In 2025, salary increases in India’s corporate sector are expected to range from 6% to 15%, depending on factors such as industry, role importance, and specialized skills. For emerging expertise and senior leadership roles, salary increases could soar by as much as 40%, according to the Michael Page 2025 Salary Guide. Nilay Khandelwal, Senior Managing Director at Michael Page, explained that promotions often result in a 20% to 30% salary increase, with a potential rise of 30% to 40% for positions requiring specialized skills and leadership abilities. Additionally, companies are increasingly offering Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and long-term incentive programs, particularly for senior-level positions.
The global recruitment firm predicts significant growth in industries such as healthcare, financial services, infrastructure, and manufacturing, while the technology sector’s demand for experts in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, and data privacy continues to rise. Despite automation potentially slowing down traditional roles like operations, the gig economy is driving the rise of flexible, project-based job opportunities. India is becoming a more prominent player in the global investment space, with numerous international private equity, sovereign, venture capital, real estate, and infrastructure funds expanding their operations within the country. Ankit Agarwala, Managing Director at PageGroup, noted that salary hikes in 2025 are expected to fall between 6% and 15%, with a median increase of approximately 9%, which mirrors the previous year’s trend. High-demand positions in 2025 include those in AI, ML, cybersecurity, data privacy, as well as leadership roles within sectors like BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) and manufacturing.
