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As the world hurtles towards an uncertain future, Gen Z and Millennials are forging their own path in the ever-evolving job market, armed with unique skills, digital prowess, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

These tech-savvy cohorts are redefining career success, prioritising job satisfaction alongside financial gain, and shattering traditional notions of high-paying careers. In a landscape where innovation reigns supreme, they are seeking positions that offer not just lucrative salaries but also the opportunity to make a meaningful social impact.

Related: 13 questions to ask hiring managers during a job interview

Top 10 best-paying jobs in India for 2023

The employment outlook in India presents diverse opportunities across industries, reinforcing the importance of agility and continuous learning for individuals seeking to thrive in the dynamic job market.

To help you make informed decisions on your next job search, we have compiled a list of the highest-paying jobs in India, derived from our 2023 Page Insights Salary Guide.

While the list features senior leadership roles, it will help job seekers identify sectors that can offer competitive salary packages at any point in their careers.

Related: Hiring trends in India for 2023 Mumbai cityscape

The top 10 highest-paid jobs in India

1. CFO or Finance Director

A chief finance officer (CFO) or finance director in the Finance and Accounting sector can command an average between Rs 400 lakhs to Rs 800 lakhs a year. A solid financial infrastructure is the backbone of any company. With a broad list of duties and high levels of responsibility, chief financial officers (CFOs) and finance directors are among the highest-paying jobs in India.

(Browse finance roles.)

2. Managing Director

A managing director in corporate finance, or mergers and acquisitions, and investing banking can earn an annual salary between Rs 250 lakhs to Rs 400 lakhs.

Though salaries of managing directors can differ widely depending on the function, those handling global funds in private equity and venture capital will be the most well-compensated. Managing directors are responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and ensuring it is aligned with its goals and objectives.

(Browse banking roles.)

3. Business Management Roles in Property & Construction

Professionals with over 25 years of experience in profit and loss management roles can earn from Rs 90 lakhs to Rs 500 lakhs annually.

According to a Reuters poll conducted in November 2022, India’s housing market was expected to remain resilient and defy the global downtrend in the coming year. The support provided by the Indian government for various housing initiatives, including those aimed at housing individuals or communities facing poverty in urban areas, and the Smart Cities Mission, has played a significant role in the property and construction sector in 2023.

These factors have led construction and property companies to look for senior executives in various business administration functions, including profit and loss management, sales, land acquisition and leasing. 

(Browse business management roles.)

4. Head of Human Resources (HR)

A head of HR working for large-capital companies in banking and financial services can command Rs 150 lakhs to Rs 350 lakhs annually.

There is a high demand for HR professionals with strategic mindsets and strong business acumen in India. No longer just an administrative support function, human resources management plays a vital role in fostering organisational success, especially during economic upturn and expansion, as evidenced by the significant remuneration it commands.

HR professionals need to have strong analytical skills, help identify problems in the corporation, develop and sustain employee engagement, retain talent and plan for the workforce’s future needs.

(Browse human resources roles.)

5. Pharmaceutical Sales

A Pharmaceutical Sales professional can command an annual salary between Rs 100 lakhs to Rs 300 lakhs.

A pharmaceutical sales professional persuades medical professionals that the drugs, treatments, and devices their company offers are ideal for their patients’ needs. They inform physicians about the company’s products, use product knowledge to influence prescriptions, research product benefits, keep up with industry trends, learn physicians’ needs, educate themselves about competitors’ products, facilitate professional relationships, meet with medical scientists, and attend conferences.

(Browse healthcare and life sciences roles.)

6. Structural Engineering roles

Structural engineering professionals can command up to Rs 250 lakhs annually.

These engineers in the Property and Construction industry are responsible for designing, analysing, and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure projects. They develop schematics, blueprints, and designs for structures, considering client specifications and safety standards.

They collaborate with other departments, such as project management and building departments, to ensure smooth execution of projects. Their expertise includes knowledge of building materials, techniques, processes, and best practices for building safety measures.

(Browse engineering roles.)

7. Government/Corporate affairs positions

Government and Corporate Affairs (GCA) professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life sciences industry can earn an annual salary ranging from Rs 90 lakhs to Rs 220 lakhs.

GCA professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life sciences industries play a vital role in ensuring that their companies operate in a compliant and ethical manner. They also play a key role in building relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders, which can help to protect the company’s interests.

(Browse government or corporate affairs roles.)

8. Procurement/Supply Chain roles

A procurement/supply chain professional can earn from Rs 80 lakhs to Rs 200 lakhs annually in FMCG/Retail and E-commerce/Logistics and Shipping.

Procurement professionals help ensure a company has the items and services to run efficiently. They also need to have a handle on best practices around corporate social responsibility, as more companies are now emphasising sustainable procurement.

Supply chain positions oversee and manage the planning, organisation, and execution of large-scale projects within the supply chain system. They analyse data, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to optimise the supply chain processes. This role is critical in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and providing a smooth flow of goods and services.

(Browse procurement, and supply chain roles.)

9. Data Science/Machine Learning roles

Data science and machine learning roles can earn from Rs 140 lakhs to Rs 180 lakhs annually in consulting, product companies, e-commerce, and internet companies.

A data science professional is responsible for designing data modelling processes, creating algorithms and predictive models, and performing custom analyses. They work with business stakeholders to understand their goals, use data to achieve them, and share insights. Their role includes:

  • Acquiring, cleaning, integrating, and storing data.
  • Performing initial investigations.
  • Choosing and applying models and algorithms.
  • Measuring and improving results.
  • Presenting results.
  • Making adjustments based on feedback.

While not explicitly defined in the provided reference, a machine learning professional typically focuses on designing, implementing, and applying machine learning algorithms to datasets to solve complex problems.

This often includes feature selection, model training and tuning, evaluation, and deployment. They use statistical analysis and programming languages like Python, R, and SQL to build and optimise models. They may also utilise machine learning as part of a larger data science process.

(Browse data science and machine learning roles.)

10. Appointed Actuary

An Appointed Actuary for life insurance in the banking and financial services industry can earn Rs 90 lakhs to Rs 170 lakhs annually.

An Appointed Actuary for life insurance in the banking and financial services industry is responsible for assessing and managing the financial risks associated with life insurance policies. They use mathematical and statistical techniques to estimate the financial impact of uncertainty and determine appropriate premium rates.

They analyse data, develop actuarial models, and provide recommendations for pricing and risk management strategies. Their role involves ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting financial reporting, and advising senior management on actuarial matters concerning life insurance products.

(Browse insurance roles.)

Our 2023 Salary Guide provides a comprehensive look at the most up-to-date salary numbers, and hiring insights and trends in different industries and for all experience levels. Download a copy of our latest salary report here. Download our salary guide here

To find out how your salary compares to other roles and industries in India, go to our Salary Comparison Tool.

Disclaimer: Salaries can differ from one company to another, depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience. 

Read more:
5 ways to advance your tech career
How to build a learning culture in your business
Workplace flexibility a top priority for candidates: report

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