Personal Finance

What Is the Average Salary in Malaysia? 2026 Insights and Data

13 October 2026
Personal Finance

DOSM publishes its salary survey about nine months after the year ends, so the 2025 figures, released in September 2026, are the latest official data. The 2026 survey is expected in late 2027.

The average (mean) monthly salary in Malaysia is RM3,803 and the median is RM2,940, according to DOSM's Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025, released on 21 September 2026. The median is the better guide to typical pay: half of Malaysian full-time employees earn less than RM2,940 a month. Pay is highest in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Malaysia salary figures at a glance

MeasureFigureSource
Mean monthly salary (2025)RM3,803DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey 2025
Median monthly salary (2025)RM2,940DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey 2025
Median formal sector wage (March 2026)RM3,027DOSM Employee Wages Statistics 1Q 2026
Top 10% of formal sector employees earn at leastRM11,500DOSM Employee Wages Statistics 1Q 2026
Minimum wageRM1,700In effect since February 2025; rising to RM2,000 from June 2027 (Budget 2027)
Median monthly household income (2024)RM7,017DOSM Household Income Survey 2024

As of Oct 2026.

What is the median salary in Malaysia?

The median monthly salary in Malaysia was RM2,940 in 2025, up 5.3% from RM2,793 in 2024. The mean rose 4.1% to RM3,803. The mean is higher because a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up.

These figures come from DOSM's Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025, released on 21 September 2026. The headline numbers cover 10.38 million Malaysian citizens in full-time paid jobs in the public and private sectors.

Median and mean monthly salary in Malaysia, 2020-2025

YearMedian (RM)Mean (RM)
20202,0762,954
20212,2563,049
20222,4293,219
20232,6023,441
20242,7933,652
20252,9403,803

Source: DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025, press statement, 21 September 2026

As of August 2026, Malaysia's labour force was 17.39 million people, including employers, employees, self-employed individuals, and unpaid family workers. Of these, 16.87 million were employed and the unemployment rate was 2.9% (DOSM).

In 2023, DOSM began reporting formal sector wages quarterly, using administrative data from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organization (SOCSO), and DOSM itself. This data covers over 6 million employees, representing around 60% of Malaysia's formal workforce. This quarterly data is more recent than the annual survey.

In March 2026, the median monthly wage for formal sector employees was RM3,027, with Kuala Lumpur highest at RM4,527 and Kelantan lowest at RM1,827. The data covered 7.05 million Malaysian formal employees.

Wages are uneven: the bottom 10% of formal sector employees earned RM1,700 or less, while the top 10% earned at least RM11,500 a month.

Source: OpenDOSM, data as of 1Q 2026 (released 29 July 2026; next update 27 October 2026)

What is a good salary in Malaysia?

There is no official definition of a good salary, but DOSM data gives useful benchmarks. Earning more than RM2,940 a month puts you above half of Malaysian full-time employees, and more than RM11,500 puts you in the top 10% of formal sector workers.

Monthly salaryWhat it means
RM1,700Minimum wage, in effect since February 2025 (rising to RM2,000 from June 2027). The bottom 10% of formal sector employees earned this or less in March 2026.
RM2,940National median (2025): half of Malaysian full-time employees earn less
RM3,027Median formal sector wage (March 2026)
RM3,803National mean (2025)
RM4,955Mean salary in Kuala Lumpur (2025)
RM11,500Top 10% of formal sector employees earn at least this (March 2026)

Sources: DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey 2025; DOSM Employee Wages Statistics 1Q 2026

The minimum wage has been RM1,700 since February 2025. In Budget 2027, tabled on 9 October 2026, the government announced it will rise to RM2,000 a month from June 2027 (Bernama).

Whether a salary feels "good" also depends on where you live and how many people it supports. A salary that is comfortable for a single person in Kelantan may be tight for a family in Kuala Lumpur. Government aid groups such as B40, M40 and T20 are based on household income, not individual salary. The median household income was RM7,017 a month in 2024, according to DOSM's Household Income Survey 2024. To see which group your household falls into, read our guide to B40, M40, T20 and T15 income groups in Malaysia.

It also matters how much of your salary you keep. A common first goal is an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses before you start investing.

Which state has the highest average salary in Malaysia?

Putrajaya has the highest pay in Malaysia, with a mean monthly salary of RM5,417 and a median of RM4,828 in 2025. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor follow. Kelantan has the lowest median.

