Hyderabad: Indians working abroad are facing a growing issue of salary reductions after securing jobs in the United States and Canada. While initial job offers align with industry standards, many professionals report significant reductions in their salary – by as much as 25% to 30% – with employers citing recession and financial pressures as reasons.
Market data shows average tech salaries in the US range from $100,000 (approx. Rs 86.5 lakh) to $110,000 (approx. Rs 95 lakh), while in Canada, they range from $80,000 (approx. Rs 48 lakh) to $90,000 (approx. Rs 54 lakh). However, several Indian professionals allege significant discrepancies between advertised salaries, offer letters, and the actual pay.
Hyderabad-based software engineer Rajiv Desai recently moved to San Francisco but faced unexpected challenges. “When I applied for the job, the company website listed a salary of $105,000 annually (approx. Rs 91 lakh), but my offer letter quoted $92,000 (approx. Rs 79.6 lakh). The HR said the amount was ‘subject to change based on the role,’ but this wasn’t mentioned earlier,” Rajiv said.
Rajiv isn’t alone who is facing the issue. Toronto-based data analyst Maya Iyer shared a similar experience. “The job advertisement promised CAD $90,000 annually (approx. Rs 54 lakh), but my offer letter cited CAD $75,000 (approx. Rs 45 lakh). When I questioned this, I was told it was a realignment due to market conditions. It felt like bait-and-switch tactics. My friends in India earn around Rs 50 lakh annually and live comfortably, while I struggle here with low pay and high costs. I need to re-examine my plans,” Maya said.
For some, even signed offer letters didn’t guarantee stability. Cloud computing specialist from Pune, Jairam Nandaka, was ecstatic when he secured a job in Seattle with a $108,000 (approx. Rs 93.4 lakh) offer. “Two weeks later, they revised it to $82,000 (approx. Rs 71 lakh). They said the company was restructuring due to the economic slowdown. I had already quit my previous job, so I had no choice but to accept. It’s barely better than my last salary of Rs 65 lakh. Was it worth it?” he said.
Similarly, Vancouver-based project manager Mohani Vemuganti received an initial offer of CAD $85,000 (approx. Rs 51 lakh), only to have it reduced to CAD $68,000 (approx. Rs 41 lakh) shortly afterward.
