‘India to Face AI Talent Crunch With 2.3 Mn Job Openings by 2027’

As demand for expertise outpaces supply, a shortage of skilled AI professionals is slowing AI adoption, according to a recent report by Bain & Company. At a global level, AI-related job postings have grown by 21% annually since 2019, with compensation rising 11% per year. However, businesses struggle to find qualified talent, indicating a widening skills gap.

As AI takes over industries, companies cannot fill AI roles and risk falling behind in innovation and competition. "AI is at the forefront of corporate transformation, but without the right talent," said Sarah Elk, Americas head of AI, insights, and solutions at Bain & Company. 

The report says executives see the growing AI talent gap as a major roadblock to innovation, limiting businesses’ ability to scale and compete in an AI-driven world. “Companies navigating this increasingly competitive hiring landscape need to take action now, upskilling existing teams, expanding hiring strategies, and rethinking ways to attract and retain AI talent," Elk added. 

India is expected to face one of the largest AI talent shortages, with job openings projected to exceed 2.3 million by 2027. The available workforce is expected to reach only 1.2 million, leaving a gap of over 1 million professionals with the potential to reskill to stay relevant. 

In the United States, AI job demand could surpass 1.3 million in two years, but with only 645,000 skilled professionals available, up to 700,000 positions may go unfilled. 

According to the report, Germany is expected to face the most severe shortage, with up to 70% of AI jobs unfilled by 2027. The United Kingdom may see a 50% shortfall, with just 105,000 professionals available for up to 255,000 roles. Meanwhile, Australia could face a shortfall of more than 60,000 AI specialists, with only 84,000 available to meet a demand of 146,000 jobs. 

In addition, another LinkedIn report released in 2025 highlights AI-driven job growth, with AI engineers as the most sought-after role. Other notable positions include aircraft maintenance engineers and robotics technicians, both of which are gaining prominence across industries.

Similarly, Naukri.com identified industries fuelling job market expansion in December 2024. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning topped charts with a 36% growth year-on-year, followed by oil and gas with over 13% growth, FMCG with over 12% growth, and healthcare recording 12% growth.

Naukri CBO Pawan Goyal had said: “India’s job market is entering 2025 with vigour, driven by AI and machine learning growth and creative sectors.”