Is the Average Salary for Contract Workers in India's Telecom Sector Now Rs 25,225 a Month?

Synopsis
Discover how the average monthly salary for contractual workers in India's telecom sector reached Rs 25,225, reflecting strategic efforts to enhance compensation. This increase highlights the industry's focus on young talent, despite a slowdown in workforce growth. What does this mean for the future of telecom in India?
Key Takeaways
- Average monthly salary for contractual workers is Rs 25,225.
- Salary increased from Rs 24,609 in FY22 to FY25.
- Majority of contractual workforce is 18 to 32 years old.
- Workforce expansion has slowed, with 11.9% growth.
- Rural internet adoption surged from 59% to 78%.
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) The average monthly wage for contractual workers in India's telecom industry has increased from Rs 24,609 in FY22 to Rs 25,225 in FY25, showcasing ongoing initiatives to provide competitive salaries, as revealed in a report released on Wednesday.
The Indian telecom sector has seen a slowdown in the growth of its contractual workforce in 2025 while still focusing on nurturing young talent to fulfill its operational requirements, according to the newest statistics from TeamLease Services.
The findings also indicate that individuals aged between 18 and 32 years continue to make up a substantial portion of the contractual workforce.
Additionally, the data indicates that the year-on-year growth rate for contractual positions at the associate level has slowed to 11.9 percent in the fiscal year 2024-25, pointing to a more cautious strategy regarding workforce growth.
Attrition rates have remained fairly consistent, recorded at 50.8 percent in FY 2021-22 and 50.3 percent in FY 2024-25.
“The statistics signify a continuous adjustment in the telecom sector's workforce strategy. Although hiring rates are becoming more deliberate, there is still a strong focus on attracting young, educated professionals who are ideal for dynamic, customer-oriented, and technical positions,” stated Kartik Narayan, CEO-Staffing, TeamLease Services.
Analysis of tenure reveals that most contractual associates are in the initial phases of their careers, with over 60 percent having under two years of experience.
This, alongside the age and qualification distribution, indicates the sector's ongoing dependence on entry-level professionals, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the rising adoption of the internet and increased data consumption among rural users are becoming key factors for enhancing the average revenue per user (ARPU) for Indian telecom firms. To leverage this trend, telecom companies are bolstering rural connectivity to expand their data subscriber base and profits, as highlighted in another report.
Over the four calendar years leading to December 31, 2024, internet penetration in rural India skyrocketed from 59 percent to 78 percent, surpassing urban growth, which rose from 77 percent to 90 percent, according to a report by Crisil Ratings.