Blue-Collar Wages in India See 5–6% Annual Growth Amid Rising Demand and Tech Shift: Deloitte Report

Hiring Intent Up 10% in 2025, Wage Growth Led by E-Commerce Sector​

Mumbai, May 15 — Blue-collar wages in India are growing at an annual rate of 5–6%, according to Deloitte’s latest report ‘Blue-Collar Workforce Trends 2025’, released on Thursday. The report highlights a sharp 10% rise in hiring intent for blue-collar roles this year, driven by increasing demand in manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, and logistics sectors.

Companies are increasingly offering performance-based incentives to attract and retain skilled talent, reflecting a broader trend of competitiveness and evolution in India’s industrial landscape.

Sector-Wise Wage Growth Trends​

The report reveals that:

• Automotive, metals & mining, and chemicals sectors are witnessing consistent salary increases of about 6%, backed by increased automation and production capacity.
• The e-commerce industry is expected to lead wage growth at 7%, propelled by ongoing investment in last-mile delivery, warehousing, and logistics infrastructure.

Technological Evolution and Inclusive Skilling in Focus​

Neelesh Gupta, Partner at Deloitte India, emphasized the transformative shift occurring in the blue-collar segment. “India's blue-collar workforce stands at the crossroads of technological evolution and policy reform,” Gupta stated, underscoring the growing importance of automation, AI, and smart manufacturing.

Gupta added, “Empowering this workforce isn’t just smart business; it is essential to industrial progress. Our growth relies on those who power our factories, warehouses, and supply chains.”

Wage Disparity and Inclusion Gaps Persist​

Despite positive trends in technology adoption and formalisation, the report highlighted key concerns:

• Only 2.3% of blue-collar jobs offer salaries above ₹60,000/month, typically limited to highly specialised or experienced roles.
• Gender-based wage disparity remains significant, with women earning only 70% of their male counterparts’ wages. The disparity is especially stark in non-ITI, physically intensive roles.

The report, based on data from over 200 companies and 300+ manufacturing plants across 15+ industries, calls attention to the need for standardised wages, workforce reskilling, and inclusive practices to ensure the sector’s readiness for technological advancement.

Industry Challenges Ahead​

As India’s industrial economy modernises, challenges around equitable compensation, skill development, and workforce formalisation remain critical. The report urges businesses to lead the change, not only by adapting to technology but also by ensuring that workers at the base of the pyramid are uplifted through fair pay and growth opportunities.