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Agree to rest bit of it, but again, if you hit the tier-1s, you'll have the same WLB as you peers from the other states, at least in KCo. :)
The top firms (KCO SAM) pay almost at par with the other offices although you can expect a pay cut of 10%. I personally would not mind that because your net income is a measure of your disposable income and Kolkata is a much cheaper city to live in by all standards. Further, work is not crushing so you get all the WLB you need, which really makes up for that 10% cut and more. Which would you rather have? 30k/year more or the time to spend with your family at vacation spots at least once a year?
For firms that are slowly making a name in the corporate space, (except HSA because the good Lord and the partners are the only one who knows what is going on with that place. Besides they only seem to have a B&F practice) expect a pay of 2.4-4 LPA for Gen Corp and M&A. That said, M&A does not happen in Kolkata much, so the umbrella term Gen Corp would also include a LOT of Real Estate work.
For firms like Fox and Mandal (both brothers), Victor and Moses and Sinha and other 'heritage' firms, expect a salary band that matches with their 'heritage of not paying our juniors even the basis sustainable salary'.
Litigation prospects in the city is a farce even though we have Cal HC. That said, you can strike gold (well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but lead is also high priced) if you venture into litigation prospects of NDPS and Bail matters. Its easier to transition to greener pastures in these lines (IMO. I am open to being corrected if I have said anything that hurts you or is not a true picture of the profession). Personally, people who work at lower courts seem to have a better time than people working in HCs. There is a dearth of good lawyers in Labour Tribunals among other Tribunals and you could look into this avenue as well.
Salary range in litigation- Expect a pay from 5-8k at the worst. 20k at the best as a A0-A2.
Salary range in corporate law firms- 10-25k.
Salary range in corporate in-house- 30-40k but intakes are very few every year. That said, Cognizant does hire every year through a walk in interview for contract management roles and life is pretty chill (as per the friends I have there).
Anything else you can add or share or ask, feel free to type away :)
For T1-T2 firms (SAM, Khaitan, LKS, Argus) pay would be less by 3-5% from that of Mumbai or Delhi.