How much money does a person working in Malaysia make?
Average Monthly Salary
6,590 MYR
( 79,000 MYR yearly)
LOW
1,670
MYRAVERAGE
6,590
MYRHIGH
29,400
MYR
All salary figures displayed here are
per monthexcept when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.
A person working in Malaysia typically earns around 6,590 MYR. Salaries range from 1,670 MYR (lowest average) to 29,400 MYR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
Salary Variance
This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Malaysia vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.
Pay Scale and Salaries in Malaysia
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
5% of people earn
12,600 MYR or more
10% of people earn
9,890 to 12,600 MYR
20% of people earn
3,850 MYR or less
65% of people earn
3,850 to 9,890 MYR
1,670 MYR |
5,790 MYR |
29,400 MYR |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
All salary figures displayed here are
per monthexcept when noted otherwise.
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Salaries in Malaysia range from 1,670 MYR (starting salary) to 29,400 MYR (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.
Median Salary
The median salary is 5,790 MYR, which means that 50% of the population in Malaysia earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles and Salary Scale
Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Malaysia earn less than 4,180 MYR while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 8,780 MYR while 25% earn more than that.
Pay Scale Structure
We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Malaysia. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 3,850 MYR to 9,890 MYR. Approximately 20% fall under the 3,850 MYR cap. Ten percent of wages are from 9,890 MYR to 12,600 MYR. Only 5% of people grossed 12,600 MYR or more.
Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does a person's salary progress over time?
Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.
In Malaysia, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.
Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.
After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.
These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.
Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
“ On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark. ”
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.
Salary Comparison By Education
How does the education level affect your salary?
Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?
We conducted a study in Malaysia comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.
Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.
Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.
Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.
Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.
Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?
Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Malaysia is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 32,900 MYR to 98,800 MYR and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.
Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Malaysia
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Malaysia, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 11% across all career fields.
| Male | 6,950 MYR | |
| Female | -10% | 6,250 MYR |
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value
Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Malaysia
How much are annual salary increments in Malaysia? How often do employees get salary raises?
Malaysia
Employees in Malaysia are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 9% every 17 months.
The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.
The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.
How to calculate the salary increment percentage?
The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency
“The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Malaysia is 6%.”
Annual Increment Rate By Industry 2022
| Banking | 4% | |
| Energy | 8% | |
| Information Technology | 3% | |
| Healthcare | 7% | |
| Travel | 2% | |
| Construction | 6% | |
| Education | 1% |
Listed above are the average annual increase rates for each industry in Malaysia for the year 2022. Companies within thriving industries tend to provide higher and more frequent raises. Exceptions do exist, but generally speaking, the situation of any company is closely related to the economic situation in the country or region. These figures tend to change frequently.
Average Salary Increase Rate by Experience Level
| Junior Level | 3% - 5% | |
| Mid-Career | 6% - 9% | |
| Senior Level | 10% - 15% | |
| Top Management | 15% - 20% |
The difference in increment rates is somehow justified because employers put more effort to retain more experienced staff since they are harder to acquire than less experienced ones.
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
Salary Packages and Schemes
Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.
Bonus and Incentive Rates in Malaysia
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
49% of surveyed staff in Malaysia reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 51% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 6% of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | 51% | |
| No Bonus | 49% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based Bonuses
The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance Bonuses
Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.
Goal-Based Bonuses
Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year Bonuses
These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.
Bonuses Are Not Commissions!
People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.
Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field
| Finance | High | |
| Architecture | High | |
| Sales | High | |
| Business Development | High | |
| Marketing / Advertising | High | |
| Information Technology | Moderate | |
| Healthcare | Moderate | |
| Insurance | Moderate | |
| Customer Service | Moderate | |
| Human Resources | Moderate | |
| Construction | Low | |
| Transport | Low | |
| Hospitality | Low |
What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?
The main two types of jobs | |
| Revenue Generators | Supporting Cast |
Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business. | Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations. |
Example: | Example: |
Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.
“Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.”
Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level
Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.
Salaries for specific job categories
If you are only interested in viewing statistics and salaries in a specific career field, then choose one from below, or continue scrolling down for more interesting facts about salaries and income in Malaysia.
Choose a job category to explore specific salary details
Accounting and FinanceAdministration / Reception / SecretarialAdvertising / Graphic Design / EventsAirlines / Aviation / Aerospace / DefenseArchitectureAutomotiveBankingBilingualBusiness PlanningCare Giving and Child CareCleaning and HousekeepingConstruction / Building / InstallationCounselingCourier / Delivery / Transport / DriversCustomer Service and Call CenterElectrical and Electronics TradesEngineeringEnvironmentalExecutive and ManagementFacilities / Maintenance / RepairFactory and ManufacturingFashion and ApparelFitness / Hair / BeautyFood / Hospitality / Tourism / CateringFundraising and Non ProfitGardening / Farming / FishingGovernment and DefenceHealth and MedicalHuman ResourcesImport and ExportIndependent JobsInformation TechnologyInsuranceLaw Enforcement / Security / FireLegalMarketingMedia / Broadcasting / Arts / EntertainmentOil / Gas / Energy / MiningPet CarePharmaceutical and BiotechnologyPhotographyPublic RelationsPublishing and PrintingPurchasing and InventoryQuality Control and ComplianceReal EstateRecreation and SportsSales Retail and WholesaleScience and Technical ServicesTeaching / EducationTelecommunication
Salary Trend and Forecast in Malaysia
How are salaries changing over time? Listed below is a chart that shows the average salary in recent years.
| Average Salary 2019 | 6,000 MYR | |
| Average Salary 2020 | +2% | 6,120 MYR |
| Average Salary 2021 | +3% | 6,310 MYR |
| Average Salary 2022 | +2% | 6,410 MYR |
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value
Salaries in Malaysia are on the rise in the year 2023 based on recently submitted salaries and reports. The trend suggests a slow yet continuous increase in pay in 2024 and future years. These numbers may vary from one industry to another.
Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Accounting and Finance | |
| Accountant | 4,550 MYR |
| Accounting Assistant | 3,670 MYR |
| Accounting Manager | 9,800 MYR |
| Bookkeeper | 3,070 MYR |
| Chartered Accountant | 5,820 MYR |
| Corporate Treasurer | 9,180 MYR |
| Financial Analyst | 8,840 MYR |
| Financial Manager | 12,700 MYR |
| Internal Auditor | 6,490 MYR |
Administration / Reception / Secretarial | |
| Administrative Assistant | 3,640 MYR |
| Office Manager | 5,970 MYR |
| Receptionist | 3,260 MYR |
| Secretary | 2,850 MYR |
Advertising / Graphic Design / Events | |
| Art Director | 6,670 MYR |
| Creative Director | 6,730 MYR |
| Graphic Designer | 4,070 MYR |
| Photographer | 3,810 MYR |
Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | |
| Aerospace Engineer | 8,590 MYR |
| Air Traffic Controller | 7,590 MYR |
| Flight Attendant | 4,600 MYR |
| Pilot | 10,900 MYR |
Architecture | |
| Architect | 8,240 MYR |
| CAD Drafter | 3,230 MYR |
Automotive | |
| Mechanic | 2,550 MYR |
| Service Advisor | 4,510 MYR |
Banking | |
| Bank Branch Manager | 11,500 MYR |
| Teller | 2,580 MYR |
Bilingual | |
| Teacher | 5,290 MYR |
| Translator | 5,820 MYR |
Business Planning | |
| Business Analyst | 8,130 MYR |
| Business Development Manager | 10,700 MYR |
| Project Manager | 8,080 MYR |
Care Giving and Child Care | |
| Nanny | 2,660 MYR |
| Nursery Teacher | 2,530 MYR |
Construction / Building / Installation | |
| Civil Engineer | 5,950 MYR |
| Construction Project Manager | 11,200 MYR |
| Health and Safety Officer | 2,850 MYR |
Customer Service and Call Center | |
| Call Center Representative | 2,530 MYR |
| Customer Service Manager | 8,820 MYR |
| Customer Service Representative | 2,530 MYR |
Engineering | |
| Civil Engineer | 6,280 MYR |
| Electrical Engineer | 6,630 MYR |
| Engineer | 6,130 MYR |
| Mechanical Engineer | 6,490 MYR |
Executive and Management | |
| Chief Executive Officer | 15,300 MYR |
| Chief Financial Officer | 14,200 MYR |
| General Manager | 11,400 MYR |
| Project Manager | 7,730 MYR |
Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | |
| Chef | 3,940 MYR |
| Executive Chef | 4,850 MYR |
| Hotel Manager | 12,000 MYR |
| Receptionist | 2,600 MYR |
| Travel Agent | 4,330 MYR |
| Waiter / Waitress | 2,020 MYR |
Health and Medical | |
| Dentist | 15,400 MYR |
| Dietitian | 12,900 MYR |
| Laboratory Technician | 5,150 MYR |
| Nurse | 5,200 MYR |
Human Resources | |
| Human Resources Manager | 9,800 MYR |
| Human Resources Officer | 4,000 MYR |
Information Technology | |
| Computer Technician | 5,180 MYR |
| Database Administrator | 6,850 MYR |
| Developer / Programmer | 6,760 MYR |
| Information Technology Manager | 10,900 MYR |
| Network Engineer | 5,750 MYR |
Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | |
| Police Officer | 3,880 MYR |
Legal | |
| Attorney | 13,500 MYR |
| Legal Assistant | 3,400 MYR |
Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment | |
| Journalist | 7,650 MYR |
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | |
| Biomedical Engineer | 5,720 MYR |
| Pharmacist | 8,840 MYR |
Sales Retail and Wholesale | |
| Cashier | 2,550 MYR |
| Sales Manager | 11,200 MYR |
| Sales Representative | 4,330 MYR |
Teaching / Education | |
| Elementary School Teacher | 4,630 MYR |
| Secondary School Teacher | 5,630 MYR |
Average Hourly Wage in Malaysia
38 MYR per hour
The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Malaysia is 38 MYR.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.
Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )
About The Hourly Pay Rate
The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.
What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?
The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Malaysia is 10 MYR. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.
Salary Comparison By City
| City | Average Salary |
| Ampang | 5,990 MYR |
| Ipoh | 7,040 MYR |
| Johor Bahru | 6,640 MYR |
| Klang | 6,110 MYR |
| Kota Kinabalu | 6,540 MYR |
| Kuala Lumpur | 7,130 MYR |
| Kuching | 6,400 MYR |
| Petaling Jaya | 6,940 MYR |
| Shah Alam | 6,790 MYR |
| Subang Jaya | 6,230 MYR |
Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison
Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Malaysia is 9% on average across all career fields.
| Private Sector | 6,310 MYR | |
| Public Sector | +9% | 6,880 MYR |
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Malaysia?
It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Malaysia would range anywhere between 5,790 MYR and 8,780 MYR.
Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary in Malaysia ranges from 4,180 MYR to 8,780 MYR. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.
What is the difference between the median and the average salary?
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary
