National, 2 May , 2025: In a surprising turn amid broader economic shifts, India’s manual labour market is witnessing an unprecedented boom. According to new data released by WorkIndia, the leading blue and grey-collar recruitment platform, job applications by manual labour workers rose by 44%, salaries climbed across all job categories, and smaller cities, led the charge with a staggering 105% increase in applications.
The rise is widespread across industries, including delivery, hospitality, maid services, and driving, pointing to stronger hiring activity and improved compensation. Delivery job salaries alone rose by 24%, and wages for factory labourers increased by 21%, indicating better earnings across traditionally low-paying sectors. Importantly, this growth is not just in numbers; it’s in quality too. Employers are increasingly favouring semi-skilled and experienced workers, even for roles that historically demanded little to no prior experience. In fact, while overall job opportunities expanded, openings exclusively for freshers plummeted by 73%, signalling a clear shift in employer expectations.
The report highlights a story of upward mobility within India’s blue-collar workforce. Workers with education levels of tenth grade or below saw job opportunities rise by 24% to 33%, while male candidates saw a notable 42% growth in openings across key industries. Job applications have increased across all genders, showcasing greater inclusivity within this booming segment.
While the overall outlook is optimistic, a few traditional roles such as office boys, peons, security guards, cooks, beauticians, housekeeping staff, and ward boys recorded a dip in job postings. Certain regions, like Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa, also saw a slight decline, but these exceptions do little to dent the strong national growth story.
Mr. Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and co-founder of WorkIndia, commented, “The manual labour workforce is the backbone of India’s economy, and today, they are finally seeing the recognition they deserve, through better pay, more opportunities, and a stronger push for skills. At WorkIndia, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, connecting talent from every corner of the country to opportunities that uplift lives and build a stronger nation.”
WorkIndia’s findings showcase an evolving blue-collar economy, one that is not only expanding but also raising the bar for talent, wages, and expectations, ushering in a new era of opportunity for millions across the country.
