Average Salary in Malaysia 2025: Industry & Job Role Insights

It’s 2025, and many employers in Malaysia are asking the same important question: "Are we giving our team the salary they truly deserve?"

As the cost of living keeps rising and the job market keeps changing, it’s more important than ever to check if your salaries are still fair and competitive.

Why? Because paying well isn’t just about money — it’s about respect, appreciation, and keeping great people in your company.

If you’re hiring in tech, healthcare, customer service, or any other industry, knowing the average salary in Malaysia can really help.

It lets you plan your budget better, offer the right pay, and avoid losing good staff who might leave for a better offer elsewhere.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

The average salary in Malaysia (by job, experience, and location)
Salary increases and bonuses
How Malaysia’s pay compares to other Southeast Asian countries

Let’s make sure your people feel valued — and your company stays strong.

What is the Average Salary in Malaysia?

Based on trends from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s national average monthly salary is estimated to be around RM5,200 in 2025.

This is a modest increase from RM4,850 in 2023 and RM5,070 in 2024, as seen in several salary reports and employment reviews.

While this is not an official figure, the projection reflects gradual wage growth across various sectors as businesses adjust to post-pandemic recovery, inflation, and rising talent demand.

Most full-time employees in Malaysia earn between RM2,000 and RM7,000 monthly, depending on the industry, job level, and experience.

Finance, healthcare, and IT sectors often pay above the average, especially for mid- to senior-level professionals.

Average Salary by Years of Experience (2025) in Malaysia

As people grow in their careers, their salaries usually grow too — and that’s something all employers should be ready for.

When you hire fresh graduates, you're not just paying for their current skills. You're investing in their future growth, loyalty, and potential.

Every role, industry, and company is different — so salary numbers can vary a lot.

But the trend is clear: the more experience someone has, the more they expect (and deserve) to earn.

Here’s a simple breakdown based on what we’re seeing in 2025:

Fresh graduates: Most start with RM2,500 to RM3,000. It depends on the field and how in-demand the skills are.
After 2 to 3 years: Many employees see a 10% to 15% pay increase. This can come from performance reviews, taking on more work, or even changing roles.
By year 4 to 6: Salaries may grow by 30% to 40%. This is when employees usually become team leads or step into junior management.
After 7 years: Growth can hit 50% or more compared to their starting pay, especially in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare where talent is in high demand.

Actual increments may vary depending on the company, performance, and whether the employee has changed jobs.

Average Salary by Job Roles in Malaysia (2025)

According to Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025, StashAway, PayScale, SalaryExpert, Indeed, and Glassdoor, below are the average salaries by industry in Malaysia, broken down into various job roles.

Finance & Banking

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Accounts Executive	48,000 - 72,000
Internal Audit Executive	60,000 - 96,000
Tax Accountant	60,000 - 96,000
Accountant	84,000 - 120,000
Audit Manager	120,000 - 216,000
Cost/ Credit Controller	96,000 - 108,000
Tax Analyst	84,000 - 156,000
Tax/ Finance Manager	144,000 - 192,000
Corporate Finance Manager	144,000 - 216,000
Head of Corporate Finance	240,000 - 360,000
Finance Director	360,000 - 500,000

Technology & IT

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Data Scientist	144,000 - 240,000
Data Engineer	144,000 - 240,000
Data Architect	180,000 - 300,000
Cybersecurity Experts	120,000 - 300,000
Product Manager	120,000 - 240,000
Head of Product	240,000 - 420,000
UI/UX Designer	96,000 - 156,000
UI/UX Manager	120,000 - 216,000
Full Stack Developer	120,000 - 216,000
Front/ Back End Developer	120,000 - 180,000
Mobile Developer	120,000 - 180,000
Software Tester	120,000 - 180,000
Tech Lead	180,000 - 240,000

Healthcare & Medical

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Medical Doctor	84,000
Medical Officer	75,600
Pharmacist	72,000
Staff Nurse	36,000 - 48,000
Hospital Pharmacist	54,000
Registered Nurse (RN)	36,000 - 48,000
Medical Officer (MO)	75,600
Medical Doctor (MD)	84,000
Pharmacist (Hospital)	54,000
Staff Nurse (Hospital)	36,000 - 48,000

