Download the ETCIO App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. Technology has emerged as the top paymaster across roles and levels in 2026, driven by deepening digitisation and a sharper focus on artificial intelligence among businesses. Tech and IT roles also dominate the top three salary brackets across levels, with all top 10 hot jobs being technology-led, the first time ever in recent years, according to the Randstad Salary Trends Report. The national average CTC across tier-1 cities at junior level has risen marginally year-on-year to nearly Rs 6 lakh. In contrast, average pay at the middle (nearly Rs 17 lakh) and senior (Rs 32 lakh) levels sees a slight decline from last year, amid a challenging economic environment.Among tier-1 cities, Mumbai tops the charts at middle and senior levels, with average CTCs of nearly Rs 19 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, respectively.

Source: Economic Times January 27, 2026 06:26 UTC