Top 15 Highest Paid Jobs in India for Freshers: A 2025 List

India's rapid economic growth, which will propel it to the third-largest economy globally, faces a daunting challenge: jobless growth. Despite consistently growing at a 7% growth rate, the country is only able to generate 80–90 lakh jobs a year, thus creating a mismatch.

This being said, companies such as L&T are facing a shortage of 20,000 engineers. Why are positions vacant, but unemployment is high? The reason is quite simple—a lack of relevant skills. Industries like IT, finance, healthcare, and data science are ready to pay high salaries but lack people with those requisite skills. 

This article introduces you to the highest-paid jobs in India for freshers and the skills that will help you land them. So, let's dive in!

Also Read: Top 10 skills to become a full-stack developer in 2024

15 Highest Paid Jobs for Freshers in India in 2025

The job market in India is evolving rapidly based on internal economic situations and global trends. A fresher must remember that the prevalent situation is not permanent and may change drastically within a few months. 

To put this into perspective, the Global IIT Alumni Support Group said that approximately 35-40% of IITians are still waiting for job offers. This is evidence of the current job market situation for freshers.

However, you cannot expect all freshers to get the same type of job and compensation. Their qualification, skills, and the institution from which they have graduated also matter when it comes to the salary packages they receive.

Now that you have understood the criteria for determining salary packages, let's look at the top 15 highest-paid jobs in India for freshers and their respective average annual salaries.

Source: Glassdoor

15th: Law graduate

A fresher who graduated with a law degree can earn an average annual salary of INR 3 L. However, the actual salary may depend on their location and the institute from which they graduated. 

The role of legal professionals is not restricted to practicing in a court of law. They can serve in companies as legal consultants or corporate attorneys. In the following table, you can check out different industries where legal professionals can serve.

To practice law, you need professional credentials to perform a particular job.  These credentials can be in the form of qualifications or certifications that will help you accomplish your role effectively. These can include the following.

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Registration with the bar council to practice law.
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) certificate for corporate lawyers.

Law professionals outside India perform similar jobs, but their salary range varies depending on the industry they serve. The table below shows the comparative average salary of law professionals in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

14th: Human Resource Manager

Graduates with a degree in Human Resources can earn an average salary of INR 3 L. This makes them among the highest-paid fresh graduates in the country. The exact salary earned depends on their location.

Human resource graduates have the potential to work in different industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Here is a tabulated list of industries where they can serve.

As a Human resource professional, you need to possess academic credentials or certificates to perform your role. Here are some of the required qualifications or certificates for the role of Human Resource professional.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources.
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional certificate to demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience.
• Professional in Human Resources certificate that gives global recognition.
• There are other certificates, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), for HRs involved in specialization.

While HR professionals in India receive decent compensation, their counterparts abroad also receive outstanding salaries. The following table contains the salary list of HR professionals in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

13th: Architect

Architect is a well-sought-after position for freshers due to the decent salary a graduate can earn. On average, freshly graduated architects earn about INR 4.8 L annually. The actual salary may vary depending on the colleges from which they graduate.

Architects work in various industries in different capacities. Due to the nature of their work, they are usually preferred in construction and planning-related sectors. Below is a list of industries and the positions they occupy.

To practice architecture, specific academic qualifications are necessary. There are additional certificates to help you land high-paying jobs. These include.

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited school.
• Clear the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 
• Register with the Council of Architecture (COA)

Qualified architects are in great demand worldwide. Those with excellent skills earn a very good salary. Below is a list of salaries for architects in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

12th: Company Secretary

The role of a company secretary is to ensure that the company operates in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. They maintain accurate records and assist the board of directors in running the company smoothly. In India, a company secretary earns an average annual salary of INR 5 L.

Apart from assistance to the board of directors, company secretaries perform diverse roles in different industries. The industries served by company secretaries are tabulated below.

Specific academic qualifications and certifications are necessary to land a job as a company secretary. These qualifications include.

• A graduate degree in law, commerce, or a related field.
• Completing the Company Secretary Course (CS) offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
• Membership in the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is also necessary.

Corporate secretaries are in great demand abroad, especially in countries such as the US and Canada. They are recognized and compensated well for helping companies run smoothly. Here is a salary comparison of company secretaries in different countries. 

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Talent.com

11th: Financial analyst

Financial analysts analyze financial data and provide insights to businesses, investors, or other stakeholders. Their role as assessors of financial health makes them indispensable for companies. In India, financial analysts earn an average annual salary of INR 5 L.

