Only 29% Indians Satisfied With Their Salary, 81% Want Salary Hike: Survey

According to a new survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a large majority of Indian employees plan to seek higher salaries in the coming year, with only a small proportion expressing satisfaction with current pay levels.

The report found that only 29% of Indian respondents are satisfied with their current salaries, well below the global average of 36%. At the same time, 81% of employees in India said they intend to ask their employers for a pay rise in the next 12 months.

The findings come amid lingering concerns about the rising cost of living, which continues to weigh on household budgets across the country.

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The cost of living remains a major concern

Cost of living remains one of the most significant work-related issues globally in 2026, according to the survey. In India, it ranks second among employees behind fears that jobs could be replaced by technology.

The report suggests that inflationary pressures and higher day-to-day expenses are playing a major role in shaping employee compensation expectations.

The share of Indian employees who plan to seek a pay rise also rose sharply compared to the previous year.

“Both globally and in India, the share of those who want to ask for a pay rise has increased since 2025 – 81 percent of respondents in India plan to ask their employer for a pay rise in the next 12 months, up from 67 percent in 2025 and the global average in 2026 (62 percent),” the report said.

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Employees in India expect bigger raises than global peers

The survey found that salary expectations among Indian workers are significantly higher than globally.

About 68% of Indian respondents said they expect a salary increase of more than 10%, compared to 37% of respondents globally.

The findings suggest that employees are not just looking for a pay rise, but a significant raise that will keep pace with rising costs and career growth expectations.

Millennials are most likely to seek higher salaries

Among different age groups, millennials have emerged as the most active in seeking higher rewards.

According to the survey, 90% of millennials plan to ask for a raise in the next 12 months. This compares to 77% of Gen Z respondents and 75% of Gen X employees.

However, when it comes to expecting a salary increase of more than 10%, Gen X employees have the highest expectations.

The survey found that 76% of Gen X respondents who expected a raise were looking for a raise above 10%, compared to 60% of Gen Z employees and 55% of Millennials.

Compensation continues to drive career decisions

The report says compensation remains the most important factor for many employees, particularly younger professionals looking to increase their take-home income.

At the same time, workplace priorities seem to be evolving among more experienced professionals.

According to the survey, mid-career employees place an increasing emphasis on meaningful work and compensation, reflecting a broader shift in how professionals evaluate career opportunities.

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A growing challenge for employers

The findings point to increasing pressure on organizations as they navigate employee expectations in a competitive job market.

With a large proportion of workers dissatisfied with their current salaries and seeking significant wage increases, employers may face challenges in balancing compensation demands with the goals of profitability and business retention.

The report states that companies are increasingly required to strike a balance between meeting employee expectations and maintaining sustainable growth strategies.