The Economic Census 2023 has revealed that Kuala Lumpur stands out as the city offering the highest average monthly salary in Malaysia, making it an attractive destination for job seekers aiming for better financial rewards.
The data shows that individuals working in Kuala Lumpur earn an average monthly salary of RM4,196, significantly higher than in other states. Selangor follows with RM3,563, and Penang with RM3,496. These figures highlight Kuala Lumpur as the prime location for those chasing lucrative paychecks.
Breakdown of Top Monthly Salary by State
- Kuala Lumpur: RM4,196
- Selangor: RM3,563
- Penang: RM3,496
- Labuan: RM3,491
- Melaka: RM3,115
- Sarawak: RM3,077
- Negeri Sembilan: RM3,025
- Putrajaya: RM2,994
Other states, such as Johor (RM2,987), Terengganu (RM2,793), Kedah (RM2,721), Perak (RM2,679), Pahang (RM2,628), Sabah (RM2,381), Perlis (RM2,253), and Kelantan, with the lowest average at RM2,070, are further down the list.
Key Factors for High Monthly Salary in Kuala Lumpur
Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, attributes Kuala Lumpur’s high salaries to its thriving service sector. Notable salaries include:
- Telecommunications: RM9,457
- Programming and broadcasting: RM8,629
- Financial intermediation: RM6,946
These sectors are pivotal in offering top-tier salaries in the city, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s status as a leader in high-paying jobs.
Selangor and Penang’s Strengths
Selangor also records impressive salaries, especially in the telecommunications and IT sectors:
- Telecommunications: RM7,580
- Information and computer programming: RM7,186 and RM7,112
In Penang, the manufacturing sector shines with high salaries in:
- Electrical, electronic, and optical products manufacturing: RM4,790
Workforce Expansion and Salary Increases
The census also highlights workforce growth:
- Total workforce: Increased by 1.8%, reaching 10 million in 2022.
- Service sector: Grew by 2.8%, totaling 5.8 million workers.
- Manufacturing sector: Grew by 1.5%, with 2.3 million workers.
Conversely, the agriculture, construction, and mining & quarrying sectors saw a decline in worker numbers.
Total salaries and wages rose by 5.4% annually, reaching RM354.9 billion in 2022. Therefore, the average monthly salary across increased to RM3,332 in 2022, from RM2,584 in 2015.
Source: here
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