Malaysia Salary Guide 2025 Based on Industry

Malaysia's job market is changing in 2025 as the economy recovers and new policies from the Madani Budget 2025 take effect.

According to the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025, 55% of companies plan to hire more people, and 85% expect to raise salaries.

However, many businesses struggle to meet employees' rising pay expectations.

Salaries are increasing the most in technology, finance, and healthcare because of the high demand for skilled workers.

On the other hand, industries like retail and hospitality are recovering more slowly.

With 32% of employees hoping for a salary increase of 25% or more, companies need to adjust their pay strategies to attract and keep talent.

This guide, based on the Annual Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025, provides detailed salary trends across different industries in Malaysia.

Annual Industry-Specific Salary Trends from 8 Industries

1. Information Technology (IT) & Tech

Malaysia’s tech industry is growing fast, and companies need more skilled workers.

Jobs like software development, cybersecurity, and data science are in high demand, so salaries are getting higher.

But there aren’t enough experts to fill these roles, so businesses are offering even better pay.

Skills in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity are especially valuable because companies are competing to hire the best talent.

Junior Software Developers: RM60,000 – RM120,000
Senior Software Developers: RM144,000 – RM216,000
Data Scientists: RM144,000 – RM240,000
Cybersecurity Experts: RM120,000 – RM300,000
IT Managers & Consultants: RM180,000 – RM480,000

2. Finance & Accounting

The financial sector in Malaysia is doing well, and jobs in accounting, auditing, and fintech are still in demand.

As more tasks become automated, accountants and finance professionals need to learn how to use new software and digital tools.

Knowing fintech is becoming more important because businesses are relying more on technology for financial services.

Accountants: RM84,000 – RM120,000
Financial Analysts: RM84,000 – RM120,000
Tax Advisors & Auditors: RM120,000 – RM216,000
Finance Directors & CFOs: RM360,000 – RM840,000

3. Healthcare & Life Sciences

Healthcare jobs are still in high demand, especially after the pandemic.

With more elderly people and a growing need for medical research, salaries are rising.

This industry remains one of the most stable, with a strong demand for specialists and researchers.

Doctors & Medical Specialists: RM180,000 – RM600,000
Nurses & Allied Health Professionals: RM96,000 – RM216,000
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Professionals: RM144,000 – RM240,000
Healthcare Administration: RM180,000 – RM300,000

4. Engineering & Manufacturing

With Industry 4.0, engineering and manufacturing are changing and creating more demand for experts in automation and robotics.

To grow in this field, professionals need skills in robotics, automation, and industrial IoT.

Civil Engineers: RM96,000 – RM138,000
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: RM84,000 – RM216,000
Production & Plant Managers: RM192,000 – RM306,000
Technicians & Skilled Labor: RM72,000 – RM96,000

5. Sales & Marketing

E-commerce and digital marketing are pushing salaries up, especially for online sales and branding roles.

As more businesses focus on digital channels, there is a high demand for SEO, performance marketing, and social media experts.

Sales Executives & Managers: RM96,000 – RM216,000
Digital Marketing Professionals: RM96,000 – RM180,000
Brand Managers: RM216,000 – RM420,000
Customer Relationship Managers: RM96,000 – RM216,000

6. Human Resources (HR)

Every company needs HR professionals to manage company culture, recruitment, and employee well-being.

Flexible work arrangements and mental health support are becoming key areas of focus for Human Resources.

HR Managers & Directors: RM144,000 – RM216,000
Recruitment Consultants: RM96,000 – RM204,000
Learning & Development Managers: RM96,000 – RM180,000
Compensation & Benefits Specialists: RM132,000 – RM264,000

7. Legal

The legal industry in Malaysia is seeing higher salaries in 2025 as demand grows for specialists in intellectual property, data protection, and corporate law.

Businesses need legal experts who understand data privacy regulations and corporate compliance.

Corporate Lawyers: RM108,000 – RM192,000
Legal Advisors & Consultants: RM94,000 – RM160,000
Paralegals & Legal Assistants: RM60,000 – RM94,000

8. Hospitality & Tourism

As Malaysia’s tourism sector recovers, the demand for hospitality professionals is increasing.

