New Delhi, Nov. 23 -- When Ahmedabad-based supply chain manager Jinesh Shah, 47, received his most recent mid-career promotion, the bigger title came with something less predictable-a sharper rise in variable pay than in fixed monthly income. Over the years, his variable component has moved from 7% to 15% of his cost-to-company (CTC).

"Earlier the bonus went toward school fees. Now I prefer to park it entirely in savings," said Shah.

Shah's shift reflects a broader trend. Mint recently reported that companies across sectors are pushing variable and performance-linked pay deeper into organizational layers, including junior and mid-managerial roles.

Even through natural career progression into mid and senior positions, incremental income...