HOME BROWSE SALARIES ARTICLES BEST PAYING JOBS SUBMIT SALARY
Browse Salaries
Best Paying Jobs
Articles
Submit Salary
Salary Increase Letters

Average Salary in Shanghai 2024

How much money does a person working in Shanghai make?


Average Monthly Salary
31,800 CNY
( 382,000 CNY yearly)

LOW
8,020
CNY
AVERAGE
31,800
CNY
HIGH
142,000
CNY
All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Shanghai typically earns around 31,800 CNY. Salaries range from 8,020 CNY (lowest average) to 142,000 CNY (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Shanghai vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Shanghai

Median and salary distribution Shanghai monthly
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/china/shanghai/shanghai/median-and-salary-distribution-monthly-shanghai.jpg

Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
62,700 CNY or more
10% of people earn
49,000 to 62,700 CNY
20% of people earn
19,100 CNY or less
65% of people earn
19,100 to 49,000 CNY
Minimum Salary
8,020 CNY
Median
28,800 CNY
Maximum
142,000 CNY




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Shanghai range from 8,020 CNY (starting salary) to 142,000 CNY (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 28,800 CNY, which means that 50% of the population in Shanghai earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Shanghai earn less than 20,800 CNY while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 43,600 CNY while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Shanghai. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 19,100 CNY to 49,000 CNY. Approximately 20% fall under the 19,100 CNY cap. Ten percent of wages are from 49,000 CNY to 62,700 CNY. Only 5% of people grossed 62,700 CNY or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/images/salary-by-experience.jpg

Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Shanghai, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/images/salary-comparison-by-education.jpg

Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Shanghai comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in China is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 147,000 CNY to 441,000 CNY and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Shanghai

Salary comparison by gender China monthly
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/china/salary-comparison-by-gender-monthly-china.jpg

Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In China, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 10% across all career fields.

Male
30,900 CNY
Female-9%
28,100 CNY
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Shanghai

How much are annual salary increments in Shanghai? How often do employees get salary raises?

China

Employees in China are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 9% every 15 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate China
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/china/annual-salary-increment-rate-china.jpg


The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in China is 7%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/images/salary-increment-world.jpg

Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in China

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate China
Share This Chart
        Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/china/annual-salary-bonus-rate-china.jpg

100% of surveyed staff in China reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant23,800 CNY
Accounting Assistant18,700 CNY
Accounting Manager47,200 CNY
Bookkeeper15,100 CNY
Chartered Accountant29,700 CNY
Corporate Treasurer45,000 CNY
Financial Analyst41,100 CNY
Financial Manager63,100 CNY
Internal Auditor30,700 CNY

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant16,900 CNY
Office Manager28,800 CNY
Receptionist16,000 CNY
Secretary15,000 CNY

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director33,800 CNY
Creative Director34,300 CNY
Graphic Designer19,900 CNY
Photographer17,600 CNY

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer41,000 CNY
Air Traffic Controller35,300 CNY
Flight Attendant22,800 CNY
Pilot57,600 CNY

Architecture
Architect40,500 CNY
CAD Drafter17,400 CNY

Automotive
Mechanic12,000 CNY
Service Advisor22,200 CNY

Banking
Bank Branch Manager62,100 CNY
Teller12,400 CNY

Bilingual
Teacher25,100 CNY
Translator29,700 CNY

Business Planning
Business Analyst41,600 CNY
Business Development Manager54,500 CNY
Project Manager43,400 CNY

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny13,200 CNY
Nursery Teacher11,800 CNY

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer30,200 CNY
Construction Project Manager56,000 CNY
Health and Safety Officer15,300 CNY

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative12,100 CNY
Customer Service Manager44,200 CNY
Customer Service Representative12,300 CNY

Engineering
Civil Engineer29,100 CNY
Electrical Engineer31,200 CNY
Engineer30,100 CNY
Mechanical Engineer31,300 CNY

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer72,000 CNY
Chief Financial Officer65,800 CNY
General Manager57,400 CNY
Project Manager37,200 CNY

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef21,200 CNY
Executive Chef24,600 CNY
Hotel Manager57,100 CNY
Receptionist12,300 CNY
Travel Agent20,400 CNY
Waiter / Waitress10,200 CNY

Health and Medical
Dentist78,300 CNY
Dietitian63,500 CNY
Laboratory Technician24,800 CNY
Nurse25,300 CNY

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager47,200 CNY
Human Resources Officer19,000 CNY

Information Technology
Computer Technician26,400 CNY
Database Administrator31,800 CNY
Developer / Programmer32,700 CNY
Information Technology Manager52,700 CNY
Network Engineer29,600 CNY

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer19,000 CNY

Legal
Attorney62,900 CNY
Legal Assistant17,000 CNY

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist38,900 CNY

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer28,500 CNY
Pharmacist43,600 CNY

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier12,200 CNY
Sales Manager56,900 CNY
Sales Representative21,500 CNY

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher22,100 CNY
Secondary School Teacher27,800 CNY

Average Hourly Wage in Shanghai


180 CNY per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Shanghai is 180 CNY.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Shanghai is 46 CNY. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Shanghai31,800 CNY

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in China is 6% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
28,600 CNY
Public Sector+6%
30,300 CNY
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Shanghai?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Shanghai would range anywhere between 28,800 CNY and 43,600 CNY.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Shanghai ranges from 8,020 CNY to 20,800 CNY. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


Browse Salaries

Salary Increase Letters

Best Paying Jobs
Home BROWSE SALARIES ARTICLES BEST PAYING JOBS Salary Comparison Arabic

©Salary Explorer 2024