Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in India in 2024

According to S&P Global Ratings, India is projected to surpass Germany in 2027 and Japan by 2029 at the current growth rate, reaching third in the global economic ranking. The country’s economic growth has been accompanied by a significant transformation in its job market. New professions are emerging, and traditional ones are evolving to meet the demands of the modern economy. This blog will cover India's highest-paying and best jobs, and associated salaries.

The actual salaries can vary based on experience, skills, the city of employment, and the specific company. 

Let us begin!

List of Highest Salary Jobs in India

1. IT Directors
2. Commercial Pilots
3. Management Consultants
4. Product Managers
5. Investment Bankers
6. AI Engineers
7. Chartered Accountants
8. Marketing Managers
9. Machine Learning Engineers

1. IT Directors

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 49.5 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 14 – 99 LPA

Profile Description- IT Directors oversee an organization's technology infrastructure and operations, ensuring the efficient and effective use of IT resources to support business objectives. These professionals lead strategic planning, implementation, and management of IT systems, networks, security, and software applications. With technology playing a pivotal role in modern business operations, IT directors are crucial in driving digital transformation and enabling innovation across all functional areas.

Educational Requirements –

Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field. This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of technology fundamentals, business principles, and management concepts.

Master’s Degree (Optional) in information technology management, business administration (MBA) with a focus on IT, or a specialized field relevant to IT leadership. Advanced education can enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Top Employers – Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Cisco Systems, Oracle, HP, etc.

Top Salaries

• New Delhi - Rs. 35.1 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 36.4 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 50.7 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 47.6 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 52.8 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 50.5 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 49.3 Lakhs

Achieve IT leadership excellence through online Technology Courses and advance your career -

• Cyber Security Expert Master's Program by Simplilearn
• Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development by Caltech 
• Introduction To Problem Solving, Programming by IIT Kanpur
• MSc in Computer Science from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
• Software Design and Architecture by University of Alberta

2. Commercial Pilots

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 35.9 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 1.1 – 84 LPA

Profile Description—Commercial pilots are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of commercial aircraft, and their salaries are among the highest in India. They perform various aviation tasks, including pre-flight inspections, flight planning, navigation, communication with air traffic control, and landing. 

The job of a commercial pilot is highly challenging and stressful. They need rigorous training and carry significant responsibilities, making them high earners.

Educational Requirements – To become a commercial pilot, you must have cleared class 12th with a minimum of 50% marks with physics, chemistry and mathematics as the main subjects. The age limit for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is 17 – 65 years.

Top Employers – Air India, Vistara, Emirates, Indigo, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Go First, etc.

3. Management Consultants

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 27.1 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 6.6 – 42 LPA

Profile Description—Management consultants provide strategic advice and solutions to businesses, helping them create value, maximize growth, and improve business performance. They assess business challenges and develop strategies to address them. 

The main job profile of management consultants includes analysis and problem-solving, strategy development, process improvement, change management, project management, client relationship management, etc., to generate insights and make informed recommendations. 

Educational Requirements – There are no strict educational requirements to become a management consultant; you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in business, management, economics, finance or a related field. It is typically not an entry-level job. You must gain industry experience through internships, part-time work, or entry-level management, finance, or business analysis positions. 

Top Employers – Ernst and Young (EY), Deloitte, KPMG, McKinsey, Bain, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, PwC, Wipro, Cognizant, Capgemini, etc.

Top Salaries

• New Delhi - Rs. 27.7 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 28.1 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 27.6 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 27.2 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 27.5 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 27.6 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 27.8 Lakhs

If you aspire to become a management consultant, consider taking up these Online Management Courses.

• Post Graduate Program In Data Analytics by Imarticus Learning
• MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management (Online) by Jain Deemed-to-be University
• Online MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM) offered Chitkara University Online
• MBA in HR Analytics by Amity University Online, Noida
• Professional Certification in Digital Marketing and Strategy by IIDE Mumbai

4. Product Managers

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 21.2 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 5.5 - 38 LPA

Profile Description – Product Managers are responsible for developing, launching, and managing products or services throughout their lifecycle, from conception to market release and beyond. These professionals collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, marketing, and sales, to define product vision, strategy, and roadmap. 

Educational Requirements –

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, marketing, computer science, engineering, or a related field. This degree provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals, technical concepts, and project management skills.

