The machine learning engineer salary in India has seen a significant surge in recent years as AI-driven industries expand rapidly. ML engineer salary is among the highest in IT, offering lucrative compensation to professionals with in-demand skills. A quick snapshot reveals that freshers typically earn ₹6–8 LPA, while senior ML engineers at top firms can command ₹25–35 LPA or more annually. Machine learning salary in India continues to rise, drawing talent from both technical and business backgrounds.
Who is a Machine Learning Engineer?
Machine learning engineers are responsible for developing algorithms, deploying models, and building real-world AI systems that power intelligent products. Their work bridges the gap between data science research and production-ready AI solutions. Unlike data scientists, who focus more on data exploration and insight generation, ML engineers handle model optimization, deployment, and reliability at scale. The role overlaps with AI engineering but places greater emphasis on coding, automation, and operational aspects.
Key Responsibilities
- Data preprocessing and feature engineering for robust model inputs
- Designing, building, and optimizing machine learning models
- Deploying models, implementing MLOps, and monitoring production performance
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in India
Average Salary (All Levels)
The average machine learning engineer salary in India stands at approximately ₹6–8 LPA for freshers (₹50K–65K/month), escalating to ₹20–30 LPA (₹1.7–2.5L/month) with experience. The growing demand for skilled ML engineers is driving higher compensation, especially for those proficient in deep learning, NLP, or computer vision. Salaries may differ depending on employer, city, and industry domain.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (LPA) | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | ₹4–8 | ₹35K–65K |
| Mid-level (3–6 yrs) | ₹10–18 | ₹83K–1.5L |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | ₹20–35+ | ₹1.7–3L+ |
Salary Based on Experience
Entry-level machine learning engineer salary in India generally starts between ₹4–8 LPA, with most positions ranging between ₹35K–65K/month. Mid-level ML engineer salary moves up to ₹10–18 LPA or ₹83K–1.5L/month. Senior ML engineers, especially in product-based companies, earn ₹20–35 LPA+ (₹1.7L–3L+/month).
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Salary by Indian Cities
Bengaluru leads Indian cities in ML engineer salaries, followed by Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Chennai and Pune offer competitive packages, reflecting the demand in IT/tech hubs.
| City | Annual Salary (LPA) |
| Bengaluru | ₹10–25 |
| Hyderabad | ₹9–20 |
| Mumbai | ₹8–18 |
| Delhi | ₹8–18 |
| Chennai | ₹7–15 |
| Pune | ₹7–15 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Abroad
United States
Machine learning engineer salary in the USA averages $120K–$150K annually, which is around ₹8–12 lakh per month. The market is highly competitive, with top tech cities like San Francisco and Austin offering even higher pay. This reflects the growing role of ML engineers in driving AI innovations at global companies.
UK
ML engineer average salary in the UK typically ranges from £50K to £70K annually, equivalent to about ₹4–6 lakh per month. The UK tech sector continues to increase demand for ML expertise, particularly in financial services and AI research. London remains the highest-paying city for ML roles.
Canada
In Canada, machine learning engineers earn an average yearly salary between CAD 90K and 120K, translating roughly to ₹5–7 lakh per month. The demand is rising across tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, driven by fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors. Opportunities for ML professionals continue to grow steadily.
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Australia
Australian machine learning engineers typically pull in AUD 100K–140K per year, equal to ₹5–7.5 lakh per month. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer attractive salary packages due to the concentration of AI startups and established tech companies. The Australian market rewards ML talent well, especially in applied AI and automation fields.
| Country | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| USA | $120K–$150K | ₹8–12L |
| UK | £50K–£70K | ₹4–6L |
| Canada | CAD 90K–120K | ₹5–7L |
| Australia | AUD 100K–140K | ₹5–7.5L |
Salary by Role Specialization
Deep Learning Engineers and NLP Engineers are among the highest paid due to GenAI and conversational AI trends.
| Specialization | Annual Salary (LPA) |
| Deep Learning Engineer | ₹15–25 |
| NLP Engineer | ₹12–20 |
| Computer Vision Engineer | ₹10–18 |
| MLOps Engineer | ₹14–22 |
Top Companies Hiring Machine Learning Engineers
Global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta offer some of the highest ML engineer salaries globally.
Indian IT leaders, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL, provide stable opportunities, while startups, unicorns, and fintech firms offer competitive pay and fast growth.
| Company | Annual Salary Estimate (LPA) |
| ₹28–46 | |
| Microsoft | ₹22–40 |
| Amazon | ₹12–25 |
| Meta | ₹30–50 |
| TCS | ₹7–14 |
| Infosys | ₹7–12 |
| Flipkart | ₹10–20 |
| Swiggy/Ola | ₹10–18 |
| Paytm/Razorpay | ₹11–20 |
| Apollo/Zomato | ₹10–18 |
Factors Influencing ML Engineer Salaries
Skills and Technologies Boost ML Engineer Salary
Having strong skills in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure can greatly increase your machine learning engineer salary. These tools are the foundation of building and deploying ML models effectively. Employers look for candidates who can write clean code, build scalable models, and manage cloud infrastructure.
