What is the average salary in China in 2021? Why do you need to know this? Read about this and much more in our article. Here is only verified information. It will be interesting, I promise. So, let's go!
Thanks to the reforms 改革开放, which began in 1978, China's economy has taken a leading position in the world. Therefore, it is natural that the average salary in China in 2021 is confidently approaching the indicators of recognized leaders. As you know, balanced reforms in the economy often contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of life of the country's citizens and a reduction in unemployment.
It is because of these changes that more and more foreign citizens are seeking to work in China. But before you go to work in China, you need to find out whether it is really so profitable and in what areas you can get the maximum income.
By the way, you can take part in the survey...
Average salary in China in 2021
TOP20 highly paid professions - average salary in China 2021
Such indicators are very average, because depend on many factors. For example, from the city, profession, work experience, and even the nationality of the employee. However, this amount significantly exceeds the cost of living established in China, which is 2-3 thousand yuan. This equals 290-440 dollars or 22-34 thousand rubles. More precise data is presented in the following table.
Minimum wage in China in 2021
Minimum wage in China in 2021
As of March 31, 2021, the cost of living in China ranges from 1,620 to 2,480 yuan (or 19,375 - 29,661 rubles).
On the other hand, it has already been noted that the Chinese tax system is designed in such a way as not only to stimulate production as much as possible, but also to protect the rights of workers. In contrast to the Russian tax system.
Income up to 5,000 yuan per month (almost 60,000 rubles) is not subject to income tax in China. By the way, the minimum wage in Russia in 2021 is only 12,130 rubles, on which, again, you need to pay tax!
High-paying professions in China in 2021: an overview
Highly paid professions are associated with technical specialties. These are the IT sector, engineering and construction, not only in state-owned companies in China, but also in private organizations.
Glossary:
Living wage 最低生活费用 Salary 工资 Salary after taxes 税后工资 Salary before taxes 税前工资 Standard of living 生活水平 Personal income tax or income tax 所得税 Work experience 工作经验 M MOUTH 月最低工资标准
TOP20 professions in China in 2021
In-demand and profitable professions:
- C++ programmers. Their average salary in yuan is 35,000, converted to Russian rubles is 418,600 rubles per month.
- Java programmers. Salary 31,000 yuan or 371,000 rubles.
- Professional backend programmers. Their average salary in China in rubles is about 300 thousand, which is 25,000 in yuan.
- English-speaking teachers with a salary of 12 thousand yuan or about 144 thousand rubles.
- Generalist IT specialists with an average salary of 10,500 yuan or about 126 thousand rubles.
- Finance specialists are ranked with a small gap in the table - 9,600 yuan or almost 115 thousand rubles.
- Web designers. 9,000 yuan, which is approximately equal to 108,000 rubles.
- Research assistants with an average salary of 7,500 yuan (almost 90 thousand rubles).
- Electricians and gas suppliers in the industrial sector: 6,600 yuan, 79 thousand rubles.
- Marketers. 6,300 yuan, which is equivalent to 75,000 rubles.
The following 10 in-demand professions in China
- Tourism specialists - 6,100 yuan, which in terms of Russian rubles is equal to 73 thousand.
- Leasing specialists: 6,070, which is just under 73,000 rubles.
- Doctors and medical personnel, logisticians and nannies – 6,000 yuan or 72,000 rubles.
- Subject teachers - 5,600 yuan, and, accordingly, 67 thousand rubles.
- Administrative workers - 5,300 yuan (almost 63,000 rubles).
- Sales managers: about 5,050 yuan, which is equal to 60.5 thousand rubles.
- Mining - 5,000 yuan, 60 thousand rubles.
- Industrial workers: 4,650 yuan per month or 56,000 rubles.
- The penultimate place in the TOP 20 is for law enforcement officers: a police officer receives 4,500 yuan per month, which is about 54 thousand rubles.
- This list is completed by representatives of repair professions in the construction industry with an income of 4,100 yuan (37,000 rubles).
Features of vocational guidance in China in 2020
It is clear from the list that the most sought-after specialists are the so-called “technicians”. What is this connected with? Firstly, this is due to the rapid development of China in the international market.
Secondly, there is a need to attract consumers from different countries (IT sector). Thirdly, we should not forget about the high rates of development of the country. For example, Chinese industry and engineering. And lastly, the ruling party in China is really concerned about the standard of living of the ordinary citizen.
