Earnings of quick commerce workers — dark store workers and delivery partners — have inched closer to that of IT freshers’ salaries. The salary gap has narrowed to Rs 8,500 per month, as quick commerce workers’ wages grow at a faster rate than those of IT freshers, according to data sourced from Teamlease Digital.
While an IT fresher makes Rs 4,14,000 per annum, a delivery partner makes Rs 3,12,000 per annum and a dark store worker makes Rs 2,42,000 per annum. In 2024-25, quick commerce workers—dark store workers’ earnings grew 9.15%, delivery partners’ earnings grew 11.57%, while IT freshers’ salaries grew a mere 5.97%, Teamlease Digital data showed.
Quick commerce workers’ earnings are inclusive of additional incentives, based on volume of orders, attendance, as well as performance. Dark store workers on an average can earn Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 more annually. While, delivery partners, on an average, can earn Rs 72,000 to Rs 90,000 more annually.
“The rapid expansion of quick commerce and gig work may create an appealing alternative for young workers, especially those seeking immediate earnings without extensive educational investments. The projected 60% growth in demand in 2025 suggests increasing accessibility to such jobs, which may attract individuals who would have otherwise pursued entry-level IT roles,” said Krishna Vij, vice president at TeamLease Digital.
The IT industry has been infamous for not giving incremental salary hikes to freshers. For over a decade, the IT fresher salaries have stagnated in the Rs 3-4 lakh range. Mohandas Pai, former chief financial officer of Infosys Ltd., and current Chairman of Aarin Capital, had recently pointed out that entry-level employees, who earned Rs 3.25 lakh annually in 2011, now receive Rs 3.50–3.75 lakh— only a 15% increase over 13 years. In contrast, the median pay for top IT CEOs has surged by 160% over the past five years, reaching Rs 84 crore annually.
However, the long-term career prospects and stability of IT jobs still make them more desirable for those seeking structured growth, higher salaries, and professional development. The real concern could be for mid-tier talent—those in non-specialised IT roles—who might find gig work a more immediate and flexible option, compared to struggling with uncertain career progression in IT services, Vij adds.
The demand for blue collar workers has been on the rise, with the quick commerce sector leading the requirement. A recent report by hiring platform Indeed shows that India will need 2.43 million blue-collar workers across various industries. Among this, the quick commerce sector, alone, is set to create half a million new jobs and lead the way.
. Read more on Technology by NDTV Profit.While an IT fresher makes Rs 4,14,000 per annum, a delivery partner makes Rs 3,12,000 per annum and a dark store worker makes Rs 2,42,000 per annum. Read MoreTechnology, Business, Notifications
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