Manufacturing & Engineering

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Manufacturing/Operations/Plant Manager	192,000 - 300,000
Project Manager	144,000 - 240,000
Service Manager	120,000 - 180,000
Project Engineer	84,000 - 126,000
Process Engineer	84,000 - 120,000
Automation Engineer	84,000 - 120,000
Field Service Engineer	72,000 - 96,000
Civil Engineers	96,000 - 138,000
Sustainability Manager	144,000 - 192,000
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers	84,000 - 216,000
Production & Plant Managers	192,000 - 306,000
Technicians & Skilled Labor	72,000 - 96,000

Education & Training

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Teacher	26,400 - 44,400
Lecturer	60,000 - 96,000
Trainer	48,000 - 72,000
Education Consultant	54,000 - 90,000
School Principal	84,000 - 120,000
Curriculum Developer	60,000 - 96,000
Academic Advisor	48,000 - 78,000
Educational Psychologist	72,000 - 108,000
Librarian	36,000 - 60,000
Special Education Teacher	42,000 - 66,000

Retail & F&B

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Retail Manager	42,000 - 63,600
Chef	24,000 - 48,000
Waiter/Waitress	18,000 - 24,000
Barista	20,000 - 28,000
Store Supervisor	30,000 - 45,000
Cashier	20,000 - 30,000
Restaurant Manager	48,000 - 72,000
Pastry Chef	36,000 - 54,000
Butcher	30,000 - 45,000
Sales Assistant	22,000 - 32,000

Construction & Real Estate

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Project Manager	86,400
Architect	54,000
Civil Engineer	48,000 - 84,000
Quantity Surveyor	42,000 - 78,000
Site Supervisor	36,000 - 60,000
Real Estate Agent	30,000 - 90,000 (commission-based)
Property Manager	60,000 - 96,000
Construction Manager	84,000 - 120,000
Urban Planner	48,000 - 78,000
Interior Designer	36,000 - 66,000

Sales & Marketing

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Marketing Executive	36,000 - 84,000
Content Writer/Editor	48,000 - 96,000
Graphic Designer	48,000 - 96,000
Corporate Communication Officer	60,000 - 84,000
Marketing Manager	96,000 - 144,000
Digital Marketing Manager	96,000 - 156,000
Brand Manager	108,000 - 172,000
Head of Marketing	156,000 - 240,000
Marketing Director	240,000 - 480,000
Key Account Executive	36,000 - 72,000
Account Manager	72,000 - 108,000
Business Development Executive	72,000 - 96,000
Business Development Manager	96,000 - 180,000

Customer Service & BPO

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Customer Service Representative	33,600 - 39,600
Call Center Agent	29,724
Virtual Assistant	44,160
Customer Service Executive	32,400 - 45,600
Customer Service Manager	80,400 - 103,200
BPO Executive	34,068
Customer Support Specialist	88,440
Customer Care Manager	98,352
Call Centre Operator	28,800 - 44,400
Customer Success Manager	75,000 - 105,000

Logistics & Supply Chain

Role	Annual salary (MYR)
Shipping Coordinator	48,000 - 96,000
Logistic Officer	60,000 - 108,000
Demand Planner	96,000 - 180,000
Trade Compliance Manager	96,000 - 180,000
Logistics Manager	96,000 - 180,000
Warehouse/ Inventory Manager	96,000 - 144,000
Procurement Officer	60,000 - 108,000
Procurement Manager	108,000 - 180,000
Supply Chain Officer	60,000 - 120,000
Supply Chain Manager	120,000 - 204,000

Note: The salary ranges provided are approximate and may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location.

Average Salary by Location (2025) in Malaysia

Where your employees work in Malaysia can really affect how much they earn.

If you're hiring from different states or expanding outside big cities, it’s important to know how salaries vary by location. This helps you set fair pay and manage expectations.

As of 2025, Kuala Lumpur still offers the highest average salary in the country. After that, it’s Selangor, Penang, and Johor.

On the other hand, places like Sabah and Sarawak usually have lower average salaries—but the cost of living there is also lower, so it balances out.

