New Delhi, March 7 -- Average salary hikes in Indian companies are projected to come down to 8.8 per cent in 2025, as compared to 9 per cent in 2024 amid companies trying to navigate global and local headwinds.

As per a survey conducted by Deloitte, there is a "clear focus" on optimising compensation cost budgets in 2025, which is likely to result in lower salary hikes.

This average India increment is expected to be the lowest in a decade, excluding 2020-2021, the audit firm said.

The Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2025 survey shows that 75 per cent of companies will either reduce or keep their pay increases the same as last year.

The report also highlighted that while most sectors will keep the increment growth stable or moderately le...