Mid-Level Hiring Surge in Corporate India, Salaries Likely to Rise by 5–10%

India’s corporate sector is witnessing a clear shift in hiring trends, with a strong focus on mid-level professionals for FY2026–27. According to a recent report by Genius HRTech, nearly half of the companies surveyed—around 49 percent—plan to prioritize hiring for middle management roles, signaling growing demand for experienced talent that can drive business growth and execution.

Overall hiring activity is expected to remain moderate but positive. About 28 percent of organizations are planning workforce expansion of more than 10–15 percent, while 43 percent expect a modest increase of up to 5 percent. This indicates a cautious yet steady hiring outlook as companies balance growth with cost control.

On the compensation front, salary increments are set to improve. Around 46 percent of companies are planning hikes in the range of 5–10 percent, while 34 percent may offer increases exceeding 10 percent. Mid- and senior-level professionals are expected to benefit the most, with nearly 48 percent of salary gains directed toward them, compared to 26 percent for junior roles and 22 percent for senior leadership. Additionally, with new labor laws coming into effect, 57 percent of companies are preparing to restructure their salary frameworks.

However, rising attrition continues to be a major concern. More than half of the organizations estimate attrition rates between 10–20 percent, and 15 percent expect it to exceed 20 percent. Mid- and senior-level employees are the most vulnerable, with 67 percent of companies identifying them as the segment most likely to switch jobs.

The report highlights that younger professionals are increasingly driven by factors such as flexibility, purpose-driven work, and faster career growth, rather than just job security. Better pay and career opportunities remain the biggest reasons for job changes. Going forward, hiring strategies are expected to become more data-driven, with a sharper focus on digital skills, evolving business needs, and stronger employee retention plans.