GCCs offering up to 30% higher salary to entry-level employees: TeamLease

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have emerged as significant employers of fresh talent, offering entry-level candidates salaries that are up to 30% higher than the industry standard for in-demand skills, according to a report by tech staffing platform TeamLease Digital.

This surge is expected to continue, with GCCs projected to increase fresher hiring by 40% compared to the previous year, the report says.

“The IT services sector, while cautiously optimistic, is also anticipating a 20-25% growth in the recruitment of freshers, underscoring the demand for skills in software development, data engineering, and cloud technologies,” says TeamLease.

Mid-level roles demonstrate stability, with consistent demand for project managers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, as per the report. Salaries in these roles have seen an increase of 7.89% to 10.2% as compared to FY24, reflecting the market’s need for professionals who can apply their hands-on experience to manage and optimise business operations effectively.

Senior management roles are experiencing a 21% rise in demand since last year, attributed to the strategic importance of expertise in data engineering, product management, and DevOps, with salary increases ranging between 6.54% and 10.8%.

TeamLease Digital’s insights show that several key factors have driven the year-on-year growth in tech hiring. The rise in AI, machine learning (ML), and automation skills have significantly increased the demand for data-related roles. This trend is particularly evident in the surge of job postings for data scientists, where almost 69% mentioned ML skills in 2024. Skills in natural language processing (NLP) have also grown in prominence, with demand jumping from 5% in 2024 to 19% in 2025, indicating a broad industry shift toward AI-driven solutions. Moreover, there is a growing need for skills such as Python programming, ethical hacking and penetration testing, Agile Scrum Master, AWS security, and JavaScript, further reflecting the evolving landscape of tech hiring.

The rapid migration to cloud infrastructures has further fuelled hiring in roles related to cloud engineering, development, and architecture. Organisations continue to prioritise platform-specific certifications, particularly in AWS and Microsoft Azure, as these credentials are increasingly seen as critical for tech professionals. By FY25, India is expected to require over two million cloud professionals to support the accelerated adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.

TeamLease Digital’s outlook also reveals how upskilling and professional development remain priorities as companies seek to bridge the talent gap. 63% of tech employees did not upskill last year which highlights the urgent need to address this skills gap. Among those, 73% reported a lack of time, and 42% cited a lack of support from managers as barriers to their development. Employees aiming to transition from junior to senior roles are encouraged to pursue certifications in cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, as these skills are considered mandatory for progression. Upskilling is seen as a cost-effective strategy for employers, enabling them to meet talent demand while equipping professionals with the expertise required for higher-level responsibilities.

State-wise salary differences continue to shape the tech job market, driven by cost of living, concentration of tech companies, and local policies. Senior-level roles are experiencing a notable salary increase of 6.79% to 10.7% compared to FY 24 due to the diverse skill set required for these positions.

Major tech hubs such as Bangalore and Hyderabad offer competitive salaries due to their status as innovation centres, while smaller cities like Kochi and Coimbatore provide lower compensation because of reduced competition. However, companies are increasingly shifting their focus to Tier 2 towns, where the talent pool is gaining more importance. Cost of living is another major factor influencing salary disparities; for example, the high living expenses in Bangalore and Delhi necessitate higher salaries compared to cities like Ahmedabad.