Payroll in China

Wages

• Daily minimum wages range from 80 RMB to 103.46 RMB. Monthly minimum wages range from 1,650 RMB to 2,690 RMB. 
• National minimum wages, excluding those based on piecework, vary by region. For example, Shanghai has the highest monthly minimum wage at 2,690 RMB, while other regions like Lhasa have lower rates. 

Salaries

The overall annual average salary in China is approximately 120,698 RMB per year, with monthly ranges from 8,000 RMB to 12,000 RMB, depending on the position and experience. The monthly median salary in China is around 10,060 RMB.

By gender, the average annual salary for men is 125,000 RMB, while the annual average salary for women is 116,000 RMB.

Salaries by location in China

Looking at salary by location in China: 

Shanghai: Known for offering salaries 25% higher than the national average for junior roles and 20% higher for mid-level roles, especially in sectors like finance, technology, and services. 

Guangzhou: Salaries have remained stable, aligning closely with the national average across various sectors. 

As your employment partner in China, we can provide you with resources and insights about average employee compensation in various job positions, so you can be better equipped to make a competitive employment offer.

Payroll frequency

In China, employees are typically paid on a monthly basis, with salaries disbursed on or before the 15th of the following month, as specified in the employment contract or company policy. The Labor Contract Law mandates that wages must be paid at least once a month, ensuring regular income for employees.  

In addition to regular monthly wages, employees may receive additional compensation such as annual bonuses or incentives. These payments are often stipulated in employment contracts or internal company policies and are disbursed according to the terms outlined therein. Employers are required to adhere to the agreed-upon schedules for these payments to maintain compliance with labor regulations.