Average Salary in Malaysia
One of Asia’s most effervescent economies, Malaysia, achieved in the formal sector wages with an average monthly salary of RM3,441 (USD 813.67).
The median salary, which better reflects the salaries in a country, was RM2,844 (USD 672.50) in 2024, while the minimum wage rose to RM1,700 (USD 401.99) in February 2025.
Though Malaysia has evolved from a mostly agricultural country into a competitive economy in Asia, regional inequalities still continue to shape its labor market.
Please note:
- All data in this article are based on official statistics and reports, such as Malaysia’s Department of Statistics (DOSM) and World Bank reports.
- The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR/RM).
- One MYR equals 0,24 USD when writing this article. Double-check the exchange rate at the time of reading.
Did you know these key stats about Malaysia?
- Average annual salary: RM41,292 (USD 9,764.03) in 2023. Source: DOSM
- Average monthly salary: RM3,441 (USD 813.67) in 2023. Source: DOSM
- Median monthly salary: RM3,045 (USD 720.03) in 2024. Source: DOSM
- Minimum wage: RM1,700 (USD 401.99) in 2025. Source:ASEAN briefing
- Gender pay gap: 33,3 %Source: World Economic Forum
Other macro-facts about Malaysia:
- Minimum wage in Malaysia increased by 13% between 2022 and 2025.
- When compared with the surrounding countries, Malaysia offers higher salaries than Vietnam (USD 300), the Philippines (USD 795), and Indonesia.
- When compared with high-income Asian economies like Singapore (USD 4,896.36/month), Hong Kong (USD 4,663), and Japan (USD 2,230), Malaysia still lags behind.
What is the average salary in Malaysia?
The average monthly salary was RM3,441 (USD 813.67) in 2024, based on DOSM data. According to the HRmasia publication, in 2024, salaries were expected to rise by 5%. This was followed by an increase of 5.6% in 2023. These average annual salary increments have been steady, reflecting Malaysia’s ongoing economic expansion and its competitive labor market.
The average salary represents the mean of all salaries within a country. It’s important to know that the average salary is influenced by all values in a dataset, so extremely high or low salaries often skew the average upward or downward.
What is the median salary in Malaysia?
The median monthly salary in the formal sector rose to RM3,045 in December 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year increase. Earlier in 2024, the median was RM2,764, so there was consistent growth throughout the year.
The median salary is the midpoint in a list of salaries, where half of the workers earn more and half earn less. Unlike the average income, the median is not affected by extremely high or low salaries, so it’s a more accurate reflection of what a typical worker earns in Malaysia.
What is the minimum wage in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s minimum wage is RM1,700 (USD 401.99) as of February 2025. Between 2022 and 2025, the minimum wage increased by 13%.
In 2025, the basic salary figures were planned to rise in two phases, according to ASEAN Briefing. The first phase was in February 2025 for companies with 5+ employees and professional sectors, while the full implementation is expected by August 2025.
Daily rates now range from RM65.38 (6-day workweek) to RM98.08 (4-day workweek).
What is the average salary by region in Malaysia?
As in all countries, industrialized and urban areas have the highest average salaries, whereas rural areas fall behind.
Kuala Lumpur leads with the most competitive salaries, supported by its concentration of high-value service industries, multinational firms, and government offices. Selangor and Penang also report above-average wages due to their strong industrial and manufacturing bases.
In contrast, rural and less developed regions like Kelantan, Perlis, and Sabah lag behind, mainly due to their reliance on agriculture and informal employment. The federal territory of Putrajaya stands out for its high public-sector pay, while states like Johor and Sarawak fall in the middle range.
Concluding, Malaysia’s ongoing urban-rural economic divide is obvious, with 32% of formal sector workers still earning less than RM2,000 per month.
| Region | Average salary (RM) | Median salary (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | 4,196 | 3,964 |
| Putrajaya | 2,994 | 2,994 |
| Selangor | 3,563 | 3,000 |
| Penang | 3,496 | 2,800 |
| Johor | 3,375 | 2,800 |
| Sarawak | 3,077 | 1,882 |
| Melaka | 3,115 | 2,800 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 3,025 | 2,800 |
| Kedah | 2,721 | 2,721 |
| Perak | 2,679 | 2,679 |
| Pahang | 2,628 | 2,628 |
| Perlis | 2,253 | 1,682 |
| Kelantan | 2,070 | 1,682 |
| Sabah | 2,070 | 1,882 |
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)
What is the average salary by industry in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, you’ll find the highest monthly income in knowledge and capital-intensive industries such as information technology (IT), finance & insurance, and mining & quarrying. For example, the average monthly salary in the mining sector is RM5,623, nearly twice the national average, while finance and insurance professionals can earn between RM7,000 and RM11,000 per month at the median level.
IT and tech roles are similarly lucrative, with median salaries ranging from RM6,000 to RM12,000 per month. At the same time, their average performance bonuses are higher than in many other industries.
