Has India’s Gender Pay Gap Narrowed to One of the Lowest Worldwide?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking report, India emerges as a leader in reducing its gender pay gap, showcasing a commitment to fair compensation. With median salaries for men and women nearly equal and a shift towards data-driven pay models, this progress reflects a broader movement towards equity in the workplace. What does this mean for the future of gender equality in India?
Key Takeaways
- Gender pay gap in India has narrowed significantly.
- Median salaries for men and women are nearly equal.
- 40% YoY drop in median compensation for engineering and data professionals.
- India maintains a hybrid workforce model.
- Global trends indicate a shift towards equity-heavy compensation models.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) The gender pay gap in India has significantly narrowed, now placing it among the lowest globally, according to a report released on Monday.
The analysis conducted by the global payroll and compliance platform Deel reveals that the median salaries for men and women in India are almost equal, ranging from $13,000 to $23,000. This trend highlights a movement towards pay equity and the implementation of data-driven compensation models.
Deel's study leveraged internal platform data from over 1 million contracts and more than 35,000 customers across 150 countries to provide insights into global pay trends.
Additionally, the report pointed out a 40 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in median compensation for engineering and data professionals in India, dropping from $36,000 in 2024 to $22,000 in 2025.
India is noted for its hybrid workforce model, with 60 percent-70 percent of employees being full-time and 30 percent-40 percent as contract workers, indicating a stable reliance on flexible work arrangements.
Mark Samlal, General Manager APAC at Deel, stated, “It’s uplifting to witness India emerge as a leading country where the gender pay gap has significantly decreased. This improvement signifies a broader transition towards fairness, transparency, and data-driven pay models that prioritize merit over bias.”
In contrast, the US, UK, and Canada maintain the highest median compensation across various job categories. Specialized roles in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing attract pay premiums of 20 percent to 25 percent due to skill shortages and absent pay benchmarks.
The report also noted that median equity grants for tech talent have consistently increased from 2021 to 2025 in emerging markets such as Brazil and India, indicating a global shift towards equity-heavy compensation models. The US tops the list in equity package size, followed by Canada and France.
However, globally, gender pay gaps remain more pronounced in tech and product roles compared to sales positions, with the most significant gaps found in Canada, France, and the United States, as per the report.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the strides India has made in narrowing its gender pay gap. This progress not only reflects the nation's evolving labor market but also highlights the importance of transparent compensation practices. The report from Deel underscores the need for continued focus on equitable pay structures, ensuring that gender disparities do not persist in the workforce.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current gender pay gap in India?
According to recent reports, India's gender pay gap has narrowed significantly, with median salaries for men and women nearly equal, ranging from $13,000 to $23,000.
What factors contributed to this improvement?
The improvement is attributed to growing pay equity and the adoption of data-driven compensation models that prioritize merit.
How does India's gender pay gap compare globally?
India's gender pay gap is now among the lowest in the world, reflecting significant progress compared to other countries, particularly in tech and product roles.
