Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Study Reveals Gen Z Salary Dissatisfaction in India's Metro Cities
A new study shows many young workers (Gen Z) in India are not happy with their pay because things are expensive.
Over half of them in Delhi-NCR are unhappy with their salaries and nearly 70% would switch jobs for a better offer.
They feel their salaries don't keep up with rising prices and think older colleagues get better opportunities.
The main causes for dissatisfaction include lack of inflation-adjusted pay raises, below-market compensation, and insufficient pay to cover basic needs.
55% of Gen Z employees in Delhi-NCR are unhappy with their salary due to the high cost of living.
69% of Gen Z workers are willing to change jobs for better pay.
Top reasons for salary dissatisfaction include lack of inflation-adjusted pay hikes and below-market compensation.
61% of Gen Z employees feel older colleagues receive preferential access to career development opportunities.
The study surveyed 2,508 full-time, white-collar Gen Z professionals across 7 Indian cities.
- Who
- Gen Z professionals (ages 20-28) with 0-3 years of work experience.
- What
- A study on salary satisfaction and job mobility among Gen Z workers in India.
- When
- The study was conducted between April and May 2025.
- Where
- Across 7 Indian cities, with a focus on Delhi-NCR.
- Why
- To understand the factors influencing job satisfaction and mobility among Gen Z employees.
Gen Z Worker Concerns
Employers' Perspective
Salary Discrepancies
Gen Z Worker Concerns
Gen Z feels underpaid and undervalued due to inflation, and lack of salary adjustments.
Employers' Perspective
Employers may be constrained by budgets in offering sufficient salaries.
Career Opportunities
Gen Z Worker Concerns
Lack of equal opportunities for career development and preferential treatment towards older colleagues
Employers' Perspective
Senior employees have a longer time in the workforce.
- Cities with Highest Salary Dissatisfaction
- Delhi-NCR (55%), Mumbai (48%)
- Percentage of Gen Z Willing to Switch Jobs
- 69%
- Main Reason for Dissatisfaction
- High cost of living and stagnant salary growth
- Percentage Feeling Older Colleagues Get Preferential Treatment
- 61%
- Number of Professionals Surveyed
- 2,508
