Software Engineer Salaries in India | Generated by AI
Software engineer salaries in India’s major tech hubs like Hyderabad and Pune vary significantly based on experience, company type, and specific roles. Below is a breakdown for beginner (0–2 years), mid-level (5 years), and senior (10 years) software engineers, focusing on these cities, based on recent data. Salaries are in Indian Rupees (INR) per annum, and ranges account for variations across companies (e.g., MNCs, startups, product-based vs. service-based firms) and specializations (e.g., AI, full stack, cloud computing). Note that these are approximate averages and can vary based on skills, company reputation, and negotiation.
Beginner Software Engineer (0–2 Years Experience)
- Hyderabad:
- Salary Range: ₹4–8 lakhs per annum (LPA)
- Monthly Estimate: ₹33,000–₹66,000
- Details: Hyderabad, a major tech hub with companies like Microsoft, Google, and TCS, offers competitive entry-level salaries. Fresh graduates from top-tier colleges (e.g., IITs, NITs) or those with skills in high-demand areas like AI or cloud computing may hit the higher end (₹7–8 LPA). Startups may offer slightly lower base pay but include equity options.
- Pune:
- Salary Range: ₹4–7.5 LPA
- Monthly Estimate: ₹33,000–₹62,500
- Details: Pune, home to firms like Infosys, Wipro, and product-based companies, has slightly lower entry-level salaries than Hyderabad but remains competitive. The range depends on the company size and specialization, with product-based firms paying closer to ₹6–7.5 LPA.
Mid-Level Software Engineer (5 Years Experience)
- Hyderabad:
- Salary Range: ₹10–20 LPA
- Monthly Estimate: ₹83,000–₹1,66,000
- Details: With 5 years of experience, engineers often take on more complex projects or mentorship roles. In Hyderabad, salaries can reach ₹15–20 LPA in tech giants or high-demand fields like DevOps, full stack, or AI. Mid-level engineers in service-based companies (e.g., TCS, Infosys) may earn closer to ₹10–12 LPA.
- Pune:
- Salary Range: ₹9–15 LPA
- Monthly Estimate: ₹75,000–₹1,25,000
- Details: Pune’s salary range for mid-level engineers is slightly lower than Hyderabad’s due to differences in cost of living and company concentration. Product-based companies and MNCs pay at the higher end (₹12–15 LPA), while service-based firms may offer ₹9–12 LPA. Specialized skills in cloud computing or cybersecurity can push salaries toward the upper limit.
Senior Software Engineer (10 Years Experience)
- Hyderabad:
- Salary Range: ₹18–40 LPA
- Monthly Estimate: ₹1,50,000–₹3,33,000
- Details: Senior engineers with 10 years of experience, especially in leadership roles or specialized domains (e.g., AI, cybersecurity, software architecture), can command ₹25–40 LPA in Hyderabad, particularly in tech giants like Amazon or Microsoft. Even in service-based firms, salaries rarely dip below ₹18 LPA for experienced professionals.
- Pune:
- Salary Range: ₹16–30 LPA
- Monthly Estimate: ₹1,33,000–₹2,50,000
- Details: Senior engineers in Pune earn competitive salaries, with top-tier companies offering ₹25–30 LPA for roles like lead developer or software architect. Service-based companies may pay ₹16–20 LPA, but expertise in high-demand fields or working for product-based firms can push salaries higher.
Key Factors Influencing Salaries
- Location: Hyderabad tends to offer slightly higher salaries than Pune due to its status as a major tech hub with a higher concentration of global tech giants. Both cities pay more than tier-2 cities due to higher living costs and demand for talent.
- Company Type: Product-based companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft) pay 20–30% more than service-based firms (e.g., TCS, Infosys). Startups may offer equity to offset lower base salaries.
- Specialization: Skills in AI, machine learning, cloud computing (AWS, Azure), or DevOps can increase salaries by 10–20% across all experience levels.
- Education: Graduates from IITs, NITs, or other top-tier institutions often secure higher starting salaries (₹1–2 LPA more).
- Additional Compensation: Bonuses, stock options, and benefits can add ₹50,000–₹5,00,000 annually, especially in MNCs.
Comparison with Other Cities
- Bengaluru: Salaries are higher (e.g., ₹8.8 LPA average for all levels, ₹5–9 LPA for beginners, ₹25–40 LPA for seniors) due to its status as India’s tech capital.
- Mumbai/Delhi: Similar to Pune, with averages around ₹5–8 LPA for beginners and ₹15–25 LPA for seniors, but slightly higher due to cost of living.
- Chennai: Slightly lower than Pune, with beginner salaries at ₹4–6 LPA and senior salaries at ₹12–25 LPA.
Trends and Insights
- Demand: India’s tech industry, particularly in Hyderabad and Pune, is booming, with 9–10 lakh new jobs expected by mid-2026, especially in AI and data science.
- Salary Growth: Salaries increase significantly with experience, often doubling from beginner to mid-level and potentially tripling by the senior level in high-demand roles.
- Negotiation: Researching market rates and highlighting specialized skills can boost offers by 10–15%.
For the most accurate and personalized salary data, check platforms like Glassdoor or AmbitionBox, and consider negotiating based on your skills and the company’s compensation structure. If you need more details or have a specific company/role in mind, let me know!