The AI job market witnessed incredible growth, with over 35,000 AI/ML jobs listed on Naukri in April-June 2025 alone.
A recent survey by recruitment portal Nowkri, released on World AI Day, revealed that 86% of Indian job seekers view AI (AI) as an ally rather than a threat.
The findings drawn from insights from over 60,000 job seekers in eight cities and over 20 industries create a clear picture, along with recruiter polls and job analyses. AI-related roles are rapidly increasing. “AI-related roles are growing fast, pay is high, demand is growing not only within that, but across the industry.
There are some concerns for new students, but AI employment growth in entry-level positions has risen by 34%, with senior experts leading the largest payroll premiums. Goyal said, “The gap is clear: those with AI skills are moving faster than traditional technology roles.”
The AI job market witnessed incredible growth, with over 35,000 AI/ML jobs listed on Naukri in April-June 2025 alone. This reflects a 38% year-on-year increase in AI roles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, significantly outpacing the 8% growth in non-AI technology employment. Dispelling the myth that AI opportunities are exclusive to the Metro, the report highlighted contributions from Tier 2 cities, including Indore, Coimbatore, Kochi and Ahmedabad, which collectively described the employment of over 1,500 AIs.
AI proficiency translates directly into higher wages. The report reveals that the median overall median salary for AI skill roles is 53% higher than non-AI skilled counterparts. Freshmen with AI skills are looking at salary premiums of up to 56%, placing AI as one of today's most profitable career paths. Even senior experts (13-16 years of experience) can expect a 32% salary premium with AI expertise.
Interestingly, the fear of AI-related decline in creativity is more common than the fear of unemployment. While only one in three job seekers expect job seekers for AI, a significant 40% of high-income earners (earning more than £15 LPA) is concerned that AI will be less creativity in their work. This anxiety is most prominent in creative fields. 54% of animation and VFX experts, 43% of film and music, and 41% of advertising and marketing expressed this concern. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains optimistic, especially given the clear pay benefits offered by AI skills.
AI Job
While it remains the dominant sector, holding a 53% share of AI employment, other sectors are rapidly embracing AI. Banks have experienced a 48% increase in AI roles, and BPO and ITES have experienced a 39% jump, even though the majority of BPO employees feared AI-driven displacement.
The accounting and KPO sector reported even higher growth in AI employment, ranging from 49% to 56%. “The demand for AI talent is sector dependent and marks a clear secular trend beyond core technology capabilities,” the report emphasized. The study also highlights strong demand for high skills in AI. Thirty-six percent of job seekers want free AI courses from their employers, but one in three IT professionals are particularly looking for practical AI projects exposure rather than theoretical learning. This shows that AI upskills are becoming a critical workplace demand in a diverse range of industries, including BPO, FMCG, hospitality, retail and education.
Released on July 16, 2025
