AI sends tech to top of pay charts: Report
NEW DELHI: Technology has emerged as the top paymaster across roles and levels in 2026, driven by deepening digitisation and a sharper focus on artificial intelligence among businesses. Tech and IT roles also dominate the top three salary brackets across levels, with all top 10 hot jobs being technology-led, the first time ever in recent years, according to the Randstad Salary Trends Report. Other top paying sectors include professional services (business consulting), ITES, infrastructure and construction, energy and BFSI. A resurgence in IT hiring has pushed up average compensation across the board, with top executives drawing an average cost-to-company (CTC) of nearly Rs 33 lakh, the report shared exclusively with TOI said. Average CTC for IT executives stands at Rs 6.65 lakh for junior roles and Rs 20.75 lakh at the middle level. Last year, internet and e-commerce sectors lead across levels as attractive paymasters.
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Viswanath PS, MD & CEO, Randstad India, a talent company said: “As we step into 2026, the Indian job market is witnessing a profound shift where value is no longer defined by traditional roles, but by a digital premium on specialised, future-ready skills. The emergence of high-impact hot jobs – centered around software development, product management, and data engineering – reinforces that technology is the ultimate equaliser in our economy.““Our report indicates that decentralisation of growth is arguably the most significant aspect of India’s employment landscape; we are seeing a remarkable surge in senior-level compensation across Tier-2 cities, with many regional hubs now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Tier-1 metros.” Overall, salaries are expected to grow by 9% this year. The national average CTC across tier-1 cities at junior level has risen marginally year-on-year to nearly Rs 6 lakh. In contrast, average pay at the middle (nearly Rs 17 lakh) and senior (Rs 32 lakh) levels sees a slight decline from last year, amid a challenging economic environment. Among tier-1 cities, Mumbai tops the charts at middle and senior levels, with average CTCs of nearly Rs 19 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, respectively. The city also emerged as leading talent hotspot for mid- and senior-level professionals, anchored by strong demand from BFSI, IT/ITES, energy and utilities, and internet and e-commerce sectors.
