NEW DELHI: Most discussions about artificial intelligence have centered on potential job disruptions. However, less visibly, AI has triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for specific skilled human talent. An analysis by talent firm Randstad of over 50 million job postings, shared exclusively with TOI, reveals that demand in India for electricians has skyrocketed by 242%, HVAC technicians by 200%, and robotics technicians by over 500% in four years.
Physical Backbone of AI
“Every AI breakthrough has a physical backbone — power grids need upgrades, cooling systems must be built, and factories increasingly require automation. Behind every intelligent machine, highly specialized human expertise is essential,” said Viswanath P S, MD & CEO of Randstad India. He termed this a pronounced “labour flip,” where skilled technical trades are outpacing traditional entry-level professional roles.
Definition and Compensation
Skilled workers, categorized under the blue-collar workforce, hold formal certifications, diplomas, or degrees from reputable institutes, such as certified welders or electricians. According to the analysis, the surge in demand for skilled trades is reshaping compensation structures, narrowing the salary gap between skilled blue-collar workers and entry-level white-collar employees. In India, average blue-collar salaries are growing at 5.7% year-on-year compared with 4% for entry-level white-collar roles.
The average blue-collar salary in India is $2,612, but specialized roles command significantly more. For instance, annual remuneration for mechanics involved in robotics and specialized maintenance is $9,106, while plant and machine operators earn $7,815, and building and construction workers earn $5,420. Electricians, including HVAC installation and wiring, are paid $3,296. In contrast, basic entry-level white-collar positions such as data-entry operators and junior accounting roles offer around $2,711. Some of these roles are increasingly impacted by automation and AI.
Hiring Trends
Hiring trends reflect this shift. India’s blue-collar job volumes have surged by 93% between 2022 and 2026, linked to infrastructure development and AI-related backbones. Interestingly, India presents a unique dual-growth market. “Unlike major Western economies that saw severe contractions in desk-based work, India’s labour market is expanding across the board. White-collar roles also demonstrated robust momentum, growing by over 40%,” Viswanath noted.
“Certain Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are currently creating entry-level opportunities, such as payroll specialist roles. However, it remains to be seen how long these jobs will endure in an AI-driven environment,” he added.
