The first things, related to business in China, that people normally ask me is, “How much do people in China Really get paid? How much, really is are Chinese salaries? I want to hire a Chinese person but an average Chinese Salary is how much? ” I asked a couple of people what their salaries are and what their friends make and here is what they told me. Remember that this is for Chinese people working in Beijing, China. The capital will have a salary that is a lot higher than almost all other parts of the country. (I honestly would say as high as 30 percent more compared to other parts of the country) Also, this is in RMB the Chinese currency. With the dollar decreasing this amount gets more valuable. A problem though is there is inflation that is not mentioned in the economic reports of China. Even with the buying power increasing the cost of goods is rising faster. The Podcast goes into more explanation… One thing that is the most important thing to consider, people are paid by the month not the hours they work!
I am writing this on August 10, 2012 (yeah I always write my post way ahead of time)
Right now 1000RMB = about 157 USD
Chinese Salaries:
For a waitress at restaurant 1200 Rmb (no tips in China!)
Manager at a coffee shop 3000 Rmb
Computer programmer 8000rmb
Military 2000 (but a lot of benefits and are fed well. This was emphasized to me many times that they eat very well)
Chinese teacher 4000rmb
Martial art instructor (150 rmb an hour split between them and the school where they teach)
Doctor 10000 rmb (many benefits, able to gets gifts and favors though)
Receptionist 1800rmb
Receptionist with English skills 2400rmb
Secretary 1800 rmb
Taxi driver 2800 rmb
How amazing is that to get a secretary to work over 40 hours a month for less than 300 dollars!
The doctor and programmer salary varies a great deal but the others seemed to be pretty constant, and the military varies with rank obviously.
Interesting