Tech Hiring Set to Surge: 2 Million Cloud Professionals Needed in FY25 - The demand for fresh talent in the tech industry is on the rise, driven by Global Capability Centers (GCCs) offering competitive salaries and increased recruitment. A recent report from TeamLease Digital reveals that GCCs are becoming significant employers for new graduates, with salaries for in-demand skills reaching up to 30% above the industry average.
Fresh graduates can expect a 40% increase in hiring by GCCs this year, while IT services companies are projected to see a 20-25% growth in recruitment. The rising need for skills in software development, cloud technologies, and data engineering is propelling this hiring surge.
Mid-level positions, including project managers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, are also in high demand, with salaries rising by 7.89% to 10.2% compared to last year. Senior management roles are witnessing a notable 21% increase in demand, particularly in areas such as DevOps, product management, and data engineering, with salaries for these roles increasing between 6.54% and 10.8%.
“The tech industry continues to transform at a rapid pace. To stay ahead, companies must align their talent strategies with technological advancements, particularly in AI and cloud computing. Investing in upskilling programs is not just an option but a necessity, enabling professionals to remain competitive in this dynamic environment. This alignment will be crucial for driving sustainable growth and innovation in the coming years,” said Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital.
The report highlights that AI, machine learning (ML), and automation are driving demand for data-related positions. In 2024, 69% of data science job postings required ML skills, while the demand for natural language processing (NLP) expertise surged from 5% to 19%. Companies are actively seeking professionals skilled in Python, Agile Scrum, AWS security, JavaScript, and ethical hacking.
The shift to cloud-based infrastructure is another significant factor in the surge of tech hiring. The need for cloud engineers, developers, and architects is growing, with platform-specific certifications in AWS and Microsoft Azure becoming increasingly important. By FY 2025, India is expected to need over two million cloud professionals to support the widespread adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.
Urgency of Upskilling Amid Talent Shortage
The report underscores the critical need for upskilling as companies grapple with talent shortages. Alarmingly, 63% of tech employees did not participate in upskilling initiatives last year. Key barriers include time constraints (73%) and a lack of managerial support (42%). Professionals looking to advance to senior roles are encouraged to pursue certifications in cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity—skills deemed essential for career growth.
Employers are increasingly prioritizing upskilling as a strategic response to talent shortages, allowing them to cultivate talent from within while avoiding additional hiring costs.
Regional Salary Disparities and Market Shifts
The report also notes salary variations across different regions, influenced by the cost of living, local policies, and concentrations of tech companies. Cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad offer competitive salaries due to their status as innovation hubs, while smaller cities such as Kochi and Coimbatore provide relatively lower compensation. Nevertheless, companies are increasingly turning to Tier-2 cities for talent, where the local workforce is becoming more significant.
Favorable government policies in Hyderabad have attracted tech investments, resulting in higher salaries, while the high cost of living in cities like Bangalore and Delhi necessitates higher pay compared to places like Ahmedabad.
