The average salary in China in 2024 is CNY 90,500 per year, which translates to approximately CNY 7,542 per month (around $1072).
However, this average salary figure masks significant regional variations, with major cities like Beijing and Shanghai boasting median salaries that exceed CNY 13,000 per month. To understand the full picture, including how education and experience impact earnings, let’s examine the disparities in average wages in China across different regions and professions.
Key highlights:
Average annual salary in China: The average yearly salary is projected to be around CNY 90,500 according to economic models and analyst expectations.
Regional variations: Significant variations exist, with urban areas like Beijing and Shanghai having higher salaries, such as CNY 13,438/month and CNY 13,486/month, respectively.
Median wage in China: The median salary, a key indicator of economic health, also varies, with rural areas exhibiting lower median salaries compared to urban regions.
Minimum wage dynamics: Minimum wages vary by region, with urban areas having higher rates, such as CNY 2,420/month in Beijing and CNY 2,480/month in Shanghai.
Sectoral salary differences: Salaries differ significantly across sectors, with the technology sector offering the highest, from CNY 15,000 to CNY 20,000/month, and manufacturing averaging around CNY 9,000/month.
China average salary in USD: As of 2024, the average salary in China converts to approximately $12,871 annually.
The average salary in China in 2024
The data indicates that the average salary in China in Yuan is approximately CNY 90,500 per year, but there are significant variations.
To understand these dynamics, we’ll examine median salaries, minimum wages, and how averages vary by region, city, education level, and gender.
Median salary in China
The average salary in China in 2024 is expected to reflect continued economic growth, with median salaries varying greatly across regions and industries. You’ll notice that the median salary in major urban areas typically exceeds CNY 10,000 per month, particularly in Tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
In these cities, salaries are markedly higher than the national average. For example, in 2024, salaries in Beijing are around CNY 13,438 per month, while Shanghai sees an average of CNY 13,486 per month. This reflects a 5% increase from the previous year, and it highlights ongoing trends in wage adjustments.
However, salaries in rural areas lag considerably behind urban regions. This showcases the substantial median salary disparity across different geographic locations.
When examining the average salary in China, it’s essential to take into account regional disparities. The median salary serves as a key indicator of economic health, with half of the population earning more than this figure and half earning less.
Minimum wage in China
The minimum wage, which varies greatly across regions, serves as a foundational element in determining the overall salary landscape.
Cities like Beijing and Shanghai have the highest recorded minimum wages at CNY 2,420 and CNY 2,480 per month ($344 and $353), respectively. These figures are considerably higher than the national average.
Key points to take into account about minimum wage in China include:
Regional Disparity: The minimum wage isn’t uniform across all regions, with cities like Beijing and Shanghai having higher minimum wages compared to inland areas.
Economic Strategies: Regional economic strategies, cost of living, and inflation greatly influence minimum wage adjustments and overall salary trends in China.
Projected Growth: Despite regional disparities, the average salary in China is projected to increase, driven by economic expansion and higher demand for skilled labor.
Average salary in China by region
We’ve already explored how major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, classified as Tier 1 cities, average way more than other parts of the country.
In Tier 2 cities like Chengdu and Hangzhou, average salaries range from CNY 8,000 to CNY 10,000 per month ($1137 to $1422), reflecting rapid growth but still lower than their Tier 1 counterparts. In rural regions, average salaries often fall below CNY 5,000 per month ($711).
Average salary in China by city
Exploring the average salary in China by city reveals significant regional disparities. Major urban centers tend to offer higher average salaries compared to inland areas.
Key cities’ average monthly salaries:
Shanghai: CNY 13,486 ($1,918) - leading the country with the highest average salary.
Beijing: CNY 13,438 ($1,911) - closely following Shanghai.
Shenzhen: CNY 12,774 ($1,816) - ranking third among the top cities.
Tier 2 Cities (e.g., Chengdu and Hangzhou): Average salaries ranging from CNY 8,000 to CNY 10,000.
These figures highlight the geographical influence on salary levels in China. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing are hubs of economic activity, and they attract talent with competitive compensation packages.
Tier 2 cities offer slightly lower average salaries, reflecting their comparative industrial development.
Average salary by education and gender
Workers with advanced degrees, such as master’s or Ph.D.s, command even greater salaries, often 30% to 50% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. This shows the importance of higher education in enhancing earning potential.
However, the gender wage gap remains a concern in China. On average, men earn approximately 17% more than women. Salary equality remains an issue.
Despite this, salaries for skilled workers and professionals are expected to rise, driven by industries’ increasing need for specialized skills. This trend emphasizes the strong correlation between educational attainment and salary levels, with higher qualified individuals enjoying greater salary increases.
Average salary by sector and industry
Key insights into average salaries by industry:
Technology sector: Salaries are among the highest, ranging on average from CNY 15,000 to CNY 20,000 per month ($2133 to $2844), due to high demand for skilled professionals.
Finance sector: Professionals can expect average monthly salaries around CNY 11,841 ($1,684, showcasing the sector’s competitive compensation rates.
Software engineering: Mid-level engineers in major cities like Beijing earn around CNY 300,000 annually ($42,666), while similar positions in Tier 2 cities like Chengdu offer around CNY 200,000 ($28,444) a year
Manufacturing industry: Salaries are considerably lower, averaging around CNY 9,000 per month, reflecting a labor surplus in those fields.
Effect of experience on salary in China
Experience also plays a notable role in salary growth.
Those with over five years of experience tend to earn 20% to 40% more than entry-level employees in similar positions.
Industries like healthcare and technology offer the most remarkable salary increases for experienced workers, emphasizing the importance of continuous skill development and practical expertise.
Years of Experience Salary Increase Compared to 1 Experience Level Lower Less than 2 years N/A 2 - 5 years +32% 5 - 10 years +36% 10 - 15 years +21% 15 - 20 years +14% More than 20 years +9%
What are the highest paying jobs in China?
The highest-paying jobs in China encompass a variety of industries, with many roles in technology, finance, and healthcare leading the list. Here’s an overview of the top professions based on average monthly salaries:
Profession Average Monthly Salary (CNY) Average Monthly Salary (USD) Chip Engineer ¥26,000 $3,617 Senior Manager ¥22,739 $3,164 Artificial Intelligence Engineer ¥21,701 $3,019 Investment/Finance Manager ¥16,899 $2,351 Software Developer ¥16,891 $2,351 Communications & Hardware R&D ¥16,507 $2,230 Mobile R&D Professional ¥15,646 $2,177 Automotive Electronics Engineer ¥15,437 $2,147 Securities Broker ¥14,498 $2,017 Data Engineer ¥14,318 $1,992
The bottom line
The average salary in China in 2024 displays significant regional, educational, and sectoral disparities. While the overall average salary is projected to be CNY 90,500 annually, i.e. CNY 7,542 per month (around $1072) cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer much higher wages, with averages exceeding CNY 13,000 per month.
Regional variations are significant, with rural areas lagging behind urban centers. Education and experience also play roles in determining salary, with workers holding advanced degrees and those in specialized fields like technology and finance commanding significantly higher wages. Also, gender inequality remains a persistent issue, with men earning roughly 17% more than women on average.
Overall, despite regional and sectoral differences, salaries in China have grown and are expected to continue to rise as economic growth and demand for skilled labor continue to drive the market forward.
If you want to learn more about the average salary in other countries around the world, check our articles on the average salary in Japan and the average salary in the Philippines in 2024.
