Is Chennai the Next Salary Hotspot for Fresh Graduates?
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Synopsis
Chennai is rapidly becoming a leading destination for fresh graduates seeking lucrative job opportunities. This report unveils the shifting salary dynamics in India, highlighting the rise of emerging cities that are outpacing traditional economic hubs, making it an exciting time for job seekers in Chennai and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Chennai is the top city for entry-level salaries.
- Freshers earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,500 across various roles.
- IT/ITeS sector is leading salary growth.
- High living costs impact salary satisfaction in major metros.
- Emerging cities are becoming key players in India’s job market.
New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) Chennai is emerging as the new salary hotspot for fresh graduates, as revealed by a recent report highlighting a major transformation in India's salary framework, with new cities surpassing traditional economic centers.
The report, derived from Indeed’s first-ever PayMap Survey involving feedback from 1,311 employers and 2,531 employees, sought to grasp evolving salary standards, industry trends, and worker sentiment in a post-pandemic environment.
Chennai, alongside Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, is positioning itself as a prime location for salary growth for career-focused individuals.
Leading the entry-level salary rankings, Chennai offers freshers (0-2 years of experience) an average monthly salary of Rs 30,100 across various sectors. In contrast, Hyderabad boasts the highest salaries for mid and senior-level professionals, reaching up to Rs 69,700 per month for those with five to eight years of experience, according to the report.
Despite an average salary increase of nearly 15 percent nationwide over the past year, the most promising growth narratives are emerging outside the conventional economic powerhouses.
“The salary landscape is evolving, with employees increasingly favoring cities where compensation aligns with living costs and career prospects. Our findings indicate that opportunities are no longer solely present in the major metros; they are becoming more widespread,” stated Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India.
The survey also revealed that 69 percent of employees believe their earnings do not keep pace with the cost of living in their respective cities.
This gap is most pronounced in expensive metropolitan areas such as Delhi (96 percent), Mumbai (95 percent), Pune (94 percent), and Bangalore (93 percent).
Conversely, cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata are viewed as more affordable, offering better financial flexibility.
In terms of sectors, IT/ITeS remains the dominant force in the salary domain across all experience levels, fueled by the sustained demand for digital and AI-driven roles.
Fresh graduates in roles ranging from Software Development to HR Engineering earn an average income between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,500, according to the report.
Point of View
The evolving salary landscape in India reflects a significant shift in job opportunities. As cities like Chennai rise as new salary hotspots, it highlights the need for aspiring professionals to adapt to changing dynamics in the job market. We must recognize the potential in emerging cities and ensure that they are part of our ongoing narrative.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for freshers in Chennai?
Fresh graduates in Chennai earn an average salary of Rs 30,100 per month across various sectors.
How does Chennai's salary compare to other cities?
Chennai leads entry-level salaries, while Hyderabad offers the highest mid and senior-level salaries, reaching up to Rs 69,700 per month.
What sectors are driving salary growth?
The IT/ITeS sector is dominating salary growth due to the increasing demand for digital and AI-led roles.
Are salaries keeping pace with the cost of living?
69 percent of employees feel their income does not keep pace with the cost of living in their cities, particularly in high-expense metros.
