Average Salary in Malaysia 2025

Malaysia’s dynamic economy, strategic location, and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for businesses and professionals alike. As companies expand operations and talent competition intensifies, understanding salary benchmarks is crucial for both employers and employees.

This guide explores the average salary in Malaysia for 2025, analyzing trends across industries, experience levels, and regions. We also examine salary increments, bonuses, cost of living, and how Malaysia compares to neighboring ASEAN countries. Whether you are hiring talent or negotiating compensation, this data-driven analysis provides actionable insights.

What is the Average Salary in Malaysia?

As of the first quarter of 2025, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reports that the average monthly salary in the formal employment sector is RM 3,441, while the median monthly salary is RM 3,036. These figures provide two important reference points in understanding Malaysia’s wage structure:

• The average salary represents the total wages divided by the number of employees, and is often influenced by higher earners in executive and specialist roles.
  
• The median salary, on the other hand, represents the midpoint in the distribution, meaning that 50% of Malaysian workers earn less than RM 3,036, and 50% earn more. This metric gives a more balanced view of the typical wage, especially in a market where income disparity is notable.

Metric	Value (RM)	USD (Approx.)
Average Monthly Salary	RM 3,441	$813
Median Monthly Salary	RM 3,036	$717

(Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia – Salaries & Wages Report)

This modest yet stable salary progression reflects ongoing national economic adjustments, including controlled inflation, sector-specific wage reforms, and the impact of post-pandemic recovery strategies. In fact, the recent upward shift in minimum wage enforcement, from RM 1,500 to RM 1,700 for certain employers, has contributed to marginal salary increases in traditionally lower-paying sectors such as retail, hospitality, and security services.

Also Read: Malaysia Salary Guide 2025

Furthermore, DOSM’s survey accounts for approximately 60% of Malaysia’s formal-sector employees, translating to around 6 million workers. These figures exclude informal and gig economy workers, who often experience more volatile or lower income levels.

The wage average is also shaped by factors such as educational attainment, skill level, job type, company size, and regional economic activity. For example, professionals in high-demand fields like technology or finance significantly elevate the average, whereas entry-level and labor-intensive roles pull the median downward.

In short, the average salary of RM 3,441 suggests a healthy but cautious recovery for Malaysia’s labor market in 2025. It provides a baseline for employers to benchmark competitive remuneration packages across industries.

Average Salary by Years of Experience (2025) in Malaysia

In Malaysia’s employment landscape, years of professional experience remain one of the most influential factors in determining salary levels. Employers continue to value tenure, accumulated expertise, and institutional knowledge, which often translate into stronger decision-making capabilities and increased productivity. As such, employees typically see a steady and measurable increase in remuneration as they advance through different stages of their careers.

Experience Level	Monthly Salary Range (RM)
0–2 years	RM 2,500 – RM 3,000
3–5 years	RM 3,500 – RM 4,500
6–10 years	RM 5,000 – RM 7,000
11–15 years	RM 7,500 – RM 10,000
16+ years (Senior/Executive)	RM 12,000 – RM 25,000+

Early Career (0–2 years):
Fresh graduates or junior professionals typically start their careers earning between RM 2,500 and RM 3,000 per month. This bracket covers roles such as administrative assistants, marketing executives, software testers, and junior analysts. Compensation at this stage may also be influenced by the prestige of the academic institution, professional certifications, and internships completed during studies.

Mid-Level (3–5 years):
Employees with 3 to 5 years of experience often move into more specialised or supervisory roles. Salaries in this group range from RM 3,500 to RM 4,500, reflecting an increase due to hands-on experience, process knowledge, and possibly industry-specific upskilling. Professionals in this category may include HR officers, digital marketers, system developers, and finance analysts.

Experienced Professionals (6–10 years):
With a decade of experience, many individuals advance into team leadership, project management, or mid-management roles. At this stage, monthly salaries typically range from RM 5,000 to RM 7,000. Those with industry certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), ACCA, or specialist IT credentials can command the higher end of this range. This is also the stage where many begin to negotiate performance-based bonuses or stock options.

