Machine Learning Salary in India in 2025 [For Freshers & Experienced]

Consider the apps you use daily—like shopping online, streaming your favorite shows, or getting personalized recommendations. How do they seem to work so effortlessly? Machine learning engineers are the reason technology feels smarter and more intuitive. They are the driving force behind modern tech. They handle tasks like:

• Designing systems that process huge amounts of data.
• Building models that help computers predict or make decisions.
• Fine-tuning algorithms to make them faster and more accurate.

From improving how we shop online to powering self-driving cars, these professionals are shaping the future. Industries like healthcare, finance, and entertainment now depend heavily on machine learning. This demand has made machine learning engineer salaries in India rise significantly.

If you’re planning a career in this field, it’s important to know the earning potential. Whether you’re starting out or have experience, 2025 promises exciting opportunities in this growing industry.

Source: https://365datascience.com/career-advice/machine-learning-engineer-job-outlook/ 

Why is Machine Learning a High-Paying Career in India?

Machine learning is transforming industries and this makes it one of the most lucrative careers in India. The demand for ML experts keeps rising, and here’s why:

Demand Across Industries

ML is widely used in sectors like:

• Healthcare: Predicting diseases and patient outcomes. For example, Apollo Hospitals use ML for faster diagnostics.
• Finance: Detecting fraud and managing risks. ICICI Bank uses ML to prevent fraudulent transactions.
• E-commerce: Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart use ML for personalized recommendations.

The Indian ML market is expected to grow at a 44% annual rate, driving massive job creation.

Shortage of Skilled Professionals

Only 26% of ML job openings in India are filled due to a lack of skilled talent. Companies like TCS and Infosys offer machine learning engineer salaries in India of ₹8–15 LPA to mid-level ML professionals, while experienced roles fetch up to ₹25 LPA.

Source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/tcs-salaries/machine-learning-engineer?experience=5

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Infosys-Machine-Learning-Engineer-Salaries-E7927_D_KO8,33.htm 

Emerging Applications

New ML advancements include:

• Self-driving cars like those from Tesla.
• Smart cities optimizing energy and traffic.
• Generative AI tools like ChatGPT revolutionizing content.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in India: An Overview

In 2022, the global machine learning market was valued at $19.20 billion, and with rapid technological advancements, it is projected to grow to $225.91 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 36.2% (Fortune Business Insights). This growth has fueled a massive demand for skilled machine learning engineers.

Average Salary Range

The machine learning salary in India typically falls between ₹6 LPA to ₹18 LPA, depending on factors like experience, skills, and the company.

Comparison by Experience Level

Machine learning engineer salaries in India grow significantly with experience. Here’s a breakdown:

Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm 

Example: An ML engineer with 5 years of experience at Amazon can earn around ₹22 LPA.

Salary Components

The overall pay for ML engineers includes:

• Base salary: Fixed annual pay.
• Performance bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.
• Stock options: Offered by companies like Google and Amazon.

Key Employers

Top recruiters offering attractive salaries include:

• TCS and Infosys: ₹8–15 LPA for mid-level roles.
• Flipkart: ₹15–25 LPA for experienced ML engineers.
• Amazon and Google: ₹20–30 LPA with stock benefits for senior roles.
• Paytm and Swiggy: ₹10–18 LPA to attract ML talent for innovation.

Machine Learning Salary for Freshers in India

Machine learning is a booming field, and freshers entering this domain have exciting career opportunities. With the increasing adoption of AI and data-driven solutions across industries, companies are actively hiring fresh talent for various entry-level roles. 

Here's a detailed look at what freshers can expect.

Starting Salary Range

Freshers in machine learning can expect salaries between ₹6 LPA to ₹11 LPA. The exact figure depends on factors like:

• Educational Background: Graduates from premier institutes like IITs or NITs may earn higher starting salaries.
• Skills and Certifications: Practical knowledge of Python, machine learning libraries, and hands-on experience with real-world projects can boost offers.
• Location: Salaries in tech hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are typically higher.

