Average Software Engineer Salary in China: 14 Sources Compared

It’s further interesting to note the big difference in averages once we break down the source type:

While some of the salary listings are more generalized than others, all are based on some sort of data collected. 

The local sources, Zhilian Zhaopin & Liepin, are pulling from their own sets of data – which happen to be from hundreds of thousands of job listings across their platforms. It’s important to note that their data reflects recruited salaries, or the publicly listed salary information that companies advertise on the platforms, and not the final salary actually received on contract. Actual salaries received may be higher as 1) candidates negotiate, and 2) employers often have internal thresholds and benefits that they can offer above the advertised package.

International sources are also likely to be pulling on some of their own data and experience. They are more likely to have higher requirements from clients for things like language (bilingual+ candidates only) and international working experience or education. Furthermore, a large portion of the data that these foreign HR firms have likely comes from larger multinationals (MNCs), which generally pay higher than local Chinese employers.

In order to attract great talent in China, foreign companies (and any companies for that matter) are wise to budget a compensation package that is above the industry average.