It is worth noting that Chinese citizens strive to work not only in state-owned, but also in international companies. The reason is simple: both offer a high level of income and stability. On the other hand, the Chinese account for the bulk of patents registered in recent years.
Professions of foreigners in China
It is also worth noting that foreigners in China receive higher salaries and are in great demand. As a rule, the income of foreigners in China is on average 1.5-3 times higher than that of Chinese citizens. A major specialist from another state receives a salary higher than a local resident.
Accordingly, foreign programmers, engineers, technologists, marketers, designers, architects, scientists in China can not only realize their full creative potential, but also receive a very decent salary.
On the other hand, people with European appearance are in great demand in the service sector. These are hostesses, waiters, animators, dancers, artists and other specialties.
Thanks to their uncharacteristic appearance for the area, they not only receive a lot of attention, but also decent pay. This is often used by young men and women, including those studying while working at local universities. Such work becomes a good help in paying for education and comfortable living.
Overtime pay in China
Overtime hours in China are divided into:
- additional time for working, agreed upon by both parties - the employee and the employer;
- the employee's working time on his day off.
In the first option, the following payment procedure usually applies: the tariff for the first two hours increases 1.5 times, and for each subsequent hour - 2 times. Work on days off is subject to double pay
When applying for a job, it is recommended to carefully study the employment agreement. The fact is that each organization has the right to establish its own conditions for paying overtime.
What salary is considered high in China?
What salary is considered high in China? In most regions, this figure starts from 10,000 yuan (almost 120,000 rubles) and higher. This is more than 1,500 US dollars.
For one, there is no set maximum. On the other hand, incomes of 25,000-35,000 yuan are not common among local residents. Even in terms of conventional currency, such a salary can rightfully be called high. But do the people of China themselves consider it as such? To do this, it is necessary to consider the average prices for the main categories of spending, as well as evaluate the budget planning of the Chinese.
Spending and budget: what salary is enough to live on?
The standard of living in China differs from the standard of living in the CIS countries. The cost of many things is lower. For example, rental housing will vary depending on the city and location, but will remain significantly lower than usual prices.
List of mandatory expenses in China: renting an apartment
A one-room apartment in the center will cost from 340 to 980 dollars per month, and in a residential area - from 100 to 500 dollars. The maximum prices are recorded in Shanghai, and even in Beijing, renting a home will be much cheaper. In terms of yuan, a good option for living even in the most expensive city can be found within 3,500 (almost 42,000 rubles). Cheap housing will cost almost 700-1000 yuan, which even with a minimum wage of 2,000 yuan is less than half of the monthly budget.
Food and transportation costs in China
Transportation and food are also cheap for Chinese residents. One trip by bus or metro costs 2 yuan (about 23 rubles), a taxi trip starts at 10 yuan (about 110 rubles). The cost of food varies depending on the city, as well as whether it is a market or a supermarket, but on average it looks like this:
- Rice costs 2.5 yuan (30 rubles) per kg;
- Potatoes 3.2 yuan (38 rubles) per kg;
- Meat – 12 yuan (144 rubles) per kg;
- Fish – 9.5 yuan (114 rubles) per kg.
It is not surprising that the Chinese can eat cheaply. In addition, do not forget about a variety of food outlets - both in the format of restaurants and cafes, and in the form of small food outlets that are popular. Small cafes offer hearty food at reasonable prices. Therefore, even with eating out, Chinese residents save a significant portion of their budget.
Mandatory expenses deducted from salary in China
Regardless of the city of residence, the distribution of wages for mandatory needs is as follows:
- Renting a home is a significant expense and accounts for an average of 45% of the monthly budget.
- Food takes up 10%.
- Medical care takes up 10% on average.
- Education requires 15% of the salary.
- On average, 5% is spent on transport and clothing.
- Entertainment, cafes, restaurants occupy another 5%.
- Another 5% is spent on unforeseen expenses.
Depending on the size of the salary, different amounts are spent on certain mandatory expenses. On the other hand, many people can afford to save. At the same time, it cannot be said that Chinese citizens greatly limit themselves in certain pleasures. The cost of entertainment, equipment, household services and goods is acceptable. The same applies to clothing items. Most residents have the opportunity to completely update their wardrobe at least once a year, purchasing items from well-known local brands.