MBA in product management or a specialized product development and innovation field. Advanced education can enhance leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and product management expertise.

Top Employers – Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Adobe, Salesforce, Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, etc.

If you wish to transform your career in product management and lead innovative products to market success, consider taking these Online Product Management Courses -

• IIM Indore - Postgraduate Certificate Program in Product Management
• Data Product Manager a Nanodegree Program by Udacity
• IIT Delhi Executive Programme in Advanced Product Management
• Certificate Programme in "Design Thinking and Innovation" by IIT Delhi
• ISB Executive Education - Product Management

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 20.4 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 23.4 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 23.5 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 23.3 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 22.7 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 20.4 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 21.1 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 22.8 Lakhs

5. Investment Bankers

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 18.2 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 2.0 – 60.0 LPA

Profile Description — Investment Banking is quite an attractive job for those who want to make a career in funds and finance management. Investment bankers are key in advising businesses on significant financial decisions. They are usually known as moneymen. Investment jobs are among the top-paid jobs not just in India but worldwide.

Investment bankers are corporate and sometimes government financial advisors associated with a financial institution/ bank and work to raise finances/ capital for the government, corporations, and other entities. They also offer financial advice to their clients. 

Educational Requirements – To pursue a career as an investment banker, you should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. You can also consider taking up industry-relevant certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Financial Modeling Certification, Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA), etc., to enhance your credibility and marketability as an investment banker.

Top Employers – HDFC Bank Ltd., State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Barclays, HSBC, etc.

Elevate your career in investment banking, explore our Investment Banking online courses and find the perfect fit for your career goals.

• EMBA - Investment Banking And Wealth Management by Mewar University
• Online Certificate in Investment Banking (CIB) by IMS Proschool
• Certificate program in export & import management by IIFT Delhi
• Investment Banking Course by The Wall Street School
• Online Investment Banking Operations Program by Great Learning Career Academy

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 9.4 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 12.6 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 9.6 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 4.5 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 21.8 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 14.7 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 3.8 Lakhs

6. Data Scientists

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 14.4 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 3.9 – 28 LPA

Profile Description – Data scientists discover information hidden in huge volumes of data and help businesses make smart decisions. They are crucial in extracting meaningful insights and uncovering valuable information from large and complex datasets. Their work involves:

• Analyzing data.
• Applying statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms.
• Providing actionable insights to support data-driven business decision-making.

By leveraging their expertise, data scientists enable organizations to make informed and intelligent choices.

Educational Requirements – Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as Computer science, Economics, Information Management, Mathematics and Statistics. A doctorate in any relevant domain is highly valued. 

In addition, you must have programming skills, knowledge of data manipulation and analysis, big data technologies, machine learning, data visualization, tools like Apache Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases, and domain expertise.

Top Employers – Microsoft, Google, IBM, Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, Oracle, Facebook, Cloudera, Databricks, JPMorgan Chase & Co. etc.

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 14.4 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 15.3 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 13.4 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 15 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 14.3 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 13.2 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 12.9 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 13.1 Lakhs

Become a data science expert with these Online Data Science Courses.

• M.Sc. in Data Science by Manipal University Jaipur
• M.Sc. in Data Science by Liverpool John Moores University
• Intel Post Graduate Diploma In Data Science by TimesPro
• Data Engineering for Data Scientists by UDACITY
• Data Science with Python Certification Course by Simplilearn

7. AI Engineers

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 11.6 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 3 - 22 LPA

Profile Description – AI Engineers design, develop, and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to solve complex problems across various industries. These professionals specialize in creating machine learning models, natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, computer vision systems, and other AI technologies. 

Educational Requirements –

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field. This degree provides a strong foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, and mathematical concepts essential for AI development.
• Master’s Degree (Optional) in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a specialized field relevant to AI technology. Advanced education can deepen expertise in AI techniques, algorithms, and applications.

Top Employers – Companies leading in AI innovation and application, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, Apple, NVIDIA, Intel, Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, etc.

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 10.7 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 6.3 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 8.5 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 12.9 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 12.1 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 18.2 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 16.7 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 7.5 Lakhs

Future-proof your career with AI skills: start your learning journey through these handpicked Artificial Intelligence Online Courses.

• PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PG-DAI) by CDAC
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business by IIMA
• Advanced Certification in Data Science and AI by IIT Madras
• Building a Custom OpenAI Chatbot by Udacity
• Leadership with AI by ISB

8. Chartered Accountants

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 10.7 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 2 – 16.5 LPA

Profile Description – A chartered accountant is a certified financial professional who manages budgets, audits, taxes, and business strategies for clients. The CA credential recognizes an individual to offer financial consultation and keep financial records.

Educational Requirements – 

You should have passed –

• Class 12 from a recognized institute in India
• Undergraduate degree in either commerce with a minimum of 55% aggregate or other subjects with at least 60% aggregate. 

Qualify the below exams in the given order.

• CA Foundation course 
• Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS)
• CA Intermediate 
• Articleship (3-year training)
• Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS)
• FC (Final course)

Top Employers – CA firms, banks, investment firms, insurance companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, technology, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare companies.

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 11.2 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - 13.7 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 9.3 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 12.1 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 13 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 11.6 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 10.9 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 12.3 Lakhs

Become a chartered accountant from anywhere: access expert-led online training programs -

• BCom with Chartered Accountancy by SASTRA (Deemed to Be University) - Online
• Chartered Tax Professional Business Package by Tarrant County College
• Management and Finance for Experienced Chartered Accountants (Online) by IIM Ahmedabad
• Certificate in Chartered Global Management Accountant by Evolve Business School
• Online Chartered Economist (CH.E.) by American Academy of Financial Management India

9. Marketing Managers

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 12.2 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 2.3 – 24 LPA

Profile Description – Marketing Managers oversee the development and implementation of marketing strategies to promote products or services, attract customers, and drive revenue growth. These professionals lead marketing campaigns, brand management initiatives, and market research efforts to understand consumer behaviour and market trends. 

Educational Requirements –

• A bachelor’s Degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related field provides a foundation in marketing principles, consumer behaviour, market research, and communication skills.
• MBA in marketing or a specialized field relevant to digital marketing or brand management. 

Top Employers – Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Unilever, PepsiCo, etc.

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 12.6 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 15.2 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 12.4 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 13.5 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 11.8 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 14.2 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 11.1 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 11.8 Lakhs

If you aspire to become a marketing manager and lead the future of marketing, consider taking up these futuristic Online Marketing Courses - 

• MBA in Digital Marketing Online by Amity University Online
• XLRI Executive Diploma in Strategic Marketing Management
• Online MBA in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce by Jain Deemed-to-be University
• BBA in Digital Marketing (Online) by Jain Deemed-to-be University
• Digital Marketing Diploma Program by Jaro Education
• Online PG Program in Digital Marketing Strategies (PGP-DMS) by Amity Online

10. Machine Learning Engineers

Average Annual Salary – Rs. 10.1 LPA

Annual Salary Range – Rs. 3 – 22 LPA

Profile Description – The availability of big data, advancements in computing power, and the implementation of machine learning across different industries have significantly demanded machine learning engineers. These professionals specialize in designing and implementing machine learning models to address complex business problems and drive data-driven decision-making. 

Educational Requirements—Machine learning engineers should have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in Computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information technology, Information Management, Mathematics, or Statistics. 

They must also have skills in machine learning algorithms and techniques, deep learning and neural networks, data preprocessing and feature engineering, and big data technologies.

Top Employers – Amazon, Google, Reliance, TCS, Accenture, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra, IBM, Deloitte, etc.

Top Salaries (Location-wise)

• New Delhi - Rs. 9.3 Lakhs
• Gurgaon - Rs. 11 Lakhs
• Noida - Rs. 9.5 Lakhs
• Bangalore - Rs. 11 Lakhs
• Hyderabad - Rs. 10.5 Lakhs
• Mumbai - Rs. 8.8 Lakhs
• Pune - Rs. 8.6 Lakhs
• Chennai - Rs. 8.3 Lakhs

Kickstart your machine learning journey with the best online machine learning courses -

• PG Diploma in Machine Learning and AI by upGrad
• PG Program in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning by Great Learning
• MCA in Machine Learning Online by Amity Online
• MCA in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Online by Amity Online
• IIM Raipur's Executive Certificate Program in Machine Learning for Managers

Conclusion

Please note that these jobs offer high financial rewards but also often require high education, skills, and commitment. Furthermore, the job market is dynamic, and the demand for certain roles can change. Therefore, one must consider potential earnings, interests, skills, and long-term career goals when choosing a career.

Salary Source – Ambitionbox