India narrows paygap 

October 28, 2025

India’s gender pay gap has narrowed sharply, placing the country among those with the lowest disparity in the world, according to a new report by global payroll and compliance platform Deel.

The report found that the median salaries for men and women in India are now nearly equal, ranging from $13,000 to $23,000 annually. Deel said the data reflects growing pay equity and the rising use of data-driven compensation models across Indian companies.

The analysis, based on internal platform data covering more than 1 million contracts and 35,000 customers across 150 countries, provides a snapshot of global pay and hiring trends.

According to the report, India’s progress on gender pay equity coincides with broader structural changes in its workforce. Around 60 to 70 per cent of workers in India are full-time employees, while 30 to 40 per cent are engaged as contract workers, indicating a steady preference for flexible and hybrid work models.

“It’s encouraging to see India emerge as one of the few countries where the gender pay gap has narrowed significantly,” said Mark Samlal, General Manager for APAC at Deel. “This progress reflects a broader shift toward fairness, transparency, and data-driven compensation models that reward merit over bias.”

The report also highlighted a notable decline in salaries for engineering and data professionals in India. Median compensation for these roles dropped by 40 per cent year-on-year, from $36,000 in 2024 to $22,000 in 2025. Analysts attribute this decline to global market corrections, a shift in demand for certain technical roles, and increasing competition in the talent pool.

Globally, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada continue to offer the highest median salaries across industries. Specialised roles in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital marketing command 20 to 25 per cent higher pay than other positions, reflecting strong demand and limited supply of qualified professionals.

Deel’s data also pointed to a growing reliance on equity-based compensation models, especially in emerging markets such as India and Brazil. Median equity grants for technology talent have risen consistently between 2021 and 2025, indicating that companies are increasingly using stock options and ownership incentives to attract and retain skilled workers.

While gender pay gaps remain significant in technology and product roles in several developed markets, India’s narrowing gap stands out as a sign of steady progress toward workplace equality and modern pay practices.