Average pay for contractual worker in India's telecom sector rises to Rs 25,225 a month

IANS May 14, 2025 253 views

India's telecom industry has seen a steady increase in the average monthly salary for contractual workers, reaching Rs 25,225 in 2025. The sector continues to focus on employing young talent, with professionals aged 18 to 32 years forming a major part of the workforce. Although the growth in contractual roles has moderated, telecom companies are strategically enhancing rural connectivity and internet access. This effort aims to boost the average revenue per user while capitalizing on the uptick in rural internet adoption.

"There is a strong emphasis on engaging young, educated professionals." - Kartik Narayan, CEO, TeamLease Services
New Delhi, May 14: The average monthly salary for contractual employees in India’s telecom sector went up from Rs 24,609 in FY22 to Rs 25,225 in FY25, reflecting steady efforts to offer competitive compensation, a report showed on Wednesday.

Key Points

1

India's telecom average pay for contract workers reaches Rs 25,225 monthly

2

Workforce expansion moderates with focus on talent

3

Internet penetration boosts rural connectivity efforts

The Indian telecom industry experienced a moderation in contractual workforce expansion in 2025 while continuing to invest in young talent to support its operational needs, according to the latest data from TeamLease Services.

The data also highlights that professionals in the 18 to 32-year age group continued to form a significant part of the contractual workforce.

The data further reveals that year-on-year growth in contractual roles at the associate level has moderated to 11.9 per cent in fiscal year 2024-25, indicating a more measured approach to workforce expansion.

Attrition levels have remained relatively stable over time, recorded at 50.8 per cent in FY 2021-22 and 50.3 per cent in FY 2024-25.

“The data reflects a steady recalibration in the telecom sector’s workforce strategy. While hiring volumes are becoming more measured, there continues to be a strong emphasis on engaging young, educated professionals who are well-suited for dynamic, customer-facing, and technical roles,” said Kartik Narayan, CEO-Staffing, TeamLease Services.

Tenure analysis suggests that a majority of contractual associates are in the early stages of their careers, with over 60 per cent having less than two years of experience.

This, combined with the age and qualification distribution, reflects the sector’s continued reliance on entry-level professionals, said the report.

Meanwhile, increasing internet adoption and data consumption by rural subscribers are emerging as structural drivers for growth in average revenue per user (ARPU) of Indian telecom companies and to capitalise on the trend, telcos are strengthening rural connectivity, which should help expand their data subscriber base and returns, according to another report.

Over the four calendar years ended December 31, 2024, internet penetration in rural India surged from 59 per cent to 78 per cent, outpacing urban areas, which grew from 77 per cent to 90 per cent, according to a Crisil Ratings report.

—IANS

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
₹25k is decent for entry-level but still not enough with today's inflation. Telecom companies making huge profits should share more with ground staff who work long hours. Good to see rural internet growth though - digital India is happening! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
My brother works as contractual telecom engineer in UP. The salary looks good on paper but deductions are high and job security zero. Government should make rules for permanent positions after 2 years service. #WorkersRights
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Amit S.
Positive news for youth employment! Telecom sector absorbing young talent is good for economy. But 50% attrition rate shows companies need to improve work conditions. Maybe provide skill certificates that help careers?
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Sunita R.
Rural internet growth is the real story here! Jio and others bringing digital to villages is changing lives - education, banking, healthcare all improving. Salaries will follow as sector grows more. 👍
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Vikram J.
As someone who left telecom job last year, the pay is okay but work pressure is too much. Night shifts, unrealistic targets...companies focus only on profits. They should invest more in employee wellbeing too.
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Neha T.
The salary increase is just ₹600 in 3 years? That's less than inflation rate! Telecom companies should do better for frontline workers who face customers daily. At least provide proper insurance benefits.

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Telecom sector pay Contractual workforce India TeamLease Services report Telecom job trends