<h1>Ever wondered if you’re making less than others in your field?</h1><h2>Many job seekers and employees don’t realize they’re underpaid until they compare salaries with peers or research industry benchmarks.</h2>Being underpaid can affect more than just your finances—it can impact job satisfaction, motivation, and career growth. The good news? If you’re underpaid, you can do something about it.This guide will help you: Compare your salary to industry standards Spot the warning signs of underpayment Negotiate a raise or find a better-paying job💡 Looking for better-paying jobs? Browse <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly’s job listings</a> and take your career to the next level.<hr><h2>1. How to Check If You’re Underpaid<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_115548503_f239f72546.png"></h2>Before assuming you’re underpaid, do a salary check based on:✅ Your Job Title &amp; Industry – Different industries have different salary benchmarks. ✅ <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/5-in-demand-skills-to-boost-your-career?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Experience &amp; Skills</a> – Senior employees should earn more than entry-level hires. ✅ Location – Jobs in Kuala Lumpur &amp; Selangor tend to pay more due to higher living costs. ✅ Company Type – MNCs and large firms typically pay more than startups or SMEs.<h3>📌 Average Salary Benchmarks in Malaysia (2024)</h3><figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Job Level</th><th>Low Salary (RM)</th><th>Average Salary (RM)</th><th>High Salary (RM)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Fresh Graduate</td><td>2,500</td><td>3,000 – 4,000</td><td>5,000+</td></tr><tr><td>Mid-Level (3-5 years experience)</td><td>4,000</td><td>5,500 – 7,000</td><td>10,000+</td></tr><tr><td>Senior-Level (8+ years experience)</td><td>7,000</td><td>10,000 – 15,000</td><td>20,000+</td></tr><tr><td>Manager/Director</td><td>12,000</td><td>15,000 – 25,000</td><td>30,000+</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>📌 How to Compare Salaries: ✔ Use Job Portals – Check salary ranges on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, Glassdoor, or Payscale. ✔ Network with Peers – Ask professionals in your field about salary expectations. ✔ Talk to Recruiters – They have insights into market salary trends.🔎 Why It Matters: If your salary is below market rate, it’s time to negotiate or explore better job opportunities.💡 Not sure what salary to expect? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-answer-salary-expectations?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What’s a Good Salary in Malaysia? Here’s How to Tell.</a><hr><h2>2. Signs You’re Being Underpaid</h2>Wondering if you’re making less than you should? Look out for these red flags:<ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/understanding-salary-negotiations-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Your salary hasn’t increased in years</a> – No raise despite gaining skills &amp; experience.</li><li>New hires are earning more than you – Fresh grads or junior staff getting higher salaries.</li><li>Industry peers earn significantly more – Your role pays below market rate.</li><li>You’re doing extra work without extra pay – Job scope expanded, but salary remains the same.</li><li>Your company has a high turnover rate – If many employees quit for better pay, it’s a warning sign.</li></ul>🔎 Why It Matters: If these signs sound familiar, you might be getting underpaid—and it’s time to take action.💡 Thinking of quitting? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/should-you-quit-without-a-backup-plan?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Should You Quit Without a Backup Plan</a>?.<hr><h2>3. What to Do If You’re Underpaid<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_115620292_f804683096.png"></h2>If you’ve confirmed you’re earning less than market value, here’s how to take action:<h3>✅ Step 1: Gather Salary Data &amp; Evidence</h3>✔ Research average salaries for your role using job portals and networking. ✔ List<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/use-achievements-not-tasks?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> your achievements</a> &amp; contributions to justify a higher salary. ✔ If colleagues are earning more for the same role, note the differences.<h3>✅ Step 2: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/understanding-salary-negotiations-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Negotiate a Salary</a> Increase</h3>If you like your job but feel underpaid, talk to your employer about a raise.💬 Example Salary Negotiation Request: "I’ve really enjoyed working at [Company Name] and have taken on additional responsibilities over the past year. After researching industry standards, I found that my current salary is below the market rate for this role. Based on my performance and contributions, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment to better reflect my value to the company."📌 Pro Tips for Negotiation: ✔ Be confident &amp; professional – Avoid ultimatums. ✔ Highlight your contributions – Show how you’ve added value. ✔ Be open to alternatives – If a raise isn’t possible, ask for bonuses, benefits, or a future salary review.🔎 Why It Works: Employers won’t increase salaries unless you ask—so be proactive!💡 Need help negotiating? Read Can Fresh Grads Negotiate Their Salary? (Yes, Here’s How).<h3>✅ Step 3: Explore Better Job Opportunities</h3>If your employer refuses to adjust your salary, it might be time to look elsewhere.🚀 What to Do Next: ✔ Apply for higher-paying jobs – Use platforms like <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities">Hiredly</a> to find better offers. ✔ Upskill to increase your value – Take online courses or certifications. ✔ Network for referrals – Many jobs aren’t advertised and come through connections.📌 When to Consider <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-resignation-letter?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quitting</a>: ❌ Your company refuses to increase pay despite strong performance. ❌ There’s no clear career progression or salary growth path. ❌ You’ve received better job offers elsewhere.🔎 Why It Works: Switching jobs often leads to the biggest salary jumps. If you’ve hit a salary ceiling, <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-skip-notice-period?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">moving on</a> may be the best option.💡 Looking for higher-paying roles? Read<a href="https://thefullfrontal.my/7-odd-jobs-in-malaysia-that-pay-well/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Malaysia’s Most Underrated Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well</a>.<hr><h3>If you’re working hard but earning less than you deserve, you may be underpaid. The key to getting a fair salary is knowing your worth, negotiating strategically, and being open to better opportunities. Ready to get paid what you’re worth? Explore <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly’s high-paying job vacancies</a>, take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly Work Personality Test</a> to find your best job match, and join the <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=are_you_being_underpaid?_here’s_how_to_find_out&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Talent Community</a> for career insights!</h3>

Not sure if your salary is fair? Learn how to compare salaries, spot the signs of underpayment, and take action to get the pay you deserve in Malaysia.