India Inc Salary Hikes Expected at 9.1% in 2027: Aon Survey
Indian companies are projected to increase employee salaries by an average of 9.1% in 2027, according to Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026–27. The forecast indicates that corporate salary budgets are expected to remain broadly stable, following an average salary increase of 9% in 2026.
The survey, released in October 2026, analysed information from more than 1,200 organisations across 45 industries. Its findings offer an indication of expected compensation trends for professionals, fresh graduates entering the workforce and employees planning their next career move. However, the projected average does not mean every employee will receive a 9.1% increment.
India Salary Hike 2027: Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey organisation | Aon |
| Report | Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026–27 |
| Projected salary increase in 2027 | 9.1% |
| Actual average increase in 2026 | 9% |
| Organisations surveyed | More than 1,200 |
| Industries covered | 45 |
Which Industries May Offer Higher Salary Hikes in 2027?
Salary increases are expected to differ across industries depending on business performance, talent requirements and compensation strategies. According to the reported Aon survey findings, non-banking financial companies are projected to record the highest average increase among the sectors highlighted.
| Industry | Projected Salary Increase in 2027 |
|---|---|
| Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) | 10.1% |
| Energy | 9.9% |
| Real estate and infrastructure | 9.8% |
These figures are industry-level projections, not guaranteed increments for individual employees. Actual salary revisions may depend on company policies, employee performance, job responsibilities and the availability of specialised skills.
Why Are Companies Maintaining Salary Budgets?
Employers are balancing the need to attract and retain skilled workers with rising operating expenses and uncertainty in international markets. Domestic consumption, investment activity and export growth have been identified in the survey coverage as factors supporting business confidence.
Companies are also becoming more selective about where they allocate compensation budgets. Rather than applying identical increases across all roles, employers may prioritise critical positions, hard-to-find capabilities and employees whose skills directly support business objectives.
Demand for artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science capabilities is another important consideration. As organisations adopt new technologies, professionals who can demonstrate relevant technical knowledge and apply it to practical business problems may find additional opportunities. Nevertheless, skills alone do not guarantee a particular salary increase.
What Does the Forecast Mean for Employees and Fresh Graduates?
For existing employees, the projected average provides a broad reference point for understanding compensation trends. It should not be treated as a guaranteed benchmark during an appraisal discussion. Individual increments can be higher or lower depending on performance, role, employer and industry.
Fresh graduates should use the findings to understand the wider employment environment rather than assume that starting salaries will rise by 9.1%. Entry-level compensation is influenced by educational qualifications, practical experience, location, job function and employer hiring budgets.
Professionals planning a job switch can compare current compensation with market opportunities, but they should also consider job stability, learning opportunities, responsibilities, benefits and long-term career progression before making a decision.
How Can Professionals Prepare for 2027 Salary Reviews?
- Build relevant skills: Develop capabilities aligned with the requirements of your industry and target role.
- Document achievements: Maintain evidence of completed projects, measurable results and additional responsibilities.
- Research compensation: Compare salary information for similar roles, experience levels and locations.
- Improve negotiation skills: Use measurable contributions and credible market information during appraisal discussions.
- Evaluate total compensation: Consider bonuses, insurance, retirement benefits, flexibility and career development alongside fixed pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected salary hike in India in 2027?
Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026–27 projects an average salary increase of 9.1% in 2027.
Which sector is expected to lead salary growth?
Non-banking financial companies are projected to lead the highlighted sectors, with an average increase of 10.1%.
How does the 2027 forecast compare with 2026?
The projected increase of 9.1% for 2027 is slightly higher than the reported actual average salary increase of 9% in 2026.
Will every employee receive a 9.1% salary hike?
No. The figure represents an overall projection. Individual increments depend on employer decisions, performance, industry conditions and other compensation factors.
What should employees do to improve their salary prospects?
Employees can strengthen relevant skills, demonstrate measurable work outcomes, research market compensation and prepare for appraisal or job-change negotiations.
Conclusion
India Inc is projected to deliver an average salary increase of 9.1% in 2027, according to Aon's latest survey. The forecast points to broadly stable salary budgets, with differences across industries and continued emphasis on retaining employees with specialised skills.
For jobseekers and working professionals, the key takeaway is to prepare for changing skill requirements and evaluate opportunities using reliable market information. The national average is a useful indicator of compensation trends, but actual salary growth will depend on individual circumstances and employer decisions.
