Top Highest Paying Jobs in India: Top Careers, Salaries, and Qualifications
Updated on Aug 26, 2025 | 8 min read | 2.26M+ views
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| Did You Know? A recent article from the Economic Times reported that top IT professionals are earning up to Rs 1 crore or more with just 4-5 years of experience. |
The recent buzz around techies earning over ₹1 crore within just a few years has sparked curiosity across the job market. It has led to wonder: what is the highest-paying job in India? And more importantly, what kind of skills does one need to land such a role? If you, too, are asking questions like what are the top-paying professions today, you are at the right place.
In this blog, we will find out which are the highest paying jobs in India and give you an easy overview of the skills, qualifications and roles that these jobs involve. Keep reading to find quick insights you need to secure the top-paying job of your dreams!
But before getting started, have a look at upGrad’s top range of courses in Management, Software Engineering, Data Science, and Digital Marketing, and learn industry-relevant skills in 2025.
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What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in India in 2025?
The job market in 2025 demands specialized skills, which makes certain professions highly competitive and desirable, not just for potential job seekers but also the companies looking to appoint them.
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Now, let’s dive deeper into the highest paying jobs in India and how much can one earn in them:
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in India?
Amidst growing competition and tech evolution, there are certain job roles that pay more due to their exclusive skill demand, as well as the demand of certain roles in this market.
Here is a table with the top 10 highest paying jobs in India and their approximate annual salary:
Highest Paying Job |
Approx. Annual Salary (INR) |
₹6L-₹15 L |
|
Specialist Physician/Surgeon |
₹6 L -₹30 L+ |
₹7 L -₹20 L |
|
Chartered Accountant (CA) |
₹8 L -₹13 L |
₹5 L -₹19 L |
|
₹10 L -₹20 L |
|
₹15 L -₹31 L |
|
₹20 L -₹30 L |
|
Commercial Pilot |
₹24 L -₹48 L |
₹10 L -₹50 L+ |
Source: Glassdoor
Which job has the highest salary in India per month?
Jobs like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), top medical professionals, and investment bankers usually pay the highest monthly salaries in India. Senior CEOs often earn ₹3–5 lakh a month, and experienced doctors or bankers can reach similar figures.
Which job salary is 1 crore in India?
Salaries of ₹1 crore annually are usually seen in CXO roles like CEO, CFO, or CTO, especially in large corporations. Some investment bankers, private equity professionals, and top-tier management consultants also cross the 1 cr mark after years of experience and proven expertise.
Which Industry Has the Best High-Paying Jobs in India?
We listed some of the highest paying jobs above. Let us look into which industries are known for offering some of the best high paying jobs in India and which are these roles exactly.
What are the highest paying jobs in the IT sector in India?
The IT sector in India is known for offering some of the most rewarding careers. Many roles here come with impressive salaries, career growth, and global opportunities, making them a top choice for professionals aiming for long-term success.
| Highest Paying IT Job | Approx. Annual Salary (INR)
|
| Full Stack Developer | ₹4L - ₹12L |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹5L - ₹11L |
| Software Architect | ₹25.9L - ₹43.3L |
| Big Data Engineer | ₹5L - ₹15L |
| Cloud Architect | ₹8L - ₹28.0L |
Source: Glassdoor
Which finance jobs offer the best salaries in India?
There are a number of options among jobs in finance you can pursue if you want to specialize in finance or make a finance career in financial professional jobs.
Check out this Professional Certificate Program in Financial Modelling and Analysis from upGrad!
Here are some finance jobs that offer the best salaries in India:
Finance Role |
Approx. Annual Salary (INR) |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | ₹22L to 1Crore |
| Investment Banking Analyst | ₹8L- ₹22L |
| Actuary | ₹6.4L - ₹22.6L |
| Private Equity Associate | ₹5L - ₹13.5L |
| Portfolio Manager | ₹3.4 L - ₹38 L |
| Hedge Fund Manager | ₹5 L - ₹87 L |
Source: Glassdoor, Ambition Box
And if you want to explore more, read Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance in India in 2025!
What are the highest paying jobs in healthcare in India?
Healthcare in India is one of the most rewarding fields, both financially and professionally. With growing medical needs and rapid advancements in technology, there’s a constant demand for skilled experts across different areas.
High-paying roles include specialized doctors, surgeons, and healthcare administrators. These careers not only offer great salaries but also provide the satisfaction of improving and saving lives every single day.
Here are some of the highest paying jobs in healthcare in India:
Highest Paying Healthcare Job
|
Approx. Annual Salary (INR)
|
| Gynecologist | ₹24.5L-₹48.8L |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | ₹11.7L-₹36L |
| Radiologist | ₹7.5L-₹24L |
| Anesthesiologist | ₹8.64L-₹25L |
| Surgeon | ₹12L-₹35L |
Know more here: Top 16 Healthcare Jobs in India: Key Insights and Salary Strategies for 2025
What Are the Salaries of Top-Paid Roles in India?
