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RecruitAverage Salary in China
Curious about salaries in China? This guide breaks down the average wages, compares professions, highlights minimum wage figures, and explores how China’s earnings measure up internationally.
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China is one of the best outsourcing destinations due to its skilled workforce and low labor costs. Employers considering outsourcing in the country may wonder, what is the average salary in China? This information will help them develop a fair offer.
The average monthly salary in China is CNY 9,500, approximately USD 1,300. However, salaries vary by industry, profession, location, experience, and education. Comparing average vs median salaries, salary ranges, and Chinese salaries to worldwide salaries further enhances perspective.
This guide will explore all aspects of earnings in China so you can prepare for an outsourced work environment.
What is the Average Salary in China?
The average salary is calculated by adding salaries across the country and dividing the result by the total number of workers. China average salary is CNY 9,500, which translates to $1,300. The low wages are attributed to the extensive labor pool, government policies, and lack of strong labor unions.
Median Income
The median salary can also be considered the ‘middle salary.’ In China, the median monthly income is CNY 7,500 or $1,030. That means 50% of the population earns a lower salary while the other half earns more.
Salary Range
The salary range spans from the country’s lowest to the highest salaries. Low-paid Chinese workers make about CNY 5,000 (about $685), while high-paid workers can earn CNY 60,000 (approx. $8,220).
Salary Comparison by Profession
Industry and profession play a considerable role in how much workers earn. The following salary comparison chart will reveal the salaries of outsourcing professionals so you can determine how much to pay your employees.
| Profession | Annual Average Salary (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | 360,000-720,000 |
| Software Engineer | 240,000-480,000 |
| IT Manager | 300,000-600,000 |
| Marketing Director | 360,000-720,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 180,000-360,000 |
| Project Manager | 240,000-480,000 |
| Architect | 180,000-360,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 120,000-240,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | 120,000-240,000 |
| HR Manager | 180,000-360,000 |
| Sales Manager | 240,000-480,000 |
| Customer Service Manager | 120,000-240,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | 240,000-480,000 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | 180,000-360,000 |
| Social Media Manager | 180,000-360,000 |
| Content Writer | 96,000-180,000 |
| Public Relations Specialist | 180,000-360,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | 72,000-144,000 |
| Executive Assistant | 120,000-240,000 |
Average Wage in China by Education
Education typically leads to high-paying employment opportunities, but China faces issues of overeducation. In 1999, the government launched a policy to increase accessibility to college education. As a result, many educated people are now vying for employment.
College degrees no longer distinguish workers. People see lower returns from college educations, and the country experiences limited social mobility.
Many workers aim to outperform the competition by pursuing postgraduate degrees. Individuals may also attend vocational schools and develop unique skills in less competitive fields.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Although we don’t have a specific breakdown of how much more people earn based on experience, we have determined the earnings of various age groups in the country. This information provides insight, as age is typically directly related to experience.
The chart reveals that salaries typically peak in the 40-49 range before decreasing. This situation could be due to people leaving the workforce as they age or looking for new opportunities if they cannot continue performing the physically taxing duties of their current position.
| Age Range | Average Monthly Salary (CNY) |
|---|---|
| 20-29 | 10,000 |
| 30-39 | 15,000 |
| 40-49 | 20,000 |
| 50-59 | 18,000 |
| 60+ | 12,000 |
Salary Comparison by Location
Location is a crucial factor in Chinese salaries. Urban residents tend to make more than rural workers due to the higher cost of living, proximity to larger companies, and more business opportunities. While this segmentation is standard in most countries, Chinese workers especially feel the impact due to a hukou system restricting rural workers from migrating to urban areas.
As a result, individuals in Beijing and Shanghai tend to have the highest salaries. These cities are hubs for various industries. Shanghai has an additional advantage because it is a coastal city, making it a prime destination for international trade.
Shanghai workers earn an average wage of around CNY 12,000, while Beijing workers earn closer to CNY 13,000.
How Much is Minimum Wage in China?
China does not have a single national minimum wage. Instead, it varies by region. Local governments determine the minimum salary based on the cost of living in their area.
Shanghai has the highest monthly minimum wage, at CNY 2,690 (approximately $370), while Beijing has the highest hourly minimum wage, at CNY 26.4 (roughly $3.60).
Average Salary in China vs. the Rest of the World
These charts compare China’s salaries to those of developed, developing, and undeveloped countries so you can better understand how China measures up.
China vs. Developed Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average China Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £3,000 (approx. $4,100) | − 68% |
| United States | $5,220 | − 75% |
| Norway | 50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) | − 72% |
| Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,470) | − 71% |
| Austria | €3,700 (approx. $4,050) | − 68% |
China vs. Developing Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average China Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 4,000 RON (approx. $835) | 56% |
| Russia | 73,700 RUB (approx. $700) | 86% |
| Albania | 83,330 ALL (approx. $860) | 34% |
| Kazakhstan | 342,000 KZT (approx. $645) | 102% |
| Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | 160% |
China vs. Undeveloped Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average China Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 15,000 Baht (approx. $420) | 210% |
| Philippines | 15,000 PHP (approx. $265) | 391% |
| Vietnam | 7.5 million Dong (approx. $300) | 333% |
| Egypt | 3,900 EGP (approx. $125) | 940% |
| Pakistan | 60,000 PKR (approx. $210) | 519% |
Despite its highly skilled and educated labor force, China is still considered a developing country. Its per capita income is still relatively low, so it receives certain benefits from the World Trade Organization.
China is considered one of the best outsourcing destinations due to its large population of educated workers and low labor costs. Although outsourcing primarily concentrates on manufacturing, more opportunities are arising in technology and finance.
It is also a country of hard workers. China has a 996 work culture, meaning employees work from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. While this can support productivity, it leads to high burnout rates.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in China?
Employers looking to source human resources in China may consider hiring for the following positions.
Manufacturing
China’s manufacturing industry is considered the world’s largest. It produces a significant share of the globe’s electronics, textiles, steel, and machinery. Large-scale production helps workers efficiently manufacture large volumes of goods.
Companies that outsource manufacturing to China can save between 20% and 50% on production costs. Savings may even reach 80% for highly labor-intensive products.
IT and Software Development
China’s IT industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a focus on AI, 5G, and mobile apps. Chinese tech companies like Baidu, Alibaba, Huawei, and Tencent are huge players in the market. Government policies support technological development, leading to digital transformation across industries.
Tech workers in the United States earn an average salary of $95,000 per year, while Chinese workers make closer to $30,000 per year. This disparity could mean significant savings for American employers.
Customer Service
China’s customer service industry is rapidly evolving. It focuses on digital channels, personalized service, and quick responses. This digital emphasis integrates chatbots and social media to ensure high levels of support. Due to their culture, Chinese workers tend to be respectful when interacting with customers.
A customer service rep in China makes about CNY 72,000 (approx. $9,900) per year. Their American counterparts make an average of $39,719 annually, which adds to substantial savings for U.S. employers.
Conclusion
China is one of the best outsourcing destinations due to its low labor costs and highly skilled workforce. Competition within the country means workers are eagerly looking for remote opportunities. Employers that make reasonable offers can save substantially on human resource expenses.
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