The Rise of E-commerce as a Leading Employer

In a groundbreaking shift, the internet and e-commerce sectors have emerged as the top paymasters in 2024, surpassing traditional industries like energy, retail, FMCG, and business consulting. With an average cost to company (CTC) of nearly Rs 37 lakh for top executives, the e-commerce boom is reshaping the job market.

What's Driving the E-commerce Surge?

The sector's exponential growth is fueled by increased internet and smartphone usage, the entry of SMEs into the digital space, and the availability of convenient payment methods. This digital revolution has created a high demand for talent, with attractive compensation packages across all levels.

Comparative Industry Salaries

Following e-commerce, professional services and business consulting offer an average CTC of Rs 36.5 lakh, with media and entertainment rounding out the top three at Rs 35.1 lakh. This marks a significant shift from 2023, when consultants held the highest average pay.

The Future of Work in India

"The Salary Report 2024-25 highlights a resilient and evolving Indian job market where niche skills are commanding premium compensation," says Viswanath PS, MD & CEO, Randstad India. The focus on upskilling has become pivotal for talent seeking better salary prospects and career growth.

Opportunities Across Sectors

BFSI, energy & utilities, infrastructure, real estate, and construction continue to offer attractive salaries. These industries are crucial for India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, with investment banking and banking operations in high demand within the BFSI sector.

Technical Roles in High Demand

In the energy and utilities sector, technical roles in engineering, transmission and distribution, and supply/production/space planning are highly sought after, commanding attractive compensation.

Healthcare Leads in Senior and Middle Level Salaries

Healthcare jumps to the first position in senior and middle level salaries, mirroring the rise in job opportunities with competitive salaries. This is thanks to digital technologies and data analytics integration across research, drug discovery, diagnostics, and manufacturing, alongside a rise in medical tourism and government funding for healthcare infrastructure.

Bengaluru: The Tech Hub

Tech-hub Bengaluru attracts highly skilled talent with the most attractive compensation packages, ranking as the number one talent hotspot across all levels in BFSI, manufacturing & automotive, retail, FMCG & FMCD, and IT sectors.

Mumbai: A Powerhouse of Talent

Mumbai leads tier-1 cities in salary tables for senior level professionals, with an average CTC of Rs 38.8 lakh, and ranks second in the average CTC for middle level professionals (Rs 18.4 lakh).

Emerging Talent Hubs

Among tier-2 cities, Bhopal, Mysore, and Kanpur make a powerful debut, taking the second, third, and fourth spots in junior-level salaries.