Top-paid roles in India can offer some attractive salary packages in India. These numbers also depend on the specific field, how many years of experience you have and what skill set you bring to your role. Let’s now take a look at the salaries of some of the top-paid roles in India:
What is the salary of a CEO in India?
The salary of a CEO in India varies based on the size and type of company. On average, CEOs of large corporations can earn anywhere from ₹22 lakh and cross 1 crore annually, while those in startups may have lower fixed pay but higher equity benefits. The CEO salary depends upon the company size, industry, as well as company location.
What is the salary of a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India?
A Chartered Accountant in India can earn between ₹7 lakh and ₹15 lakh per year in mid-sized firms, while top CAs in leading companies or specialized roles can make ₹25 lakh or more annually, especially with experience and niche expertise. High salary prospects make CA one of the most desirable job roles in India.
What is the salary of an IAS officer in India?
In India, an IAS gets a basic pay of approximately ₹56,100 per month, which excludes additional allowances like dearness allowances, HRA, transport allowances, etc. This salary range is for an entry-level IAS position and is the pay level 10 of the Indian government. With experience, promotions, this can go up to ₹2.5 lakh per month for senior roles.
What is the average salary of a Data Scientist in India?
The average salary of a Data Scientist in India ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh annually. With advanced skills in machine learning and big data, experienced professionals in top tech firms can earn upwards of ₹20 lakh per year.
Which Qualifications and Courses Lead to High Salary Jobs?
There are certain qualifications and courses which lead to roles that include specialized skills and expertise and often a high demand in the market. Let’s expand on these.
Which degree and courses lead to the highest paying jobs in India?
Due to high demand in the Indian economy, certain degrees and courses stand out with their high pay.
Here are some degrees or courses that lead to some of the highest-paying jobs in India:
| Degree | What High-Paying Roles They Lead To? |
| MBBS | Specialist Physicians, Surgeons |
| Computer Science & Engineering | AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer |
| Business & Finance | Investment Banker, Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant |
| Law (LLB) | Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor |
| Commercial Pilot License (CPL) | Commercial Pilot |
| Other Engineering Specializations | Software Architect, Cloud Architect, Big Data Engineer |
You may also explore these 24 Trending Courses Online in 2025. Find out why these courses are beneficial and how you can pick the right course!
Do MBA graduates get the highest paying jobs in India?
Many MBA graduates do land high-paying positions in sectors like consulting, finance, and corporate leadership. However, it is influenced by factors like the B-school’s reputation, specialization, and individual performance play a huge role in salary levels.
Can engineers get the top-paying jobs in India?
Yes, in fact, engineers are highly sought after in areas like AI, cloud technology, and data science. These domains offer some of the most lucrative opportunities, and with strong technical skills, engineers often climb into top-paying roles quickly.
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How can upGrad Help you?
If you are looking to find the roadmap to secure a high-paying job in India, you can benefit from upGrad learning. At upGrad, we help you achieve your goals of skill advancement with our flexible and industry-relevant courses.
Whether you want to be a data scientist, AI engineer, or cybersecurity expert, our courses allow you to learn what is needed in the real world.
We offer recorded lectures, live sessions, and hands-on projects designed with industry experts to build skills. Our career services connect you with top companies and provide coaching to help you land your dream job.
Here are our top courses to help you prepare for India’s highest-paying jobs:
Got more questions? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with us or visit your nearest upGrad offline center to avail 1:1 counseling and explore your options.
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References:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/many-techies-are-earning-rs-1-crore-or-more-in-4-5-years-but-here-is-the-catch-as-it-professionals-debate/articleshow/120917854
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ceo-salary-SRCH_KO0,3.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/commercial-pilot-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/management-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/product-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/chartered-accountant-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/surgeon-salary-SRCH_KO0,7.htm
https://paytm.com/blog/tax/average-salary-in-india/
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-full-stack-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C26.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-devops-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C21.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-software-architect-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C24.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/big-data-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-cloud-solution-architect-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C30.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/chief-financial-officer-cfo-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C27.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cfo-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-investment-banking-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C32.htm
https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/india-actuary-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C13.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/private-equity-associate-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C24.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/portfolio-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/hedge-fund-manager-salary https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/gynecologist/india
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/radiologist-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C11.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/orthopedic-surgeon-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/anesthesiologist-salary https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/surgeon-salary-SRCH_KO0,7.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ceo-salary
https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/ias-salary/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the #1 best job in India?