Minimum and average wages in China
The minimum cost of living in China ranges from 1,000 to 2,480 yuan per month, depending on the region. There are simply no salaries less than these amounts; even agricultural farmers on average receive at least 3,000 yuan (almost 36,000 rubles).
Average wages in China
The average salary in China in rubles ranges from 90 to 120 thousand, which is equal to 7,500 to 10,000 yuan per month. With this money, the average resident (Chinese citizen) can afford not only to satisfy basic needs, but also to save, travel, do charity work, help relatives, and much more.
The average salary in China in 2021 has become higher compared to previous years. This is due to an increase in the cost of living and economic development. At the same time, there has been no significant increase in prices for food, transport, housing, etc.
This allows citizens to feel more stable. The unemployment rate is also decreasing. For example, very young people who have just completed their studies and have no work experience are becoming unemployed.
Earnings in China by profession
Well, everything is just like in China, which seemed backward just yesterday. Well, or almost like it, if you don’t take into account the fact that ordinary hard workers in the Celestial Empire receive much more than our highly qualified specialists.
As for Chinese professionals, their work is valued much higher, because the same experienced builders receive about 1.8 thousand dollars, which is not at all surprising, given the construction boom that has unfolded in Chinese megacities and their suburbs.
Doctors are not offended either, receiving about 2.5 thousand dollars every month. The monthly income of civil servants and financiers is also impressive, ranging from 1.6 to 2.7 thousand. The work of transport workers, energy workers, and trade workers is also paid quite generously, whose wages range from 1.3 to 3 thousand dollars. Well, there is no need to talk about scientists, IT specialists and specialists introducing new technologies, since they are at the top of the pyramid, receiving more than 3 thousand US dollars per month.
Salary in China in yuan/dollars before and after taxes
Taxes in China are distinguished by their flexibility and dependence on the level of wages. So, everyone who has an income of less than 5,000 yuan (almost 60,000 rubles) does not pay income tax at all.
Personal income tax in China in 2021
Other categories have their own interest rates:
- Salaries in China in RMB from 5,000 to 11,999 are taxed at 10%;
- From 12,000 to 24,999 – 20%;
- 25,000 to 34,999 – 25%;
- From 35,000 to 54,999 – 30%;
- 55,000 to 79,999 – 35%;
- level 80,000 yuan and above – 45%.
Information from ichinese8.ru:
For example, let’s take the average salary in Moscow at 90,000 rubles. It is clear that these are just beautiful numbers. But nevertheless, let's conduct a thought experiment.
The average Moscow salary in Russia is 78,300 rubles left on hand (personal income tax 13% or 11,700 rubles).
In China, 89,100 rubles remain on hand. Because 90,000 rubles is 7,500 yuan. Tax base 7,500 yuan – 5,000 yuan = 2,500 yuan. The personal income tax rate in this case is 3%, i.e. only 75 yuan (900 rubles). Thus, in Russia 78,300 rubles, in China 89,100 rubles, i.e. in China 14% more.
On the other hand, the average salary of a Beijing resident is 145,280 rubles (12,147 yuan), i.e. 61% more than in Moscow! What about taxation? It's simple: personal income tax is paid from 7,147 yuan and is only 8,580 rubles (715 yuan). There are 136,700 rubles left on hand. And in Moscow – 126,394 rubles from such a salary, i.e. 7.5% less.
Types of insurance in China
In addition, employers, regardless of the salary of employees, make contributions to social funds. The rates of these funds are as follows:
- Medical insurance – 2%;
- Pension insurance – 8%;
- Unemployment insurance – 0.2%;
- Saving for the purchase of housing – 12% (not mandatory deduction).
In addition to income tax, there are also a number of other mandatory payments required for various segments of the population, for:
- Added value – from 3 to 17%;
- Real estate – 1.2%;
- Education – 3%;
- Construction – 7%;
- Transfer of ownership rights – from 3 to 5%;
- Purchase of a personal vehicle – 10%.
The peculiarities of the country's taxation can confuse an ignorant person, but in general they are transparent and understandable.
Information from ichinese8.ru:
In China, the bulk of taxes are levied on legal entities, leaving ordinary citizens with a lesser financial burden.
