Pharma, FMCG, oil and gas lead hiring for AI/ML roles

PHARMACEUTICALS, FMCG, AND oil and gas were among the top hirers for niche profiles like artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science and big data analytics and blockchain in 2024.

- URVI MALVANIA

Due to the increasing demand for these profiles, and the shortage of experienced talent, companies led by GCCs (global capability centres) paid up to 30% higher salaries for these profiles, bringing the average pay appreciation to around 20% over 2023, staffing experts said.

"From 2023-2024, super-niche tech skills such as AI, ML, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Blockchain experienced substantial pay increases, with compensation rising by 15-20%. This growth is primarily driven by the high demand for these specialised skills and the limited availability of qualified talent in these fields," Krishna Vij, vice-president, TeamLease Digital, said.

Apart from sectors like automobile and banking and financial services, segments like pharma/biotech, FMCG, and oil and gas emerged as significant hirers for these profiles.