Advanced Professionals (11–15 years):
Seasoned professionals with more than a decade of industry exposure are often found in senior managerial roles or as department heads. Salaries in this range climb to RM 7,500 – RM 10,000, depending on the size of the company, sector profitability, and strategic responsibilities. Roles such as Senior Finance Managers, Product Directors, or Legal Counsels are typically found in this income group.

Also Read: How to Hire Using EOR in Malaysia

Senior Leadership (16+ years):
Professionals with over 16 years of experience often reach the executive level, including positions such as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or General Manager. Monthly salaries here can begin at RM 12,000 and exceed RM 25,000, especially in industries like financial services, technology, oil & gas, and multinational corporations (MNCs). In addition to basic salary, this group often benefits from profit-sharing schemes, executive bonuses, travel allowances, and private health insurance.

Key Insight

While experience directly correlates with pay, it’s worth noting that rapid career progression is increasingly possible through upskilling, digital literacy, and cross-functional capabilities. Employers today are also placing emphasis on results-oriented profiles, meaning professionals who can demonstrate business impact or lead transformation efforts are rewarded more generously, sometimes even ahead of tenure.

Average Salary by Job Role and Industry (2025) in Malaysia

In 2025, industry type and job function remain central to wage differentiation in Malaysia. High-growth sectors such as technology, financial services, and healthcare continue to command premium compensation due to demand-supply imbalances and the need for highly specialised skills. Below is a more detailed breakdown of salaries based on both industry and individual roles within each sector.

Information Technology & Software

The IT sector is among the most lucrative, buoyed by Malaysia’s push toward digitalisation, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Software Developer / Engineer	5,000 – 8,000
DevOps Engineer	7,000 – 12,000
Cybersecurity Analyst	4,000 – 8,000
Senior Penetration Tester	14,000 – 22,000
Data Scientist / Data Analyst	6,500 – 10,500
AI / Machine Learning Engineer	8,000 – 15,000
IT Project Manager	9,000 – 14,000
CTO / Head of Technology	18,000 – 30,000+

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital payment ecosystems continues to drive up salaries for IT professionals.

Banking & Financial Services

Financial roles benefit from robust compliance frameworks, digitised banking, and a growing fintech presence.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Credit Analyst	4,500 – 6,500
Relationship Manager (Corporate)	6,000 – 9,000
Investment Analyst	6,500 – 10,000
Financial Controller	8,500 – 14,000
Risk & Compliance Manager	7,000 – 12,000
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	20,000 – 45,000+

The emergence of Islamic banking and sustainable finance roles has also contributed to upward salary mobility in this sector.

Healthcare & Medical

The post-pandemic environment has permanently elevated the value of medical professionals, particularly in private healthcare and specialised practices.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Registered Nurse	3,800 – 5,000
General Practitioner (GP)	6,000 – 8,500
Pharmacist	4,500 – 6,500
Specialist Doctor (e.g., Cardiologist)	12,000 – 25,000+
Medical Lab Technologist	3,500 – 5,500
Hospital Administrator	6,000 – 10,000

Private sector roles tend to pay significantly higher than public institutions, particularly for specialists and surgeons.

Also Read: What is Outsourcing?

Engineering & Industrial

The engineering sector remains strong, particularly in civil, electrical, and mechanical specialisations. Demand is high in infrastructure, renewable energy, and automation projects.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Mechanical Engineer	4,000 – 6,500
Electrical Engineer	4,500 – 7,000
Civil Engineer	4,000 – 6,800
Project Engineer	5,000 – 7,500
Engineering Manager	8,000 – 12,000

Engineers with project management certifications (e.g., PMP) or working in multinational firms often earn above-average salaries.

