Blue-collar wages grow 5-6% annually

Mumbai: Blue-collar wages are now growing at an annual rate of 5-6 per cent, with many companies offering performance-based incentives to attract and retain skilled talent, according to a report on Thursday.

The report titled 'Blue-Collar workforce trends 2025' by Deloitte said the hiring intent for blue-collar roles rose 10 per cent in 2025, reflecting a strong demand for skilled talent across key sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce and logistics. The report said the wage growth, which is growing at an annual rate of 5-6 per cent, is keeping pace with this demand. Sectors such as automotive, metals and mining and chemicals are seeing steady salary increases of about 6 per cent, driven by investments in automation and production capacity.

The e-commerce sector is poised for the highest wage growth at 7 per cent, fuelled by the continued expansion of last-mile delivery networks, warehousing, and logistics infrastructure, it said. "India's blue-collar workforce stands at the crossroads of technological evolution and policy reform. As automation, AI and smart manufacturing reshape the industrial landscape, the need for inclusive skilling, robust social protections and humane work environments has never been greater. "At this pivotal moment, businesses have the responsibility and opportunity to build a future-ready workforce that is more productive and empowered.” Our growth relies on those who power our factories, warehouses, and supply chains.