11 Countries with Highest Salary in Southeast Asia, Singapore Ranks 1st

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Southeast Asia is rich in culture, natural resources, and a rapidly growing economy. With continued economic growth and investment flowing into the region, several Southeast Asian countries offer high salaries to their citizens.

According to Time Doctor, the average salary in Asia is around US$12,883 per year, or Rp206,128,000 million. Although there are variations in salary levels across Southeast Asian countries, the region as a whole offers many opportunities for its residents to achieve a high standard of living. The following is a list of Southeast Asian countries and their average salaries, according to Time Champ.

List of Countries in Southeast Asia with the Highest Salaries in 2024

1. Singapore

Singapore is one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia with the highest average salaries. Thanks to its status as a financial and technology hub, Singapore attracts many experienced workers from all over the world. The average salary in Singapore is far above the global average, namely US$6,332.

2. Thailand

In Southeast Asia, Thailand is the second largest economy and is a good place to outsource due to its competitive nature in terms of salaries compared to some other countries. According to Time Camp, the average wage in Thailand ranges from around 20,000 to 25,000 THB for entry-level positions. Mid-career professionals can expect a higher salary, which can range anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 THB.

3. Brunei Darussalam

Despite having a relatively small population, Brunei Darussalam is known for its wealth of natural resources, especially oil and natural gas. This allows the country to have high salaries for its residents, with a fairly high standard of living. Quoting Salary Explorer, the average income in Brunei is currently 3,230 BND or Rp38,425,727.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia is another country in Southeast Asia that has competitive salaries. Malaysia offers attractive job opportunities in various sectors for its residents, thereby increasing overall income levels. The average salary in Malaysia is 6,610 MYR or US$1,414. 

5. Philippines

The Philippines is one of the countries with rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is also a top outsourcing destination because of its skilled workforce and competitive wages. The average salary in the Philippines is around 44,800 PHP or the equivalent of US$800.12.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia, with a large population and abundant natural resources. Despite having lower salaries compared to countries such as Singapore or Brunei, Indonesia continues to show steady economic growth. The average minimum wage in Indonesia is Rp5.07 million per month. Meanwhile, according to Salary Explorer, the average monthly salary in Indonesia is Rp12,200,000, or around US$760.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam has become a magnet for foreign investors in recent years, especially in the manufacturing and technology sectors. This country is also known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and developing business and investment hub. Based on the November 2023 currency exchange rate, the smallest salary in Vietnam is 4,961 VND per month or the equivalent of Rp3,134,509.78. Meanwhile, the average salary is around 17.3 million VND, which is almost equivalent to US$713.

8. Laos

Laos is one of the countries with lower salary levels in Southeast Asia. However, with steady economic growth and increasing foreign investment, income levels in the country have also begun to rise. Based on the latest statistics, the average monthly salary in Laos is estimated to be around 900,000 to 1,200,000 Lao Kip which is approximately equivalent to US$100-135.

9. Cambodia

Economic growth in Cambodia in recent years has been growing rapidly, especially in the tourism and manufacturing sectors. Currently, the average salary in Cambodia is roughly between US$150 and 200 per month.  

10. Myanmar

In general, average wages in Myanmar are considered lower than many of its ASEAN neighbors due to various socio-economic factors. The average monthly salary in urban areas, especially in large cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, tends to be higher than in rural areas. The average amount of salary in Myanmar is 311,000 MMK or the equivalent of Rp2,378,295.68.

11. Timor Leste

According to Time Camp, the average monthly salary in this country ranges from US$150 to 250, or the equivalent of Rp2,400,000. Income in Timor-Leste is relatively low, considering that this country is still developing its economic structure after becoming independent from Indonesia in 2002.

RIZKI DEWI AYU

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