The role of financial analysts is diverse. They work in various industries, mostly related to finance. The table below highlights the different industries where financial analysts work.

Financial analysts require specialized skills, making an academic degree and certificate necessary to secure a job. Some of the major degrees and certificates include.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in finance,  economics, accounting, management, or related fields.
• Professional certificates include Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Accountant, Certified Financial Planner or similar.
• Specialization certificates such as Financial Risk Manager are also valuable.

Countries worldwide value financial analysts, making it a lucrative career for fresh graduates. Below is a comparison of salaries earned by financial analysts in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

10th: Sales Manager

A search manager’s role is to lead a sales team to achieve revenue targets. They also develop sales strategies and streamline the sales process. A freshly graduated sales manager in India earns an average annual salary of INR 6 L. 

A sales manager works across diverse industries, striving to drive business and revenue growth. The industries they serve and the roles they perform are tabulated below.

While a bachelor’s degree is essential for the position of sales manager, additional certificates and degrees can help you gain expertise in the field, which include.

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration or sales is required. A master's degree will help you gain additional knowledge and skills.
• Certificates such as Certified Sales Manager (CSM) and Certified Sales Leader (CSL) will be helpful.

Sales managers serving in other countries also earn a high salary due to rising demand for sales professionals. Below is a comparative table for sales managers in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

9th: Software engineer

The role of a software engineer is to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. A freshly graduated software engineer in India earns an average annual salary of INR 6 L. 

The role of a software engineer is not restricted to software companies. Their services are also used in other industries, including the following.

A software engineer requires a strong foundation in computer science and related fields. Essential academic qualifications and certifications include.

• Bachelor's or master's in computer science, software engineering, or software applications.
• Certificates such as CompTIA A+, Certified Software Tester (CSTE), and Certified Data Scientist can be helpful.

Software engineer professionals are sought after worldwide and are amongst the highest-paid professionals. Below is tabulated information on salaries in different countries.

Source: Glassdoor

8th: Business Analyst

A business analyst analyzes business data and makes recommendations to improve processes and drive efficiency. As a fresher, a business analyst in India can earn an average annual salary of INR 7 L.

Business analysts can serve in industries ranging from technology to retail. Their business insights play a vital role in running a successful business. Some of the major industries served by business analysts include.

The business analyst position would require an individual to possess academic qualifications and relevant certificates. These include the following.

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business, finance, computer science, economics, or related field.
• Certificates such as Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) and Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) can be helpful.

Business analysts serving in countries outside India also receive high salaries due to their critical role in business growth. The table below provides a comparison of salaries.

Source: Glassdoor

7th: Machine Learning expert

A machine learning expert develops and applies algorithms to solve complex problems. Fresh graduates in this field are in great demand in India and can earn an average annual salary of INR 8 L.

Due to their ability to solve complex problems, machine learning experts play a major role in driving innovation across different industries. The table below includes popular industries served by machine learning experts.

A successful machine learning expert requires a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Certificate courses can also be helpful in gaining additional knowledge. Qualifications and certifications needed for the role include.

• Bachelors or master's degree in computer science, data science, statistics or mathematics.
• Certificate courses such as Certified Machine Learning Scientist (CMLS), Certified Data Scientist (CDS) or similar ones.

Machine learning experts working outside India also receive high salaries, which makes their profession desirable. The salary comparison is tabulated below.

Source: Glassdoor

6th: Merchant Navy professional

A merchant navy professional works on merchant ships and performs various activities such as handling cargo and navigation. A merchant navy professional with limited experience can earn an average annual salary of INR 5.8 L.

Merchant navy professionals are mainly associated with the shipping industry, but they also work in other industries. The following table contains the industries served by merchant navy professionals.

Specific academic qualifications and certifications are necessary for a career in the merchant navy, which validates one's ability to perform the job effectively. Some primary academic qualifications and certifications include.

• A bachelor's degree in marine engineering.
• A minimum score in IELTS or TOEFL may also be required.
• Certificates such as Certificate of Competency (CoC) can be helpful for a brighter career.

Merchant navy professionals worldwide earn a good salary, depending on their experience and the location they serve. Below is a comparative salary range for merchant navy professionals in different countries.

Source: Indeed

5th: Data scientist

Data scientists analyze data using statistical methods and computer science techniques to obtain meaningful insights, allowing data-driven decisions to be made. A fresh graduate in data science can earn an average annual salary of INR 9 L.

