India IT salaries 2026: benchmarks by role and city
What software engineers earn across India’s main tech cities in 2026, as a planning reference for European employers.
Updated
Pay for software engineers in India varies widely by city, level, and skill set. These are 2026 market benchmark ranges, gathered as a planning reference for a European team setting a budget. Treat them as a starting point for a conversation, not a quote: the right number depends on the role, the person, and the equity on the table.
By city (annual CTC, INR)
| City | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | ~₹9L to ₹130L, median around ₹26L | Highest, roughly 15 to 20% above the national average |
| Hyderabad | ~₹18L to ₹30L | Strong talent, lower cost of living |
| Pune | ~₹15L to ₹25L | Around 15 to 20% below Bangalore |
By level
- Junior and fresher — roughly ₹6L to ₹12L, higher at well-funded startups with equity.
- Mid to senior — senior backend engineers in Bangalore often sit around ₹32L to ₹48L.
- Lead and staff — leads command ₹50L to ₹75L; staff roles at a top office can reach ₹80L to ₹130L, lower in Pune and Hyderabad for comparable work.
Reading these in euros
For a European employer, the headline is that senior India engineering talent is strong and costs a fraction of comparable roles in Western Europe. On the Cyphertree platform, every rupee figure shows its euro or dollar equivalent, so a budget reads the same on both sides. The cost calculator turns a target salary into an all-in annual figure.
Plan a real number with the cost calculator, see the pricing, or book a short demo.
These are market benchmark ranges for 2026 and vary by company, role, and candidate. Use them for planning, not as a quote.