The relationship between salary and living expenses
The budget of the average Chinese family is usually distributed as follows:
- food and things used in everyday life (including clothing) – 22%;
- housing payment – 45%;
- educational services – 15%;
- 10% is spent on medicine;
- for entertainment and other needs - 8%.
To better understand the relationship between wages and prices in China, we present the cost of items in the minimum food set, per kilogram:
- potatoes – ¥ 3 (₽ 29);
- rice – ¥ 2.5 (₽ 24);
- inexpensive fish – ¥ 9.5/kg (₽ 92.5/kg);
- chicken meat – ¥ 12 (₽ 117).
Transport costs are comparable to the tariffs in force in the regional centers of the Russian Federation:
- the cost of a ticket for travel on a minibus does not exceed ¥ 2 (₽ 19.5);
- one trip on the subway, depending on the distance, will cost an average of 2-3 yuan (RUB 19.5–29);
- Taxi services, for example, in Beijing are paid at the following rate: boarding - ¥ 13 (₽ 126.5);
- 1 km trip – ¥ 2.5 (₽ 24);
- at night the tariff increases by 20%.
The cost of medicines in China is approximately the same as in Russia. Imported medicines are more expensive than local and traditional medicines. For example, you can buy an effective cold medicine for 30–40 yuan (₽ 292–389.5).
The housing problem in China results in high rental costs. To rent a 1-room apartment in a residential area of a provincial town, you need to be prepared for monthly payments of about ¥ 1,000–1,500 (₽ 97,370–146,055).
Renting housing in the capital of China near the center will cost:
- 1-room apartment – ¥ 4,500-8,000 (₽ 45,764);
- 2-room – ¥ 8,000 (₽ 77,896);
- 3-room in the center – ¥0 (₽ 106,968-243,110);
Average salary in China 2021 for Chinese citizens
China is developing rapidly and is ahead of other developed countries in terms of economic indicators. Wages in China are significantly higher than the world average. At the same time, the level of income largely depends on the place of residence and profession.
average salary in China 2021 by profession
Even ordinary Chinese workers earn many times more than Russian highly qualified specialists. The lowest salary (not minimum wage) in China is 3500-4000 yuan, which in rubles is about 42-50 thousand.
People who do manual labor have this kind of income. With this money they can afford to pay for housing, buy food and clothing, and pay for education. In rural areas, the income of the population is lower than in large cities. Average salary in China in 2020 for 22 cities:
Average salary in China in 2021 by city
Information from ichinese8.ru:
According to labor laws, a Chinese person can work up to 12 hours a day, depending on the contract with the employer. Overtime is paid at an increased rate of 1.5-2 times higher. On weekends the pay is double. Pensions in China, compared to salaries, are low - up to 3,000 yuan (up to 36,000 rubles). The unemployment rate in China is 4.5%.
The highest paid specialties
China is a country that invests heavily in innovation. Therefore, programmers and IT technology developers are in great demand here. Having gone to work in China for this special purpose, a person can expect a salary from 1000 to 2600 dollars per month. The highest salaries are received by specialists working in the following fields:
- The science.
- Sport.
- Medicine
- Programming.
- Education.
- Finance.
That is why, if you want to find a job and earn good money in China in 2021, you need to try to get a job in these industries.
Average salary in China 2021 for expats
Chinese salaries are much higher than Russian ones, so Russians flocked to the Middle Kingdom to earn money and find permanent residence. Affordable housing, reasonable prices for food and clothing, and high wages attract migrants to China.
However, it is difficult to work and live in China without knowing the language. Highly paid jobs can be obtained by foreigners who speak Chinese or English. Proficiency in English opens up broad employment prospects.
Professions of expats in China
Programmers, civil aviation pilots, engineers, industrialists, and web designers are also in demand on the Chinese labor market. Creative professions are popular - musicians, dancers, artists.
If an expat has the professional skills that a Chinese employer needs, there will be no problems with work. Foreign specialists earn no less than the Chinese - the salary of Russian-speaking employees is $1,500 (almost 120,000 rubles).
If you are Russian-speaking and do not speak either Chinese or English, you can try to get a job in a Russian company, or a company that works with Russians, this could be a tourist destination.
In this case, the employer needs knowledge of the Russian language from the employee. Most vacancies for foreigners are related to skilled activities. Technical field, finance, pharmaceuticals, management.