Due to the rise in data science as a stream, data scientists are in high demand in various industries. The following are some of the sectors served by data scientists.

To be a successful data scientist, you would require academic qualification in the related fields or quality certification. This can be in the form of.

• Bachelors or master's degree in computer science, data science or a related field.
• Certificates such as Certified Data Scientist (CDS) and Certified Machine Learning Scientist (CMLS) are also helpful.

Data scientists are in demand in countries outside India, and they enjoy high salaries. The salary comparison is tabulated below.

Source: Glassdoor

4th: Chartered accountant

A chartered accountant professional specializes in accounting, auditing, and taxation. Chartered accountants are sought after in India, with freshers earning an average annual salary of INR 9 L. 

Chartered accountants serve in diverse industries in various capacities, as mentioned in the table below.

To increase their chances of high-paying jobs, chartered accountants will need academic qualifications and additional certification. These qualifications and certificates can be as follows.

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce, business, or related fields.
• Completion of the Chartered Accountancy (CA)

Mandatory membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) 

The salary comparison of chartered accountants working in different countries is tabulated below.

Source: Glassdoor

3rd: Product manager

A product manager oversees the product’s development and lifecycle, ensuring it meets its intended target. A fresh product manager in India can earn an average annual salary of INR 12 L, depending on their industry.

A product is central to every product-based company, so project managers have a crucial role in different industries. Some significant sectors they serve include.

The position of product manager requires academic qualifications as well as certifications. Some of these certificates can help you gain specialization in different categories.

• Bachelor's or master's in marketing, business, or related fields.
• Certification such as Certified Product Manager (CPM) can be beneficial.

Product managers also receive good salaries in countries outside India. A tabulated comparison is given below.

Source: Glassdoor

2nd: Management consultant 

A management consultant’s role is to advise businesses and organizations on a diverse range of strategic and operational issues. Fresh management consultant graduates in India earn an average annual salary of INR 13 L.

Due to their ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement changes, management consultants are sought after in every industry. Some significant sectors they serve include.

A fresher management consultant would require both academic qualifications and certifications, which can be in the form of.

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration or management.
• Certificates such as Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and Certified Management Consultant (CMC) will be helpful.

As a fresher management consultant, you can explore job opportunities beyond India, which include the countries tabulated below.

Source: Glassdoor

Highest Paid Job for Freshers: Investment Banker

An investment banker helps companies raise capital, address financial risk, and make financial decisions. A freshly graduated investment banker in India can earn an average annual salary of INR 16.5 L, provided they have enough skills to exceed this.

Investment bankers perform various roles in different companies, helping to promote financial growth. Some industries involving investment bankers include.

Investment bankers will require strong academic qualifications and relevant skills. Some of the educational qualifications and certification requirements include.

• Bachelor’s or master's in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields.
• Certificates such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) will be helpful for a fresher trying to become an investment banker.

The demand for investment bankers can be understood by analyzing the salary offered for the position in different countries, as mentioned below.

Source: Glassdoor

Also Read: Investment banker salary in India

Skills Needed for High-Paid Jobs for Freshers

Securing a high-paying job without the requisite skill is not easy. Upskilling is the key to making yourself suitable for a high-paying job in any sector. NASSCOM says that India has a shortage of skills in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Acquiring these niche skills will help you land a lucrative job.

Regarding skilling, it is not just the technical skills that matter - even the soft skills are crucial in today’s job market. Without the relevant skills, you will fall behind in the pecking order, thus affecting your chances of landing your dream job.

As a fresh graduate, you must possess the right technical skills to secure high-paying jobs, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Here are the critical technical skills for a high-paying job.

• Programming language skills such as Python and JavaScript.
• Analytical skills
• Machine learning and Deep learning
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Marketing (SEO, SEM)

Soft skills are as necessary as technical skills if not more so, to make you stand out from the crowd. These skills will play a vital role in your career advancement. Here are some essential soft skills that you should cultivate for a high-paying job.

• Effective communication
• Problem-solving skills.
• Leadership
• Time management
• Adaptability

Also Read: The soft skills as a project manager

Conclusion

The job market in India is evolving continuously, which requires freshers to keep upgrading their skills according to the requirements. The top highest-paid jobs in India for freshers are not restricted to any stream. 

People from diverse academic backgrounds, possessing the requisite knowledge, can be successful in these professions. Acquiring critical technical and non-technical skills will help you lead a successful career. 

Are you looking for career advice? Talk directly with our experts. Book a free career consultation session to address your career doubts!

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