The Banking & Financial Services (BFSI) sector continues to be India’s most lucrative industry in terms of salaries, according to the India Salary Guide 2025 by Michael Page. With top executives earning as much as Rs 600 lakh per year, the financial sector remains the most rewarding for professionals seeking high compensation. What are the other top-paying sectors in India, let’s have a look:

1. Banking & Financial Services (BFSI)

The BFSI sector leads the salary rankings, offering the highest packages across various roles.

Managing Directors in private equity and venture capital firms earn between Rs 400-600 lakh annually, making it one of the most lucrative roles in the financial sector. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of large financial institutions also command impressive salaries, typically ranging from Rs 100-200 lakh per year. Meanwhile, investment banking professionals in high-level roles, such as Corporate Finance or M&A Directors, can earn up to Rs 400 lakh annually, reflecting the high stakes and demanding nature of the industry. Junior roles in commercial banking, such as entry-level private bankers, start at Rs 10 lakh per year.

2. Finance & Accounting

The finance sector follows closely, offering substantial salaries at senior levels. CFOs in companies with revenue exceeding Rs 10,000 crore can earn between Rs 175-800 lakh per year, reflecting their critical role in financial strategy and decision-making. Heads of Investments and Investor Relations also command significant salaries, ranging from Rs 150-400 lakh annually. On the other hand, entry-level finance managers and analysts start their careers with salaries of around Rs 18 lakh per year, highlighting the wide pay spectrum in the finance industry based on experience and responsibility.

3. Engineering & Manufacturing

Engineering and manufacturing sectors continue to offer high salaries, especially in leadership positions. Chief Operating Officers (COOs) earn between Rs 100-300 lakh per year, while Heads of Manufacturing and R&D command salaries exceeding Rs 200 lakh annually. In contrast, entry-level engineers in manufacturing roles start with a salary of around Rs 6 lakh per year, reflecting the significant gap between senior executives and early-career professionals in the industry.

4. Technology

The technology sector remains highly competitive, especially in fields like AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) in large firms earn between Rs 100-180 lakh annually, while AI/ML and Data Science heads command salaries ranging from Rs 100-120 lakh. On the other end of the spectrum, junior software engineers and IT support roles start with salaries of around Rs 8 lakh per year.

5. Healthcare & Life Sciences

The healthcare industry offers competitive salaries, driven by increasing private equity investments. Business Directors in the sector can earn between Rs 100-300 lakh annually, while R&D Heads command salaries ranging from Rs 100-225 lakh. At the entry-level, regulatory affairs and medical affairs professionals start with salaries of around Rs 8 lakh per year.

Which is the lowest-paying sector?

At the other end of the spectrum, the Human Resources (HR) sector reports some of the lowest salaries. While top HR executives such as Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) in large companies earn between Rs 120-300 lakh, mid-level HR professionals in smaller firms earn significantly less, with salaries starting at Rs 25 lakh annually. Entry-level HR roles aren’t explicitly listed in the report, but the lowest HR salaries mentioned are around Rs 18 lakh per year for roles like HR Operations and Payroll in small firms.