Manufacturing & Production

This sector is integral to Malaysia’s export economy and is rapidly integrating automation, lean manufacturing, and supply chain technologies.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Production Operator	2,200 – 3,000
Quality Assurance Technician	3,200 – 4,500
Production Supervisor	4,000 – 5,500
Industrial Engineer	4,500 – 6,500
Plant Manager	8,000 – 12,000

Multinational manufacturing plants, especially in Penang and Johor, often offer performance bonuses and housing allowances.

Sales & Marketing

With the rise of e-commerce and digital platforms, digital marketing and business development roles are commanding stronger salaries.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Sales Executive	3,500 – 5,000
Digital Marketing Specialist	4,000 – 6,500
Key Account Manager	6,000 – 9,000
Marketing Manager	6,500 – 10,000
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)	18,000 – 30,000+

Bonuses based on performance, sales targets, and commissions are often a significant part of compensation packages in this domain.

Education & Training

While traditionally modest in remuneration, certain private education institutions and international schools offer competitive pay.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Primary School Teacher (Govt.)	2,800 – 4,000
Secondary School Teacher (Private)	3,500 – 5,000
University Lecturer	4,500 – 6,500
Corporate Trainer	5,000 – 8,000
Head of Academic Department	7,000 – 10,000

Tutoring and freelance education roles are also growing rapidly as part of Malaysia’s gig economy, particularly in urban centres.

Also Read: Employment Law in Malaysia

Administrative & Support Services

Administrative and clerical roles form the backbone of day-to-day business operations, though compensation tends to be on the lower end of the spectrum.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Admin Assistant	2,500 – 3,500
Customer Service Officer	2,800 – 4,000
HR Assistant	3,000 – 4,200
Office Manager	4,000 – 5,500
Executive Assistant to CEO	5,500 – 7,500

Roles that support senior executives or require bilingual capabilities often command higher salaries.

Retail & Hospitality

Although affected by automation and gig-based employment, this sector remains vital for Malaysia’s tourism and consumer economy.

Role	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Retail Sales Associate	2,200 – 3,200
Front Desk Officer (Hotel)	2,400 – 3,500
Barista / Waitstaff	2,000 – 3,000
Outlet Supervisor	3,500 – 4,800
Hotel General Manager	8,000 – 12,000

Luxury hotels and international retail brands may offer benefits such as service charges, housing, and transport allowances.

Key Insight

While Malaysia’s overall salary range is increasing steadily across sectors, there remains a wide disparity between generalist and specialist roles. Professionals who invest in upskilling, acquire certifications, and enter niche fields such as AI, fintech, and compliance are more likely to command above-market salaries. Industry-specific knowledge, foreign language ability, and cross-functional competencies also contribute significantly to upward mobility.

Average Salary by Location (2025)

Salary levels across Malaysia vary significantly by region, largely reflecting local economic development, cost of living, talent demand, and industrial concentration. Urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor continue to offer higher remuneration due to their established infrastructure, diversified job markets, and presence of multinational companies. Conversely, more rural states and those with limited industrialisation, such as Kedah, Kelantan, Sabah, and parts of Sarawak, tend to offer lower average pay.

Location	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Kuala Lumpur	RM 4,176 – RM 5,200
Selangor	~RM 4,342
Penang	~RM 4,267
Johor	~RM 4,176
Sabah / Sarawak	RM 3,342 – RM 3,915
Kedah / Kelantan	RM 3,000 – RM 3,376

(Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM))

Kuala Lumpur

As the nation’s capital and business hub, Kuala Lumpur consistently leads in salary rankings. In Q3 2024, DOSM recorded a median salary of RM 3,964 in the city. The presence of global firms, financial institutions, and a thriving tech ecosystem contributes to the city’s premium wage structure. Professionals in finance, law, IT, and consulting sectors earn well above national averages here.

Selangor

Bordering the capital, Selangor is home to major industrial zones, logistics hubs, and corporate headquarters. The state’s strategic infrastructure and economic diversity place its average salary around RM 4,342. Cities like Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Cyberjaya offer abundant job opportunities in manufacturing, fintech, shared services, and engineering.