Salaries differ a lot by location. Urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang tend to pay more than rural areas. Only five states and federal territories had a mean salary above the national figure of RM3,803 in 2025: Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pulau Pinang and Labuan.

This disparity is largely driven by the higher cost of living, increased demand for specialised skills, and concentration of industries in metropolitan areas. However, in rural areas, while salaries are generally lower, the cost of living is also more affordable, allowing for a different standard of living.

Median and mean monthly salary by state, 2025

StateMedian (RM)Mean (RM)
W.P. Putrajaya4,8285,417
W.P. Kuala Lumpur3,9384,955
Selangor3,5474,258
Pulau Pinang3,1073,912
Melaka2,773-
Negeri Sembilan2,710-
Sarawak2,707-
W.P. Labuan2,6883,887
Johor2,688-
Pahang2,578-
Sabah2,482-
Kedah2,255-
Terengganu2,195-
Perak2,173-
Perlis2,013-
Kelantan1,860-
Malaysia2,9403,803

Source: DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025. DOSM's summary publishes means only for the states above the national mean.

Household income tells a similar story. In 2024, median monthly household income was RM7,017 nationally, RM8,139 in urban areas and RM4,588 in rural areas.

StateMedian household income, 2024 (RM)
W.P. Kuala Lumpur10,805
W.P. Putrajaya10,769
Selangor10,726
Johor7,712
Pulau Pinang7,386
W.P. Labuan7,383
Malaysia7,017

Source: DOSM Household Income Survey Report 2024, released 8 October 2025

Which industries pay the most in Malaysia?

Mining and quarrying pays the most, with a mean monthly salary of RM6,175 in 2025. Agriculture pays the least, at RM2,575. Services employs 71.5% of Malaysian wage earners and pays a mean of RM3,993.

SectorMedian (RM)Mean (RM)
Mining and quarrying4,6046,175
Services3,0433,993
Manufacturing2,6633,357
Construction2,2703,188
Agriculture1,8132,575

Within services, education (median RM5,990), health and social work (RM4,976) and information and communication (RM4,723) paid the most, while wholesale and retail trade (RM2,063) and accommodation and food services (RM2,013) paid the least.

Is there a gender pay gap in Malaysia?

Yes. In 2025, men earned a median of RM3,014 and a mean of RM3,921 a month, while women earned a median of RM2,788 and a mean of RM3,635. In the formal sector, the gap is smaller: men had a median of RM3,064 and women RM3,000 in March 2026.

Sources: DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey 2025 infographic; DOSM Employee Wages Statistics 1Q 2026

How does salary change with age and experience?

Pay rises with age and peaks in mid-career. In March 2026, formal sector employees aged 45 to 49 had the highest median wage at RM4,100 a month, compared with RM1,700 for those under 20.

How fast your pay rises depends on your job, industry and location, and on moving into more senior or skilled roles.

Source: DOSM Employee Wages Statistics 1Q 2026

Does education or skill level affect salary in Malaysia?

Yes. In 2025, skilled workers earned a mean of RM5,799 a month, more than 2.5 times the RM2,184 earned by low-skilled workers. Semi-skilled workers, the largest group at 55.6% of employees, earned RM2,714.

Professionals with higher qualifications tend to move into skilled roles, which pay more. DOSM groups workers by skill level and occupation rather than by degree.

Median monthly salary by occupation, 2025

OccupationMedian (RM)
Managers6,186
Professionals6,124
Technicians and associate professionals3,852
Clerical support workers2,693
Craft and related trades workers2,173
Plant and machine operators and assemblers2,083
Service and sales workers2,035
Skilled agricultural, forestry, livestock and fishery workers1,992
Elementary occupations1,758

Source: DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025

The relationship between education and salary, however, varies depending on the field and location. These averages represent trends across multiple industries and job titles. For more specific figures, one should look at data for particular job roles or industries.

Is Pursuing Higher Education Worth It?

Investing in advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or MBA, can be a substantial financial commitment in Malaysia. During this time, professionals may not see significant salary increases until they complete their degree, as salary reviews often occur after obtaining new qualifications.

However, higher education is often a pathway to transitioning into higher-paying roles.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue advanced education should factor in personal circumstances, career goals, and financial capacity.

What is the average salary by job role in Malaysia?

