India ranks best worldwide on pay fairness with just 11% dissatisfied

Only 11% of workers in India believe they are unfairly compensated — the lowest figure among 34 countries surveyed worldwide, human capital management firm ADP reported. The finding underscores a growing perception of fairness in India’s workplaces amid broader global efforts to close pay and equity gaps.

The ADP People at Work 2025: A Global Workforce View study revealed that perceptions of fair pay have improved worldwide. The proportion of employees globally who said they were underpaid fell from 31% last year to 27% in 2025. Yet, the survey highlighted sharp variations between markets: nearly half of South Korean workers (45%) and 39% of Swedish employees reported dissatisfaction with their pay.

India stood out not only for its relatively high level of perceived fairness but also for distinctive gender and generational patterns. The report found that 12% of men and 9% of women in India felt underpaid, a reversal of the global trend where women typically reported higher levels of pay dissatisfaction. Younger Indian workers, aged 18–26, were more likely to feel undercompensated (13%) compared with just 5% among those aged 55 and above.

“Fair pay is more than a compensation conversation; it is a trust conversation. When employees believe they are paid fairly, they are more engaged, motivated, and loyal,” said Rahul Goyal, Managing Director, ADP India and Southeast Asia.

ADP noted that India’s strong showing reflects progress in equitable pay practices and greater transparency in compensation structures. However, it also emphasised that fairness should extend beyond pay to encompass opportunity, recognition, and career growth.

The findings align with data from global payroll and compliance firm Deel, which reported in October that median annual salaries for men and women in India are nearly equal, ranging from $13,000 to $23,000. Analysts say the trend signals a shift towards data-driven compensation models and improving workplace equity, particularly in India’s technology and professional services sectors.

Meanwhile, India’s relatively positive perceptions may also stem from rapid job creation, expanding professional opportunities, and competitive salary benchmarking by global employers operating in the country. As multinationals and domestic firms alike invest in fair pay frameworks, India could emerge as a model for compensation transparency among developing markets.