The rise of remote work has influenced business travel, leading hotels, and travel companies to rethink their salary structures.

The industry is adapting to new travel trends, such as luxury tourism and eco-tourism.

Hotel Managers: RM240,000 – RM600,000
Chefs & Culinary Staff: RM96,000 – RM216,000
Event Coordinators & Sales Managers: RM120,000 – RM240,000

Additional Factors Influencing Salary Trends in 2025

Salaries in Malaysia are not just determined by industry demand and job roles.

Several external factors play a big role, such as economic conditions, changing workforce expectations, and government regulations.

Understanding these factors helps employers set competitive salaries while giving employees a better idea of what to expect in terms of pay adjustments.

1. Inflation and Economic Factors

As living costs increase, employees want higher salaries to keep up, especially in cities.

Employers need to adjust wages while managing business costs. Industries like IT and healthcare, where skilled workers are in high demand, are more likely to offer bigger salary increases.

2. Employee Benefits and Perks

Many employees now prioritize benefits like flexible work arrangements, insurance, and performance bonuses alongside salary.

Companies that cannot afford large pay raises use these perks to attract and retain talent.

3. Workforce Trends: Remote Work and Gig Economy

Remote and hybrid work setups are still widely used, especially in tech and creative fields.

More people are also turning to freelance and contract work, which is changing how salaries and job flexibility are structured.

4. Labor Shortages and Skills Gap

Industries such as cybersecurity, AI, and healthcare lack enough skilled workers, causing salaries to rise.

To address this, companies are focusing on training programs to develop talent and ease hiring difficulties.

5. Government Policies and Wage Regulations

Updates in labor laws, minimum wages, and tax incentives affect how salaries are structured.

Employers need to keep track of these changes to offer competitive pay while staying compliant with regulations.

FAQ

What is the salary increase rate in Malaysia in 2025?

Salary increases range from 5% to 10%, but tech, finance, and healthcare may see higher hikes due to talent shortages.

Is RM3,000 RM a good salary in Malaysia?

In Kuala Lumpur, RM3,000 is enough for basic living expenses, but savings will be limited. In smaller cities, it offers a moderate lifestyle.

Is RM6,000 a good salary in Malaysia?

Yes, RM6,000 is comfortable for mid-level professionals, covering rent, food, and savings, especially outside Kuala Lumpur.

How to calculate the expected salary in Malaysia?

Use this formula → Expected Salary = Current Salary + (Current Salary × Industry Increase Rate %)

Example: If you earn RM5,000 and the industry increase is 10%, your expected salary would be RM5,500.

What are the salary ranges for software developers in 2025?

Entry-level: RM60,000 – RM120,000
Mid-level: RM96,000 – RM144,000
Senior: RM144,000 – RM216,000
Specialized (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity): RM180,000 – RM300,000

How do I determine the right salary for my finance team in 2025?

To set a competitive salary for your finance team:

Research salary benchmarks in the finance industry.
Consider role complexity (e.g., a Financial Analyst vs. CFO).
Evaluate skills and experience (finance professionals with fintech expertise may command higher salaries).
Account for company size and revenue (large corporations typically offer higher salaries).
Review benefits & incentives, as financial perks often come in bonuses, stock options, or profit-sharing.

How do employers stay competitive in the manufacturing industry’s salary market?

To attract and retain talent in the manufacturing sector, companies should:

Offer competitive salaries that match industry standards.
Invest in automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, ensuring employees gain valuable skills.
Provide training and career development programs to upskill workers.
Enhance employee benefits, such as healthcare, bonuses, and job flexibility.

What are the salary expectations for senior managers in Malaysia for 2025?

Senior managers in Malaysia earn substantial salaries, depending on their industry:

Finance (CFOs, Directors): RM360,000 – RM840,000
Tech (CIOs, IT Directors): RM300,000 – RM840,000
Manufacturing (Plant Directors): RM240,000 – RM500,000

In-demand senior professionals with experience in digital transformation, AI, and fintech may command even higher salaries.

How do government policies in Malaysia affect salary guidelines in 2025?

Changes in minimum wage, overtime laws, and tax incentives impact salaries across industries.

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