Academic Background and Certifications Matter
Graduates from reputed institutions such as IITs or top global universities often start with better salaries. Industry-recognized certifications in machine learning and AI prove your skills and commitment to employers. Certifications like Google TensorFlow Developer, AWS ML Specialty, and Scaler’s ML program help distinguish you from other candidates, opening doors to higher-paying roles.
Domain Expertise Adds Value
Experience in specific industries like fintech, healthcare, or retail can increase your earning potential significantly. Different sectors have varied needs for machine learning applications, and companies value engineers who understand their business and challenges. For example, fintech roles might require ML engineers to focus on fraud detection algorithms, while healthcare roles could emphasize predictive diagnostics. Being an expert in a domain often leads to better salary packages.
Location and Company Size Influence Salary
Where you work impacts how much you take home. Metro tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad typically offer higher machine learning engineer salaries compared to smaller cities. This difference is due to the concentration of global tech giants, startups, and the higher cost of living in these locations. Additionally, larger companies often have resources to pay more competitive salaries than smaller firms or purely service-based companies. Choosing the right location and company type can boost your salary growth over time.
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Career Outlook & Future Salary Trends
India’s machine learning salary trajectory is driven by increasing ML adoption across industries and a GenAI boom, especially in NLP and LLM engineering roles. Remote work/global hiring is pushing Indian ML salaries closer to global benchmarks. ML engineer salary per month is expected to rise 20–30% in the next five years as demand intensifies.
How to Boost Your Machine Learning Salary?
Upskill in GenAI, MLOps, and LLMs for Higher Salary Offers
Learning the latest AI technologies like Generative AI (GenAI), Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), and Large Language Models (LLMs) is key to boosting your machine learning engineer salary. These skills are in high demand as companies use them to build smarter, faster, and more efficient AI systems. Being an expert in these areas can help you stand out and get better job offers that pay ₹3–10 lakh more annually compared to average ML engineer salaries.
Build a Strong Project Portfolio to Impress Recruiters
Having hands-on projects is one of the best ways to prove your skills. Recruiters want to see that you can solve real problems using machine learning, not just know theories. Create projects that show how you use GenAI, NLP, computer vision, or MLOps in practical ways. Share these projects on platforms like GitHub or Kaggle so companies can easily check your work. A strong portfolio can help you negotiate a better salary and get hired faster.
Get Certifications from Top Industry Programs
Certifications help show companies that you have the right skills. Getting certificates from Google TensorFlow, AWS Machine Learning, Microsoft Azure AI, or Scaler’s ML program can improve your chances of getting top pay. Many companies use certifications to shortlist candidates and set salary bands. Certified professionals usually get higher starting salaries and grow faster in their careers.
Network Actively and Change Jobs Smartly for Salary Growth
Connecting with other professionals and joining AI/ML events, meetups, and online groups can open doors to hidden job opportunities. Networking helps you get referrals, which often lead to better jobs and higher salaries. Also, switching jobs strategically every 2–4 years, especially from service companies to product firms or startups, is a proven way to increase your salary by 30–50%. Use your network to find the right roles that offer better pay and career growth.
Conclusion
Machine learning engineer salary in India for 2025-26 remains among the highest in IT, with entry-level salaries starting at ₹4–8 LPA and going up to ₹35 LPA+ for experienced professionals. Cities and industries further influence pay, with global opportunities pushing benchmarks up. For those ready to upskill, Scaler’s AI/ML program can drive rapid salary progression and career growth.
FAQs
What is the monthly salary of an ML engineer in India?
Entry-level machine learning engineer salary per month is approximately ₹35K–65K, mid-level ₹83K–1.5L, and senior ML engineers can earn ₹1.7L–3L+/month.
Which country pays ML engineers the most?
The USA pays machine learning engineers the highest, with average annual salaries of $120K–$150K (~₹8–12L/month).
Is ML engineering a stressful job?
ML engineering is fast-paced and demands constant learning, but most professionals find the work challenging and rewarding.
How do ML salaries compare with AI/Data Scientist salaries?
Machine learning salaries are very competitive – generally, Data Scientists command a slight premium, but ML engineers remain among the best paid in tech.
Can freshers get ML jobs easily?
Yes, demand for entry-level machine learning engineers is strong, especially for those with hands-on project experience and relevant certification.
