India’s rapidly advancing space and spacetech sector is on the brink of a remarkable  employment boom, with projections indicating the creation of over 200,000 new jobs in  the next decade, as highlighted in a recent report by Adecco India. This growth is fuelled  by a blend of policy reforms, increased involvement from the private sector, and  enhanced international partnerships, marking a significant transition from a research focused space programme to a commercially viable industry. Adecco forecasts that  India’s aerospace, drone, and spacetech sectors will expand more than fivefold,  reaching an estimated USD 44 billion by 2033. Currently, India holds nearly 2% of the  global space market, but the government has laid out a clear strategy to boost this  share to 7-8%, bolstered by anticipated exports of USD 11 billion by the decade’s end.  This evolution is positioning India as a formidable player in space manufacturing,  launch services, satellite applications, and cutting-edge deep-tech innovation. 

Workforce Demand and Emerging Skill Sets 

The optimistic employment forecast aligns with several pivotal milestones in India’s  space journey, including the forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions,  participation in the Axiom-4 International Space Station programme, and the initial  

stages of developing a homegrown space station. These initiatives are set to  significantly heighten the demand for skilled professionals in engineering, scientific  research, data analytics, and specialised technical fields. Adecco notes that cities like  Bengaluru,Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad will continue to  be major hiring centres, with Bengaluru expected to lead in new technical roles. Niche  skills in areas such as avionics, cryogenics, propulsion systems, remote sensing,  robotics, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) are likely to command salary  premiums of 20-30% compared to similar technical positions. Fresh engineering  graduates entering the sector can anticipate annual packages ranging from Rs 6 lakh to 

Rs 8 lakh, while mid-level specialists may earn between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 19 lakh.  Highly specialised professionals could see compensation exceeding Rs 25 lakh per  annum, depending on their experience and expertise. 

Policy Support, Startups, and Industry Diversification 

Adecco attributes the swift growth of the sector to supportive policy measures like the  Indian Space Policy 2023, which has facilitated greater private participation. The rise of  over 250 space-focused startups and the establishment of a Rs 1,000 crore venture  capital fund under IN-SPACe have further bolstered the commercial landscape. As the  ecosystem evolves, the demand for talent is expanding beyond traditional engineering  roles to encompass programme managers, supply chain specialists, finance and risk  analysts, legal experts, and international partnership executives. The report also  underscores the increasing significance of diversity and inclusion within the space  workforce. Government initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti, the Wise fellowship, ISRO’s  Yuvika programme, and the Samridh scheme are promoting greater involvement of  women in science, engineering, and space entrepreneurship, fostering a more balanced  and sustainable talent ecosystem. 

Conclusion: Talent as the Cornerstone of India’s Space  Ambitions 

As India accelerates its entry into global space markets and moves towards human  spaceflight and commercial orbital services, the development of talent will be crucial in  determining long-term competitiveness. Adecco India stresses that addressing skill  gaps, investing in future-ready capabilities, and nurturing collaboration among  government, academia, and industry will be vital for sustaining growth. With emerging  fields such as satellite cybersecurity, AI-driven autonomous systems, space robotics,  and regulatory compliance gaining traction, the ability to cultivate a skilled, diverse, and  resilient workforce will ultimately shape India’s success in the global spacetech arena.