44 per cent of professionals in China do not expect a raise in 2026, the highest percentage in Asia
Hays, the global leader in specialist recruitment and
workforce solutions, has released its 2026 Hays Asia Salary
Guide, revealing growing concerns among professionals in China
about their salaries.
Drawing on responses from more than 13,000 professionals across
Asia, this year’s report highlights increasing dissatisfaction
with pay and the influence this is having on mobility sentiment
both in China and across the region.
While some professionals are exploring job changes to secure
higher salaries, many are approaching these decisions with
caution, weighing financial pressures against economic
uncertainty, career stability and the broader factors shaping
their livelihoods.
Key findings for salaries
1. Dissatisfaction with current pay is rising
44 per cent of professionals in China (and 44 per cent of
professionals in Asia) are dissatisfied with their salaries.
This sentiment is closely tied to pay adjustments experienced
by professionals:
51 per cent of professionals in China (36 per cent in
Asia) did not receive a raise last year, while ten per cent
(six per cent in Asia) experienced a reduction in salary;
the highest percentage in Asia
Looking ahead, the outlook is no more encouraging:
44 per cent of professionals in China (40 per cent in
Asia) do not expect a raise in 2026, with 6 per cent (5 per
cent in Asia) expecting a reduction in salary, also the
highest percentage in Asia.
As professionals internalise this gap between what they expect
and what their employers deliver, many are reconsidering their
next move.
2. Despite salary dissatisfaction, professionals in China
more likely to stay put
Across Asia, many professionals improved their earnings last
year by switching jobs: 48 per cent of those who secured salary
increases of over ten per cent did so through a change of
employer.
In China, this pattern held true, with 44 per cent of
professionals achieving similar gains after moving roles.
However, despite clear evidence that job changes can unlock
stronger salary growth, professionals in China show limited
desire for mobility.
While 50 per cent of professionals in Asia plan to make a
career move this year, only 34 per cent in China expect to
do the same, the lowest percentage in Asia.
Decisions to move in China were grounded in practical
constraints: 50 per cent point to limited career growth, 43
per cent cite the need for higher salaries while 32 per cent
are worried about job security
Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays Asia
“While many professionals across Asia remain motivated by the
mover’s premium, the picture in China is more complex. Here,
professionals are balancing the potential of higher salaries with
an uncertain economic outlook and a growing need for stability.
Over half tell us they feel pessimistic about the broader economic
environment and the employment opportunities available to them
over the next two to five years, a sentiment that is driving
growing caution in career decisions.”
“However, a lack of mobility does not equate to contentment.
When pay expectations are subdued and career growth feels
constrained, organisations risk eroding trust and loyalty if these
needs go unaddressed. Professionals may be staying put for now,
but they are alert to better alternatives.”
“For employers, strengthening the Employee Value Proposition is
essential. A compelling EVP balances competitive pay with the
cultural, developmental, and wellbeing factors that build trust
and reinforce job security. Organisations that invest in this
balance will be the ones that retain committed talent and give
their people confidence to build a future with them, even amid
shifting economic expectations.”
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading
specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions. The Group is
the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled
people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and
Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe,
Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and
public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and
temporary assignments. As of 31 December 2025, the Group employed
over 9,100 staff operating from 198 offices in 30 countries. For
the year ended 31 December 2025:
the Group reported net fees of £453.3 million and operating
profit of £20.1 million.
the Group placed around 21,000 candidates into permanent jobs
and around 53,000 people into temporary roles.
12% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New
Zealand, 32% in Germany, 20% in United Kingdom & Ireland and
36% in Rest of World (RoW).
the temporary placement business represented 64% of net fees
and the permanent placement business represented 36% of net fees.
Technology is the Group’s largest division, with 26% of net
fees, while Accountancy & Finance (15%), Construction &
Property (12%), and Engineering (10%) are the next largest.
Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark,
France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE,
the UK, and the USA.