Pay varies widely by role. In DOSM's 2025 survey, managers and professionals had the highest medians, at about RM6,100 to RM6,200 a month. The tables below show typical annual salary ranges for in-demand roles from recruitment firms.

To provide a comprehensive overview of salary expectations in Malaysia, we have compiled data from various trusted sources, including Michael Page, JobStreet, Randstad, and Robert Walters.

These insights help illustrate the typical salary ranges for several in-demand job roles across different experience levels and sectors. 

Accounting & Finance

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Accounts Executive53,000 - 74,000
Internal Auditor64,000 - 107,000
Tax Associate63,000 - 105,000
Accountant107,000 - 128,000
Audit Manager150,000 - 182,000
Senior Accountant168,000 - 189,000
Tax/ Finance Manager189,000 - 252,000
Corporate Finance Manager189,000 - 231,000
Head of Corporate Finance257,000 - 321,000
Finance Director336,000 - 420,000

Human Resources

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Human Resources Executive40,000 - 80,000
Human Resources Manager140,000 - 240,000
Talent Acquisition Specialist40,000 - 96,000
Talent Acquisition Manager126,000 - 230,000
Learning & Development Specialist40,000 - 80,000
Learning & Development Manager127,000 - 233,000
Human Resources Director240,000 - 400,000

Sales & Marketing

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Marketing Executive40,000 - 70,000
Content Writer/ Editor40,000 - 70,000
Graphic Designer40,000 - 70,000
Corporate Communication Officer40,000 - 70,000
Marketing Manager80,000 - 180,000
Digital Marketing Manager80,000 - 180,000
Brand Manager90,000 - 180,000
Head of Marketing180,000 - 300,000
Marketing Director240,000 - 420,000
Key Account Executive42,000 - 84,000
Account Manager100,000 - 140,000
Business Development Executive60,000 - 80,000
Business Development Manager120,000 - 160,000

Tech & Transformation

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Data Scientist170,000 - 240,000
Data Engineer144,000 - 230,000
Data Architect194,000 - 224,000
Product Manager160,000 - 230,000
Head of Product240,000 - 420,000
UI/UX Designer96,000 - 156,000
UI/UX Manager120,000 - 216,000
Full Stack Developer140,000 - 200,000
Front/ Back End Developer120,000 - 196,000
Mobile Developer120,000 - 180,000
Software Tester120,000 - 180,000
Tech Lead180,000 - 240,000
DevOps Engineer144,000 - 216,000

Engineering & Manufacturing

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Manufacturing/Operations/Plant Manager185,000 - 247,000
Project Manager132,000 - 242,000
Quality Manager120,000 - 220,000
Project Engineer84,000 - 126,000
Process Engineer84,000 - 120,000
Automation Engineer84,000 - 120,000
Field Service Engineer72,000 - 96,000
Sustainability Manager144,000 - 192,000

Supply Chain & Procurement

RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Shipping Coordinator52,000 - 96,000
Logistic Officer62,000 - 108,000
Fleet Manager96,000 - 180,000
Inventory Planner105,000 - 150,000
Logistics Manager96,000 - 180,000
Warehouse/ Inventory Manager140,000 - 230,000
Procurement Officer73,000 - 108,000
Procurement Manager108,000 - 180,000
Supply Chain Officer62,000 - 104,000
Supply Chain Manager126,000 - 200,000
Supply Chain Director300,000 - 450,000
RoleAnnual salary (MYR)
Lawyer - 1-4 yrs' PQE60,000 - 120,000
Lawyer - 5-8 yrs' PQE144,000 - 192,000
Lawyer - 8+ yrs' PQE192,000+
Company Secretary - Executive44,000 - 80,000
Company Secretary - AM/M/SM80,000 - 156,000
Company Secretary - Head180,000 - 360,000
Regulatory/ Compliance Administrator70,000 - 125,000
Regulatory/ Compliance Manager90,000 - 210,000
Head of Compliance190,000 - 260,000

How much are salaries in Malaysia expected to rise?

Malaysian salaries rose by an average of 4.6% in 2026 and are projected to rise 4.8% in 2027, according to Aon's salary survey released in September 2026.

Aon's latest Salary Increase and Turnover Study, which covered more than 1,200 businesses across six Southeast Asian countries, puts Malaysia slightly below the regional average of 5.2% for 2027. Singapore is projected at 4.1%, Thailand at 4.6%, the Philippines at 5.3%, Indonesia at 5.5% and Vietnam at 6.7%.

