India has been crucial in shaping the IT & Development sector on the global stage. Even across India, the IT sector is widely distributed, including major metropolitan hubs as well as emerging tech clusters. Did you know, in the fiscal year 2023, the IT sector accounted for approximately 7.5 percent of the country's GDP. And you won't believe the ripple effect; job opportunities surged, not only in metro cities but in tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well.
Hello everyone, I am your host Malavika Issar and welcome back to WiZR Voices, an insightful podcast for learners and career builders. This week we're diving into the widespread appeal of IT careers in our country. So, grab your headphones and join me for this informative episode!
Let's kick things off by understanding what the IT & Development industry covers, and why it has become the go-to choice for many in India.
The IT industry is a multifaceted sector focused on creating, managing, and optimizing information technology solutions. It offers a wide range of services, such as Software Development, IT Services, Research & Development, E-commerce and Cybersecurity.
This industry is characterized by continuous innovation, and rapid technological advancements creating a global impact. Companies within the IT sector play a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape, driving economic growth, and providing solutions that span from software applications to hardware manufacturing.
Working in the IT industry in India, you can earn anywhere from ₹3.5 lakhs per annum to upwards of ₹55 lakhs per annum depending on the specialization and years of experience.
Under the expansive umbrella of IT & Development, professionals can specialize in diverse domains. These include Software Development, Cybersecurity, Full-stack Development, Mobile App Development, Front-end and Back-end Development, Gaming Development and Information Technology. Apart from this, skills such as DevOps, Data Science, AI/ML, Cloud Computing and Blockchain Development have also become very popular. Each specialization contributes to the dynamic and evolving landscape of the IT & Development industry, offering individuals a wide range of career paths to explore.
Let's now dive deep into each specialization, explore the job opportunities and potential salaries associated with them.
First up is Software Development. Software Developers play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining various software applications, systems, and platforms that power modern technology.
Entry-level software development roles typically include positions such as Junior Software Engineer, Software Developer, Quality Assurance Engineer, or Web Developer. In these roles, individuals may earn anywhere between ₹6 lakhs to ₹14 lakhs per annum.
Moving to mid-level or intermediate roles, one might progress to become a Senior Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Development Lead, or Database Administrator. Salaries for these positions typically range from ₹15 lakhs to ₹23 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles, experienced software developers may take on responsibilities such as Software Development Manager, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or Technical Architect, earning upwards of ₹36 lakhs per annum.
Let's now move to Cybersecurity. Professionals in this field play a crucial role in safeguarding digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks.
Entry-level positions include roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Operations Centre Analyst, or Information Security Specialist, with salaries ranging from ₹9 lakhs to ₹14 lakhs per annum.
Transitioning to mid-level positions, cybersecurity professionals may take on responsibilities as Senior Security Analysts, Security Engineers, or Incident Responders, earning salaries between ₹15 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer, Cybersecurity Manager, or Head of Security Operations, compensation can go upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Full Stack Development professionals hold a key role in maintaining robust web applications, adeptly, managing both front-end and back-end technologies.
At the entry level, positions may include roles such as Junior Full Stack Developer, Front-end Developer, or Back-end Developer, with salaries ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Progressing to mid-level positions, developers may undertake responsibilities as Senior Full Stack Developers, Technical Leads, or Software Engineers, earning ₹12 lakhs to ₹19 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles such as Head of Development or Lead Full Stack Architect, compensation can surpass ₹23 lakhs per annum.
Let’s explore Mobile App Development now. Professionals in this field play a vital role in crafting user-friendly and innovative mobile solutions. For those starting out, entry-level positions could entail roles like Junior Mobile App Developer, App Tester, or UI/UX Designer, with annual salaries typically falling within the ₹5 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs per annum range.
As one progresses to mid-level positions, titles such as Senior Mobile App Developer, Mobile Solutions Architect, or Mobile Development Team Lead become common, with earnings averaging between ₹10 lakhs to ₹17 lakhs per annum.
At the senior level, positions like Head of Mobile Development or Director of Mobile Engineering often command compensation surpassing ₹30 lakhs per annum.
In the world of Front-end and Back-end Development, professionals are responsible for crafting user interfaces and managing server-side operations to creating functional and visually appealing web applications.
