HCM & HRIS

Only 29% Indians satisfied with current pay levels, majority planning to ask for pay hike in next 12 months: Report

May 28, 2026
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  • Published On May 28, 2026 at 12:49 PM IST


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< />New Delhi: Only 29 per cent of Indian employees are satisfied with their current pay levels, while a large majority are planning to seek salary hikes over the next 12 months amid rising cost-of-living concerns, according to a survey report by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.<br><br><!– PROMOSLOT_M –> The report stated that the cost of living continues to remain one of the top work-related concerns globally in 2026 and is the second biggest concern among Indian employees after fears around jobs being replaced by technology.<br><br><div class=” article-detail-ad-slot=”” captionrendered=”1″ data-src=”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/photo/131365245.cms” height=”442″ loading=”eager” src=”https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/images/default.jpg” width=”590″></img></p> </div> <p> According to the report, 81 per cent of respondents in India plan to ask their employers for a pay raise in the next 12 months.</p> <p> It stated, “Both globally and in India, the proportion of those seeking to ask for a pay rise has risen since 2025 – with 81 per cent of respondents in India planning to ask their employer for a pay rise in the next 12 months, higher than the 67 per cent in 2025 and the 2026 global average (62 per cent)”.</p> <p> The findings reflect increasing pressure on employers as inflation and higher living costs continue to impact household budgets across the country.</p> <p> The survey report noted that only 29 per cent of Indian respondents said they were satisfied with their current salary levels, compared to the global average of 36 per cent.</p> <p> Among different age groups, Millennials showed the strongest intention to seek pay hikes, with 90 per cent planning to ask for salary increases over the next year.</p> <p> This was higher compared to Gen Z at 77 per cent and Gen X at 75 per cent.</p> <p> The report also highlighted that salary expectations among Indian employees remain significantly higher than global averages.</p> <p> Around 68 per cent of Indian respondents expect a salary increase of more than 10 per cent, compared to 37 per cent globally.</p> <p> Among employees expecting hikes above 10 per cent, Gen X workers showed the highest expectations at 76 per cent, followed by Gen Z at 60 per cent and Millennials at 55 per cent.</p> <p> According to the report, compensation continues to remain the most important factor for employees, especially among younger professionals who are focused on higher take-home pay.</p> <p> However, mid-career professionals are increasingly placing equal importance on remuneration and meaningful work.</p> <p> The report said employers are increasingly facing pressure to balance rising salary expectations with profitability and retention strategies. </p> <div> <div> <ul> <li><a href=ANI

  • Published On May 28, 2026 at 12:49 PM IST

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