Article Highlights
1. What is the average salary in China in 2021?
A little more than 70,000 rubles (6,000 yuan)
2. What income is not taxed in China?
Monthly income up to 5,000 yuan (almost 60,000 rubles)
3. What is the minimum wage in China?
It ranges from 1,620 to 2,480 yuan (or 19,375 – 29,661 rubles).
4. When did economic reforms begin in China?
In 1978, CPC Chairman Deng Xiaoping decided to implement the Reform and Opening Up Policy (改革开放).
5. What causes the high income of technicians in China?
Firstly, this is due to the rapid development of China in the international market. Secondly, there is a need to attract consumers from different countries (IT sector). Thirdly, we should not forget about the high rates of development of the country. For example, Chinese industry and engineering. And lastly, the ruling party in China is really concerned about the standard of living of the ordinary citizen.
6. Considering the taxation system, is it profitable to receive a salary of 150,000 rubles in China?
In Russia, personal income tax = 13%, 150,000 rubles * 0.13 = 19,500 rubles. 130,500 rubles remain on hand In China, personal income tax. First we convert into yuan. Let 1 yuan = 12 rubles (the exchange rate on November 5 was 1 yuan = 11.96 rubles). We get 150,000 rubles = 12,500 yuan. Because income level ranges from 12,000 to 25,000 yuan, personal income tax is only 10% minus non-taxable income. Those. 12,500 yuan – 5,000 yuan = 7,500 yuan (tax base), 7,500 yuan *10% = 750 yuan. Thus, 12,500-750 = 11,750 yuan or 141,000 rubles remain on hand.
Working conditions in China
When going to work in China, the applicant must obtain a work permit and a work visa. To move to China for permanent residence there must be compelling reasons:
- Acquisition of real estate;
- Official employment in the PRC and work experience of at least 4 years;
- Close relatives in China;
- Marriage with a citizen of the People's Republic of China;
- Own business activity;
- Getting an education.
Minimum wage amount
At the national level, the minimum wage has not been introduced in China. This is the prerogative of municipal authorities. They divide urban areas and counties into a number of categories and set the value of this indicator for each territorial unit.
Chinese officials explain this approach simply: they know better locally how much it is enough to pay workers. The monthly minimum wage values for some cities are presented below.
- Shanghai – ¥ 2,480 (₽ 24,116.5);
- Shenzhen – ¥ 2,200 (₽ 21,392.6);
- Beijing – ¥ 2,120 (₽ 20,615);
- Tianjin – ¥ 2,050 (₽ 19,934).
Returning to the conversation about the distribution of urban areas and counties into categories, let us draw attention to the fact that the incomes of the population, although they differ, are not significantly different. For example, the minimum wage in the city of Guangzhou (1st category of Guangdong province) is ¥ 2,100 (₽ 20,421), and in the city of Dongguan (2nd category of the same province) – ¥ 1,510 (₽ 14,683).
The minimum wage in China varies significantly between regions. Moreover, the difference in income between workers in large cities such as Shanghai or Beijing and people working in agricultural provinces can be simply colossal.
An important role is also played by the economic condition of the organization providing the workplace, the position held by the employee and the type of occupation.
According to the latest statistics, the minimum monthly salary in 2021 in China in some regions reaches $325 - that’s 2,182.88 yuan or 21,222.5 rubles. And in a number of provinces it fluctuates around $190.
Many foreigners planning to find work in the Celestial Empire come not so much to earn money, but rather to get to know Chinese history and culture better. The presence of people willing to work “for food” largely determines low wages.
What determines the average salary in China 2021?
The level of wages in the Middle Kingdom depends on various factors, including:
- The reputation of the company where the specialist works.
- City or province where the employing company is located.
- Work experience, education.
- Qualification. These could be special courses, seminars, etc.
Main types of salaries in China
Also, the salary level depends on the position held by the specialist. The higher it is, the greater the income. If a person receives several salaries at once, performing work for several employees, then an employee occupying a low position will receive more than a qualified specialist with extensive experience.
At the same time, working in several positions at once is good for career growth, which is encouraged in China. Also, in China, salaries are divided into the following types:
- Main. Involves payment for time worked. The quality of work is taken into account, additional payments for night shifts and overtime are taken into account (if any). Payment is calculated in accordance with the tariff schedule, which includes salary, bonuses, etc.
- Additional. Includes all payments in accordance with current legislation. For example, for unworked time, vacation pay, accruals in case of dismissal, etc.