Within Malaysia, life sciences and medical devices is expected to give the highest increases, at 5.2%. Attrition eased to 17.4% in 2026, from 18.2% in 2025.

The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) projected similar increases for 2026: 5.33% for executives and 5.01% for non-executives. Nearly 90% of companies raised salaries in 2025.

Beyond private sector trends, Malaysia’s public sector has undergone one of the most significant wage revisions in recent history under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). Following Phase 1 adjustments implemented in December 2024, Phase 2 salary adjustments took effect on 1 January 2026, with payments disbursed later in January. Under the revised structure:

  • Implementation Group and Management & Professional (P&P) officers receive a total increase of 15% (8% in Phase 1 + 7% in Phase 2).
  • Top Management (KPT) officers receive a total increase of 7% (4% in Phase 1 + 3% in Phase 2).

The salary adjustment applies to civil servants who registered under SSPA and remained in service as of 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026. While the adjustment is not directly tied to performance appraisal scores, annual salary increments still require a minimum 75% performance rating under the MyPerformance system.

Combined, these adjustments represent one of the largest civil service pay reforms announced under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, reinforcing public sector wage competitiveness.

Overall, Malaysia's salary growth reflects a labour market balancing cost discipline with targeted pay rises to keep skilled staff.

How much bonus do Malaysian employees get?

Most Malaysian employers pay a bonus of about two months' salary. For 2026, companies forecast 2.16 months for executives and 2.02 months for non-executives.

Performance bonuses remain a key component of total compensation in Malaysia in 2026, with employers projecting stronger payouts compared to previous years.

According to the latest Salary Survey for Executives and Non-Executives by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), companies are forecasting average bonus payments of:

  • 2.16 months’ salary for executives
  • 2.02 months’ salary for non-executives

This reflects continued employer commitment to variable pay as a performance-linked reward mechanism. In 2025, executive-level employees received average bonuses of 2.17 months, while non-executives received 1.96 months — indicating that bonus structures remain stable at around two months’ salary across most sectors.

In 2025, 82% of companies awarded bonuses, underscoring the widespread adoption of performance-based incentives across Malaysia’s corporate landscape. If you are deciding how to use yours, see what to do with your bonus.

How much do you need to live in Malaysia on an average salary?

A single person in Kuala Lumpur or Penang typically spends RM3,000 to RM5,000 a month. Our sample budget below comes to about RM3,900, which is above the national median salary of RM2,940.

For a single person living in Malaysia, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, the average monthly cost typically ranges from RM3,000 to RM5,000, depending on lifestyle and location. 

Managing these expenses effectively requires balancing everyday living costs with long-term savings and investments. 

Accommodation Costs

Housing is a significant expense. For instance, by our estimates, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur may cost around RM2,000 per month, while in cities like Johor Bahru, similar accommodations might be priced at RM1,500. This difference can impact budgeting for those relocating to urban centres.

Utilities and Internet

On average, utilities such as electricity, water, and internet add up to about RM350 per month. These costs are fairly consistent across different regions in Malaysia.

Transportation Expenses

Public transportation is an affordable option, with the My50 travel pass offering unlimited Rapid KL rides for just RM50 a month for Malaysians. However, car ownership can significantly increase monthly expenses by an additional RM600 for fuel and maintenance.

Food and Provisions

Grocery and dining expenses can range from RM700 per month, depending on lifestyle choices. While food prices in Kuala Lumpur may be slightly higher, the wide variety of affordable local cuisine helps balance out costs.

Healthcare and Insurance

Health insurance typically costs between RM150 to RM300 monthly, depending on coverage. It’s important to assess both the cost and accessibility of healthcare services in different regions.

Miscellaneous and Entertainment

For leisure activities and unforeseen expenses, allocating about RM500 a month is a reasonable estimate, though this can vary based on personal preferences.

All in, this comes to about RM3,900 a month. On a median salary, that usually means sharing a home, living further from the city centre or relying on a second household income.

ItemCost (RM)
Housing2,000
Utilities and Internet350
Transportation100
Food and Groceries700
Healthcare and Insurance250
Miscellaneous and Entertainment500
Total Monthly Budget3,900

Planning further ahead? See how much you need to retire in Malaysia.

How can you increase your salary in Malaysia?

