Hiring a remote developer in India: models, costs and checks
Why companies hire engineers in India, the three main hiring models, what published 2026 salary ranges look like, and seven checks before you commit.
Why India
India's technology hiring is concentrated in fast-growing centres. Global capability centres, the India offices of overseas companies, were projected to hire about 5.1 lakh (510,000) people in 2026, with 64% of new roles needing AI, data or automation skills (Business Today, citing foundit, July 2026).
Three hiring models
- Dedicated remote professional through a provider. The provider employs the engineer in India; they work full-time on your team. One monthly invoice, no Indian entity needed.
- Employer of record. You choose and manage the person; an employer-of-record service employs them for a recurring fee.
- Your own India entity. Usually worthwhile only once you have a sizeable team; you then hire directly, often with a recruiter's help.
What published salaries look like
One hiring platform's 2026 guide puts monthly salaries for full-stack and back-end engineers at about $2,000–$3,000 with 3–5 years' experience and $3,000–$4,000 with 5–8 years, with AI/ML engineers higher. It estimates total employer cost at roughly 40% above base salary once benefits, fees and equipment are included (Uplers, August 2026). Treat any single source as a reference point.
Seven checks before you sign
- Is the engineer dedicated to you, or shared across clients?
- Who owns the code and work product, and from when?
- What does the monthly price include: benefits, equipment, security tools, leave cover?
- How were candidates tested, and can you see the results?
- What is the replacement guarantee and notice period?
- How are salary reviews handled, and how do they affect your price?
- How many working hours overlap with your team's day?
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.