What is a High Salary in China?

In recent years, China has become an increasingly desirable destination for job seekers due to its growth and development as an economy. As with any country, salaries vary significantly across different regions, occupational specialties, and industries. In general, however, Chinese salaries tend to be relatively low in comparison to other countries. So, what is considered to be a “high salary” in China?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on a range of factors, including the individual’s job title, qualifications, and experience. On average, most white-collar professionals in China will earn between 6,000 to 8,000 RMB (Chinese yuan) per month after taxes, which is roughly equivalent to $900 to $1200 (USD). This is often broken down into a base salary of around 4,000 RMB, plus an annual bonus of around 2,000 – 3,000 RMB. The base salary can go up by a few hundred RMB depending on the employee’s level of seniority and job title.

However, it must be noted that there are many professions in China where the average salary is significantly higher than the 6,000 – 8,000 RMB benchmark. For example, senior managers and executives in established companies can earn upwards of 10,000 RMB or more, while high-tech employees such as software engineers or data scientists can earn upwards of 25,000 RMB per month. This is significantly higher than the standard white-collar salary, and many of these professionals will also receive hefty annual bonuses.

When adjusted for the cost of living, the salary benchmark for “high” earners in China can be somewhat lower. In this context, earning upwards of 10,000 RMB per month (after taxes) can be considered a high salary. This figure is particularly high in smaller cities and rural areas, where the cost of living is significantly lower than in the larger cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. For example, 10,000 RMB per month will go a lot further in Chengdu (the capital of Sichuan province) than it would in Shanghai.

In conclusion, a “high salary” in China depends on a range of factors and ultimately comes down to individual circumstances. Generally speaking, a salary of 10,000 RMB or more (after taxes) would be considered a high salary in most parts of the country. This figure is even higher in larger cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, where the cost of living is significantly higher.