Malaysia Salary Guide 2026: Salary Benchmarks by Industry

Hiring in Malaysia in 2026 is becoming more challenging. Unemployment remains low at 3%, while labour force participation has reached 71%. This means many skilled professionals are already employed and have more options when changing jobs.

Some professionals in specialised roles such as AI, cybersecurity, and ESG may expect salary increases of up to 30% to 40% when changing jobs.

Key Statistics

Unemployment rate: 3%
Labour force participation rate: 71%
Salary increment expectations for job movers: up to 30% to 40% in specialised roles
Talent shortages remain across technology, semiconductor, ESG, and engineering sectors.

Government initiatives and foreign investment continue to support hiring growth in technology, manufacturing, green energy, and shared services.

Salary Increase Trends in Malaysia 2026

Expected salary increments for job movers:

Sector	Typical Increment	Specialist Roles
Accounting & Finance	15%–20%	Up to 30%
Banking & Financial Services	20%–25%	Up to 30%–40%
Engineering & Manufacturing	8%–12%	Highest in sustainability and automation
Healthcare & Life Sciences	12%–18%	Up to 25%
Marketing	15%–20%	Up to 25%
Procurement & Supply Chain	15%–20%	Up to 25%
Sustainability & ESG	12%–18%	Highest for climate risk and reporting
Technology	20%–30%	Highest for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity
Shared Services	15%–20%	Up to 25%–30%
Executive	15%–25%	Up to 30%–35%

Hiring Challenges in 2026

Counteroffers are becoming more common.
Replacing employees is expensive and time-consuming.
Slow hiring processes can result in losing candidates to competitors.

Salary Benchmarks by Industry in Malaysia for 2026

The tables below provide estimated annual salary ranges based on market data from the Michael Page Malaysia Salary Guide 2026. Actual salaries may vary depending on company size, industry, and location.

Accounting and Finance Salaries

In-demand roles: FP&A Professionals, Finance Business Partners, ESG Reporting Specialists, Digital Finance Analysts

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Accounts Executive	53	63	74
Finance Analyst	107	118	139
Senior Finance Analyst	193	214	257
Finance Manager	189	210	231
Group Finance Manager	193	235	257
FP&A Manager	210	231	252
Financial Controller	231	252	294
Finance Business Partner	252	315	378
Head of Finance	257	278	289
Finance Director	336	378	399
Head of FP&A	378	399	504
Head of Tax	315	347	378

Banking and Financial Services Salaries

In-demand roles: Risk Management Specialists, Regulatory Compliance Officers, Private Equity Analysts, Wealth Management Advisors

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Private Equity Analyst	162	184	205
M&A Manager	235	246	268
Investment Director	460	482	503
M&A Partner	503	535	556
Regulatory Compliance Manager	120	150	210
Regulatory / Compliance Head	200	250	260
Market Risk Manager	140	180	220
Credit Risk Manager	110	150	220
ESG / Sustainability Manager	100	150	180
Corporate Finance / M&A / Investment Head	240	300	300+

Engineering and Manufacturing Salaries

In-demand roles: Automation & Robotics Engineers, Process Engineers, Semiconductor Engineers, Sustainability Compliance Officers

Industrial Manufacturing

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Production Engineer	50	70	90
Process Engineer	52	73	94
Automation Engineer	53	74	95
R&D Engineer	52	73	94
HSE Engineer	50	70	100
Engineering Manager	120	170	220
Manufacturing Manager	185	216	247
Factory Manager	194	259	324
Operations Director	240	360	480
Technical Director	240	330	420

Semiconductor

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Manufacturing / Process Engineer	74	95	117
Test Development Engineer	74	106	138
Staff Process Engineer	119	151	194
Principal Process Engineer	194	227	259
Principal Design Engineer	205	238	259
Engineering Manager	119	184	259
R&D Manager	130	194	259
Manufacturing Director	259	356	454
General Manager	454	551	648

Human Resources Salaries

In-demand roles: HR Business Partners, Talent Management Specialists, Talent Acquisition Specialists, Compensation & Benefits Specialists

