The rapid rise of quick commerce is anticipated to create a substantial increase in the need for blue-collar workers, with India projected to require 2.4 million jobs by 2027, according to job matching and hiring platform Indeed.
Quick commerce companies hired over 40,000 employees in the last quarter to handle increased festive shopping and e-commerce demand, Indeed India Sales Head Sashi Kumar said.
“The quick commerce industry in India is on a rapid growth trajectory, and we’re seeing a significant shift in how blue-collar hiring is evolving to meet this demand.
“As the industry continues to expand, the need for skilled and semi-skilled workers is growing, making hiring more competitive.
“Employers are increasingly looking for talent that can adapt to a fast-paced, technology-driven environment,” he told PTI.
Blue-collar jobs refer to occupations that involve manual labour or skilled trades.
These roles often require physical work and hands-on training and experience rather than formal education.
The average monthly base salary for these roles, including delivery drivers and retail staff, is about Rs 22,600, according to a survey by Indeed.
“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,” the survey said.
During peak seasons, workers often benefit from increased earnings through bonuses.
Additionally, many companies provide non-monetary perks, such as smartphones, and referral rewards, the study said.
The primary roles that quick commerce companies recruited for during the festive season included delivery drivers, warehouse associates, marketing and promotional personnel, packaging workers, and logistics coordinators.
The top five skills 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.
“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,” Kumar said.
The rise in blue-collar jobs within the quick commerce industry is mainly fuelled by the growing demand for rapid delivery services.
Customers expect goods, especially groceries and essentials, to be delivered within minutes.
The competition among quick commerce players to provide faster delivery times and the expansion of their service areas are driving employment in this sector, Kumar said.
“The quick commerce sector has a unique opportunity to redefine blue-collar work in India. By focusing on structured roles, career growth pathways, and better work environments, the industry can create a workforce that is not only resilient but also ready to drive its future growth,” he said.
Major cities like Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi are experiencing a notable increase in hiring as quick commerce continues to grow, according to the study.
Additionally, Tier 2 cities such as Chandigarh and Ahmedabad are also witnessing a surge in job opportunities, indicating the expanding influence of quick commerce in emerging urban areas.
While quick commerce is at the forefront of generating blue-collar jobs, other industries like logistics, manufacturing, and traditional e-commerce are also seeing an increased demand for blue-collar workers.
Quick commerce stands out due to its speed, scalability, and reliance on technology, which has made rapid hiring and training possible during peak seasons, Indeed said.
