CHINA: EMPLOYMENT, SALARIES, COST OF LIVING, AND RELOCATION IN 2026
China is the world's second-largest economy and one of the leading global centres for manufacturing, technology, finance and international trade. The country attracts skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers, researchers and investors from around the world.
This guide provides an overview of salaries, taxes, living costs, employment opportunities, popular cities, immigration options and useful resources for people considering moving to Austria.
| CHINA AT GLANCE (2026) | |
| Population | 1,417,8 million |
| Average life expectancy | 79 years |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% |
| Inflation | 1.8% |
| Area | 9,596,961 km² |
| Form of government | Unitary socialist republic |
| Income tax | 3–45% |
| Capital | Beijing |
| Currency | Yuan |
| Official Language | Mandarin Chinese |
| Doing Business rank | 31 |
| Average salary | 10,345 yuan per month |
| Minimum wage | 1,750–2,740 yuan per month |
Jobs, Salaries, and Business in China
China remains one of the world's largest labour markets. Demand is particularly strong in manufacturing, engineering, information technology, finance, renewable energy, education, logistics and international trade. Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are the country's leading employment centres.
Advantages of Working in China
- Large and diversified economy
- Strong technology sector
- Competitive salaries in major cities
- Excellent infrastructure
- Growing international business environment
- Extensive career opportunities for skilled professionals
Information about working in China
- Work in China
- Shortage occupations in China
- Work visa to China
- Business in China
- Work in Shanghai
- Work in Hong Kong
Work in the capital of China
Salary in China
Popular Jobs in China
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Teachers
- Manufacturing Specialists
- Finance Professionals
- Logistics Managers
- Sales and Export Specialists
China Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in China
- Work in China
- Shortage occupations in China
- Work visa to China
- Business in China
- Work in Shanghai
- Work in Hong Kong
Work in the capital of China
Salary in China
Popular Jobs in China
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Teachers
- Manufacturing Specialists
- Finance Professionals
- Logistics Managers
- Sales and Export Specialists
China Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in China
The cost of living varies greatly between regions. Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong are among the most expensive locations, while inland provinces and smaller cities offer significantly lower housing and everyday expenses.
Pros and Cons of Living in China
Advantages
- Strong economy and career opportunities
- Modern transportation infrastructure
- Large consumer market
- Rapid technological development
- Competitive salaries for skilled professionals
- Rich cultural heritage
- Excellent public transport in major cities
Disadvantages
- Language barrier outside international companies
- Air pollution in some metropolitan areas
- Strict internet regulations
- Regional differences in living standards
- Complex visa and residence procedures
- Long working hours in some industries
- High housing costs in top-tier cities
Information about living in China
Useful Cost of Living Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in China?
The average salary in China is approximately 10,000–11,000 yuan per month before taxes. Earnings vary considerably between cities, industries and professional qualifications.
Is China expensive to live in?
Living costs depend heavily on location. Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are among the most expensive cities, while many inland cities offer substantially lower housing and daily expenses.
Are taxes high in China?
China applies a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 3% to 45%, depending on taxable income and residency status.
Can foreigners find jobs in China?
Foreign professionals can find employment opportunities in education, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, finance, consulting and international trade. Mandarin skills are beneficial, although many multinational companies operate in English.
Which cities offer the best employment opportunities?
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Suzhou are among China's strongest labour markets, particularly for technology, finance, manufacturing and international business.
How much money can a person save in China?
Savings depend on salary, employer benefits and housing costs. Many expatriates employed by international companies are able to save a significant portion of their income.
Is China better than Japan or South Korea for work?
Each country has different advantages. China offers a larger labour market and broad business opportunities, while Japan and South Korea generally provide higher average incomes in certain professional sectors.
Explore Other Countries
Considering Austria? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with other popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
Sources
What is the average salary in China?
Is China expensive to live in?
Are taxes high in China?
Can foreigners find jobs in China?
Which cities offer the best employment opportunities?
How much money can a person save in China?
Is China better than Japan or South Korea for work?
Explore Other Countries
Considering Austria? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with other popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
The information presented on this page is compiled from publicly available government publications, labor market reports and international statistical organizations.
- National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People's Republic of China
- State Taxation Administration of China
- People's Bank of China
- Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM)
- National Immigration Administration of China
- World Bank
- OECD
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
About the Author
WageCentre is an independent project focused on immigration, employment, wages, taxes, the cost of living, and international comparisons.
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Learn how salary, tax, cost of living and savings estimates are calculated: Methodology