Healthcare and legal services are also among the top earners, with professionals in these fields making up to RM9,830 per month. Other high-paying sectors include digital marketing, e-commerce & logistics, renewable energy, and oil & gas, where median salaries often exceed RM5,000 monthly.
In contrast, lower-paying sectors include agriculture, retail, and construction. The agriculture sector reports an average monthly salary of RM2,027–RM2,204, while retail and construction workers typically earn between RM2,900 and RM3,052 per month. Administrative roles average around RM3,910 monthly, reflecting the broad middle tier of Malaysia’s wage distribution.
| Sector | Average/Median Salary (RM) |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | 6,610 (avg) / 6,000–12,000 (median) |
| Finance & Insurance | 4,883 (avg) / 7,000–11,000 (median) |
| Mining & Quarrying | 5,623 (avg) / 5,900 (median) |
| Healthcare | 5,000–8,000 (median) |
| Legal Services | 6,000–9,000 (median) |
| Digital Marketing | 6,000–10,000 (median) |
| Oil & Gas | 6,000–9,000 (median) |
| E-commerce & Logistics | 5,000–9,000 (median) |
| Construction & Engineering | 5,000–8,000 (median) |
| Education | 5,000–8,500 (median) |
| Retail | 2,903 (avg) |
| Construction | 3,052 (avg) |
| Agriculture | 2,027–2,204 (avg) |
| Administration | 3,910 (avg) |
Source: Statista
What is the average salary by occupation?
In Malaysia, as in other countries, highly specialized and senior roles, such as surgeons, chief executives, and engineering managers, benefit from the highest salaries. A typical employee in a senior role can even exceed RM20,000 (USD 4,729.26).
According to a guide from Salary Guide Malaysia and a comparison made on Salary Explorer, a surgeon can earn between RM13,700 (USD 3,239.54) and RM41,500(USD 9,813.21) per month. At the same time, a top legal professional or a C-suite marketing role’s annual salary is well above the national average.
Followed by the C-suite, engineering and tech roles are the most lucrative. In the IT sector, experienced professionals such as heads of mobile or CTOs can earn a monthly salary from RM13,000 (USD 3,074.02) up to RM70,000 (USD 16,552.41).
Admin roles, as well as jobs in retail and hospitality, generally fall on the lower end of the pay scale, with average salaries between RM2,000 (USD 472.93) and RM3,500 (USD 827.62) monthly.
| Occupation | Salary range (RM/month) |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | 13,700 – 41,500 |
| Judge | 10,100 – 29,700 |
| Lawyer | 9,000 – 27,900 |
| Bank manager | 6,480 – 22,400 |
| Chief financial officer | 7,430 – 21,300 |
| Plant manager (engineering) | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Engineering manager | 13,000 – 20,000 |
| Lead design engineer | 9,000 – 15,000 |
| Production manager | 7,500 – 18,000 |
| QA/QC manager | 6,000 – 18,000 |
| Finance manager | 12,000 – 16,000 |
| IT head of mobile/CTO | 13,000 – 70,000 |
| Production supervisor | 5,500 – 7,500 |
| Mechanical engineer | 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Maintenance technician | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Drafter | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| General worker | 1,500 – 2,200 |
| Retail sales assistant | 2,000 – 2,900 |
| Hospitality staff | 2,000 – 2,500 |
Source: [Malaysia Salary Guide 2023/24], Randstad Malaysia Salary Guide 2024]
What is the average salary by education level?
Generally, if you’re looking for a bigger household income, this is attainable through higher educational qualifications. Malaysia is no exception to this rule.
According to the DOSM and recent labor surveys, employees with a higher education level ( bachelor’s degree, university degrees and above) earn substantially more than those with only a secondary (high school diploma) or no formal education.
For example, in 2023:
- Employees with tertiary education earned an average monthly salary of RM4,703 (USD 1,112.09).
- Those with no formal education earned an average of RM1,810 (USD 428.00) per month.
Context and considerations
While the trend is clear, higher education leads to higher pay, the relationship will vary by industry. In technical sectors like engineering, medicine, and IT, the salary boost from advanced degrees is considerable. However, in creative or sales roles, experience and skill can sometimes outweigh formal education in determining earnings.
Moreover, professionals who pursue further education and then change jobs often see a salary increase of about 10% beyond the usual annual raise, but for the same job role.
| Education level | Average monthly salary (RM) | % increase from the previous level |
|---|---|---|
| No formal education | 1,810 | – |
| Secondary education | ~2,500–2,900 | +38–60% |
| Certificate/Diploma | ~3,400 | +17% |
| Bachelor’s degree | ~4,200–4,703 | +24% |
| Master’s degree | ~5,400–6,000 | +29% |
| Ph.D. | ~7,400 | +23% |
Source: Statista
How much is the gender wage gap in Malaysia?
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Malaysia’s gender wage gap is still at a staggering high.
