AI, cybersecurity, leadership roles will drive salaries up by 40% in 2025

Corporate India is expected to see annual salary hikes ranging from 6% to 15% in 2025, with variations depending on industry, role criticality, and niche skills. For emerging skills and critical leadership positions, the hikes could rise as high as 40%, according to the Michael Page 2025 Salary Guide. Senior Managing Director at Michael Page, Mr. Nilay Khandelwal, stated that promotions typically come with 20% to 30% salary increases, reaching 30% to 40% for roles requiring emerging skills and leadership capabilities. Companies also increasingly offer Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and long-term incentive schemes, particularly for senior roles. 

The global recruitment consultancy predicts robust growth in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, infrastructure, and manufacturing, while the technology sector’s demand for specialised skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data privacy is rising. Although automation may cause stagnation in traditional roles like operations, the gig economy is creating flexible, project-based jobs. India’s significance in the global investment landscape is growing, with more than a dozen global private equity, sovereign, venture capital, real estate, and infrastructure funds expanding operations in the country. Managing Director of PageGroup, Mr. Ankit Agarwala, shared that the projected salary increase for 2025 is 6% to 15%, with a median increase of approximately 9%, similar to last year. Notable roles with strong salary growth prospects include AI, ML, cybersecurity, data privacy, and leadership roles in manufacturing, financial services, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI). 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.