2025 China IT and Technology Salary Guide

China’s technology sector is undergoing rapid transformation, creating both challenges and opportunities for businesses and professionals alike. As companies navigate economic shifts and cyber-security concerns, it remains an indisputable fact that IT professionals are highly valued in China.

The hiring landscape in tech continues to evolve, with a growing talent pool giving employers more choice. Leading the demand are industries such as IT, internet, gaming, electronics, communications, and semiconductors. Companies are actively seeking top talent to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition.

Looking ahead to 2025, emerging technologies such as AI, big data, and cloud computing are fuelling demand for specialists with cutting-edge skills. Employers are also prioritising professionals who can bridge technical expertise with business acumen - those who excel in communication, presentation, and collaboration to drive cross-functional innovation.

Whether you're a hiring manager looking to secure top talent or an IT professional planning your next move, our Salary Guide provides the insights you need to make informed decisions in China’s fast-moving tech job market.

Technology market update

IT workers remain concerned about job security in 2025, with only 26% unworried about redundancies.

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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size and demand for the role.

Architecture

Cloud and Infrastructure

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Software Development and Testing

Transformation

C-Suite

Security

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Algorithm Director

875000

1251000

1842000

Algorithm Engineer

499000

625000

859000

AI Engineer

625000

875000

1227000

Architect (Applications, Solutions, Systems)

812000

1001000

1227000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Chinese companies are actively exploring the application of GenAI for internal use, sparking demand for solution architects, data engineers, and AI engineers. Notably, 71% of leaders prefer candidates with AI skills over those with extensive but non-AI-related experience.¹ Furthermore, 22% of recruiters are updating job descriptions to reflect the application of GenAI.¹

of tech leaders are creating new job roles tied specifically to AI of tech leaders are creating new job roles tied specifically to AI

of tech leaders are developing training programs related to AI of tech leaders are developing training programs related to AI

Whether it's delving into cloud computing or unravelling the mysteries of AI, continuous learning is indispensable for career progression and job stability in China’s tech industry. This commitment to upskilling not only benefits individual practitioners but also fortifies the nation’s tech talent pool and the overall workforce.

of tech workers say they plan to ask for internal training in 2025 of tech workers say they plan to ask for internal training in 2025

of tech workers say they plan to ask for paid external training in 2025 of tech workers say they plan to ask for paid external training in 2025

Although high-demand tech roles like AI and semiconductor engineers still offer high salaries, overall pay growth has stabilised. To achieve significant salary hikes, strategic career choices such as upskilling or specialising in niche areas are crucial. Chinese businesses should craft an appealing employee value proposition that goes beyond salary to attract and retain top tech talent.

of tech workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year of tech workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year

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

In-demand jobs in IT and technology

In-demand skills and experience in IT and technology

Python/SQL

Java

Data analysis

Information security

Language skills

Presentation skills

Vendor/relationship management

Communication skills

How much should I earn or pay?

In-demand certifications and degrees in IT and technology

Cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP / Salesforce)

CISSP

CISM

Scrum

Top industries hiring for IT and technology talent

E-commerce

Pharmaceuticals & healthcare

FMCG/Retail

Tech

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers in China.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses or benefits. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

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. Microsoft&LinkedIn, 2024, Work Trend Index Annual Report 2024