What’s a Good Salary in Malaysia? Here’s How to Tell
How do you know if you're being paid fairly in Malaysia? A “good salary” depends on industry standards, experience, location, and cost of living. Whether you're job hunting or negotiating a raise, this guide will show you how to evaluate salaries and make sure you're getting what you deserve.
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-07 at 2:26 AM
Updated on 2025-03-07 at 2:26 AM
Is your salary competitive? Are you earning enough for your experience and skills?
Many Malaysians struggle to determine what a "good salary" actually is, especially when job offers vary widely between industries and locations.
A good salary in Malaysia depends on several factors, including market demand, job scope, cost of living, and industry standards. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a salary fair, how to compare salaries across industries, and tips for negotiating a better paycheck.
💡 Looking for a job that pays well? Browse Hiredly’s job listings to explore top employers in Malaysia.
1. What Is Considered a Good Salary in Malaysia?
A good salary in Malaysia varies based on:
✅ Job Industry & Experience Level – High-demand industries pay more.
✅ Location – Salaries in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor tend to be higher due to the cost of living.
✅ Company Size & Reputation – Multinational corporations (MNCs) often offer better pay and benefits.
✅ Cost of Living – Consider housing, food, and transport expenses in your city.
📌 General Salary Benchmarks in Malaysia (2025):
| Experience Level | Low Salary (RM) | Average Salary (RM) | High Salary (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Graduate | 2,500 | 3,000 – 4,000 | 5,000+ |
| Mid-Level (3-5 yrs experience) | 4,000 | 5,500 – 7,000 | 10,000+ |
| Senior-Level (8+ yrs experience) | 7,000 | 10,000 – 15,000 | 20,000+ |
| Manager/Director | 12,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 | 30,000+ |
📌 High-Paying Industries:
💰 Tech & Software Development – RM4,000+ (entry-level)
💰 Finance & Investment – RM4,500+ (entry-level)
💰 Oil & Gas – RM5,000+ (entry-level)
💰 Engineering & Manufacturing – RM3,800+ (entry-level)
🔎 Why It Matters: Knowing these salary benchmarks helps you evaluate job offers and negotiate better pay.
💡 Not sure how to negotiate? Read Can Fresh Grads Negotiate Their Salary? (Yes, Here’s How).
2. How to Check If Your Salary Is Fair
To evaluate your salary, compare it against these key factors:
✅ Industry Standards – Research average salaries for your job title.
✅ Company’s Pay Scale – Some companies pay more based on brand reputation and financial strength.
✅ Skills & Certifications – Higher qualifications justify a higher salary.
✅ Job Responsibilities – More tasks & leadership roles = higher pay.
How to Compare Salaries:
✔ Use Job Portals – Check salary ranges on Hiredly, Glassdoor, and Payscale.
✔ Ask Recruiters – Hiring managers can provide insights on salary trends.
✔ Network with Peers – Join LinkedIn groups or industry communities to discuss salary trends.
💬 Example:
If a Marketing Executive in KL earns RM3,000 – RM4,500, but your job offer is RM2,800, you might negotiate for a higher salary based on market rates.
🔎 Why It Works: Comparing salaries helps you identify underpaid roles and avoid lowball offers.
💡 Want to know the best-paying jobs? Read Malaysia’s Most Underrated Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well.
3. Cost of Living vs. Salary: Are You Earning Enough?
A salary might look good on paper, but does it cover your expenses comfortably?
📌 Average Monthly Living Costs in Malaysia (2025):
| Expense | Kuala Lumpur (RM) | Penang (RM) | Johor Bahru (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center) | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,300 |
| Food & Groceries | 700 – 1,200 | 600 – 1,000 | 500 – 900 |
| Transport (car/public transport) | 400 – 800 | 300 – 600 | 300 – 700 |
| Utilities & Internet | 200 – 400 | 150 – 300 | 150 – 300 |
📌 Good Salary vs. Basic Salary:
- RM2,500 – RM3,500 → Covers basic expenses in smaller cities but may be tight in KL.
- RM4,000 – RM6,000 → Comfortable for most Malaysians, depending on spending habits.
- RM7,000+ → Allows for savings, investments, and a better lifestyle.
🔎 Why It Matters: A “good salary” is not just about how much you earn, but also how much you can save and invest.
💡 Want to compare cities? Read Malaysia’s Best Cities for Job Seekers (Salary vs. Cost of Living).
4. How to Negotiate for a Better Salary
If your salary doesn’t match industry standards, negotiate with confidence.
✅ When to Negotiate:
✔ During a job offer discussion.
✔ At your performance review.
✔ After completing a major project or gaining new certifications.
💬 Example Salary Negotiation Response:
"Thank you for the offer! Based on my research, the industry average for this role is RM4,000. Considering my skills and experience, would it be possible to adjust the salary to RM4,200?"
📌 Key Salary Negotiation Tips:
✔ Research market salaries before asking.
✔ Highlight your achievements and value to the company.
✔ Be polite but firm in your request.
🔎 Why It Works: Employers often have room to negotiate, and those who ask professionally are more likely to get a raise.
💡 Need more tips? Read How to Successfully Negotiate Salary in Malaysia.
A good salary in Malaysia depends on industry demand, location, and cost of living. By researching market salaries, evaluating living costs, and negotiating when necessary, you can ensure that you’re getting paid what you deserve. Ready to earn more? Explore Hiredly’s high-paying job opportunities, take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find your best career fit, and join the Young Talent Community for career insights!
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-07 at 2:26 AM