Despite uncertainty worldwide, several Indian sectors are positioned for robust pay jumps next year - setting the stage for job seekers, upward movers, and curious onlookers alike.

So here’s the scoop: Salary growth in India isn’t coasting. Nationwide, 2026 should see an average 9% hike - slightly above 2025’s 8.9%, and, in plain terms, real money for many households. What’s behind it? A healthy mix: domestic-led demand refusing to cool, government policy nudges, and, yes, that endless search for specialized skill sets. Company purse strings are looser especially for in-demand, junior-level talent - striking, given the past years’ belt tightening post-pandemic and global shocks.

Industries Leading the Charge

Real Estate and Infrastructures 

Sitting atop the heap, real estate and infra firms are forecasting pay jumps of nearly 11% - helped by public projects, a housing push, and sustained investment.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 

Not far behind, NBFCs could touch a full 10% hike. The sector’s resilience and focus on technology-enabled services drive demand for new hires and wage growth.

Automotive, Engineering Design, and Manufacturing 

These sectors aren’t pulling their foot off the pedal either: automotive and engineering design services are locked in for raises just short of 10% as global suppliers look for local partners who can design, build, and tweak on the fly.

Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals 

With ongoing health investments, life sciences anticipate almost 9.6% increases - sometimes more at specialist and R&D levels.

Retail & E-commerce

India’s shifting shopping habits haven’t just benefited big brands - they’ve kept salary increments brisk in retail chains and e-commerce at over 9%.

GCCs (Global Capability Centres)

Back-end tech, analytics, and professional service hubs for multinationals, will see hikes of about 9.5%, outpacing older IT verticals slowed by a global tech glut.

Cool Down for Classic Tech? 

Worth a thought: IT consulting and services - the perennial salary darling - looks to drop to 6.8% average increment in 2026, below national trend, as automation and project slowdowns bite. It’s not quite dire, but those used to double-digit jumps should temper expectations. 

Middle and Senior Management - A Flatter Curve

A twist: while entry and junior roles are pushing ahead, hikes for the top and middle layers are slated to hover just under 9%, as companies prioritize upskilling the base and recalibrating leadership stacks. Attrition is dipping, but with new skills in constant demand, those willing to learn could walk away with the bigger bump.

For most industries - bar classic IT consulting - India is preparing to reward both growth and new skills with its sharpest salary hikes in years. Tune those resumes, chase the right skills, and maybe cash in on the shift before the cycle peaks again. Have a great New Year!