As machine learning engineers gain more experience, their salaries tend to increase:

Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm 

Industries Hiring Freshers

Machine learning is not limited to tech companies. Several industries are now hiring freshers to implement AI-driven solutions:

Source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/machine-learning-engineer-salary 

Common Entry-Level Roles

Freshers in machine learning start in roles that focus on data analysis, model building, and testing. Popular entry-level roles include:

Skills Needed for Freshers

To secure an entry-level job, freshers must have the right mix of technical and soft skills. Here’s a breakdown:

Technical Skills:

• Programming Languages: Python, R, and SQL are essential for data manipulation and model building.
• Machine Learning Basics: Algorithms like linear regression, decision trees, and clustering.
• Libraries and Tools: Proficiency in NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and Keras.
• Data Preprocessing: Ability to clean, transform, and analyze data for modeling.
• Visualization: Knowledge of tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Tableau to present data insights.

Soft Skills:

• Problem-solving abilities to address complex challenges.
• Communication skills to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Teamwork and collaboration for working on projects with cross-functional teams.

Machine Learning Salary for Experienced Professionals in India

Experienced machine learning professionals are in high demand due to their ability to handle advanced projects and lead teams. As organizations increasingly rely on AI and machine learning, these professionals enjoy excellent career growth and high salaries.

Salary Range for Experienced Professionals

Machine learning salaries in India increase significantly with experience. Professionals with 3+ years of expertise can expect salaries between ₹10 LPA to ₹16 LPA, depending on their role and industry.

Factors influencing salary:

• Experience: Senior professionals with more than five years of hands-on work see rapid salary growth.
• Specialized Skills: Expertise in areas like deep learning, NLP, and big data analytics often results in higher pay.
• Leadership Roles: Positions like Team Lead or ML Architect earn more due to increased responsibilities.

Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm 

Industries Hiring Experienced Professionals

Experienced professionals have opportunities across multiple industries, including:

Source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/machine-learning-engineer-salary

Common Roles for Experienced Professionals

Experienced professionals take on roles requiring both technical expertise and leadership skills.

Skills Needed for Experienced Professionals

To succeed as an experienced machine learning professional, advanced skills are needed.

Technical Skills:

• Programming Expertise: Mastery of Python, R, and Java.
• Deep Learning: Knowledge of neural networks, CNNs, and RNNs.
• Big Data Tools: Proficiency in handling large datasets using Hadoop and Spark.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Optimization: Advanced skills in model optimization and deployment.

Soft Skills:

• Leadership: Ability to manage teams and mentor junior members.
• Communication: Explaining technical details to non-technical teams clearly.
• Problem-Solving: Tackling complex business challenges effectively.

Factors That Influence Machine Learning Salaries in India

Machine learning salaries in India depend on several factors, including:

• Industry
• Location
• Skill Set
• Certifications
• Company Size

Let’s explore how these factors shape earning potential:

• Industry
  Different industries value machine learning in unique ways.
  • IT and Software: Focuses on automation, AI-driven software, and chatbots.
  • Healthcare: Uses ML for diagnostics, predictive analytics, and patient care optimization.
  • Finance: Relies on ML for fraud detection, credit scoring, and algorithmic trading.
• Example: In IT, an ML engineer might develop chatbots, while in healthcare, they may work on predicting patient outcomes.
• Location
  Cities known for technology and finance offer higher-paying opportunities.
  • Bangalore: A hub for IT and startups.
  • Mumbai: Popular for finance-related machine learning roles.
  • Hyderabad and Pune: Growing markets for IT and tech-driven companies.
• Example: A fresher in Bangalore might have more job opportunities than someone in a smaller city.
• Skill Set
  Advanced skills can significantly impact career growth.
  • Deep Learning: Essential for neural networks and AI-based solutions.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Key for chatbots and text-based models.
  • Computer Vision: Used in autonomous vehicles and surveillance systems.
• Example: A professional skilled in computer vision may work on cutting-edge AI applications like self-driving cars.
• Certifications
  Specialized certifications help professionals showcase their skills.
  • Courses in tools like TensorFlow, AWS Machine Learning, or Python are highly valued.
  • Certifications from platforms like upGrad show hands-on experience in real-world projects.
• Example: Certifications can give professionals an edge during interviews, especially in competitive roles.
• Company Size
  The size of the organization affects salary and growth opportunities.
  • Large Corporations: Offer stability and structured career paths.
  • Startups: Provide dynamic roles with opportunities to work on innovative projects.
• Example: Large companies may focus on large-scale projects, while startups often emphasize innovation and flexibility.

