INSIGHTS · PAY

Pay rises in India for 2027, and what they mean for a leadership move.

The latest whole-market survey figures, what they do and do not tell a senior leader, and how to use them in an offer conversation.

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Leadership only · ₹50 L+

THE HEADLINE NUMBERS

What employers in India expect to pay.

From Aon’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026-27 (more than 1,200 organisations across 45 industries), as reported in October 2026.

9.1%Average salary increase projected for 2027

9.0%Average increase actually given in 2026

18%Overall attrition in 2026 (16.2% in 2025)

10.1%Highest sector projection for 2027: NBFCs

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What these numbers do not tell you.

They are workforce averages

The survey covers whole organisations, not only leaders. A senior move is priced individually against the role, not by an annual increment.

A move is not an increment

Changing employer is negotiated against your full current package — fixed pay, variable, long-term incentives — and what you would give up by leaving.

Your sector matters

Reported projections for 2027 range from 10.1% for NBFCs down to 6.6% for technology consulting and services. Compare against your own sector, not the national average.

IN AN OFFER CONVERSATION

Four things to have ready.

1
Your full current packageFixed pay, variable and how much of it was actually paid, long-term incentives and their vesting dates, and benefits.
2
What you leave behindUnvested equity, a bonus you would forfeit, and any notice-period buy-out the new employer would need to cover.
3
Scope, not only cashReporting line, team size, budget authority and the decisions you would own. These shape your next move as much as pay does.
4
Everything in writingAsk for the offer letter with fixed, variable and long-term incentive terms stated before you resign.

ON HIREIQ

What our roles promise about pay.

A ₹50 lakh floor, stated up front. Every role on HireIQ pays at least ₹50 lakh a year in fixed CTC — for interim, fractional and board roles, measured on the annualised fixed pay or fee. The employer’s budget band is shown only where the employer has authorised it. We never ask you for a fee to be considered for a role.

SOURCES

Where these numbers come from.

Figures are quoted as published. Survey averages describe the organisations surveyed, not any one employer or person.

People Matters, October 2026: Aon’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026-27 — 9.1% projected for 2027, 9% actual in 2026, attrition 18% in 2026 and 16.2% in 2025, NBFCs 10.1%, technology consulting and services 6.6%, more than 1,200 organisations across 45 industries.
Telangana Today, October 2026: the same survey — attrition 18% in 2026, 16.2% in 2025 and 17.1% in 2024.

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