Evaluating 12 LPA as a 7-Year IT Professional: Understanding Market Standards and Expectations

When evaluating your current compensation at 12 LPA, it is important to consider several factors to understand whether this rate is adequate for a 7-year IT professional. Unfortunately, this salary is considered low for someone with your experience level. Generally, you should aim for a minimum of twice your years of experience in terms of CTC (Cost to Company).

Market Standards for IT Professionals

Depending on the role and whether your position is functional or technical, the median salary for a good company can vary. For a functional role, the median might be around 15 LPA, while for a technical role, it can be as high as 20 LPA. However, your actual CTC heavily depends on your skillset and specialization.

If you feel that you have on-demand skills within your domain, you might be underpaid and can realistically expect a higher package. Use resources such as Glassdoor for accurate predictions, PayScale for the lowest expected salary, and AmbitionBox for actual reviews from industry insiders.

It's essential to remind yourself that sometimes, you may not feel adequately compensated even if you are over the market rate because expectations can be fickle. Always evaluate your happiness and professional contentment to decide whether to stay or switch companies.

Factors Influencing Your Salary

Your starting salary can be influenced by various factors such as the tier of the college you graduated from. For instance, someone from a Tier-1 college might find 12 LPA as a starting salary quite low, while for graduates from Tier-2 or Tier-3 colleges, it can be more acceptable as a starting package. Do not get demotivated if you come from a Tier-2 or Tier-3 college; the IT field offers endless opportunities for growth and skill enhancement.

It's also important to note that earning a certain salary can depend on how you value what you do. Even if you are earning less than peers with similar experience, if you love what you do and the role is fulfilling, it can be a very good deal in terms of personal satisfaction. Remember, 12 LPA might be justifiable if you have been working hard and gaining crucial skills in your field.

Industry Salaries and Expectations

Understanding the range in the IT industry is crucial. For example, a person with just 5 years of experience can earn up to 20 LPA, whereas someone with 10 years of experience might only earn around 15 LPA. There is no standardization when it comes to compensation in the IT sector. A good company with a thorough understanding of your role, experience, and skills can still offer a fair and competitive salary. If the work is meaningful, the company supports your growth, and you enjoy your role, 15 LPA can be very satisfactory.

Ultimately, your satisfaction and professional fulfillment are key factors in determining the adequacy of your salary. If you are content and the role aligns with your professional goals, staying at your current company is a viable option. On the other hand, if you feel unfulfilled or see opportunities elsewhere, it might be worth considering a move to a more aligned and rewarding environment.