Here’s a quick look at the average monthly salaries in different states:

Location	Average Monthly Salary (RM)
Kuala Lumpur	RM6,700
Selangor	RM6,300
Penang	RM5,900
Johor	RM5,700
Sabah & Sarawak	RM5,200

Looking at salaries by region can really help when you're choosing where to set up an office, planning your budget, or deciding how much to pay remote workers.

Sure, salaries outside the Klang Valley might be lower, but keep in mind—people might be happier with their jobs and living costs are usually cheaper too.

All of this matters when you're planning your team.

Note: The salary numbers by location are estimates, based on various sources like DOSM, Salary Explorer, and job platforms. Real pay can still vary depending on the job, industry, and company size.

Average Annual Salary Increments (2025) in Malaysia

For most employers, yearly salary reviews are a key part of employee retention and performance management.

But how much should you adjust? Too low, and you risk losing talent. Too high, and it might stretch your budget.

Annual salary increments vary based on industry, company performance, and individual contribution.

As of 2025, most companies are still recovering from economic pressures, but many are adjusting salaries to reflect inflation and market demand.

Here’s what recent reports and surveys show about annual salary increments in Malaysia:

General increase ranges 3% to 6%, across most industries.
Top-performing employees may receive increments of 10% or more.
Technology, Healthcare, and Finance sectors often offer above-average adjustments due to talent shortages.
Retail, Education, and F&B tend to offer more modest increases, typically below 5%, unless tied to promotions.

For employers planning ahead, this means:

Budgeting for salary increments at the start of the fiscal year.
Tying increases to clear performance indicators.
Considering inflation and retention needs, especially for roles with high turnover.

Even a small annual raise can go a long way in boosting morale and preventing resignation letters from landing on your desk.

Note: These salary increment figures are based on compiled reports and market observations from employer surveys, job platforms, and HR guides. Actual increments may vary based on company policy, industry, and performance factors.

Average Performance Bonuses (2025) in Malaysia

In addition to salary, many employers in Malaysia offer performance-based bonuses to reward employees who go above and beyond.

Bonuses are not just a financial reward, they also signal recognition and help build long-term loyalty.

As of 2025, here's what we know about performance bonuses across industries:

The average performance bonus in Malaysia ranges between 1 to 2 months of base salary.
In high-performing sectors like banking, tech, and finance, bonuses can reach up to 3 or 4 months’ salary, especially for sales, product, or senior roles.
In sectors like education, retail, or customer service, bonuses tend to be smaller, often a fixed amount or tied to company-wide results rather than individual performance.
Some companies, particularly in BPO and manufacturing, offer quarterly incentives or KPIs-based bonuses, depending on operational targets.

Bonuses are often used strategically:

To retain top talent during critical seasons (e.g., end-of-year, project delivery).
To boost productivity by tying rewards to measurable outcomes.
As an alternative to large base salary increases when budgets are tight.

Not all companies can give big bonuses, but even small rewards can boost employee morale—especially when combined with clear feedback and fair performance reviews.

Note: Bonus practices can differ a lot between industries. They usually depend on company policies and how much profit the business is making. The numbers shared here are based on market trends and data from job platforms and salary reports.

Cost of Living in Malaysia (2025)

When offering or reviewing salaries, don’t just look at the amount.

Think about how far that salary can actually go—especially if you’re hiring people from different cities or offering remote jobs.

In 2025, Malaysia’s cost of living is still quite affordable compared to nearby countries, but it varies a lot by location:

Kuala Lumpur is the priciest. Rent, transport, and food can add up. A single person might need RM3,000–RM4,500 a month just for basic living.
Penang and Johor Bahru are a bit cheaper, especially for food and housing.
Smaller towns or rural areas cost much less, but salaries and amenities may be lower too.

Here’s a quick look at typical monthly expenses in major cities (not including rent):

Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost (RM)
Food & Groceries	RM800 - RM1,200
Transportation	RM300 - RM500
Utilities & Internet	RM250 - RM350
Healthcare & Insurance	RM150 - RM300
Entertainment & Misc	RM300 - RM500

Knowing the cost of living helps you offer fair and competitive salaries, especially for fresh grads or entry-level hires who are just starting out and juggling rent, food, and transport on a tight budget.