How much do Russians get paid?
What do we have? And we have gas in our apartment. Paid and very expensive. And of all the categories listed, the only ones who are not left out are IT specialists and top managers. Most people, especially in the regions, have to live from paycheck to paycheck, barely keeping up with mortgage payments and consumer loans.
If you believe official data, then Russians need at least 13-15 thousand rubles to live, which should be enough to pay utility bills (2-5 thousand), travel and a balanced diet, while the minimum wage in the country is 12 thousand. rub.
As for wages, on average in the country it fluctuates within the range of 25-30 thousand, unless, of course, you take into account such states within the state as St. Petersburg and Moscow, where many manage to earn from 50-70 thousand and above.
Having gone through a difficult path of economic development, China today is rapidly improving the standard of living of its citizens, and it seems that soon we will be going to them to work. And you say, cheap Chinese labor...
How much do foreigners earn on average in China?
If a foreigner speaks Chinese, then finding a job in China will not be difficult for him; speaking English will be an additional bonus - in this case, the chances of finding a job as a teacher are very high, even if the applicant does not have the appropriate language education and a diploma confirming it.
For hourly wages, depending on the place of work, the rate will be 20 US dollars - in the case of private practice, and if we are talking about teaching at a school, then this rate, as mentioned above, will be 30 US dollars in yuan equivalent.
In addition, if you speak Chinese fluently, a foreigner can be hired as a consultant in the office of a prestigious company.
Regional differences
The average salary in China differs from one city to another. Beijing tops the list for this indicator; here the real income of an employee is at the level of $1,600, or 11.2 thousand yuan. Then come:
- Shanghai - $1,522, or 10.7 thousand yuan;
- Shenzhen - $1,440, or 10.1 thousand yuan;
- Hangzhou - $1,210, or 8,474 yuan.
Average monthly salaries in selected cities in China
The lowest average monthly salary in China was recorded in cities such as Shenyang, Taiyuan and Changchun. Here it is at the level of 810-840 dollars.
Table: structure of wages in the labor market in Chinese cities.
Share of vacant positions, % | Salary, yuan | Salary, dollars | Salary, thousand rubles |
2,0 | Up to 4000 | Up to 570 | Up to 36.5 |
29,5 | 4001-6000 | 571-856 | 36,5-54,7 |
23,0 | 6001-8000 | 857-1142 | 54,7-73 |
35,5 | More than 8000 | More than 1143 | More than 73 |
Most of China's urban population earns 5-8 thousand yuan per month. In Shanghai, their share is 28.59%, in Beijing - 24.32%, in Shenzhen - 29.57%, in Guangzhou - 29%, in Hangzhou - 33.68%.
Foreign companies pay the most at 9,285 yuan per month, followed by listed companies at 9,191 yuan per month. Private enterprises provide the lowest salary - 7377 yuan per month.
The maximum income is received by people employed in the financial industry, it reaches 11.2 thousand yuan per month.
The salary level of citizens is not very strongly influenced by such a criterion as work experience. Only 22.44% of the Chinese population with more than 10 years of work experience earns more than 10 thousand yuan per month.
Top 5 provinces with the highest salaries:
- Guangdong;
- Jiangsu;
- Zhejiang;
- Henan;
- Hebei.
Top 5 provinces with the lowest salaries:
- Hunan;
- Guangxi;
- Anhui;
- Hainan;
- Hubei.
General information
It's no secret that China has always been a very closed state. Despite the fact that modern China has become an active participant in international politics and the attitude towards foreigners is no longer as prejudiced as it was several decades ago, practical and demanding residents of the Middle Kingdom prefer to surround themselves only with ethnic Chinese. This trend also applies to employment. Both at the level of mentality and due to the peculiarities of the legislation, it is customary, first of all, to hire citizens of the country for work in Chinese firms and companies. Foreigners will be employed only if the selected vacancy is not applied for by Chinese nationals or ethnic Chinese - immigrants from the Middle Kingdom, who for some reason have citizenship of another country. Of course, Chinese organizations need highly qualified specialists, but one should not assume that there are few of them among the country’s citizens.
Comparison of average salary in China with other countries (2017)
The average salary in China at the beginning of 2021 was $750 per month. This indicator was calculated taking into account all professions and all regions of the country. To be fair, it is worth clarifying that this figure excludes income taxes and contributions to the pension fund, which are paid by both employers and employees in China.
