior Vice President of Quantitative Research at 1 Finance, commented on the salary trends, noting, "The GCC story is India's strongest employment narrative right now. We're generating the talent needed, but the lack of funding in the ecosystem poses challenges. Indian professionals are earning high wages without equity in the AI economy." Looking ahead, the report cautions that AI's expansion could displace around 2 million tech jobs over the next five years. However, with adequate support and training initiatives, India has the potential to create up to 4 million new jobs linked to AI, including roles in engineering, data science, cloud architecture, and applied AI deployment. For aspiring professionals, mastering these emerging technologies could lead to lucrative salaries that were once the exclusive domain of top executives.