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
HR Executive	40	60	80
HR Manager	140	180	240
HR Business Partner (HRBP)	147	200	252
Senior HRBP	200	252	315
Talent Acquisition Manager	126	189	231
Learning & Development Manager	120	180	220
C&B Manager / Rewards Manager	180	220	300
Head of Talent Acquisition	240	260	340
Head of C&B	300	340	420
HR Director	240	300	420

Legal Salaries

In-demand roles: Corporate & Commercial Lawyers, Fintech Legal Counsels, Regulatory & Compliance Officers, Corporate Secretaries

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Paralegal	80	90	100
Employment Lawyer	140	150	160
In-House Solicitor	179	189	200
Legal Counsel	200	210	220
Senior Legal Counsel	240	250	270
Head of Legal	300	320	340
Compliance Manager	147	158	179
Risk Manager	147	168	179
Head of Compliance	242	286	330
Head of Risk	260	290	320

Procurement and Supply Chain Salaries

In-demand roles: Strategic Procurement Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, Logistics Managers, Demand Planners

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Procurement Officer	73	83	104
Demand Planner	85	117	148
Procurement Manager	106	138	180
Supply Chain Manager	126	158	189
Category Buyer / Sourcing Manager	127	159	191
Logistics Manager	148	191	233
Head of Procurement	233	276	318
Head of Supply Chain	233	276	318
Supply Chain Director	318	382	445

Sales and Marketing Salaries

In-demand roles: Key Account Managers, Digital Marketing Managers, E-Commerce Sales Managers, Brand Managers

Marketing (Digital)

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Digital Marketing Executive	40	60	72
Social Media Manager	60	100	120
Digital Marketing Manager	70	120	180
SEO Manager	100	120	180
CRM Manager	100	140	180
Head of Digital	180	240	360
Digital Director	240	360	420

Sales (Services)

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Sales Executive	60	70	80
Key Account Manager	100	120	140
Business Development Manager	120	140	160
Sales Manager	120	150	170
Senior Business Development Manager	170	190	220
Sales Director	220	290	360
Country Head	300	390	480

Sustainability and ESG Salaries

In-demand roles: ESG & Compliance Officers, Sustainability Consultants, Green Finance Analysts

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Sustainability Executive	53	74	84
Sustainability Consultant	105	158	179
ESG Advisor	147	157	168
ESG Manager	147	189	210
Sustainability Manager	168	178	189
Head of Sustainability	231	252	315

Healthcare and Life Sciences Salaries

In-demand roles: Regulatory Affairs Specialists, Market Access Managers, Medical Affairs Managers, Digital Health Managers

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Medical Sales Representative	42	63	84
Regulatory Affairs Specialist	62	104	125
Sales Manager	114	146	187
Market Access Manager	100	140	190
Regulatory Affairs Manager	125	187	229
Medical Manager	130	200	260
National Sales Manager	216	258	300
Business Unit Manager	220	280	340
Country Manager	300	400	540
Commercial Director	300	390	480

Shared Services and Business Services Salaries

In-demand roles: Finance & Accounting Analysts, HR Shared Services Specialists, RPA Analysts, GBS Transformation Managers

Position	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
HR Specialist	83	94	104
Senior HR Specialist	96	112	128
HR Business Partner	116	141	167
Payroll Specialist	60	72	88
FP&A Regional Analyst	95	121	150
R2R Accountant	93	108	140
R2R Senior Accountant	105	126	160
Project Manager	122	138	180

Highest-Paying Jobs in Malaysia for 2026

All figures are taken directly from the Michael Page Malaysia Salary Guide 2026 — gross annual amounts in MYR '000.

Position	Industry	Min (RM'000)	Avg (RM'000)	Max (RM'000)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	Executive	600	1,050	1,500+
Managing Director	Executive	540	870	1,200
Chief Strategy Officer	Executive	540	870	1,200
Chief Information Officer (CIO)	Technology	478	530	562
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)	Technology	452	494	525
IT Director	Technology	420	483	536
General Manager (Semiconductor)	Engineering & Manufacturing	454	551	648
M&A Partner	Banking & Financial Services	503	535	556
Investment Director	Banking & Financial Services	460	482	503
Head of FP&A	Accounting & Finance	378	399	504
Finance Director	Accounting & Finance	336	378	399

Source: Michael Page Malaysia Salary Guide 2026.

