Indian Professionals Experience 65% Salary Boost After Upskilling in AI/ML & Data Science: Study

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 65% average salary hike post-upskilling in AI/ML and data science.
- Early career professionals (0-3 years): Average 139% salary increase.
- Mid-career professionals (3-8 years): Average 93% salary increase.
- Leadership roles doubled after upskilling.
- 80% of professionals reported positive career shifts.
Bengaluru, March 20 (NationPress) Upskilling in artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML), and data science has resulted in an average 65% salary increase for working professionals in India, according to a report released on Thursday.
The study, conducted by the higher education and professional training company Great Learning, is based on feedback from 1,000 working professionals and provides a comprehensive analysis of the enduring effects of upskilling on career advancement.
It highlights how ongoing education has facilitated consistent career progression, enabling professionals to secure leadership roles, receive salary increments, and improve employability.
Those early in their careers, typically with 0-3 years of experience, witnessed impressive growth with an average salary increase of 139%. Mid-career professionals, with 3-8 years of experience, experienced a substantial rise of 93%.
Moreover, mid-to-senior level professionals, with 8-12 years of experience, saw an average salary boost of around 50%, while senior professionals with over 12 years of experience had an average increase of 41%.
Additionally, 80% of professionals reported a favorable career shift following upskilling in AI/ML and data science programs, as stated in the report.
In a shorter two-year period following their upskilling, 74% of professionals either received promotions or transitioned to new roles. Out of these, 69% successfully moved into new positions, either within their current organization or with a different employer, while 31% noted significant improvements in their existing roles.
“Upskilling serves as a vital instrument for achieving significant career milestones and has become essential. It has empowered professionals to change careers, step into managerial and leadership roles, and enjoy financial rewards from their career development,” stated Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning.
“While immediate gains matter, the true advantages of upskilling accrue over time, shaping professionals into experts and highly sought-after industry leaders,” he added.
The report also indicated that leadership positions doubled post-upskilling, and roles in team management surged by 80%.
The transformative effects of upskilling are evident in professionals' career paths, with 2 in 3 climbing the career ladder.