job switching

What is the average salary hike when switching jobs in India?

On average, professionals in India get a 30% to 50% salary hike when switching jobs, depending on role, industry, and skill set. 

 

Type of switch 

Typical hike 

 

Same role, different company 

 

 

25%- 35% 

 

Skill based switch (to upskill) 

 

 

30% – 50% 

 

Domain or industry change 

 

 

10% – 25% 

 

Strategic switch with in-demand skills 

 

 

40% – 70%+ 

 

Many professionals switch jobs hoping for a big salary jump — but end up settling for far less than they deserve. Why? Because they don’t know how to position themselves, negotiate smartly, or align their skills with market demand. According to recent trends, while the average hike during a job switch in India ranges from 30% to 50%, many still land just a 10–20% increase due to poor planning or missed opportunities. 

To unlock the full potential of a job switch, you need more than just a strong resume —  

you need a strategy 

 understanding industry benchmarks 

 tailoring your applications 

 and presenting your value with clarity 

 

 

Programs like HR Scoop’s industry transition plan are designed exactly for this - helping professionals  

 

 

How does experience level affect salary hikes during a switch? 

 

Many professionals assume that more experience automatically leads to bigger salary hikes when switching jobs. But in reality, the size of your hike depends not just on how long you've worked — but on how you position that experience. Some experienced professionals get stuck with minimal hikes, while others with fewer years to land better offers due to smarter strategies. 

To maximize your salary hike during a switch, it's not just about how long you've worked — it's about how well you position your experience. Focus on roles that align with your skills, highlight your impact (not just responsibilities), and use keywords that match the job description. 

 

Do mid-career professionals get higher hikes than freshers? 

 

Yes — mid-career professionals often get higher salary hikes than freshers during job switches, but there’s more nuance to it. 

mid-career professionals (2–10 years of experience) usually receive 30%–60% salary hikes when switching jobs, while freshers typically get 10%–25% — mainly because their salary base is already lower and their skills are still developing. 

How to Maximize Your Hike (At Any Stage) 

Tailor your resume to highlight outcomes, not just tasks 

Match your pitch to the company’s needs 

Use platforms like HR Scoop to map the right roles based on your experience, not just your designation 

 

So, begin your journey and level yourself up — because the right strategy, skills, and positioning can turn your next job switch into a career breakthrough. 

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