e fastest growing job role in Chennai: LinkedIn reveals Jobs on the Rise 2026
Chennai, January 21, 2026: Professionals in India are entering the new year with high ambition for change, as new research from LinkedIn shows 72% are looking for a new role in 2026. However, more than one-thirds also feel unprepared for how fast technology is changing the skills required to do jobs (38%) and how they can stand out amid rising competition today (37%).
To help professionals navigate this uncertainty, LinkedIn has released its Jobs on the Rise 2026 list. In Chennai, AI Engineer emerges as the fastest-growing job role, reflecting the city’s role as a stronghold for engineering, manufacturing excellence and technology adoption. Beyond this, the list features roles such as Chief Human Resources Officer (#2), Urban Planner (#3), Director of Business Development (#4) and Legal Executive (#5), highlighting growth across people leadership, infrastructure, business expansion and specialised professional roles in the city’s evolving job market.
Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Sr. Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News says, "Chennai's job market is drawing strength from its industrial backbone and growing tech ecosystem, with demand rising for adaptable professionals. With roles evolving across domains and functions, employers are prioritizing versatility. Professionals who integrate AI literacy with their foundational skills, showcase results through project outcomes, and stay receptive to diverse responsibilities are finding stronger opportunities as hiring extends beyond technology into automotive, finance, and consulting sectors."
Indian professionals are comfortable using AI, but unsure about its use in hiring
LinkedIn’s research shows that 94% of professionals in India are comfortable using AI in their job search, but nearly half (48%) don't understand how to stand out when AI is used in hiring. 54% of them say AI can be an obstacle in getting noticed by recruiters. Despite these concerns, 65% believe AI can improve communication from recruiters and help address gaps in recruiter-candidate interactions.
How LinkedIn’s AI tools are improving job search and role matching
LinkedIn also offers a wide range of AI tools, including AI-powered job search, which lets members search for jobs in their own words and discover roles they might never have thought to look for. The tool is now rolling out globally in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Over 1.3M members globally already use it every day, and over 25M weekly searches are powered by the new job search experience. Once you discover relevant roles, you can use LinkedIn’s job match feature to see which roles align with your skills and qualifications, so you can focus on applying to opportunities where you’re a fit and more likely to be considered for the role.
Chennai’s Top 10 Jobs on the Rise
AI Engineer
Chief Human Resources Officer
Urban Planner
Director of Business Development
Legal Executive
Data Science Specialist
Social Media Manager
General Manager Marketing
Research Instructor
Founder
