AI: The New Paycheck Booster? Survey Says Smarter Skills Mean Fatter Salaries

In a sweeping shift across India’s workforce, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a career catalyst. A new survey conducted by Indeed reveals that a growing number of Indian professionals now view AI proficiency as a gateway to higher salaries, faster promotions, and long-term career resilience.

 

The findings, part of Indeed’s “Work Ahead” report, paint a vivid picture of a workforce in transition. Among the 3,000+ professionals surveyed, a striking 43% expressed confidence in using generative and agentic AI tools within the next two to five years. This confidence is especially pronounced among mid-career professionals aged 35–54, nearly half of whom say they’re ready to navigate AI-integrated workplaces.

 

AI: From Hype to Habit

The report underscores a critical evolution: AI is no longer confined to tech circles or innovation labs. It’s becoming embedded in daily work routines across industries—from IT and finance to customer service and logistics. In fact, 34% of respondents expect to use generative AI frequently, while 25% anticipate adopting agentic AI systems, which can autonomously complete complex tasks.

 

This shift is not just about productivity—it’s about positioning. Workers see AI as a skill that can unlock new roles, boost efficiency, and future-proof their careers. And employers are taking notice. According to a separate survey by AWS and Access Partnership, Indian workers with AI skills could see salary hikes of over 54%, with IT and R&D professionals enjoying the highest pay bumps.

 

Mid-Career Professionals Lead the Charge

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not Gen Z or Millennials leading the AI revolution—it’s mid-career professionals. These individuals, often balancing experience with adaptability, are showing the strongest appetite for upskilling. 56% of them want significantly more training to stay future-ready, compared to just 41% of younger workers.

 

Their motivations are clear:

This cohort is not just reacting to change—they’re driving it. “There’s a determined confidence building across India’s workforce,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India. “Mid-career professionals are not only using AI but actively seeking upskilling opportunities to master it”.

 

The Fear Factor: Job Security in the Age of AI

While optimism is high, anxiety lingers. Nearly one-third of workers express concern about job security if they fail to keep pace with technological change. This fear is fueling a surge in demand for AI training programs, with 29% of workers asking for self-paced learning options and many calling for employer-supported upskilling initiatives.

 

Interestingly, the desire to learn AI spans generations. The AWS survey found that 95% of Gen Z, 96% of Millennials, and 93% of Gen X workers want to acquire AI skills. Even 90% of baby boomers—a group often associated with retirement—say they would enroll in an AI course if offered.

 

AI as a Core Skill, Not a Bonus

The message is clear: AI is fast becoming a core workplace skill, on par with email or cloud tools. For HR leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Job descriptions, training programs, and performance metrics will need to evolve to reflect this new reality.

 

Employers are already responding. 96% of Indian companies say hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority, yet 79% report difficulty finding the right candidates. This talent gap is creating a golden opportunity for professionals willing to invest in AI education.

 

What’s Next?

As India races toward becoming an AI-powered economy, the implications are profound. Workers who embrace AI are likely to enjoy:

The transformation is underway—and it’s not just about machines. It’s about people learning to work smarter, faster, and more creatively with AI as their co-pilot.

 

Sources: Economic Times, Indeed, CNBC TV18