From casual to executive: examining average salaries in Malaysia

Jobstreet content team – updated on 27 June, 2024

Expect a lively debate when you mention the average salary in Malaysia. On one hand, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) found that median monthly wages in the formal sector had grown about 5.5% year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2023. But not everyone’s happy: some analysts worry that rising living costs may yet outpace Malaysia's wage growth.

Disagreements aside, there’s no doubt that the average salary is a fundamental metric in the job market, serving as a benchmark for both employees and employers in Malaysia. By understanding average salary figures in their sector, employees can better gauge their income against industry standards, negotiate better pay, or make informed career decisions.

Employers, for their part, can use average salaries in Malaysia to set competitive salaries that help attract and retain talent. Economists and policymakers analyse average salaries to assess economic health and job market trends.

Several factors influence average salary figures in Malaysia, including industry, location, experience, and education level. This article explores these factors, providing a detailed overview of Malaysia’s average salary landscape.

What is an average salary?
⁠What’s the difference between average, gross and median salary?
⁠What’s the average salary in Malaysia?
⁠Average salary in Malaysia for corporate jobs
⁠Average salary in Malaysia for casual roles
⁠Conclusion
⁠FAQs

What is an average salary?

The average salary represents the mean salary for a job or industry, calculated by summing all salaries and dividing by the number of employees. This figure provides a general idea of what workers earn in a specific sector.

However, the average salary can be skewed by outliers – extremely high or low salaries – that may not accurately represent the typical earnings for most employees.

What’s the difference between average, gross and median salary?

The distinction between average, gross, and median salaries can be confusing for first-time job seekers. However, understanding the difference plays a crucial role in effective career planning. Whether you're dealing with higher average salaries or navigating the minimum wage, knowing these distinctions helps you make informed financial decisions.

Average (or mean) salary: The total sum of all salaries divided by the number of employees. This figure can be influenced by extremely high or low salaries.
Median salary: The middle value when all salaries are arranged in ascending order. This figure is less affected by outliers and can provide a better representation of what a typical worker earns.
Gross salary: The total salary before deductions such as taxes and SOCSO contributions.

For job seekers, the median salary often offers a more accurate picture of typical earnings within a sector.

Front view of businessman holding tablet

What’s the average salary in Malaysia?

The average salary in Malaysia varies widely depending on factors such as education, work experience, and industry. The likelihood of higher-paying jobs also increases in high-demand sectors. In industries with limited competitive human capital, companies often offer high salaries and better benefits like housing allowances to attract and retain top talent.

Average salary by education

Further education has a positive correlation with salary levels. Workers with higher education, like a Masters degree, tend to enjoy a higher average income. Education is a worthy investment that can significantly enhance earning potential throughout a career.

Work experience

Work experience is a critical determinant of salary. Employees with more years of experience tend to command higher compensation due to their enhanced skills and expertise. However, salary increases due to experience may plateau at senior levels in some professions.

Average salary in Malaysia for corporate jobs

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and managing financial records. Their responsibilities include documenting transactions, performing financial calculations, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.

To become an accountant, one must complete a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, with advanced degrees like a Master of Accounting or MBA being beneficial for senior roles.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 5,000 to MYR 7,000

Financial Accountant

Financial accountants focus on managing financial records, budgeting and forecasting, and analysing and interpreting financial information. Candidates for this role must demonstrate strong attention to detail, ensuring that all information is recorded correctly.

Qualifications for this role include a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, and professional qualifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) offered by the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA).

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 4,050 to MYR 6,550

HR Manager

The Human Resources Manager oversees all administrative functions related to a company’s employees. They occupy upper-level positions that take charge of recruitment, employee relations, and staff activities.

To rise to a Human Resources Manager position, you’ll need several years of experience and a track record of satisfactory performance in lower human resources positions.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 7,050 to MYR 9,550

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for driving sales targets and leading sales teams.

Under their guidance, sales teams are motivated to meet targets and expand their client base. Sales Managers may also be responsible for determining inventory, assigning sales territories, and occasionally hiring sales staff.

To become a sales manager, you must complete a diploma course or bachelors degree in marketing, business, accounting, economics, finance, or another related course; and then gain at least three to five years of professional experience in sales and marketing.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 5,750 to MYR 8,250

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers must develop strategies to maximise their company’s sales or brand awareness. They oversee marketing campaigns that raise awareness of and generate demand for products and services while serving as the point person for communication between a business and its customer base.

