Workers with AI Skills in India Could See Over 54% Salary Increases: AWS Study

New Delhi, Mar 19 - A recent report by Amazon Web Services (AWS) has shed light on the burgeoning demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills in India, projecting salary hikes of over 54 per cent for workers proficient in AI. This surge is particularly pronounced in the IT and research and development sectors. The study, commissioned by AWS, underscores a widespread corporate belief, with 99 per cent of employers anticipating their companies to evolve into AI-driven entities by 2028.

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The comprehensive report titled "Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future" involved a survey of more than 1,600 workers and 500 employers across India. It reveals a significant consensus among employers regarding the departments that will benefit most from AI integration. According to the findings, 97 per cent of employers believe the finance department will reap substantial benefits, closely followed by IT (96 per cent), research and development (96 per cent), sales and marketing (96 per cent), business operations (95 per cent), human resources (94 per cent), and legal departments (92 per cent).

Moreover, the adoption of generative AI tools in the workplace is on the horizon, with 98 per cent of respondents expecting to use these technologies within the next five years. Among these, 73 per cent of employers highlighted 'increasing innovation and creativity' as the primary advantage of incorporating AI tools.

Amit Mehta, Head of AWS Training and Certification, AWS India, emphasized AWS's commitment to equipping organizations like Wipro, L&T Technology Services, Iris Software, and others with the necessary skills to navigate a future dominated by generative AI.

The report also addresses the existing skill gap in AI, noting that 96 per cent of employers in India prioritize hiring AI-skilled talent. However, 79 per cent of these employers face challenges in finding candidates with the requisite AI expertise. This situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced collaboration among governments, industries, and educational institutions.

Interest in AI skill development spans across generations among Indian workers. Approximately 95 per cent have expressed eagerness to acquire AI skills to advance their careers. This enthusiasm is not limited to younger demographics; 95 per cent of Gen Z, 96 per cent of Millennials, and 93 per cent of Gen X workers are keen on learning AI skills. Remarkably, even 90 per cent of baby boomers, typically nearing retirement age, have shown interest in enrolling in AI upskilling courses if available.

This report highlights a critical juncture for India's workforce and industries as they navigate the transition towards becoming AI-driven entities. The emphasis on AI skill development across all age groups indicates a collective recognition of AI's potential to redefine career trajectories and organizational efficiency.