Penang

Known as the Silicon Valley of the East, Penang hosts a high concentration of multinational electronics and semiconductor manufacturers. The average wage of RM 4,267 reflects demand for skilled professionals in tech, industrial design, and engineering. The state’s commitment to attracting foreign investment continues to boost job creation and salary benchmarks.

Johor

As Malaysia’s southern economic corridor and a key player in cross-border commerce with Singapore, Johor’s salary levels hover around RM 4,176. Johor Bahru, the capital, is particularly strong in logistics, manufacturing, and education, serving both local and Singapore-linked businesses.

Sabah & Sarawak

The East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak report average monthly salaries between RM 3,342 and RM 3,915. While sectors like oil & gas and palm oil offer high-paying roles, broader job markets remain limited compared to Peninsular Malaysia. Rural communities and reliance on agriculture continue to suppress salary growth outside of urban centres like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Kedah & Kelantan

These northern and northeastern states exhibit the lowest average wages, ranging from RM 3,000 to RM 3,376. In some districts, median salaries are even lower—closer to RM 2,600 in Kedah and RM 2,400 in Kelantan. Agriculture, informal trade, and public sector employment dominate the local economy, which constrains wage advancement.

Also Read: Why EPF, SOCSO, and EIS Are Essential for Malaysia Payroll

Regional Salary Summary Table

Region	Key Industries	Cost of Living (Moderate Lifestyle)	Comments
Kuala Lumpur	Finance, Tech, Law, Consulting	RM 3,800 – RM 5,500/month	Highest salaries, intense competition
Selangor	Logistics, Manufacturing, Services	RM 3,500 – RM 5,000/month	Industrial growth, strong infrastructure
Penang	E&E, Engineering, Tech Design	RM 3,200 – RM 4,500/month	High-tech MNC presence; skilled labor in demand
Johor	Logistics, Education, Construction	RM 3,200 – RM 4,200/month	Proximity to Singapore influences job market
Sabah / Sarawak	Oil & Gas, Tourism, Agriculture	RM 2,800 – RM 3,800/month	Disparity between rural and urban salary levels
Kedah / Kelantan	Agriculture, Retail, Public Sector	RM 2,500 – RM 3,500/month	Lowest wages; limited private-sector activity

Average Annual Salary Increments (2025)

In 2025, salary adjustments across Malaysia signal cautious optimism among employers. According to projections by Mercer and supported by DOSM data, the average annual salary increment is expected to be 5–5.1%, slightly above the previous year’s national average. This growth reflects improvements in business confidence, talent shortages in key sectors, and adjustments for inflation.

Sector	Projected Increase (%)
All Sectors (Average)	~5.0%
Energy & Shared Services	Higher than average increases
Financial Services	~4.8%
Transportation & Logistics	~4.1%
Manufacturing & Engineering	4.5% – 5.2%
Technology	5.5% – 6.2%

(Source: hr.asia, early.app, stashaway.my)

Public Sector Increments

Significant reforms implemented in late 2024 led to substantial salary increments between 7% and 15% for civil servants, especially those in administrative, technical, and managerial grades. These reforms were introduced under a new government remuneration framework aimed at narrowing the public-private wage gap and improving retention in essential services.

Private Sector Insights

In the private sector, salary increments are particularly competitive in industries facing talent scarcity, such as digital technology, ESG consulting, and healthcare. Shared services centres and multinational corporations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang are also offering above-average increments to retain high-potential talent.

Key Insight

Salary progression in 2025 is not uniform across regions or industries. Location remains a significant differentiator, not only in terms of base pay but also in the pace of wage growth. While major urban centres continue to reward skills and experience with higher increments, rural and economically slower states are still catching up.

Average Performance Bonuses (2025)

In Malaysia’s evolving compensation landscape, performance bonuses remain a critical component of total remuneration, especially in industries where base pay alone may not reflect the full value of an employee’s contribution. Bonus structures in 2025 are increasingly performance-driven, often linked to individual KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), company profitability, and departmental achievements.

