• Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana are the primary hubs for Q-Commerce jobs in India 
• The salaries are higher in the metro cities due to the higher market demand in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.

India’s Q-Commerce sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with Monthly Transacting Users (MTUs) increasing by 40% in 2024. This growth reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, with a rising preference for instant deliveries. The average monthly orders per customer have grown from 4.4 in 2021 to 6 in 2024, underscoring the increasing reliance on quick commerce platforms. TeamLease Services, a leading staffing conglomerate revolutionizing employment, employability, and ease of doing business, has released its latest report analyzing employment trends in the Q-Commerce sector. The report highlights that the workforce remains predominantly young, with the average employee aged between 25 and 26. Given the sector’s fast-paced operations, companies rely heavily on temporary and seasonal staffing, with associates averaging a tenure of 6 months. The sector remains heavily male-dominated, with women making up just 8% of the contractual workforce.

Employment distribution data indicates that Karnataka (20%), Maharashtra (19%), and Telangana (13%) are the primary hubs for Q-Commerce jobs, while Haryana and West Bengal, each accounting for 4% of the workforce, remain underpenetrated markets with scope for expansion. The sector is also characterised by a high concentration of entry-level roles, with 71% of employees holding 10th or 12th-grade qualifications. This reflects a focus on basic skill sets such as smartphone proficiency, digital literacy, and last-mile delivery expertise. However, the industry faces a significant challenge with high attrition rates driven by intense competition and frequent job-switching. To address this, companies are increasingly investing in workforce training, upskilling programs, and structured retention strategies to enhance efficiency and ensure long-term workforce stability.

Hiring trends in Q-Commerce contrast with those in traditional E-Commerce. While E-Commerce employment experiences seasonal fluctuations, peaking at 23% in August due to festive demand and dropping to 3% by December. Q-Commerce maintains a steady hiring pattern throughout the year, with demand peaking at 22% in December. This stability indicates that Q-Commerce businesses require a consistent workforce, unlike E-Commerce, which relies on temporary hiring to meet seasonal demand. 

Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head at TeamLease Services, said, “India’s Q-Commerce sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with the market size projected to reach $5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10-15%. The surge in last-mile delivery, dark store operations, and warehouse management roles is reshaping the gig economy, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana leading as key employment hubs. As attrition rates remain high, businesses must prioritize workforce skilling, structured retention strategies, and AI-driven workforce management to build a sustainable talent pipeline and drive long-term growth.”

With Q-Commerce expected to continue its upward trajectory, companies are adapting their staffing models, expanding into new markets, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. As hiring demand remains strong, the sector presents growing employment opportunities, particularly in urban centres.