To qualify for this position, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications or a related field; and then take on several years of industry experience.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 6,250 to MYR 8,750

Risk Manager

Risk Managers help organisations identify and mitigate financial risks. They must evaluate potential threats to a company, develop risk mitigation strategies, and take measures to limit or manage them.

To pursue a career as a Risk Manager you typically need a degree in risk management, business administration, finance, or a related field, and relevant experience. You will also need to pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) to strengthen your credentials.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 8,300 to MYR 9,500

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers manage the logistics of goods and services for companies. They must ensure that all logistical requirements of the entire production process are efficiently handled while also reducing costs. Depending on the nature of the business, this can include sourcing and purchasing as well as shipping and storage.

Hiring managers prefer supply chain manager candidates with a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management or a related field.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 7,250 to MYR 9,750

Average salary in Malaysia for casual roles

Receptionist

A receptionist manages customer interactions as the first point of contact for clients. They must perform a variety of administrative tasks to support a business or organisation. To excel at a receptionist position, you must possess excellent skills in verbal communication and writing to collate information.

No formal training is required for this position – anyone willing to learn through on-the-job training can become a receptionist. However, some employers may require at least a secondary school certificate or the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

The average monthly salary for Receptionist jobs in Malaysia ranges from RM.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 2,000 to MYR 2,800

Barista

Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Candidates with a passion for coffee are likely to be favoured by hiring managers, as the role involves understanding types of coffee and mastering several distinct types of preparation methods.

Training is typically provided on the job. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to learn on the job is a must. Experience in food and beverage preparation and customer service will give you an edge.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 1,800 to MYR 1,900

Read more about Barista Salary in Malaysia (May, 2024).

Sales Assistant

The Sales Assistant is an entry-level role on a sales team. Typical tasks include assisting customers, promoting products, and arranging stocks.

Candidates for Sales Assistant positions must demonstrate strong sales ability, which they mostly learn on the job. As this is an entry-level role, prior work experience isn’t usually required. Hiring managers expect at least secondary education and completion of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 2,100 to MYR 3,000

Events Coordinator

An Events Coordinator plans and organises events. These include corporate meetings, business conferences, social gatherings, and large public events like festivals or concerts. Their responsibilities often include selecting and booking venues, coordinating with various vendors, managing budgets and adhering to health and safety regulations.

No formal training is required for an Events Coordinator position – anyone willing to learn through on-the-job training can qualify for this role.

Average monthly salary (range): MYR 3,000 to MYR 3,800

Conclusion

Understanding average salaries is crucial for navigating the job market effectively. In Malaysia, the average salary varies significantly based on education, experience, industry, and job title. Professionals with higher education and more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries.

By staying informed about average salary trends, job seekers can better understand their market value, set realistic salary expectations, and make strategic career choices. Employers can benchmark their salary offerings to ensure competitiveness and equity in their pay structures.

Ultimately, transparency and awareness about average salaries in Malaysia contribute to a healthier and more balanced job market for everyone involved.

FAQs

What is the average salary in Malaysia?
⁠Average Malaysian salaries vary significantly by industry, education level, and work experience. For most professions, they range from MYR 2,500 to MYR 10,000 per month.
Is MYR 7,000 a good salary in Malaysia?
⁠Yes, MYR 7,000 is considered a good salary in Malaysia, particularly for individuals with several years of experience or those in specialised fields. It is above the national average and allows for a comfortable living.
Is MYR 3,500 a good salary in Malaysia?
⁠MYR 3,500 is a decent salary in Malaysia, particularly for entry-level positions or less experienced workers. It is around the average salary for many roles and can provide a reasonable standard of living.
What exactly is the difference between average salary and median salary?
⁠The average salary is the total sum of all salaries divided by the number of employees, while the median salary is the middle value when all salaries are arranged in ascending order. The median salary is often more representative of what a typical worker earns, as it is less affected by outliers.
How much does age typically affect average salary?
⁠Age, which often correlates with work experience, significantly affects average salary. Generally, older and more experienced workers earn higher salaries, although this can plateau at senior levels in some professions.
Does a degree always guarantee a higher average salary?
⁠While a degree often leads to higher earning potential, it does not always guarantee a higher salary. Other factors such as experience, industry, and job performance also play crucial roles in determining salary.
At what point in my career can I expect my salary to plateau?
⁠Salaries tend to plateau at senior levels in many professions, typically after 15-20 years of experience. At this point, wage growth may slow down, but it can be offset by other benefits and incentives offered by employers.