While bonus schemes vary by company size and industry maturity, the following ranges offer a reliable benchmark:

Industry	Average Performance Bonus (% of Annual Salary)
Banking & Finance	12% – 20%
Technology	10% – 18%
Sales & Marketing	8% – 15%
Healthcare	5% – 10%
Education	2% – 6%
Public Sector	Fixed at 1.5 months’ salary (~12.5%)

Key Highlights:

• Banking & Finance: High-stakes roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and wealth management often receive two or more months’ worth of bonus, especially in profitable years. Some investment houses also offer long-term incentives like stock options or deferred cash plans.
  
• Technology: Bonuses in tech roles vary based on project success and delivery metrics. For high-demand areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software development, companies are increasingly offering sign-on bonuses and performance-linked payouts as talent competition intensifies.
  
• Sales & Marketing: Incentives are frequently structured as commissions, sales targets, or performance tiers. In leading firms, bonuses can exceed 20% for high performers.
  
• Healthcare: Private hospitals and pharmaceutical companies offer performance bonuses aligned with service quality, patient satisfaction, and research achievements.
  
• Education: Bonuses are less common in public education, but private institutions and international schools occasionally provide performance-based rewards, especially for leadership roles or exam-result-linked outcomes.
  
• Public Sector: Governed by policy, most civil servants receive a 1.5-month fixed bonus, typically disbursed during festive seasons or year-end.

Overall, bonuses play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between average wages and actual living costs, particularly in metropolitan regions where expenses continue to rise.

Also Read: The Pros and Cons of Outsourced Accounting Services

Cost of Living in Malaysia (2025)

Understanding living expenses is crucial for contextualising salary benchmarks. While Malaysia remains relatively affordable compared to global standards, urbanisation and inflationary pressures have led to rising living costs in key cities.

Category	Kuala Lumpur (RM)	Penang (RM)	Johor Bahru (RM)
1‑Bedroom Rent (City Area)	2,000	1,400	1,200
Utilities + Internet	300	250	250
Food & Groceries	1,200	1,000	950
Transportation	300	250	250
Total Estimated Cost	RM 3,800	RM 2,900	RM 2,650

(Source: Estimates based on Numbeo, iProperty, and local expat cost-of-living portals)

In Kuala Lumpur, where the average salary hovers between RM 4,000 and RM 4,500, employees just manage to break even if they live alone. This underscores the importance of additional income through bonuses, allowances, or dual-income households.

In secondary cities like Penang and Johor Bahru, slightly lower living costs provide better value relative to average regional wages, particularly for dual-income families or those working remotely.

How Does the Average Salary Compare to Neighbours?

Malaysia’s average monthly gross salary of approximately USD 813 (RM 3,441) positions it mid-tier within the ASEAN region. It surpasses several of its Southeast Asian neighbours but remains far behind Singapore.

Country	Average Gross Monthly Salary (USD)	Source
Singapore	$5,000 – $6,500	MOM Singapore
Malaysia	$750 – $1,100	DOSM Malaysia
Thailand	$500 – $900	NESDC Thailand
Vietnam	$300 – $600	GSO Vietnam
Indonesia	$350 – $700	BPS Indonesia
Philippines	$300 – $550	PSA Philippines

Malaysia’s relatively competitive position reflects its moderate cost of living, industrial maturity, and regional connectivity. It remains an attractive destination for foreign investors and regional talent looking for balanced compensation and quality of life. However, to stay competitive, especially in high-skill industries, Malaysia will need to sustain its pace of wage growth and upskilling initiatives.

Factors Affecting Salary Trends in 2025

Several macroeconomic and structural factors are shaping Malaysia’s wage trajectory this year:

1. Digital Transformation

• The continued push toward automation, AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity has intensified demand for digitally skilled professionals.
  
• Roles such as DevOps engineers, cloud architects, and data scientists are commanding salaries well above industry averages due to the scarcity of talent.