Machine Learning Salaries by Industry in India

Machine learning has made its way into almost every sector, reshaping how industries operate and solve problems. From IT to agriculture, professionals skilled in machine learning are in demand, and salaries vary based on industry-specific roles and applications. 

For example, in healthcare, machine learning is used to analyze medical images like X-rays or MRIs to detect diseases early. A report by Frost & Sullivan predicts that AI in healthcare will grow at a CAGR of 40% through 2025, fueling demand for ML professionals. 

Similarly, finance uses machine learning for fraud detection, saving banks billions annually. For instance, HDFC Bank uses AI-powered systems to monitor transactions for unusual activity, ensuring customer safety. 

In e-commerce, platforms like Flipkart use ML for personalized recommendations, which drive a 20-30% increase in sales by offering tailored shopping experiences.

Here’s a detailed look:

Source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/machine-learning-engineer-salary

Machine Learning Salaries by Location in India

Machine learning salaries in India vary greatly by location, with tech hubs and metro cities offering higher pay. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad attract top talent due to the concentration of tech companies, startups, and industries actively adopting AI solutions. 

For instance, Bangalore, often called India’s Silicon Valley, hosts a mix of multinational corporations and innovative startups. The city leads in salary offerings for ML professionals because of its advanced infrastructure, access to talent, and global projects. A mid-level ML engineer in Bangalore may work on predictive analytics for a global e-commerce company, while startups in the city offer exciting opportunities in areas like conversational AI and automation.

Cities like Mumbai focus heavily on finance-related ML applications, such as fraud detection and credit scoring, while Hyderabad is gaining attention for its IT and healthcare AI projects. These differences in industries drive salaries and demand for specific skill sets.

Let’s explore the best cities for ML professionals and what drives salaries there.

Skills and Certifications to Boost Machine Learning Salary

If you want to increase your earning potential in machine learning, the right skills and certifications are a must. 

Employers look for professionals who can work with advanced tools and have practical knowledge backed by recognized certifications.

Learn With upGrad: upGrad offers tutorials and practical training on Python, R, and TensorFlow in its machine learning courses, helping you build real-world skills.

Certifications show employers you’re skilled and job-ready. Here are some top options:

• upGrad’s AI & ML Programs: Learn advanced ML techniques with hands-on projects.
• upGrad’s Data Science Courses: Build expertise in analyzing and modeling data.
• NLP Courses: Specialize in text analysis, chatbots, and sentiment models.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore upGrad’s industry-recognized programs in AI, ML, and NLP.

Career Growth in Machine Learning: Opportunities in 2025

Machine learning offers a clear career progression path, with roles and salaries growing significantly as professionals gain experience. Here’s how you can expect your career to evolve:

Career Progression

• Entry-Level:
  • Roles: Junior ML Engineer, Data Scientist
  • Focus: Learning foundational skills, building simple models, and working under senior professionals.
  • Example: Creating basic predictive models and assisting in data cleaning.
• Mid-Level:
  • Roles: ML Engineer, AI Specialist
  • Focus: Managing end-to-end ML projects, building advanced models, and leading small teams.
  • Example: Deploying machine learning solutions for real-world business problems.
• Senior-Level:
  • Roles: ML Architect, Chief AI Officer
  • Focus: Designing AI strategies, leading large-scale projects, and mentoring teams.
  • Example: Overseeing the development of AI-driven systems like fraud detection platforms.

Salary Growth Over Time

Machine learning salaries increase significantly with experience. Professionals who stay in the field and acquire advanced skills see substantial financial growth. The graph below illustrates how salaries progress with years of experience:

Check out the best Machine Learning and AI courses online to gain cutting-edge skills and advance your career!

Discover in-demand Machine Learning skills to stay ahead in the tech industry and advance your career!

Explore top AI and ML blogs along with free courses to expand your knowledge and grow your expertise!