Salaries in India are projected to rise by 9.1 per cent in 2026-27, led by the NBFC, energy, real estate and infrastructure sectors, despite geopolitical uncertainties and global trade risks, a survey said on Wednesday.
Non-banking financial companies are projected to lead salary growth in 2027 at 10.1 per cent, followed by energy at 9.9 per cent and real estate and infrastructure at 9.8 per cent, according to global professional services firm Aon plc’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026-27. Around 60 per cent of employers are prioritising employee upskilling, while investment in agentic AI and demand for AI skills continue to grow.
“Strong domestic consumption, sustained investment and export growth continue to support business confidence, allowing employers to invest in talent while maintaining cost discipline,” said Roopank Chaudhary, Partner & Rewards Consulting Leader, Talent Solutions, India, Aon. Stable salary budgets are driving targeted pay increases, with employers prioritising market alignment, scarce skills and critical talent to maximise workforce and business value, he added. “The rapid adoption of AI signals a shift from experimentation to enterprise-wide application. The next priority is translating that momentum into measurable productivity and growth. Employers that establish credible baselines, identify the capabilities that create differentiated value and align workforce investment accordingly will be best placed to realise AI’s full potential,” added Chaudhary.
