India’s hiring landscape is witnessing an unexpected shift. For years, software engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists dominated recruitment trends. But as urbanization accelerates and sustainable design takes center stage, architects have emerged as the most sought-after professionals in 2025.
With an 81% increase in job postings year-over-year and an average annual salary of ₹1,495,353, architects now lead India’s job market, according to new data from global hiring platform Indeed.
India’s Urban Boom Puts Architects in the Spotlight
The ranking reflects a clear shift in hiring priorities. As India undergoes rapid urban expansion, the demand for well-planned cities, green buildings, and efficient infrastructure has skyrocketed.
“For the first time in years, a non-tech role has topped our Best Jobs list,” says Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India. “India’s growing cities, new commercial hubs, and booming real estate are driving demand for architects who can design the future.”
A few key factors are driving this trend:
- Massive infrastructure projects: From metro expansions to high-speed rail corridors, India is investing heavily in urban development.
- Smart cities initiative: With urban populations growing, the push for intelligent, sustainable city planning has intensified.
- Corporate sustainability goals: Companies are focusing on energy-efficient office spaces, green buildings, and modern workspaces.
Architects, once overlooked in favor of tech talent, are now at the center of India’s transformation.
Tech Jobs Still Hold Strong, But the Landscape Is Changing
While architecture leads, technology remains a dominant force in India’s job market. Senior Java developers, operations managers, and technical leads continue to see strong demand.
Many tech roles still offer competitive salaries and stable career prospects. For example:
- Senior Java Developer: ₹1,545,724 average salary, 58% job posting increase.
- Technical Lead: ₹1,688,632 average salary, 53% job posting increase.
- Data Engineer: ₹1,602,858 average salary, 48% job posting increase.
Despite the rise of AI, traditional tech roles like data engineering and site reliability engineering are still vital. These professionals ensure that India’s digital ecosystem remains scalable and secure.
The Full List: India’s Top 15 Jobs for 2025
Here’s a snapshot of the highest-demand professions based on job postings and salary trends:
Rank | Job Role | Mean Salary (INR) | % Change in Job Postings (YoY) 2023-24 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Architect | ₹1,495,353 | 81% |
2 | Senior Java Developer | ₹1,545,724 | 58% |
3 | Operations Manager | ₹816,006 | 58% |
4 | Technical Lead | ₹1,688,632 | 53% |
5 | Data Engineer | ₹1,602,858 | 48% |
6 | SAP Consultant | ₹1,408,031 | 44% |
7 | Project Manager | ₹960,581 | 43% |
8 | Data Analyst | ₹851,054 | 41% |
9 | Senior Software Engineer | ₹1,358,750 | 35% |
10 | Site Reliability Engineer | ₹1,663,881 | 33% |
11 | Software Test Engineer | ₹894,342 | 32% |
12 | User Experience Designer | ₹932,764 | 26% |
13 | Technical Consultant | ₹1,265,865 | 17% |
14 | Software Architect | ₹2,420,495 | 17% |
15 | Data Scientist | ₹1,378,390 | 13% |
What This Means for Job Seekers
The job market is evolving. Professionals looking to stay competitive should consider these trends:
- Tech skills are still valuable. While architecture leads, software development and data roles remain critical.
- Sustainability expertise is a plus. Companies are prioritizing green designs and energy-efficient projects.
- Project management roles are growing. Operations managers and project managers are in high demand.
Kumar notes, “As India enters 2025, tech remains dominant, but fields like architecture, project management, and urban planning are gaining ground. The demand for professionals who can design, build, and sustain India’s growth story is higher than ever.”
India’s job market is shifting in unexpected ways. While tech remains crucial, the rise of architecture as the most sought-after profession signals a broader transformation—one that reflects the country’s ambitious growth and sustainability goals.