Indian IT sector job market is changing: What can get you hired & at a premium
Experts believe that the era of broad-based recruitment and hefty pay hikes in the Indian IT sector is over. Companies are now tightening hiring at the entry level, while at the same time competing to get experienced professionals in select areas.
The Indian IT sector is undergoing significant changes in its employment landscape, with new trends shaping hiring, firing, and increment patterns. Artificial intelligence advancements have led to job redundancies, while also creating specialized roles for skilled professionals. The sector now emphasizes niche hiring and offers premium salaries for those with specific expertise.
Companies are tightening entry-level hiring while vying for experienced professionals in select areas. For IT professionals, career growth is increasingly tied to expertise in emerging technologies rather than frequent job switches or industry-wide pay hikes. Freshers, mid-level, and senior-level talent must adapt to these evolving trends.
Despite uncertainty, the Indian IT sector remains a top compensation provider in the country. However, the post-pandemic era of aggressive salary increments has given way to a more disciplined structure. During 2023-24, average increments dropped to 8%-9% due to reduced discretionary IT spending by major tech buyers in North America and Europe. The focus shifted towards optimizing bench strength and cost rationalization.
Experts note that traditional IT services now experience a 6.8%-7.5% aggregate salary growth, with total compensation budgets redirected toward specialized talent. Niche skills in AI/ML, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are driving premium compensation, with salaries ranging from 20% to 35% above traditional software engineering bands. Roles such as AI/ML engineers, MLOps developers, and cybersecurity specialists are in high demand and command handsome salaries.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
