Empty Designations? 60% of Indian Professionals Feel Job Titles Don’t Match Salaries

A growing discrepancy between job titles and actual compensation is causing concern among Indian professionals, according to a recent survey by job portal Indeed. The report indicates a widening gap between workplace recognition and financial reward, with many employees feeling that fancy designations are being used as a substitute for meaningful pay raises. The insights are drawn from an Indeed survey conducted in May and June of this year, which gathered data from 1,211 companies and 2,533 employees across India.

According to the findings, six out of ten professionals believe their current job title does not accurately reflect their salary and compensation. Furthermore, 80 percent of respondents noted that “inflated” or impressive-sounding job titles have become increasingly common across all sectors. Many employees reported seeing colleagues promoted to senior-sounding roles without receiving a corresponding salary hike.
The data confirms this trend: among employees who received a change in designation over the past two years, nearly one in three reported receiving either zero salary increment or a raise of less than 5 percent.

Salary Over Status When Switching Jobs
When evaluating new career opportunities, financial compensation remains the ultimate deciding factor. A majority of respondents (52 percent) stated they would choose a higher salary over a more prestigious job title when moving to a new company. This highlights that regardless of how grand a designation might sound, employees still define their career value primarily through their paychecks. However, professionals haven’t completely dismissed the importance of designations. A significant 70 percent believe their current title plays a crucial role in shaping future career opportunities, while 73 percent feel a strong job title improves how they are perceived by potential future employers. As you explore digital media roles and evaluate options around the ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 target range in Hyderabad, these findings underline the importance of thoroughly vetting the actual responsibilities and compensation tied to a role, rather than just the designation itself.

The Employer Strategy: Titles as a Retention Tool
From the employer’s perspective, assigning senior or elevated job titles has become a deliberate recruitment and retention strategy. The report noted that 57 percent of companies admitted to using senior or elevated job titles specifically to attract or retain talent. This indicates that companies are increasingly utilizing job titles as a strategic tool to manage talent, particularly in situations where payroll budgets are tight or limited. While 57 percent of employees agreed that their job title has a significant impact on their overall job satisfaction, they also made it clear that they expect these titles to be accompanied by appropriate financial rewards and genuine career progression.