Job Switch in 2027: Sectors Expected to See the Biggest Salary Hikes
Professionals planning a job switch in 2027 may want to compare salary trends across industries before deciding where to apply. According to Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey for India 2026–27, Indian employers are projecting an average salary increase of 9.1% in 2027. However, expected increments vary considerably by sector, making industry research an important part of career planning.
The survey, which analysed more than 1,200 organisations across 45 industries, indicates that non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), energy, and real estate and infrastructure are among the sectors expected to record relatively high salary increases. These figures refer to projected employee salary increments, not guaranteed pay increases for people changing jobs.
Which Sectors May Offer the Biggest Salary Hikes in 2027?
| Industry | Projected Salary Increase in 2027 |
|---|---|
| Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) | 10.1% |
| Energy | 9.9% |
| Real estate and infrastructure | 9.8% |
| Funds and asset management | 9.6% |
| Life sciences | 9.6% |
| Automotive and vehicle manufacturing | 9.5% |
| Global capability centres (GCCs) | 9.4% |
| Banking | 8.5% |
| Chemicals | 8.0% |
| Technology consulting and services | 6.6% |
Important: These are projected sector-level salary increases reported in the survey, not estimates of the salary premium available to someone switching employers. Actual offers depend on the role, experience, skills, location and hiring company's budget.
1. NBFCs and Financial Services
NBFCs are projected to record an average salary increase of 10.1% in 2027. Professionals working in lending, credit assessment, risk management, compliance, financial analysis and digital financial services can examine opportunities in this sector.
Candidates should evaluate the responsibilities and stability of a role alongside its compensation. A higher sector-level increment does not guarantee that every finance professional will receive a comparable raise.
2. Energy
The energy sector is projected to record a 9.9% salary increase. Opportunities may span engineering, project management, operations, safety, analytics and energy-related technology, depending on an employer's business activities.
Professionals considering this industry should assess the qualifications required, location of projects, technical certifications and opportunities for long-term skill development.
3. Real Estate and Infrastructure
Real estate and infrastructure are projected to see salary increases of 9.8%. Construction, project execution, engineering, planning, procurement, finance and project controls are potential career areas within the wider sector.
Before changing jobs, candidates should investigate the employer's project pipeline, working conditions, payment structure and the long-term prospects of the role.
4. Life Sciences and Asset Management
Life sciences and funds and asset management are both projected to record salary increases of 9.6%. The relevant career paths differ: life sciences may involve research, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and manufacturing, while asset management may involve investment research, portfolio analysis, risk and financial operations.
Applicants should match their qualifications and experience to the actual job requirements instead of choosing an industry solely on the basis of its projected salary increase.
5. Automotive and Global Capability Centres
Automotive and vehicle manufacturing are projected to record a 9.5% increase, while global capability centres are projected at 9.4%. Depending on the employer, opportunities may include engineering, supply-chain management, software, data analytics, finance and business operations.
For GCC roles in particular, candidates should distinguish between positions involving routine support and those offering specialised technical, analytical or strategic responsibilities. The nature of the role can matter as much as the industry average.
Does a Job Switch Guarantee a Bigger Salary Increase?
No. A sector's projected annual increment measures expected salary-budget movement across participating employers. It does not predict the percentage increase an individual will receive after changing jobs.
A job offer depends on the candidate's current compensation, experience, skills, interview performance, the position's responsibilities and the employer's willingness to pay. A higher salary may also come with longer working hours, relocation expenses, fewer benefits or greater job uncertainty.
How to Prepare for a Job Switch in 2027
- Research target roles: Compare job descriptions, experience requirements and salary ranges for similar positions.
- Develop relevant skills: Strengthen technical, analytical or managerial capabilities that employers specifically request.
- Show measurable results: Highlight projects, cost savings, revenue contributions, process improvements or other achievements on your resume.
- Compare total compensation: Consider fixed pay, variable bonuses, retirement benefits, insurance and other employment terms.
- Check the employer: Research business performance, role expectations, location and career progression.
- Negotiate with evidence: Use comparable roles, relevant experience and demonstrated value to support your salary expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sector is projected to have the highest salary hike in India in 2027?
NBFCs lead the sectors highlighted in Aon's survey, with a projected average salary increase of 10.1%.
What is the average salary hike projected for India in 2027?
Aon's survey projects an average increase of 9.1% across Indian employers covered by the study.
Will switching jobs in 2027 guarantee a 10% salary increase?
No. Sector-level salary projections do not guarantee an individual raise or a particular salary premium when changing employers.
Are technology jobs expected to offer lower salary growth?
The survey projects a 6.6% increase for technology consulting and services. Other technology-related businesses and specialised roles may follow different compensation patterns.
What should candidates consider before changing jobs?
Candidates should compare the complete compensation package, responsibilities, job security, work environment, required skills and long-term career opportunities.
Conclusion
NBFCs, energy, real estate and infrastructure are among the sectors projected to record higher salary increases in India in 2027. Life sciences, asset management, automotive manufacturing and global capability centres also feature in Aon's salary outlook.
For professionals considering a job switch, these figures can help identify industries worth researching. The final decision should also account for role-specific demand, skills, employer quality and total compensation. A well-planned move based on credible market evidence is more useful than choosing an industry based on its projected increment alone.
