Salaries in India likely to rise 9 pc in 2026 amid global economic growth uncertainties: Survey     

Salaries in India are likely to rise by 9 per cent next year, on the back of resilient consumption, investment and policy support despite global economic growth uncertainties, a survey said on Tuesday.

The nine per cent projection for 2026 marks a slight increase from the actual 8.9 per cent salary growth observed in 2025, even as global economic growth slows, according to global professional services firm AON's 'Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2025-26 India’.

Despite headwinds, India's economy remained resilient, supported by strong domestic consumption, investments and policy measures, it noted.

The 30th edition of AON's 'Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2024-25 India’ is based on inputs from 1,060 organisations across 45 industries.

Further, its survey stated that salary increases are projected to vary across industries, with real estate/infrastructure (10.9 per cent) and non-banking financial companies (10 per cent) seeing the highest increases in 2026.

The automotive or vehicle manufacturing is expected to witness 9.6 per cent salary growth, followed by engineering design services (9.7 per cent), retail (9.6 per cent) and life sciences (9.6 per cent), reflecting continued investment in critical talent pools.

"India's growth story remains strong, supported by infrastructure investments and policy measures. Our survey shows that key sectors like real estate and NBFCs are leading the way in talent investment and businesses are taking a strategic approach to compensation to ensure sustainable growth and workforce stability, even amid global uncertainty," said Roopank Chaudhary, partner and rewards consulting leader, Talent Solutions for India at Aon.

Further, the survey revealed that overall attrition rates have declined to 17.1 per cent in 2025, down from 17.7 per cent in 2024 and 18.7 per cent in 2023.

This gradual decline points to a more stable talent landscape, with organisations experiencing improved employee retention, it stated.

As the workforce becomes more settled, companies are well-positioned to invest in targeted upskilling and development programmes, ensuring they can build a resilient talent pipeline and prepare for future business needs, according to the survey.