The Average Salary in China, Is It Enough to Live Comfortably?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For many decades, China has emerged as one of the world’s top outsourcing hubs, widely recognized for offering relatively low labor costs. Now, with wages varying widely across regions and industries, understanding the average salary in China becomes a key consideration for employers seeking competitive yet sustainable compensation.

To those looking for clarity before starting their journeys, this overview examines the country's average income in the last two years using insights from MSadvisory, CEIC data, and Remote People. 

The Average Salary in China 

In 2025, the average salary in China stands at ¥22,053 per month, equivalent to roughly US$3,050 at current exchange rates. 

Wage levels remain notably higher in urban centers than in rural regions, reflecting the country’s persistent economic disparities. The relatively low national average is largely influenced by China’s vast labor pool, government wage policies, and the limited presence of strong labor unions.

The Average Salary in China by Age 

The average salary in China varies noticeably by age, highlighting the impact of experience and career progression across the workforce.

Employees between the ages of 20 and 29 earn around ¥10,000 per month, with average wages increasing to ¥15,000 for those aged 30-39 and reaching a high of ¥20,000 among workers aged 40-49.

Earnings begin to taper thereafter, averaging ¥18,000 for employees aged 50-59 and declining to approximately ¥12,000 per month for those aged 60 and above.

Salary Comparison Nationwide

Salary levels in China differ markedly by location, with urban centers consistently outpacing rural regions. 

Major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai offer higher wages due to their higher living costs, concentration of large enterprises, and broader business opportunities. This gap is noticeably further reinforced by the hukou system that limits rural-to-urban mobility. 

As a result, workers in Shanghai earn an average of around ¥108,000 annually, while Beijing leads slightly higher at approximately ¥113,000 per year.

Salary Comparison Globally 

China vs Developed Countries 

Large wage gaps emerge when comparing China with higher-income countries such as the United States, Norway, and Germany. 

The average monthly salary in the United States reaches approximately $5,677, standing about 86% higher than China’s average, while Norway and Germany record monthly wages of roughly $4,700 and $4,467, respectively.

These disparities underscore the continued income divide between China and more developed economies, despite China’s competitive position as a global labor and outsourcing market. 

China vs Developing Countries 

A comparison with developing economies shows China maintaining a relatively higher average salary. Romania and Albania record monthly wages of about $835 and $1,550, placing China well above Romania and slightly higher than Albania.

The gap is more pronounced when compared with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, where average salaries range between $500 and $700. 

With Ukraine at roughly $500 per month, China’s wages stand at nearly five times higher, reinforcing its position between developing and advanced economies.

The average salary in China continues to showcase a complex balance between affordability and economic scale, shaped by regional divides, age progression, and global positioning. While wages remain lower than those in developed economies, China continues to outpace many developing markets.

For a broader regional perspective, you can also explore the average salary in Singapore to see how compensation compares within Asia’s leading business hubs.

Read: The Average Salary in Singapore: Do You Earn More Than Your Peers?

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