At the entry level, positions may include roles such as Junior Front-end Developer, Junior Back-end Developer, or Full Stack Developer, with salaries ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Transitioning to mid-level positions, developers may take on responsibilities as Senior Front-end Developers, Senior Back-end Developers, or Development Team Leads, with salaries between ₹12 lakhs to ₹19 lakhs per annum.
In advanced roles such as Lead Front-end or Lead Back-end Developer, compensation can exceed ₹25 lakhs per annum.
Next, we move to Gaming Development. Professionals in this space are pivotal in creating immersive gaming experiences, developing game engines, and implementing cutting-edge technologies.
Entry-level positions may include roles such as Junior Game Developer, Game Tester, or UI/UX Designer, with salaries ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹17 lakhs per annum.
Progressing to mid-level positions, developers may take on roles such as Senior Game Developer, Game Engine Programmer, or Gameplay Designer, with salaries between ₹18 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles such as Lead Game Developer, compensation can exceed ₹35 lakhs per annum.
Information Technology is one of the most lucrative career paths for professionals in this industry. It involves various aspects of designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks.
The IT industry has expanded to encompass a wide range of opportunities in closely related fields like Data Science and Computer Science. Let’s look at some of the in-demand skills under them.
Data Science involves extracting insights from extensive datasets to drive business strategies forward. Entry-level positions like Junior Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, or ML Engineer offer salaries typically ranging from ₹15 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum.
In mid-level roles such as Senior Data Scientist, Data Science Manager, or Analytics Consultant, salaries climb from ₹25 lakhs to ₹44 lakhs per annum.
In advanced roles, experienced data scientists may lead as Chief Data Officers, Head of Data Science, or Directors of Analytics, commanding salaries surpassing ₹55 lakhs per annum.
The field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is vast, AI/ML professionals play a pivotal role in developing intelligent systems, crafting algorithms, and leveraging advanced technologies.
Entry-level positions include roles such as AI Engineer, ML Engineer, or Data Scientist, with salaries ranging from ₹8 lakhs to ₹14 lakhs per annum.
As professionals progress to mid-level roles, they may take on positions such as AI Research Scientist, Deep Learning Engineer, or AI Solutions Architect, with salaries between ₹15 lakhs to ₹29 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles like Lead AI Developer, Machine Learning Expert, or Chief AI Officer, compensation can exceed ₹40 lakhs per annum.
Under Computer Science, DevOps is another field that can be explored. DevOps professionals play a vital role in the software development lifecycle by facilitating collaboration between development and operations teams, streamlining processes, and enhancing the efficiency of software delivery and deployment.
Entry-level positions in DevOps may include roles such as Junior DevOps Engineer, Release Engineer, Configuration Management Specialist, or Cloud Operations Associate. Salaries for these roles typically range from ₹6 lakhs to ₹17 lakhs per annum.
Moving to mid-level roles, individuals may progress to become Senior DevOps Engineers, Automation Specialists, or DevOps Team Leads. Salaries for mid-level positions in DevOps can range from ₹18 lakhs to ₹34 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles, experienced DevOps professionals may take on responsibilities such as DevOps Manager or Head of DevOps, earning upwards of ₹45 lakhs per annum.
Shifting our focus to Cloud Computing, professionals in this domain are deeply involved in devising, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions to streamline data storage, processing, and delivery.
At the entry stage, roles may include positions like Cloud Support Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, or Cloud Operations Associate, offering salaries ranging from ₹7 lakhs to ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Moving up to mid-level positions, professionals may take on responsibilities such as Senior Cloud Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Manager, or DevOps Engineer, with earnings ranging from ₹12 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles like Head of Cloud Computing or Cloud Services Director, you can earn upwards of ₹40 lakhs per annum.
Finally, Blockchain Development. Professionals in this dynamic field are immersed in designing, implementing, and maintaining blockchain-based solutions for various industries.
At the entry level, positions may include roles such as Junior Blockchain Developer, Smart Contract Developer, Blockchain Analyst, or Blockchain Tester, with salaries ranging from ₹8 lakhs to ₹19 lakhs per annum.
Transitioning to mid-level positions, developers may assume responsibilities as Blockchain Architects, Blockchain Solutions Engineers, or Blockchain Project Managers, with earnings between ₹20 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs per annum.
In senior roles such as Chief Blockchain Officer or Director of Blockchain Development, compensation can exceed ₹45 lakhs per annum.
Isn’t it incredible to see such diverse job roles in the world of technology?