The best job depends on your interests and skills, but Data Scientist is often considered a top choice. It offers high salaries, strong job security, and opportunities across industries. The mix of analytics and AI makes it a highly in-demand career.
2. What is the #1 happiest job in India?
Happiness at work varies by person, but creative and flexible roles usually top the list. Jobs like UX Designer or Product Manager often rank high because they involve innovation, problem-solving, and usually come with a healthy work-life balance.
3. Which job is very peaceful in India?
Government positions, such as teaching in public schools or administrative roles, are often seen as peaceful. They usually come with fixed working hours, job security, and fewer high-pressure situations compared to many private-sector jobs.
4. Are high-paying jobs stressful in India?
Many high-paying roles do involve stress because they demand long hours and big responsibilities. However, stress levels vary. For example, banking and leadership roles tend to be more demanding than careers in design or education.
5. Which high-paying jobs in India offer good work-life balance?
Tech-related roles such as UX design, cloud engineering, and data analytics often offer both good pay and flexibility. Many of these positions also support remote work, making them ideal for professionals who value a balanced lifestyle.
6. What is a good salary for a comfortable life in India?
This depends on where you live. In metros like Mumbai or Bengaluru, ₹15–20 lakh per year usually provides a comfortable lifestyle. In Tier-2 cities, ₹8–12 lakh annually can cover housing, education, and other essentials comfortably.
7. Which jobs in India allow remote work and high pay?
Jobs in IT, such as software development, data science, and cloud architecture, often allow remote work while paying well. Digital marketing and content strategy roles also provide flexibility and strong earning potential.
8. Which sectors in India offer both high pay and flexibility?
Technology is the clear leader, especially in roles involving cloud computing, cybersecurity, and product management. Consulting and digital marketing also provide strong pay packages along with hybrid or remote work options for experienced professionals.
9. Are high-paying jobs in India recession-proof?
No job is fully recession-proof, but some sectors handle downturns better. Healthcare, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity remain relatively stable during economic slowdowns because businesses and individuals continue to rely on these essential services.
10. What are the most respected high-paying jobs in India?
Professions such as doctors, IAS officers, and chartered accountants are widely respected. Senior roles in corporate management and professors at top universities also combine financial rewards with prestige and social influence.
11. Do government jobs in India provide job satisfaction compared to private jobs?
Government jobs are often satisfying for those who value security, fixed schedules, and perks. Private jobs, on the other hand, can offer faster growth and higher pay. The choice depends on whether stability or career advancement matters more to you.
12. Which jobs are the most stressful in India despite high salary?
Careers in investment banking, corporate law, and top management roles tend to be very stressful. They offer impressive salaries but require long hours, quick decision-making, and constant performance pressure, which can lead to burnout if unmanaged.
13. Which cities in India offer the highest-paying jobs?
Bengaluru is known for high-paying tech jobs, while Mumbai leads in finance and media roles. Delhi NCR has opportunities in consulting and corporate leadership, and cities like Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad are growing as IT hubs.
14. Which jobs in India combine creativity with high pay?
Roles like UX/UI design, digital marketing, and product design are great examples. These jobs require creative problem-solving and offer strong salaries, especially in industries like advertising, gaming, and tech startups.
15. What are the highest paying jobs in India in the next 5 years?
Tech jobs are expected to dominate, with roles in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity leading the way. Emerging fields like green energy and blockchain also promise high salaries as demand for specialists increases.
16. Which emerging jobs in India will pay the most?
AI engineering, machine learning, cloud solutions, and sustainability consulting are among the top-paying emerging careers. These fields are growing quickly as businesses invest heavily in digital and eco-friendly solutions.
17. Do AI and automation create high salary roles in India?
Yes, automation and AI are driving demand for roles in robotics, data engineering, and machine learning. Companies need experts to design, maintain, and optimize these technologies, which means these jobs pay well and will continue to grow.
18. Do high-paying jobs in India impact mental health?
They can. Many high-paying positions involve heavy workloads and tight deadlines, which may cause stress. However, companies are increasingly focusing on employee wellness programs, and good work-life habits can help reduce the mental health impact.
19. Which entry-level jobs pay the most in India?
Freshers in investment banking, management consulting, and software engineering at top tech firms earn the highest salaries. Analyst roles in data science and cloud computing are also among the most lucrative options for new graduates.
20. How many years of experience are required to reach a high salary job?
It typically takes 5-10 years to move into senior roles like product manager or director. However, professionals in tech and niche areas can reach high-paying positions faster, often within 3-5 years, if they have specialized skills.
64 articles published
Nitin Gurmukhani is a seasoned professional specializing in Digital Marketing Professional with experience in Performance Marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Linkedin Ads, Youtube Ads), SEO (Search E...
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