ML Engineer Salary in India 2026
Complete salary guide with in-hand calculations, career growth, and negotiation tips
Last Updated: January 2026 | FY 2025-26
Salary Overview
Entry Level
₹7.5 LPA
0-1 years
Mid Level
₹22 LPA
3-5 years
Senior Level
₹120 LPA
12+ years
Overview
ML Engineers build and deploy machine learning models at scale. They bridge the gap between data science research and production systems, ensuring models work reliably in real-world applications.
In 2026, ML Engineers with expertise in LLMs, GenAI, and MLOps are among the highest-paid tech professionals. The role requires strong software engineering skills combined with ML knowledge.
ML Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Salary Range | Average CTC | Monthly In-Hand* | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fresher 0-1 years | ₹5 LPA - ₹12 LPA | ₹7.5 LPA | ₹51,945 | ML Engineer, AI Engineer |
Junior 1-3 years | ₹9 LPA - ₹18 LPA | ₹13 LPA | ₹86,690 | ML Engineer, Applied ML Engineer |
Mid-Level 3-5 years | ₹16 LPA - ₹30 LPA | ₹22 LPA | ₹1,34,449 | Senior ML Engineer, Senior Applied Scientist |
Senior 5-8 years | ₹28 LPA - ₹55 LPA | ₹40 LPA | ₹2,19,975 | Staff ML Engineer, Lead ML Engineer |
Lead/Principal 8-12 years | ₹50 LPA - ₹90 LPA | ₹65 LPA | ₹3,38,761 | Principal ML Engineer, ML Architect |
Director 12+ years | ₹80 LPA - ₹200 LPA | ₹120 LPA | ₹6,00,090 | Director of ML, VP AI/ML |
*Monthly in-hand calculated using New Tax Regime (FY 2025-26) with standard assumptions.Use our calculator for personalized calculations.
Quick In-Hand Salary Reference
See exact take-home salary for common ML Engineer CTC packages:
Top Companies Hiring ML Engineers
Key Skills Required
- ✓Python
- ✓TensorFlow/PyTorch
- ✓MLOps
- ✓Docker/Kubernetes
- ✓Cloud ML (AWS SageMaker/GCP Vertex)
- ✓System Design
- ✓LLMs/GenAI
- ✓Feature Engineering
Valuable Certifications
- 📜Google ML Engineer
- 📜AWS ML Specialty
- 📜TensorFlow Developer
- 📜MLOps Certification
- 📜Deep Learning Specialization
Career Progression
📈 Industry Trends 2025
LLM and GenAI expertise is the hottest skill in 2026, commanding 50-100% premiums. MLOps and production ML are critical. Edge ML and efficient models gaining importance.
Factors Affecting ML Engineer Salary
💡 Salary Negotiation Tips
- •Quantify model impact (accuracy, latency, cost savings)
- •Highlight production ML experience, not just research
- •LLM/GenAI experience is massive leverage
- •Open source ML contributions strengthen position
- •Consider equity in AI startups
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average ML Engineer salary in India?
ML Engineers earn ₹7.5-65 LPA in India. Average mid-level salary is ₹22 LPA. Senior ML Engineers at top companies earn ₹60-100+ LPA.
ML Engineer vs Data Scientist salary?
ML Engineers typically earn 10-20% more due to production engineering focus. Both roles converge at senior levels.
Is PhD required for ML Engineer?
Not required but helpful for research-heavy roles. Many successful ML Engineers have Masters or strong self-taught backgrounds.
Which ML skills pay the most in 2026?
LLMs, GenAI, and production MLOps command highest premiums. Computer Vision and NLP remain valuable.
What is the career path for ML Engineers?
ML Engineer → Senior → Staff → Principal → ML Architect → Head of ML → VP AI → Chief AI Officer. Research scientist track also possible.
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