The report reveals that, on average, Malaysian women earn about 66.7% of what men earn, translating to a gender wage gap of approximately 33.3%. The report also notes that Malaysia ranks 102nd globally for gender equality in economic participation and opportunity, and overall, the country’s gender gap in economic outcomes is wider than the global average.
At the same time, while Malaysia performs well in educational attainment for women, the wage gap persists due to underrepresentation in senior roles and high-paying sectors.
What are the salary growth trends in Malaysia?
Malaysians have steadily started seeing higher compensation over recent years.
In 2024, median monthly wages in the formal sector grew by 6% year-on-year, rising to RM3,045 according to DOSM. The positive trend continued throughout the year, with a 5.6% increase recorded in June 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to research made by Ranstad Malaysia, salary projections for 2025 were optimistic at the end of 2024: 33% of employers planed to offer salary increments of 3% to 5%, while another 28% were considering even higher raises of 5% to 10% to attract and retain talent in a competitive mark. On average, annual salary increments in Malaysia hover around 5% to 6%, though the rate varies by industry, seniority, company performance, and other factors.
Sectors like energy and healthcare often see above-average increases, while education and travel tend to lag behind.
The same research made by Ranstad Malaysia reveals that about one in three Malaysian employees can expect a bonus equivalent to one to two months’ salary.
Interesting labor market facts about Malaysia
- Unemployment rate: Malaysia’s unemployment rate was 3.83% in 2024, below the long-term average, and is projected to decline further in 2025 as job vacancies increase in construction, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism.
- Economic growth: GDP growth is forecast at 4.5% to 5.5% for 2025, with inflation stabilizing between 2% and 3.5%. This indicates a stable macroeconomic environment that helps more people in Malaysia earn enough to pursue their financial goals.
- The role of migrant workers:
- The labor market relies heavily on migrant workers, especially in low-skilled sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
- World Bank research finds that migrant workers fill crucial labor shortages and have only a small, negative impact on the wages of unskilled Malaysians, with no evidence of reduced productivity.
- Demographic shifts:
- Malaysia’s working-age population is beginning to shrink, increasing the importance of younger migrant workers, particularly in sectors less likely to be automated, such as care services, and among unpaid family workers.
- Income inequality:
- The country has a relatively high income inequality, with a Gini index of 39. The salaries of full-time workers vary depending on education, industry, and region, leading to significant wage gaps across the labor force.
- Skill mismatch:
- Malaysia has a lower share of high-skilled employment compared to aspirational peers and faces a mismatch between educational attainment and the availability of high-skilled jobs.
- Policy priorities:
- The World Bank highlights the need for continued investment in skills development, social protection, and labor market efficiency. Also, improving job quality, narrowing income gaps, and managing the shift to a knowledge-based economy are pivotal to Malaysia’s labor market strategy as it aims for high-income status.
How does Malaysia compare with other countries?
When compared both globally and with Asian nations, Malaysia’s average salary is in the middle range. In comparison with other Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia offers higher average salaries than its surrounding neighbors, such as Vietnam (USD 300), the Philippines (USD 795), and Indonesia. These figures reflect Malaysia’s more diversified and export-oriented economy.
However, Malaysia’s salary levels are well below those of high-income Asian economies like Singapore (USD 4,896.36/month), Hong Kong (USD 4,663), and Japan (USD 2,230).
Malaysia is still below the Asian continent’s average (USD 12,883 per year, or about USD 1,073 per month), and much lower than in developed countries outside Asia. However, this positioning highlights Malaysia’s status as an upper-middle-income, rapidly developing economy, but also underscores the ongoing gap with the most advanced economies in Southeast Asia and beyond.
| Country | Average monthly salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 4,896.36 |
| Hong Kong | 4,663 |
| Japan | 2,230 |
| Malaysia | 813.67 |
| Philippines | 795 |
| Vietnam | 300 |
| Asia average | 1,073 |
FAQ
What is a good salary for Malaysia?
A good salary in Malaysia is generally considered to be above the national average of USD 813.67. In urban centers like Kuala Lumpur, RM7,000 (USD 1,655.24) or more might be a comfortable salary for supporting a middle-class lifestyle.
Question
The average salary in Malaysia stands at USD 813.67.
Is 7k a good salary in Malaysia?
Yes, RM7,000 (USD 1,655.24) per month is considered a good salary in Malaysia. It is above the national average and allows for a comfortable lifestyle, especially outside the most expensive urban centers.
What is Malaysia’s basic salary?
Malaysia’s national minimum wage is RM1,700 per month as of February 2025. This rate applies to most sectors and is set by the government to ensure fair compensation for all workers.
Sources
https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2025/in-full/key-findings-3902497c1d
https://www.dosm.gov.my/index.php/portal-main/home
https://www.datocms-assets.com/133435/1726715315-my-salary-guide-2024.pdf
https://english.news.cn/20250429/3897f7d93f2747bcbc7301e7678f66a9/c.html
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