AI's Double-Edged Sword: Boosting Salaries While Raising Creativity Concerns in India's Job Market

AI Drives Job Growth and Salary Hikes Across India

A recent report by Naukri.com, titled "AI: Friend, Foe or Frenemy," reveals a significant surge in AI-related job opportunities and salaries across India. Between April and June 2025, over 35,000 AI/ML jobs were posted on the platform, marking a 38% year-on-year increase 1

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. This growth far outpaces the 8% rise in non-AI tech jobs during the same period.

The financial incentives for AI skills are substantial. Median salaries in AI roles are 53% higher than in non-AI positions, with freshers enjoying up to 56% salary premiums 1

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. Professionals with 13-16 years of experience can earn 32% more when equipped with AI expertise.

Creativity Concerns Amidst AI Adoption

Despite the positive job market trends, the report highlights a growing concern among high-earning professionals about AI's impact on creativity. 40% of those earning ₹15 lakh per annum and above expressed fears that AI could reduce creativity in their work 1

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. This concern is particularly acute in creative fields:

• 54% of animation and VFX professionals
• 43% in film and music
• 41% in advertising and marketing 2

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Pawan Goyal, chief business officer at Naukri.com, noted, "The gap is clear: those with AI skills are moving ahead faster than those in traditional tech roles" 1

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AI's Expanding Reach Across Industries and Geographies

The report challenges the notion that AI opportunities are limited to the IT sector or metro areas. While IT still accounts for 53% of AI jobs, other sectors are rapidly adopting AI:

• Banking saw a 48% growth in AI jobs
• BPO and ITES grew by 39%
• Accounting and KPO segments reported 49% to 56% jumps in AI hiring 1

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Interestingly, cities like Indore, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Ahmedabad accounted for over 1,500 AI job listings, indicating AI's penetration beyond traditional tech hubs 2

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Workforce Sentiment and Upskilling Demands

Despite concerns in creative fields, the overall sentiment towards AI remains positive. 86% of Indian job seekers view AI as a "friend" rather than a threat 1

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. However, this optimism is accompanied by increasing expectations for employer-provided training:

• 36% of job seekers want free AI courses from employers
• One in three IT professionals seek hands-on project exposure over theoretical training 1

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The Creative Dilemma

The creative sector finds itself in a unique position. While AI promises efficiency and data-driven insights, it also raises questions about the future of human creativity in fields like advertising and marketing. The fear isn't just about job displacement but about the potential homogenization of creative output 2

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As AI continues to reshape the job market, the challenge for creative industries will be to harness AI as a tool that augments human creativity rather than replacing it. The report suggests that those who can blend creativity with computational tools may emerge as the new elite in advertising and marketing 2

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In conclusion, while AI is driving significant growth and opportunities in India's job market, it also presents challenges, particularly in creative fields. The key to success in this evolving landscape appears to lie in embracing AI skills while preserving and enhancing human creativity and insight.