Software Engineer salary in China

The average software engineer salary in China in 2025 is CNY 288,000 per year (CNY 24,000 per month, or CNY 5,538 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.

Software Engineers in China earn between CNY 187,200 and CNY 417,600 per year in 2025. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.

A software engineer in China earns approximately CNY 24,000 per month (gross) in 2025, based on an annual average of CNY 288,000. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in China.

Entry-level software engineers in China typically earn between CNY 187,200 and CNY 244,800 per year in 2025. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.

Yes. Based on available data, Software Engineer salaries in China have grown by approximately 18% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.

Whether CNY 288,000 per year is a good software engineer salary in China depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2025 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.

China's software engineer salary of CNY 288,000/yr (among comparable economies) is below all other Asia countries tracked for this occupation in 2025. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.