Let’s now look into the growth trends and the IT job market in India.
Have you wondered how each of the IT specializations are showing such rapid growth?
The answer lies in the dynamism and the ever-evolving nature of the industry. Over the years, many job opportunities have been created in IT, making it an attractive prospect for freshers. Let's also consider the geographical aspect of this growth. Initially centered in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, the IT industry has now expanded to Tier-2 and Tier 3 cities.
Wondering what’s driving these opportunities?
From AI/ML to Cybersecurity, the tech playground is expanding, and companies are waving their arms, shouting, ‘We need talent!'
The IT sector has been estimated to have witnessed a growth of 40-45% of jobs in 2023 as compared to 2022. In 2024, hiring is further expected to surge by 15-20%. With foreign investments and export contributions coming in, India has positioned itself as a technological powerhouse.
The economic stability it brings is not just confined to the metro cities; but has a cascading effect, creating job opportunities in Tier 2 & 3 cities as well.
From Healthcare to Finance, every sector is integrating technology to enhance efficiency and deliver services. This ensures that IT professionals have a diverse range of industries to choose from, contributing to the sector's popularity.
As per recent statistics, some of the highest paid IT roles include Full Stack Developer, AI & ML Engineer, Software Developers, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Specialist. And due to the ever-changing environment of the tech landscape, the demand for roles keeps switching, providing an opportunity at bay for all.
Beyond the codes and algorithms, let’s now explore the work culture in the IT & Development industry. Fostering innovation and collaboration, IT professionals enjoy flexible work schedules, remote work options, with a focus on employee well-being. This flexibility has opened opportunities for individuals who may not be geographically close to major urban centers.
Another note-worthy aspect of the IT industry is the gender diversity that prevails. Gender diversity initiatives have encouraged more women to pursue careers in technology, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating inclusive policies have resulted in a positive shift. The 2023 100 Best Companies for Women in India and Most Inclusive Companies Index has revealed that the IT sector added close to 2 lakh women as against the 3.46 lakh men.
Now I am sure you must be wondering how can you be a part of such a dynamic sector and what does it take to prepare for these roles?
This is where WiZR can help you. WiZR provides flexible and accessible opportunities for upskilling, enabling individuals to enhance their skills and pursue specialized training tailored to diverse learning needs and preferences.
Ambitious professionals are now proactively investing in their own education and taking tangible actions to advance their skills. As per a recent report on Upskilling trends in India, in 2022, 79% of professionals expressed intentions to upskill, while by 2023, that figure had surged to 83%, with IT & Technology topping the skills list, followed by BFSI. The emphasis on lifelong learning is a necessity dictated by the IT industry's dynamics. Also, the evolution of e-learning platforms has opened new avenues for skill acquisition. Professionals can now enroll in specialized courses, gaining expertise in niche areas.
Now for the last segment of this episode, let’s draw a roadmap for a successful career in IT & Development. Here are key factors to consider on the journey to becoming a thriving IT professional:
-Gain practical IT skills through internships, projects, and entry-level positions.
-Continuously enhance your skills and knowledge by upskilling through additional training, workshops, and certifications to stay competitive in the job market.
-Connect with professionals in the industry through events, online communities, and mentorship opportunities.
-Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies through podcasts, webinars, and online courses.
-Set clear goals for your career advancement and actively seek out opportunities for growth and development.
As we wrap up, it's crucial to recognize that the popularity of IT careers in India is not just a result of economic factors but a convergence of various elements. The dynamic nature of the industry, the continuous pursuit of knowledge, a positive work culture, and the impact on regional development collectively contribute to the growth of the IT & Development sector.
And with that we’ve come to the end of yet another interesting episode of WiZR Voices. Stay tuned for more such content across all our socials!
This podcast is a production of WiZR. I’m your host, Malavika Issar. Shanika Jhunjhunwala is the executive producer. The content has been researched and written by Maurvee Sharma. The script has been edited by Anuradha Kota. Audio has been managed by Manjula Gupta.
For more information on how you can grow your career with WiZR, visit wizr.in. Here, you can discover your ideal career or skill expertise level, compare and enroll in over 5000 skilling & upskilling courses, get certified across 192 in-demand skills and avail no-cost EMI financing on course fee.
Thank you for listening, we’ll catch you in the next episode. Till then keep growing WiZR!
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