Education · Free tool
Indian Tech Levels Comparator
Standard SDE level taxonomy (Amazon-style L3-L8) mapped to Indian ICs at startups, enterprises, and BigTech. CTC bands are FY 2025-26 ballparks.
| Level | Years exp | Indian designation | CTC range (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3 / SDE 1 | 0-2 | Junior Engineer | 8-15 |
| L4 / SDE 2 | 2-5 | Senior Engineer | 20-40 |
| L5 / Senior SDE | 5-9 | Staff Engineer (small co) | 50-90 |
| L6 / Staff Engineer | 9-14 | Principal Engineer (small co) | 1-2 cr |
| L7 / Senior Staff | 14+ | Distinguished Engineer | 2-4 cr |
| L8+ / Principal | 17+ | Tech Fellow | 4 cr+ |
FAQ
Why are Indian salaries lower at same level?
Cost-of-living arbitrage — Indian COL is 30-50% of US for similar standard. Companies normalise to local benchmarks. Top performers at L6 in India can earn ₹2-3 cr — closing the gap.
Are L7+ levels common in Indian startups?
Rare. Most Indian startups cap at L5 / Staff Engineer in title. Larger MNCs (Google, Microsoft, Meta India) have full ladders up to L8+.
Is RSU different from cash CTC?
Yes — RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) vest over 4 years typically. Pre-IPO is illiquid; listed companies (US tech) have ready market. Often half of senior tech compensation is in RSUs.