In-Demand Skills Employers Should Hire For in 2026

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI skills are increasingly needed across technology, banking, manufacturing, and marketing roles.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Companies are looking for professionals who can turn data into insights and support better business decisions.

Cybersecurity

As businesses become more digital, demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.

ESG and Sustainability

Skills in sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, and ESG compliance are becoming more valuable across industries.

Automation and Industry 4.0

Manufacturing and engineering companies are seeking talent with automation, robotics, and digitalisation expertise.

Cloud Platforms and DevOps

Skills in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and DevOps remain highly sought after in technology and shared services.

Financial Modelling and ERP Systems

Finance professionals with ERP knowledge and strong financial modelling skills are increasingly in demand.

What Employers Should Do in 2026

Review Salary Benchmarks Regularly

The job market is changing quickly, and salary expectations continue to rise in many industries. Employers should review market salary data at least once a year to ensure their pay remains competitive. Waiting until employees resign or candidates reject an offer may result in higher replacement costs and longer hiring times.

Budget More for AI, ESG, and Cybersecurity Roles

Demand for professionals in Artificial Intelligence (AI), ESG, and cybersecurity continues to outpace supply. These specialised roles often command higher salaries than traditional positions. Businesses planning to hire in these areas should allocate larger recruitment budgets and prepare for stronger salary negotiations.

Focus on Employee Retention

Replacing experienced employees can be costly due to recruitment fees, onboarding time, and productivity losses. Employers should regularly review salaries, career progression opportunities, and employee engagement initiatives to improve retention and reduce turnover.

Invest in Employee Development

Employees increasingly value learning and career growth opportunities. Providing training programmes, leadership development, certifications, and upskilling initiatives can help businesses build talent internally and reduce their reliance on external hiring.

Strengthen Your Employer Brand

Candidates are researching employers more than ever before. A strong employer brand, positive company culture, and clear employee value proposition can help businesses attract better talent and improve offer acceptance rates.

Review Your Compensation and Benefits Package

Salary is only one factor when candidates evaluate a job offer. Employers should also review their benefits package, including healthcare coverage, flexible working arrangements, bonuses, allowances, training opportunities, and long-term incentives to remain competitive in the market.

How to Use Salary Benchmarks When Planning Your Hiring Budget

Set Salary Ranges Before Posting Jobs

Use market data to set realistic salary ranges and attract the right candidates.

Calculate Total Employment Costs, Including EPF and SOCSO

Include statutory contributions and employee benefits when planning your hiring budget.

Review Internal Salaries Regularly

Compare current salaries with market rates to stay competitive and improve retention.

Use Market Data During Budget Approvals

Salary benchmarks help justify hiring budgets and support better decision-making.

Forecast Hiring Costs Before Expanding

Estimate future people costs early to plan recruitment and business growth more effectively.

FAQs

What is the average salary increase in Malaysia in 2026?

Most job movers can expect salary increases of between 15% and 30%, depending on the industry and role.

Which industries pay the highest salaries in Malaysia?

Executive leadership, technology, banking, and semiconductor industries offer some of the highest salaries.

Which industries are hiring the most in Malaysia?

Technology, engineering and manufacturing, shared services, healthcare, and ESG-related roles continue to experience strong hiring demand.

Why should employers benchmark salaries?

Salary benchmarking helps businesses offer competitive pay, attract quality talent, and improve employee retention.

How often should companies review employee salaries?

At least once a year, and preferably twice a year in fast-moving sectors such as technology and banking.

Which industries are expected to offer the highest salary increments in 2026?

Technology, banking, ESG, and specialised engineering roles are expected to offer some of the highest salary increases due to strong demand and talent shortages.

Need to Hire in 2026?

Knowing the right salary range is only the first step. To hire top talent, you also need to reach the right candidates.

AJobThing helps Malaysian employers reach qualified candidates faster through AI-powered recruitment solutions and multi-platform job advertising.

Post a Job on AJobThing today.