The domestic compensation landscape is evolving towards a more selective, skills-aligned wage cycle, according to a report released on Tuesday, March 3, adding that professionals expect salary increments of 6–10 per cent.

High-demand domains such as AI, digital technology, electric vehicles (EV), and specialised technical roles see expectations above 10 per cent, the Adecco India ‘2026 Salary Guide’ stated.

It highlighted talent shortages in niche areas, rising labour costs, and the need for large-scale reskilling to meet rapid technological shifts. Skills in leadership and management (22 per cent), AI and machine learning (16 per cent), and project management (15 per cent) are emerging as the most critical over the next five years.