2025 Jobs Market Trends in China

China’s economic growth remains steady but moderate, leading to a cautious hiring approach across industries. Rather than expanding teams, many firms are prioritising replacement hires. However, economic recovery and digital transformation continue to drive demand for skilled professionals in China.

New economic policies are expected to support steady growth in China’s recruitment market throughout the year. In 2024, demand for talent in emerging industries - such as AI and high-end manufacturing - accounted for more than 20%.¹ The IT sector remains a key driver of job creation, yet a severe talent shortage in AI persists.

Looking ahead to 2025, salary growth across most industries is expected to be more modest than in 2024.¹ Compensation remains a top priority for workers, with 62% dissatisfied with their current pay.² While Chinese professionals are generally less likely to quit compared to their global counterparts, employees in SMEs are more inclined to change jobs than those in larger corporations.² In this competitive market, offering attractive salaries will be crucial for companies aiming to secure and retain top talent.

Our Salary Guide provides a detailed analysis of China’s hiring trends, examining key recruitment drivers, the growing role of AI, and salary expectations shaping the job market for both employers and jobseekers.

Many Chinese professionals now regard job stability as equally important as salary. Professionals are still concerned about redundancies occurring in 2025 with 21% actively looking for a new job and 56% pursuing training to improve their marketability. Transparency about the company's financial health and future direction can alleviate concerns and foster a sense of security among employees.

of Chinese workers say job security and salary are equally important of Chinese workers say job security and salary are equally important

Automation seen as a positive evolution

Chinese workers are confident that their human skills like empathy, strategic thinking and relationship building will grow in importance as automation advances. Hiring managers should look beyond traditional skills and seek those who invest in continuous learning, especially in technology.

China's domestic market is experiencing some impact from the global economic slowdown, resulting in a climate of moderate salary growth. Jobseekers should maintain realistic salary expectations, prioritise skill development and explore diverse career paths, while employers should consider alternative incentives to salary increases, such as professional development opportunities.

of employees say negotiating salary has become more challenging compared to last year of employees say negotiating salary has become more challenging compared to last year

of employees say they will be patient and maintain good work ethic if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025 of employees say they will be patient and maintain good work ethic if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025

Work arrangements influencing productivity

Flexibility as to where and when employees work impacts their level of productivity, according to Chinese workers. While 54% of Chinese workers say working from the office full-time enhances their productivity, another 48% and 42% say hybrid working arrangements and working from home full-time respectively have the same result, indicating a preference for workplace flexibility.

Lateral move Job from
other firm Accept
counteroffer Contract job Promotion,
no raise Return to
ex employer Quit job
without
a new one Lateral move Job from
other firm Accept
counteroffer Contract job Promotion,
no raise Return to
ex employer Quit job
without
a new one

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The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 finance, accounting and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in China, including SMEs and large companies in first-tier cities.

Third party sources: 1. CIIC, 2024, HR Market Insights and Industry Trends 2024 2. ACCA, 2024, Global Talent Trends 2024