How Much Has Your Salary Increased from Your First Job to Today?

For job seekers and aspiring professionals, the question of salary growth is often a significant factor in evaluating job prospects and career paths. This article explores the salary trajectory of a web developer, showcasing how an individual's earning potential can grow over time through experience and strategic decision-making. We will also discuss the typical salary trends for graduates from prestigious educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Typical Salary Trends for IIT Graduates

Graduates of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) often see a marked increase in their salaries throughout their careers, primarily due to experience, skill development, and evolving job market demands. Here's a snapshot of the salary trajectory:

Initial Placement: Starting salaries for IIT graduates are typically in the range of 10-15 lakhs per annum (LPA). Years 2-3: With a few years of experience, salaries can significantly increase, often reaching 20-30 LPA, especially in high-demand fields such as software development, data science, or management roles. Long-term growth: As professionals gain more experience and advance in their careers, their salaries can continue to rise, sometimes even exceeding 40 LPA.

These figures are significantly higher than the national average for tech professionals, reflecting the recognized and demanded expertise among IIT graduates.

A Personal Journey: From 3.6 LPA to 24 LPA

Let's delve into the personal journey of a web developer who started his career at 3.6 LPA and eventually reached 24 LPA, highlighting the strategies and experiences that contributed to this remarkable growth.

Initial Career Steps

September 2014: Started as a Web Developer with a startup in Gurgaon, earning 3.6 LPA. October 2014: Transitioned to a web development role at a product-based firm in Gurgaon, with a salary of 5 LPA. January 2016: Experienced an 80 percent hike, taking the salary from 5 LPA to 9 LPA. August 2016: Another 80 percent hike, increasing the salary to 16 LPA.

Despite these significant hikes, the individual sought better opportunities, reaching out to his boss about lucrative offers in March 2017.

The Critical Decision Point

The turning point came in February 2017 when the employee had multiple offers on the table, including a 21 LPA in-hand offer with bonuses, a 20 LPA offer with stock options, and more. The employee's approach was highly strategic, leveraging personal values and professional integrity to secure a better position while maintaining his existing job.

Email to the Boss

Hi [Boss],
I have received offers from different companies recently, and I am in a challenging situation. I love this company and have rejected several offers. However, some of the latest offers are very attractive. I am torn about making a decision as it is all about my life and career. Could you please guide me on what to do?
Thank you,

The response was unexpected and enlightening. The boss invited the employee to discuss the matter further, stating, "Hey buddy, now you have multiple offers in hand, and I understand your situation. So, what are you going to do?" The employee was then asked to name a salary figure that would make him happy for a year, without seeking further offers.

The Outcome: A Promising Decision

I said, "Ha ha, do I need to tell the number? You already know about my offers, so you can decide." The boss responded, "Yup, but you have to tell me directly now." To which I said, "Give me the same offer of 23 LPA, and I will be happy for sure."

Surprisingly, the boss offered 24 LPA for a promotion and other perks, ensuring the employee's happiness and retention. The employee secured the offer letter within three days and became the Web Development Lead at 24 CTC (CTC: Cost to Company).

Lessons and Advice

Don't run behind money: The employee learned that focusing on personal values and professional integrity is more significant than solely chasing salary hikes. Passion, Innovation, and Out of the Box Thinking: The journey emphasized the importance of passion, continuous innovation, and thinking outside the box in career growth. Negotiation Skills: Effective communication and negotiation skills played a crucial role in achieving a better salary and position.

For anyone in the tech industry or any other field, this case study demonstrates the potential growth in salary and the value of strategic decision-making. It also underscores the importance of considering both short-term and long-term career goals.