average salary in india

Average Salary in India: Detailed Insights by Role & Industry Overview in 2025

Published on October 3, 2025
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8 Min read time
average salary in india

Quick Summary

  • In 2025, the average annual salary in India is around ₹700,000, with IT, banking, and healthcare leading pay scales; salaries vary by location, experience, education, and gender.
  • Metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi offer 20–50% higher salaries than smaller cities, while rural areas remain lower-paying but gradually improving.
  • Salary growth is strongest in early to mid-career stages, influenced by industry trends, skill demand, and upskilling opportunities, with ongoing efforts to reduce the gender pay gap.

Table of Contents

India’s job market in 2025 is experiencing a notable upward trend, with a projected median salary increase of 9.5%, maintaining the pace set in 2024. This positions India at the forefront of salary growth in the Asia-Pacific region, surpassing countries like Vietnam (7.6%), Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.6%), China (5%), and Thailand (5%).

Key sectors driving this growth include Pharmaceuticals (10%), Manufacturing (9.9%), Insurance (9.7%), Captives and Shared Services Organizations (9.7%), and Retail (9.6%). Conversely, the Software and Business Services industries are projected to see slightly lower increases at 9%.

These developments reflect a balanced optimism in India’s corporate landscape, with companies focusing on stability and performance-based rewards. As the economy adapts to post-pandemic realities, understanding these trends is crucial for professionals navigating their career paths in 2025

average salary in india

What is the Average Salary in India 2025?

The average salary is the median income earned by individuals across various sectors and roles. As of 2025, the average annual salary in India stands at approximately ₹700,000 (₹58,333 per month). However, this figure can vary significantly depending on location, industry, education, and work experience.

Why Does the Average Salary Matter?

  • It helps job seekers set realistic expectations during negotiations.
  • Employers use it as a benchmark to offer competitive pay packages.
  • Policymakers analyze it to understand economic growth and wage trends.

Understanding the Indian average salary per month is crucial because it reflects the financial health of the workforce and highlights disparities across regions and professions.

Source: Glassdoor

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Average Salary in India by Industry

Let’s dive deeper into how the average salary of an Indian varies across industries. Below is a table summarizing key sectors and their corresponding salaries:

IndustryAverage Annual Salary (₹)
Information Technology900,000
Banking & Finance800,000
Healthcare600,000
Education400,000
Manufacturing500,000
Retail400,000

Why IT Leads the Pack?

The IT sector dominates the average salary India 2025, thanks to globalization and demand for skilled professionals. Roles like software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts are highly paid.

1. Healthcare: A Growing Sector

With advancements in medical technology and increased healthcare spending, doctors, nurses, and allied health workers enjoy stable incomes.

2. Retail: The Underdog

While retail employs millions, the average salary in India within this sector remains lower due to the prevalence of entry-level positions.

Understanding these differences can help you choose a career path aligned with your financial goals.

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Average Salary by Experience Level in India

Experience is one of the biggest factors that determine how much a person earns. As professionals gain more skills and expertise over the years, their salaries tend to increase. Here’s how salary progression typically happens over time:

ExperienceAverage Salary Progress (%)
2 to 5 years+32%
5 to 10 years+36%
10 to 15 years+21%
15 to 20 years+14%
20+ years+9%

This trend shows that the biggest salary jumps occur in the early and mid-career stages. However, growth continues even after two decades of experience. Understanding this salary progression can help individuals plan their career paths better.

Average Salary in India by Educational Qualification

Education plays a major role in determining a person’s earning potential. Generally, higher qualifications open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Below is an overview of how education impacts earnings in India:

Educational LevelAverage Annual Salary (₹)
Doctorate Degree₹2,752,407 per year
Master’s Degree₹2,126,111 per year
Bachelor’s Degree₹1,697,592 per year
High School₹1,153,703 per year
Below High School₹1,112,499 per year

This data highlights the importance of education in increasing one’s earning capacity. While experience and skills also matter, higher education generally leads to better job prospects and a higher average income in India.

Average Salary in India by Location

Salaries in India vary significantly based on geographical location. Factors such as the cost of living, economic development, and industry presence play a crucial role in determining earnings. Here’s how salaries differ across different regions:

1. Metro Cities – Higher Salaries and More Opportunities

Major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR offer salaries that are 20% to 50% higher than the national average. This is because these cities are home to thriving industries such as IT, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

  • Mumbai – Known as India’s financial capital, it offers high-paying jobs in banking, stock markets, and media.
  • Bengaluru – The IT hub of India, attracting software engineers, data scientists, and startup professionals with competitive salaries.
  • Delhi-NCR – A diverse job market with strong opportunities in corporate, government, and service sectors.

2. Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities – Moderate Salaries with Lower Cost of Living

Cities like Pune, Jaipur, and Lucknow offer salaries that are about 70% to 80% of metro city averages. While earnings may be slightly lower, the cost of living is also significantly less, making it an attractive choice for many professionals.

  • Pune – A growing IT and automobile industry hub with increasing job opportunities.
  • Jaipur & Lucknow – Emerging centers for tourism, education, and trade, offering stable career growth.

3. Rural Areas – Lower Salaries with Limited Industrial Presence

In rural areas, salaries are generally much lower compared to urban centers. Most jobs here are in agriculture, small-scale industries, and local businesses. Since industries and corporate offices are limited, wages remain lower than in cities. However, government initiatives and digital opportunities are gradually improving employment prospects.

Location plays a key role in salary differences. While metro cities offer the highest salaries, smaller cities provide better affordability, and rural areas still have limited high-paying jobs. Understanding these regional salary trends helps professionals make informed career decisions and better assess the average salary based on where they work.

Average Salary in India by Age

Age plays an important role in determining salary levels, as it is often linked to experience, skill development, and career progression. Generally, earnings tend to increase with age, reaching a peak in mid-career before stabilizing or slightly declining in later years. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average salary in rupees across different age groups:

Age RangeAverage Annual Salary (₹)
Below 24 years₹5,905 per month
25–34 years₹10,780 per month
35–44 years₹13,777 per month
45–54 years₹11,932 per month
55+ years₹10,365 per month

These salary trends show that earnings gradually increase with age, peaking around 35–44 years, before slightly declining in later years. Understanding this progression helps individuals plan their careers effectively, ensuring steady financial growth over time.

Average Salary in India by Gender

Although male employees still earn more on average than their female counterparts, the gender pay gap has narrowed significantly over the past decade. This positive trend highlights a stronger emphasis on workplace gender equality. While the minimum salary in India differs by sector, ongoing efforts to enhance women’s access to opportunities and fair compensation are steadily improving, leading to a more balanced and equitable pay structure across genders.
In India, there is a noticeable difference in earnings between men and women, commonly referred to as the gender pay gap. Despite increasing efforts to promote workplace equality, male employees continue to earn more than their female counterparts across various industries.

1. Average Salaries for Men and Women

GenderAverage Annual Salary (₹)
Male₹1,953,055 per year
Female₹1,516,296 per year

This data shows that, on average, men earn over 20% more than women in the workforce.

2. Factors Contributing to the Gender Pay Gap

Several reasons contribute to this difference in earnings:

  • Industry Preferences: A higher percentage of men work in high-paying sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing, whereas more women are employed in lower-paying fields like education and social work.
  • Work Experience: Due to career breaks for family responsibilities, women often have fewer years of experience compared to their male counterparts, affecting their salaries.
  • Fewer Leadership Roles: Fewer women hold top executive positions, which are among the highest-paying jobs in the country.
  • Negotiation Gap: Studies suggest that men are more likely to negotiate for higher salaries than women, impacting overall earnings.

3. Closing the Gender Pay Gap

Efforts to reduce the gender pay gap in India are steadily increasing. The government is implementing policies that promote equal pay, workplace diversity, and inclusive hiring practices. Many companies are now introducing transparent salary structures to ensure fairness and accountability. Additionally, initiatives encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers are helping them access higher-paying roles. Despite these measures, the gender pay gap persists, influenced by factors such as career breaks, fewer leadership opportunities, and industry concentration. Bridging this gap not only fosters a fairer and more inclusive work environment but also drives economic growth by fully leveraging the potential of the female workforce. Monitoring trends in salaries across industries, locations, and experience levels allows both professionals and policymakers to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable labor market in India.

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Factors Influencing Salaries in India

Several factors contribute to variations in the average Indian salary. Let’s break them down:

1. Location

Cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi tend to have higher salaries due to the concentration of multinational companies and tech hubs. For example:

  • Mumbai: ₹900,000 annually
  • Bangalore: ₹850,000 annually
  • Chennai: ₹650,000 annually

2. Industry

Some industries pay more than others. For instance:

  • Information Technology (IT): ₹900,000 annually
  • Healthcare: ₹600,000 annually
  • Retail: ₹400,000 annually

3. Experience Level

Entry-level professionals earn less compared to mid-career or senior employees. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Entry-Level (0–3 years): ₹300,000 annually
  • Mid-Career (4–9 years): ₹700,000 annually
  • Senior Professionals (10+ years): ₹1,500,000 annually

4. Education

Higher qualifications often lead to better-paying jobs. For example, an MBA graduate may earn ₹1,200,000 annually, while a diploma holder might earn ₹400,000.

