Salary Growth during a Job Change based on experience in India
While the prospect of a substantial salary hike during a job change is enticing, always conside...
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Salary Hike Expectations for Software Engineers in India
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In India’s ever-evolving tech landscape, software engineers have long been seen as the core engine of growth. But in 2025, the rules of the game are shifting.
With global cost pressures, AI disruption, and growing expectations around productivity, the big question is:
What kind of salary hike can software engineers realistically expect this year?
The 2025 Context: No More Blanket Double-Digit Hikes
The post-pandemic boom has settled.
In 2025, salary hikes are more selective, skill-driven, and role-specific than ever before.
“It’s no longer about how many years you’ve worked. It’s about the value you bring—especially in niche tech areas.”
— NASSCOM HR Trends Report 2025
2025 Salary Hike Snapshot: Realistic Expectations
Profile | Expected Annual Hike | Notes |
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | 6–10% | Tier-1 cities pay higher; ₹4.5–6.5 LPA range |
Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | 10–15% | Cloud, full-stack, DevOps > core backend |
Senior Engineers (8–12 yrs) | 12–18% | Strong demand in product/startups, less in IT services |
Architects / Niche Specialists | 18–25% | AI/ML, blockchain, cybersecurity lead this group |
Job Switchers (any level) | 20–35% | Especially high for product, fintech, SaaS firms |
Hikes at large IT services companies (Infosys, TCS, Wipro) remain conservative at 5–9%.
But product companies (Swiggy, Zoho, Razorpay, Gojek) are offering much more aggressive raises.
What’s Driving the Numbers?
1. Skills > Seniority
Companies are investing in tech professionals who bring direct business impact — via automation, AI, platform engineering, or scalable backend systems.
2. AI Isn’t Killing Jobs — It’s Reshaping Them
There’s reduced headcount growth in generic dev roles, but a surge in demand for engineers skilled in:
LLM integration
MLOps
Data engineering
Cybersecurity and cloud infra
3. Product > Services
Product companies and funded startups are paying 15–30% more than IT services — especially for frontend/backend leads, DevOps, and data roles.
4. Location Still Matters
City | Hike Potential |
Bengaluru | Highest – 12–18% avg for in-demand roles |
Hyderabad | Strong for cloud, platform, mid-level talent |
Pune & NCR | Competitive for fintech, B2B SaaS |
Chennai | Fast-rising hub for backend, automation |
Tier-2 Cities | Slower hike pace, but growing rapidly with remote/flex models |
How to Maximize Your Salary Growth in 2025
1. Target High-Value Domains
AI, cloud security, data infra, and dev tools are where the money is.
2. Show Measurable Impact
Hiring managers want engineers who’ve improved performance, reduced cost, or scaled systems — quantify your wins.
3. Switch Roles Strategically
Use job changes to move not just horizontally, but up the value chain. Look for growth, not just a new company.
4. Use Location to Your Advantage
Proximity hiring is back. Companies want talent closer to office zones — and job seekers want roles closer to home.
Final Word: The Market Is Selective, But Rewarding
In 2025, software engineers in India are still in high demand — but only for the right skills, right attitude, and right roles.
Salary hikes may no longer be automatic, but for those who:
Invest in niche expertise
Think like product owners
Leverage smart job platforms like InRadius
— the rewards are still substantial.
So instead of hoping for a raise, go earn one.
Because the best hikes in 2025 are the ones you engineer yourself.
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