Build skills employers pay more for, keep your performance consistent and take on more responsibility before you ask for a raise. Moving into a skilled role makes the biggest difference: skilled workers earn more than double the mean of semi-skilled workers.

Increasing your salary starts with self-improvement and consistently demonstrating value to your employer. Before asking for a raise, it’s essential to focus on strategies that showcase your growth and contribution to the company. Here are some effective ways to position yourself for a salary increase:

  1. Acquire New Qualifications: Expanding your skill set makes you a more valuable employee. By gaining additional qualifications, you strengthen your case for a salary raise and increase your chances of promotions. Formal training not only enhances your practical skills but also provides theoretical knowledge, making you a more versatile asset to your organisation.
  2. Maintain High Performance: Consistency is key when it comes to earning more. After receiving a raise, continue exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results. Consistently good performance helps reinforce your value, making future salary negotiations easier, and elevates your professional reputation.
  3. Take on More Responsibilities: Volunteering for extra duties shows your readiness for growth and signals to management that you’re capable of handling more. Taking on new tasks provides a solid foundation for salary discussions and could open doors to more senior roles within the company.
  4. Earn a Stellar Performance Review: A strong performance review highlights your contributions and places you in a favourable position to request a salary increase. A great review emphasizes your value and supports your case for higher compensation.
  5. Seek Regular Feedback: Proactively ask for feedback from your managers to understand where you excel and what areas need improvement. Continuous feedback allows you to align your performance with company expectations, making your raise request more compelling when the time comes.
  6. Understand Your Role Fully: Before discussing a raise, ensure you clearly understand your role and the company’s expectations. Compare your duties with what’s required and identify areas for improvement. Mastering your responsibilities and adding unique value that no one else can offer puts you in a strong position to negotiate for a raise.

By following these strategies, you can build a solid case for salary growth and ensure your contributions are recognised and rewarded.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average salary in Malaysia in 2026?

The latest official figure is DOSM's Salaries & Wages Survey Report 2025, released on 21 September 2026. It puts the mean monthly salary of Malaysian full-time employees at RM3,803 and the median at RM2,940. DOSM's quarterly formal sector data shows a median of RM3,027 in March 2026.

What is the difference between the mean and median salary?

The mean is the total of all salaries divided by the number of workers, so a small group of high earners pulls it up. The median is the middle salary: half of workers earn more and half earn less. In Malaysia the mean (RM3,803) is well above the median (RM2,940), so the median is the better guide to what a typical worker earns.

What is considered a good salary in Malaysia?

There is no official definition, but DOSM data gives useful benchmarks. A monthly salary above RM2,940 is more than half of Malaysian full-time employees earn, and above RM3,803 is more than the national mean. In the formal sector, the top 10% earned at least RM11,500 a month in March 2026. Whether a salary feels comfortable also depends on where you live and how many people it supports.

Is RM5,000 a good salary in Malaysia?

RM5,000 a month is well above the national median of RM2,940 and the mean of RM3,803 in DOSM's 2025 survey. It is also above the mean salary in Kuala Lumpur (RM4,955). For a single person it usually covers living costs in the Klang Valley with room to save, though it goes less far for a family on one income.

Which state has the highest salary in Malaysia?

W.P. Putrajaya has the highest pay, with a mean monthly salary of RM5,417 and a median of RM4,828 in 2025. Kuala Lumpur (mean RM4,955) and Selangor (mean RM4,258) follow. Only five states and federal territories had a mean above the national figure of RM3,803: Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pulau Pinang and Labuan.

What is the minimum wage in Malaysia?

The minimum wage is RM1,700 a month, in effect since February 2025. In Budget 2027, tabled on 9 October 2026, the government announced an increase to RM2,000 a month from June 2027.

Which industry pays the highest salary in Malaysia?

Mining and quarrying pays the most, with a mean monthly salary of RM6,175 in DOSM's 2025 survey. Services (RM3,993) and manufacturing (RM3,357) come next, while agriculture pays the least (RM2,575). Within services, education, health and information and communication have some of the highest medians.

How much do salaries increase each year in Malaysia?

Aon's latest survey, released in September 2026, found Malaysian salaries rose by 4.6% on average in 2026 and are projected to rise 4.8% in 2027. The Malaysian Employers Federation projected increases of 5.33% for executives and 5.01% for non-executives in 2026.


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