System Design Interview Prep:
A Beginner's Roadmap

Master core concepts, components, and strategies to crack your next interview with confidence.

Introduction

The acronym FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google) is all anyone talks about when they mention industry-leading pay and status. Grew up in your dreams having a job with one of these technology giants? You’re certainly not the only one. But what does getting a job in the FAANG industry do for your pay package, particularly here in India in 2025?

This blog delves into today’s reality of FAANG salaries in India—segmented by experience, job role, and organization—as well as captures authentic voices from the technology sector. From being a fresher, mid-level engineer, or an experienced leader, this handbook gives you the latest salary data to set realistic goals and plan your path.

FAANG Salaries in India (2025)

FAANG Compensation: By the Numbers

According to a 2024 salary guide of software engineer salaries, Amazon SDEs in India receive total yearly packages between ₹12 lakh and ₹75 lakh based on experience

Amazon:

Freshers (0–2 yrs): ₹12–16 LPA
Middle-level (3–5 yrs): ₹18–28 LPA
Senior (6–10 yrs): ₹30–50 LPA
Principal/Architect (10+ yrs): ₹60 LPA+

In comparison, Meta (Facebook) pays even higher, with packages for freshers at ₹18–25 LPA and seniors up to ₹80 LPA+

Google, as well, displays lucrative remuneration—beginner positions range from ₹15–20 LPA, while senior and architect posts can top out at ₹40–60 LPA or more

As per a 2025 Shreyas Shahane blog post, firms that pay “FAANGOM”-level compensation (such as Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Netflix) generally have this structure:

Level Total Compensation (₹)

Entry (0–2 yrs) ₹25 L–₹45 L
Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) ₹40 L–₹80 L
Senior (7–10 yrs) ₹70 L–₹1.5 Cr
Staff/Principal ₹1 Cr–₹2 Cr+
Engineering Manager/Director ₹1.5 Cr–₹3 Cr+

These figures highlight that FAANG positions in India—particularly at leadership and senior levels—become squarely in crores range.

Real Voices: Engineers Speak

Salary data with real stories on platforms such as Reddit adds color and context:

“The average SDE2 earns ₹50+ lakhs annually in actual money (not ‘CTC’ but actual money). The average SDE3 earns ₹80+ lakhs.”

— Reddit user describing mid-level FAANG positions

One experienced developer with 9 years of experience had this to say:

“Base is ₹60 LPA, performance bonus ₹5 L, and ESOP around ₹10 L/year” – adding up to approximately ₹75 LPA

Another commenter—a data engineer who returned to India from the US with FAANG experience—points out his uncle makes roughly ₹2 crore CTC in India.

This reflects the importance of location, negotiation power, and profile premium in significantly influencing compensation.

How FAANG Salaries Compare to the Rest

Compare this to India’s overall software engineering industry:

Freshers (non-FAANG): ₹3–6 LPA

Mid-level: ₹6–15 LPA

Senior: ₹15–36 LPA

Nationwide averages for industry leaders like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro are within these bands.

A news report quoted Bengaluru’s tech professionals at $12,000 per year (~₹10 LPA)—a paltry percentage of FAANG pay. Clearly, FAANG (and a few unicorns) dominate the pay pyramid.

4. Influencing FAANG India Salaries

Experience and seniority

Obviously, the largest increase in total comp happens in transitioning from mid-level SDE to principal or engineering manager.

Differences between Companies

Meta and Google are more likely to give more aggressive compensation than Amazon and Apple at corresponding levels.

Equity (RSUs/ESOPs)

Stock grants can make a huge—frequently 30–50% of total comp or even more—contribution, particularly at senior levels.

Geography & Scope of Role

Engineering locations in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR usually get better packages. Expert domain roles in AI, systems infra, or product leadership have premium salary.

Negotiation & Talent Positioning

Global-experience or niche talent individuals can negotiate way above norms.

What You Should Expect: Role-Wise Outlook

Entry-Level (0–2 Years)

Expect around ₹25–45 LPA with RSUs included—way higher than wider tech market standards

Mid-Level (3–6 Years)

Standard packages are in the range of ₹40–80 LPA, with top performers or highly sought-after roles crossing ₹1 crore barriers

Senior (7–10+ Years)

Reaches ₹70 L–₹1.5 Cr in total comp. Manager and principal and staff roles can break ₹1 Cr–₹3 Cr+

Special Cases & Unicorns

Indian unicorns and fast-growing startups with FAANG-like offers include Razorpay, Flipkart, Swiggy, CRED, Postman, etc.—quite at par with FAANG ₹100 LPA+ offers

Conclusion

So what do you do for FAANG salaries in India in 2025?

Entry-level engineers – ₹25L–₹45L total comp, well above average.
Mid-level SDEs – ₹40L–₹80L, varying with company and role.
Senior and leadership – ₹70L to more than ₹1.5 Cr total comp, with standout roles pushing ₹2–3 Cr+.
Equity is a big factor—particularly with Meta and Google giving out strong RSUs.
Real-life anecdotes validate these ranges—but negotiation, skillset, and job scope are the clinchers.

At Coding with IITians, we are dedicated to leading you not only to FAANG-level positions, but also to knowing your actual compensation value.