J, IC, or M... you’ve got the promotion, but what is the grade? What salary do you get at which level?
Job Grades and Levels in the Corporate World: Professionals working in private firms or MNCs often discuss terms like J1, IC3, or M2. These are not secret codes but actual rungs on the career ladder. From the outside, we usually only see designations or "job titles" (such as Software Engineer, Team Leader, or Director). However, behind the scenes, every company operates within a defined structure known as "job grades" or "job levels."
These grades determine your actual standing, influence, and salary range within the organization. Often, people work at the same company for years without being aware of their specific grade, assuming their salary slip and designation tell the whole story. If you wish to climb the corporate ladder rapidly, understanding these grades is crucial. Learn what the J, IC, and M grades entail in the corporate world, the associated salaries and responsibilities, and how to check your own grade.
What are J, IC, and M job grades?
Corporate companies have established distinct tracks or grades to streamline operations and define each employee's role. In some organizations, these are also referred to as "bands":
J (Junior/Entry-Level) Grade: This marks the very beginning of a career. Fresh graduates joining a company are typically assigned grades like J1 or J2, where they work under the direction of others. As you gain some experience and begin handling minor tasks independently, you advance to the J3 (Associate or Junior Expert) level. The subsequent promotion leads directly to the Senior or IC (Individual Contributor) track.
IC (Individual Contributor) Grade: In this track, an individual advances based solely on their own work and skills, without the responsibility of managing a team. For example, IC1 (Junior) and IC3 (Senior) up to IC6 (Principal or Chief Expert). In this category, you do not have direct reports; you simply manage your own work.
M (Management) Grade: These roles involve managing teams. This category ranges from M1 (Team Lead/Assistant Manager), M2 (Manager), and M3 (Senior Manager) to high-level positions like Director and VP.
How do you find out your grade?
You can use these three simple methods to determine your exact grade within your company:
Offer Letter or Agreement: When you are hired, your offer letter clearly states your grade code (such as Level 4 or Band E) alongside your job title.
Company HR Portal: Every company has its own portal (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft, etc.). You can view your exact grade by checking your profile or the organizational chart there.
Directly Ask HR: If you are still unsure, you can simply ask your HR manager which band or grade your job profile falls under. The Dynamics of Salary and Responsibilities Across Grades
Salary brackets and the scope of responsibilities are determined by job grades:
Job Grade Primary Responsibility Salary (Estimated)
Junior (J1, J2) Performing basic tasks and learning under supervision ₹3 lakh – ₹6 lakh per annum
Associate Junior (J3) Completing minor tasks independently without assistance or guidance ₹6 lakh – ₹9 lakh per annum.
Mid-level IC (IC2, IC3) Handling large projects independently ₹9 lakh – ₹20 lakh per annum
Senior IC/M1-M2 Leading teams, project planning, and mentorship ₹20 lakh – ₹40 lakh per annum
Director/VP (M3+) Formulating major company policies and managing business operations ₹40 lakh – ₹1 crore+ per annum
Key Insight: Nowadays, many tech and modern companies offer senior Individual Contributors (ICs) salaries and responsibilities comparable to those of managers (M-grade). Even if you do not enjoy managing a team, you can still earn a high salary (in the lakhs) by staying on the IC career track!
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