Note: These numbers are based on reports from Numbeo, iMoney, and local financial sites. Real expenses may differ depending on lifestyle, family needs, and where they live.

How Does the Average Salary in Malaysia Compare to Surrounding Countries?

If you're hiring across Southeast Asia or looking for top talent remotely, it’s smart to know where Malaysia stands in terms of average salary.

Pay matters—it can be the deal-breaker that decides whether great candidates choose you or not, especially for tech and cross-border roles.

In 2025, Malaysia’s average monthly salary is RM2,000 - RM5,000.

That’s higher than Thailand (RM 4,200), Indonesia (RM 2,800), and the Philippines (RM 2,300), but still far below Singapore’s RM 18,800.

In short, Malaysia hits a sweet spot. You’re not overpaying, but you’re offering enough to stay competitive.

Still, let’s be real—expectations are rising, and keeping your team happy without breaking the bank is a real challenge.

Here’s a quick look at how Malaysia stacks up regionally in 2025:

Country	Average Monthly Salary (USD)	Approx. in MYR
Singapore	$4,000 – $4,500	RM18,800 – RM21,150
Malaysia	$1,200 – $1,400	RM5,600 – RM6,500
Thailand	$900 – $1,000	RM4,200 – RM4,700
Indonesia	$600 – $700	RM2,800 – RM3,300
Philippines	$500 – $650	RM2,300 – RM3,000
Vietnam	$500 – $600	RM2,300 – RM2,800

Conversion rate used: 1 USD ≈ 4.7 MYR (April 2025)

What This Means for Employers in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a cost-efficient hiring market with relatively competitive wages, higher than most of its ASEAN peers, but still lower than Singapore.
For tech, BPO, and regional roles, Malaysia is often seen as a sweet spot, combining good infrastructure, English proficiency, and mid-range salary expectations.
For MNCs and startups, this balance can help reduce costs while maintaining strong talent quality.

Note: Salary figures are aggregated from World Bank labor data, SalaryExplorer, and other regional hiring reports.

FAQ

What is the top 1% salary in Malaysia?

The top 1% earners in Malaysia typically take home more than RM25,000 per month, or RM300,000+ annually. These salaries are often seen in senior leadership, C-level roles, high-level specialists, and successful entrepreneurs. It varies depending on industry, experience, and company size.

What is Malaysia's basic salary?

The national minimum wage in Malaysia is currently RM1,500 per month (as of the latest 2024 update). This refers to the minimum amount employers must pay full-time workers. However, actual "basic salary" (before bonuses or allowances) varies depending on the job role and location.

What is the average starting salary for fresh graduates in Malaysia?

Fresh graduates in Malaysia typically start with a salary ranging from RM2,500 to RM3,200 per month, depending on their field of study. Graduates in engineering, tech, and finance usually start on the higher end of the range.

How much do executives and managers earn in Malaysia?

Junior Managers often earn between RM5,000 and RM8,000/month.
Mid-Level Managers may receive RM8,000 to RM12,000.
Senior Managers and Department Heads can earn RM15,000+, especially in tech, banking, or multinational firms.

Which industries pay the highest salaries?

The top-paying industries in Malaysia are:

Banking & Finance
Technology & IT
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

These sectors offer higher compensation due to demand for skilled talent and limited supply.

What are the salary differences between KL, Penang, and Johor?

Kuala Lumpur typically offers the highest salaries, followed by Selangor and Penang. For example:

Kuala Lumpur: avg RM6,700/month
Penang: avg RM5,900/month
Johor: avg RM5,700/month

These figures reflect differences in job availability, living costs, and economic activity.

How do bonuses and allowances impact total salary?

Bonuses and allowances can significantly increase an employee's take-home pay. For example:

Performance bonuses may add 1–3 months of salary per year.
Fixed allowances (like transport or meals) can boost monthly income by RM200–RM1,000.
In some roles, total compensation (base + bonus + benefits) may be 20%–40% higher than base salary alone.

Data source:

Need to hire the right talent?

If you’re hiring, post your jobs or search candidate on Maukerja or Ricebowl—with over 6 million jobseekers in Malaysia, your next top talent is waiting!