Indeed Survey: India Needs Millions of Blue-Collar Workers by 2027

Delhi: Indeed, the global job matching and hiring platform, has unveiled findings from its latest survey, revealing a significant shift in India’s blue-collar job market. The survey reveals that India will need 2.43 million blue-collar workers across various industries. Among this, the quick commerce sector alone is set to create half a million new jobs and lead the way.

Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India, says, “Five years ago, the idea of 10-minute deliveries seemed far-fetched. Today, quick commerce has turned this dream into reality—driven by people and powered by technology. Quick commerce is about more than convenience; it’s about creating careers, opportunities, and a sustainable workforce. Every new delivery driver or warehouse worker represents a story of change, offering long-term employment that supports millions of families.”

The Rising Need for Blue-Collar Workers in Quick Commerce

Indeed’s survey shows that the quick commerce industry hired about 40,000 workers last quarter (October 2024 – December 2024) to handle increased festive shopping and e-commerce demand. Delivery drivers, retail staff, warehouse associates, and logistics coordinators emerged as critical roles to support the industry’s fast-paced operations.

Tier 1 cities such as Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi are seeing significant hiring activity as quick commerce expands. Notably, Tier 2 cities like Chandigarh and Ahmedabad are also experiencing a rise in job creation, reflecting the growing reach of quick commerce into emerging urban centres.

Broader Job Growth Across Sectors

While quick commerce is leading the charge in creating blue-collar jobs, other sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and traditional e-commerce are also experiencing growth in demand for blue-collar workers. However, quick commerce stands out due to its speed, scalability, and reliance on technology, which has made rapid hiring and training possible during peak seasons.

By focusing on the urgent need for last-mile delivery, warehousing, and other logistical roles, this industry is positioning itself as a primary job creator in India’s evolving job market.

Building Skills for Future Demand

The survey also highlights the growing emphasis on skill development to meet the future needs of quick commerce. The top five skills that employers identified as high priorities are navigation and driving, digital literacy, data analysis, management, and tech support to increase efficiency and scalability in the workforce. The adoption of automation and digital tools is also shaping the types of skills needed for these roles.

To address potential skill gaps, many quick commerce companies are investing in training programs to upskill workers in areas such as technology adoption, customer service, and operations management. This investment in skill-building is aimed at a thriving tech-driven environment and long-term career growth for workers.

With robust skills, proper training, and learning on the go, workers in quick commerce are seeing increased opportunities for growth as they move into more senior roles within the sector. Delivery drivers, for example, may advance to managerial or logistical coordinator positions, while warehouse workers gain skills to manage larger teams or optimize operations.

Compensation Trends and Incentives

As the quick commerce industry thrives, its workforce plays a pivotal role in meeting consumer demands, especially during high-demand periods. Companies are offering competitive compensation packages alongside various incentives to attract and retain blue-collar workers, especially in delivery and retail roles.

The average monthly base salary for retail roles, including delivery drivers and retail staff, is estimated at approximately Rs. 22,600*. During peak seasons, workers often see a boost in earnings through daily, weekly, and monthly bonuses. In addition to this, workers also receive non-monetary perks, such as smartphones in certain cases, referral rewards, etc.

*Indeed salary calculator

Looking Ahead: Blue-Collar Jobs Fueling Economic Growth

Looking toward 2025 and beyond, close to 50% of employers surveyed across 14 sectors plan to continue hiring blue-collar workers, with quick commerce continuing to be a major driver of growth. Seasonal jobs are becoming pathways to long-term career opportunities, and companies are investing in sustainable employment strategies.

Automation and AI are also expected to play a role in the future of these jobs, with some tasks being streamlined through technological solutions. However, the human element remains crucial to the sector’s growth, and the focus will remain on creating skilled, tech-enabled workers who can adapt to evolving industry needs.

Methodology:

This study was conducted among 2583 job seekers and 1087 employers to analyze job creation trends within blue-collar roles and the quick commerce industry. Key aspects studied included employment patterns, workforce requirements, and projected growth in the sector. The findings were derived through a focused analysis of responses. This targeted methodology emphasizes insights exclusively related to the blue-collar workforce and quick commerce to ensure relevance and actionable conclusions.