2. Foreign & Domestic Investment

• FDI inflows into high-tech manufacturing, fintech, and green energy sectors are expanding job creation and raising industry salary benchmarks.
  
• Government incentives under Invest Malaysia and RMK-12 (Twelfth Malaysia Plan) have reinforced Malaysia’s status as a regional investment hub.

3. Policy Reforms

• The government’s minimum wage increase to RM 1,700, combined with public service salary restructuring, is gradually lifting wage floors.
  
• New labour laws under the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, now fully enforced, have improved worker protections and raised compliance costs for employers, impacting salary structures.

4. Skill Shortages

• Malaysia is experiencing acute shortages in mid-to-senior-level talent across tech, compliance, ESG, and healthcare.
  
• Candidates with niche expertise or international exposure are increasingly able to negotiate flexible work conditions and higher pay scales.

These converging factors are redefining salary expectations across industries. Companies that invest in reskilling their workforce and align compensation with market trends will have the advantage in securing and retaining top talent.

Highest Paying Jobs in Malaysia (2025)

The Malaysian job market in 2025 continues to reward leadership, technical mastery, and rare specialisation with significantly higher compensation packages. The following roles rank among the top-paying:

Role	Monthly Salary (RM)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	45,000 – 60,000+
AI/Data Architect	25,000 – 35,000
Cloud/DevOps Lead	22,000 – 30,000
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	25,000+
IT Director / CISO	18,000 – 25,000+
Medical Specialist (Private)	20,000+
Corporate Legal Partner	16,000 – 20,000

These roles demand a combination of technical depth, leadership acumen, and a consistent performance track record. Often found in multinational companies, high-growth startups, or premier medical and legal institutions, they also come with non-monetary perks such as equity, performance incentives, and international exposure.

Lowest / Minimum Paying Jobs in Malaysia (2025)

At the other end of the wage spectrum are jobs that require minimal formal education or specialised training. These roles, while essential, often remain tethered to minimum wage policies.

Role	Monthly Salary (RM)
General Labourer	1,500 – 2,000
Cleaner / Janitor	1,500 – 2,000
Security Guard	1,700 – 2,200
Waitstaff	1,600 – 2,200
Retail Assistant	1,800 – 2,300

From February 1, 2025, Malaysia’s revised minimum wage of RM 1,700 was made mandatory for employers with five or more employees. Smaller employers have a compliance deadline set for August 1, 2025. This increase is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce working poverty and improve labor equity.

(Source: jtksm.mohr.gov.my)

Conclusion

Malaysia’s labour market in 2025 reflects a complex but promising trajectory. Wage growth remains moderate, with industry leaders and digital talent capturing the bulk of compensation gains. Meanwhile, government-driven wage reforms and cost-of-living pressures are reshaping employer strategies across sectors.

For employers, building a competitive salary structure involves aligning business goals with market realities. For employees, proactive learning and mobility remain the clearest path to improved earning power.

FAQ

What is Malaysia’s average salary in 2025?
Approximately RM 3,441/month (USD 813), with the median at RM 3,036/month.

Which industries pay the most?
Technology, financial services, legal, and private healthcare dominate, especially at the specialist or executive level.

What is the minimum wage in 2025?
RM 1,700/month, effective from February 1, 2025, for large employers. Smaller employers must comply by August 1, 2025.

How much are salaries expected to rise in 2025?
The projected average salary increment is around 5%, with tech and energy sectors seeing above-average growth.

Is Malaysia’s salary competitive in ASEAN?
Yes, Malaysia’s average salary outpaces Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, but is behind Singapore.

Need to Hire the Right Talent?

At FastLaneRecruit, we connect businesses with Malaysia’s most qualified professionals, from junior specialists to C-level executives. With market-aligned salary insights and a deep understanding of local talent dynamics, our recruitment solutions are built for long-term success.

Get in touch today to elevate your hiring strategy and secure the talent you need for a competitive 2025.