As Malaysia’s economy continues to recover and evolve in 2025, understanding the average salary per month in Malaysia has never been more important. Whether you’re a fresh graduate entering the workforce, an expat planning to relocate, or a business owner benchmarking pay scales, salary insights reveal valuable trends about the country’s job market and living standards.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the median monthly salary in Malaysia increased to around RM2,800–RM3,200, while the mean (average) salary now sits closer to RM3,800–RM4,200. These numbers reflect steady growth compared to pre-pandemic years — but wage distribution remains uneven depending on industry, region, and qualification level.
Before diving into job-specific earnings, it’s important to distinguish between minimum wage and average salary.
The minimum wage represents the legal floor set by the government, while the average salary includes higher earnings from professional and specialized sectors like finance, technology, and oil & gas.
To help you visualize income differences across industries, here’s an updated table of average monthly salaries in Malaysia based on recent market and recruitment reports.
| Industry / Sector | Average Monthly Salary (RM) | Notes / Insights (2025) |
| Information Technology (IT) | 4,500 – 9,000 | Software engineers and data analysts are among the top earners due to digital demand. |
| Finance & Accounting | 4,000 – 8,500 | Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts remain in demand for corporate governance. |
| Engineering | 3,800 – 8,000 | Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers see strong job stability and project bonuses. |
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | 4,200 – 7,500 | Nurses and medical officers earn more in private hospitals and urban centers. |
| Education & Training | 3,000 – 6,000 | Private tutors and international school teachers earn higher wages than public educators. |
| Sales & Marketing | 3,000 – 7,000 | Commission-based roles can exceed RM10,000 monthly in top-performing companies. |
| Manufacturing | 2,800 – 4,500 | Operators earn closer to the minimum, while supervisors and QC managers earn above average. |
| Oil, Gas & Energy | 5,000 – 12,000 | Industry remains lucrative for engineers and technical specialists. |
| Retail & Hospitality | 2,500 – 4,200 | Entry-level roles often offer basic pay with allowances and incentives. |
| Logistics & Transportation | 3,000 – 5,500 | Salaries vary depending on license type and route responsibility. |
Education continues to play a significant role in determining salary potential.
| Qualification Level | Average Monthly Salary (RM) |
| SPM / Certificate | 1,800 – 2,800 |
| Diploma | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3,800 – 5,500 |
| Master’s Degree | 5,500 – 7,500 |
| PhD / Specialist | 7,000 and above |
💡 Tip: Malaysians with tertiary education earn nearly 70% more than those with only secondary qualifications, highlighting the impact of higher education on income growth.
Salaries in Malaysia vary significantly by role seniority. For entry-level office or technical roles, you might expect RM 2,200 to RM 3,200 per month. Assistant manager or mid-manager positions often earn between RM 5,500 and RM 8,000. Senior manager roles typically command around RM 7,500 to RM 8,000 monthly depending on industry, while a Senior IT Manager can earn in the region of RM 8,100+, and a specialised Senior Project Manager may see salaries exceeding RM 10,600 per month.
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (RM) |
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | 2,200 – 3,200 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | 3,800 – 5,000 |
| Senior-Level (6–10 years) | 5,500 – 8,000 |
| Manager / Director | 8,500 – 15,000+ |
Employers are increasingly rewarding soft skills like leadership, data literacy, and cross-department collaboration — not just years of experience.
When analysing Malaysia’s average salary per month, one of the biggest factors influencing income levels is geographical location. The cost of living, concentration of industries, and local economic activity vary widely between Kuala Lumpur (KL), Selangor, Penang, Johor, and other states — which directly affects how much employees earn.
The Klang Valley region (KL and Selangor) consistently records the highest average monthly salaries in Malaysia. This is largely due to its role as the nation’s commercial and financial hub, housing multinational corporations, tech startups, and regional headquarters.
Penang’s economy is driven by semiconductors, electronics, and manufacturing, which keeps salaries competitive, particularly for engineers and technicians.
Thanks to its proximity to Singapore, Johor’s wages are steadily increasing, particularly in logistics, warehousing, and property development.
In East Malaysia, salaries tend to be lower on average due to smaller urban markets and limited access to high-paying industries. However, energy, oil & gas, and government sector roles remain attractive.
These states generally offer the most affordable cost of living, but correspondingly lower salaries. Jobs are often concentrated in education, healthcare, agriculture, and small-scale businesses.
| State / Region | Estimated Average Monthly Salary (MYR) | Primary Industries |
| Kuala Lumpur | RM 6,000 – RM 6,500 | Finance, IT, Professional Services |
| Selangor | RM 5,000 – RM 6,000 | Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail |
| Penang | RM 4,000 – RM 5,500 | Electronics, Engineering |
| Johor | RM 3,800 – RM 5,000 | Logistics, Property, Cross-border Trade |
| Sabah | RM 3,000 – RM 4,200 | Tourism, Oil & Gas, Public Sector |
| Sarawak | RM 3,000 – RM 4,000 | Oil & Gas, Construction |
| Other States (Perak, Kedah, Pahang, etc.) | RM 2,800 – RM 3,800 | Agriculture, Education, Healthcare |
If you’re earning by the hour or working part-time, here’s a quick calculation method.
Formula: Monthly Wage = (Hourly Rate × Working Hours per Week × 4.33 weeks)
Example: If your hourly rate is RM8.50 and you work 48 hours per week,
RM8.50 × 48 × 4.33 = RM1,767.84 per month.
Roles in data analytics, e-commerce, and fintech continue to pay premium salaries due to skill shortages.
Urban professionals enjoy work-life flexibility, but salaries for remote roles may align with regional averages.
Rising living costs in Kuala Lumpur are driving salary revisions across tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.
Expats in niche industries (engineering, energy, tech) still command higher salaries, though local talent competitiveness is increasing.
Consider total compensation, including bonuses, EPF contributions, and benefits.
As Malaysia’s job market evolves, staying informed about current salary benchmarks helps you make smarter career and hiring decisions. Whether you’re negotiating your next raise or planning a career switch, understanding salary trends ensures you’re compensated fairly.