Salary Expectations for 3-Year Experienced Lateral Hires in Big Tech Firms

As of 2023, the expected salary for a candidate with 3 years of experience in companies like Infosys, Capgemini, Accenture, and Cognizant can vary based on several factors including location, specific skills, and the role being applied for.

General Overview

The average salary for a lateral hire with 3 years of experience typically ranges as follows:

Infosys: Between 6 to 10 lakhs per annum. Capgemini: Between 6 to 9 lakhs per annum. Accenture: Between 8 to 12 lakhs per annum. Cognizant: Between 6 to 10 lakhs per annum, similar to Infosys and Capgemini.

These figures can fluctuate based on individual negotiations, specific technical skills such as expertise in cloud computing, AI, or data analytics, and the company's current demand for talent. Additionally, benefits and bonuses can also play a significant role in the overall compensation package.

Demand and Negotiation

Depending on your skills and the demand for the role, you may be able to negotiate for a higher salary. Sometimes, if you're required to start immediately, you can demand as much as you want. Don't follow the 30 rule, which these companies use to negotiate. Instead, ask for the salary you want and then negotiate accordingly.

Service-Based Companies vs. Start-Ups/ Product Companies

The companies mentioned are all service-based companies with well-defined salary structures, which are not comparable to those in start-ups or product companies. With 3 years of experience, you cannot expect astronomical packages.

Strategic Negotiation

There are two ways to negotiate:

Ask for a 30-35% hike in your salary. Ask for a specific designation based on the market and your long-term financial stability.

It is prudent to go for the second option, considering the market and your finances, as they will largely depend on the band or pay scale you are being inducted into in your new company.

Cognizant's Specific Recommendations

If you are planning to switch to Cognizant, here are some key points to consider:

Higher Base Package: Ensure you get the 'Associate' designation, which guarantees a minimum base package of 5.2 lakhs per annum (LPA). Next Year Financial Stability: Cognizant has a normalization process where lateral hires might not receive the same increment as freshers. Additionally, you might not be eligible for the next appraisal cycle depending on the month of joining. It's important to factor this into your decision. Long-Term Perspective: Starting as an Associate is more advantageous. A fresher typically takes 3-3.5 years to become an Associate, while a lateral hire might take 1.5-2 years to get promoted to a Programmer Analyst.

Check Glassdoor for detailed salary comparisons and insights into specific roles and the companies you are considering.

Hope this helps. Good luck!