Graph comparing Chinese minimum wages with other countries
Salaries in China can vary significantly depending on many factors. The first and perhaps obvious one is the settlement. Thus, the highest wages are observed in the economic and cultural centers of the state - in Beijing and Shanghai. Here the average monthly wage exceeds $1,000. The population earns slightly less in Zhejiang, Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangzu - these cities are distinguished by their developed industry. The lowest wages are received by workers in small towns and villages, such as Gansu or Jiangxi. As a rule, on average, residents of villages and agricultural provinces earn $150–200 a month, and a salary exceeding $400 is considered more than high in these regions. It must be said that this money is usually enough for residents to cover everything they need: food, clothing, transport and housing, since prices for all types of goods and services in such regions of the country are much lower than in big cities.
The size of the enterprise also affects the level of wages. For example, a company with five hundred employees will be able to offer higher wages to its employees than a company with half as many employees. In this case, the difference can be from 5 to 20% - it all depends on the specialization, city and other features.
Wage growth in China has been accelerating significantly recently
People with higher education earn more than those who graduated from a technical school or who have no education at all. While in the Russian Federation one can often argue with this, in the Celestial Empire this truth works. The fact is that since the time of Confucius, an educated person has been revered in society more than others, while education in China has long been a prerequisite for officials, especially in high positions.
Features of finding a job in China
Before you start looking for a job on the Internet, you need to study all possible vacancies and the conditions for obtaining them. In such a situation, reviews from those who have already been able to find work in China can significantly help.
The search for jobs should start with agencies, the official website of the embassy, which can offer work for foreigners. In addition, relatives or friends who live in China or have experience working in this country can help.
Many people who want to work in the Middle Kingdom are more interested in culture, cuisine and the growth of the country’s economy. Not everyone strives to find employment with a high salary. Especially young people who are not very concerned about earning money fall into this category. She is interested in the experience and experience gained.
If we talk about vacancies for Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians and other representatives of the CIS countries, many of them relate to the field of education, industrial, chemical, space and IT technologies. The professions of translators, dancers, models, diverse artists, programmers, and teachers are considered quite popular.
There is plenty of work for girls in China. Vacancies can be not only in the entertainment and service sectors, but also in the cultural, educational and engineering sectors.
Finding a job is highly dependent on professional skills, education, personal qualities and knowledge of the Chinese language. Without these criteria, it is difficult for girls to find a decent job.
Average salary of various professions by industry
In China, the maximum salary depends on the specific industry. Employees receive the highest:
- financial institutions;
- education;
- IT communications;
- healthcare;
- Sciences;
- sports.
A Chinese engineer earns approximately $650. Melter at the plant $740 – $900. The minimum wage is paid to blue-collar workers, in manufacturing, hotels and restaurants. For example, in Jiangsu the salary of an ordinary worker does not exceed $240. Since there are very few available vacancies, highly qualified specialists quite often occupy low-paid positions.
The qualifications of a worker and his professional activity in a particular industry are the main determining factors in a person’s future earnings. Moreover, it does not matter at all whether he is Chinese or a person of another nationality.
Bank employees and financial workers receive the highest salaries. IT specialists are in second place. The salary of directors of companies engaged in the provision of economic services reaches 14,000–19,000 yuan. If we convert these amounts into rubles, we get 135,275–183,584 rubles.
Minimum wage
The different standards of living in the provinces also became the reason for the differentiated regulation of the minimum wage. Administrative powers have been transferred to local authorities, and the minimum wage in China is set in two groups: monthly, for full-time working citizens, and hourly.
Since April 2021, the highest minimum wage level has been set in Shanghai ($379.44 per month or $3.29 per hour), and the lowest in Guangxi Zhuang AR.
Each province of China is divided into zones (A, B, C, D) depending on the specifics of production; for each of these zones, within a separate territorial entity, its own minimum wage is established.
Systematic increases in the minimum wage vary across the country. Oddly enough, provinces with a favorable economic situation are less likely to raise the minimum wage rate than poor regions. In Shanghai, the growth of the minimum wage has decreased almost threefold over 4 years: from 12.3% in 2014 to 5% in 2021.
But in the Republic of China the situation is much better: the minimum established salary in the region is $735 per month or $4.68 per hour.