5. Company Size

Larger organizations typically offer higher salaries compared to small businesses. For instance:

  • Startups: ₹500,000 annually
  • MNCs: ₹1,000,000 annually

By considering these factors, you can better understand why the average salary in India differs so widely.

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Salary Trends Over Time

India has experienced robust economic growth over the past decade, leading to job creation across various sectors. However, wage growth has been limited by high inflation. In the year leading up to September 2024, India’s small businesses added around 11 million jobs, increasing total employment from 109.6 million to 120.6 million. Despite the creation of jobs, the average annual wage increased modestly by 13% to ₹141,071, in contrast to annual retail inflation of around 5.5%.

The average salary in India has shown steady growth over the past decade. Key trends include:

  • Tech Boom: With digital transformation accelerating, tech professionals are seeing significant hikes.
  • Remote Work: Post-pandemic, remote and hybrid roles have expanded earning opportunities beyond metros.
  • Skill Premium: Upskilling in areas like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing boosts salaries by 20–30%.

To stay ahead, focus on acquiring in-demand skills and staying updated with industry trends.

How to Negotiate Your Salary Based on Average Figures?

Knowing the average salary in India gives you leverage during negotiations. Here’s how to use this knowledge effectively:

  • Research industry standards using platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale.
  • Highlight your unique skills and contributions during discussions.
  • Be confident but respectful when presenting your case.

For example, if the average salary in India for your role is ₹700,000, aim for ₹750,000–₹800,000 to account for your added value.

Conclusion

Understanding the average salary in India empowers you to make smarter career choices. From identifying high-paying industries to negotiating better pay, this knowledge is invaluable. Remember, while the national average provides a broad overview, individual circumstances play a significant role in determining earnings.

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If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or colleagues who might benefit! And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference. Stay informed, stay ambitious, and take charge of your financial future.

Note: Discover the average India salary per month across different industries to plan your career growth effectively. All salary figures are approximate and subject to change based on economic conditions and individual qualifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is a good salary in India per month?

A “good” salary in India is relative and depends on various factors, including location, industry, and lifestyle. Generally, a monthly salary between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 is considered good, especially in metropolitan cities. A salary of ₹75,000 per month is also considered good, particularly for professionals with 3-5 years of experience, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. 

Is 70000 a good salary in India?

Yes, earning ₹70,000 per month is considered a good salary in India. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle, covering expenses and savings, especially in smaller cities.

Is 30k a good salary in India?

Earning ₹30,000 per month is above the average salary in India and is considered good, especially in smaller towns and cities where the cost of living is lower.

How do salaries differ across Indian cities?

Salaries in major cities like Mumbai and Bangalore tend to be higher, with averages ranging from ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000, while smaller cities may offer lower pay scales, averaging around ₹5,00,000 to ₹7,00,000.

How much should a 25-year-old earn in India?

A 25-year-old in India typically earns between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000, India average salary per month. This salary range depends on factors such as the industry, education, and level of experience. People in sectors like IT, finance, or engineering often earn higher wages compared to those in other fields.

What is the average salary in India in rupees?

The average salary in India per month varies significantly based on factors like industry, experience, education, and location. However, a general estimate for the average annual salary in India is around ₹9.3 Lakhs, with monthly salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,40,000. 

What is the salary of the top 1% in India?

To be among the top 1% income earners in India, an annual income of approximately ₹55 lakh is generally required. This is significantly lower compared to countries like the USA, where the top 1% earners have an average annual income of around $500,000.

Is 15 lakhs a good salary in India?

A 15 lakh per annum salary in India is generally considered good, especially for someone with a few years of experience. It places an individual in a higher-earning bracket, but whether it’s “enough” depends on various factors like location, lifestyle, and family size. 

How can I negotiate my salary effectively?

Use industry average data as a benchmark, highlight your skills and contributions, and aim slightly above the average to reflect your added value.

Authored by, Anshika Sharma
Digital Content Writer

Anshika specializes in writing informational content designed to educate and engage readers at all levels. She aims to spark curiosity and make learning a genuinely enjoyable experience. When she’s not writing, she’s often immersed in research for her next piece or exploring new topics to expand her knowledge and creativity.

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