Key Facts: Malaysia Wages
- Country
- Malaysia (MYS)
- Continent
- Asia
- Currency
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Minimum Wage
- RM8.72 /hr ($2.13 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- RM4,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- RM48,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- RM31,200 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 45 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR); Minimum Wages Order 2024 P.U.(A) 376 eff 2025-02-01; primary source gajiminimum.mohr.gov.my
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-27
Malaysia — Average Salary & Wages
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Data verified Feb 2025 Sources
The average salary in Malaysia is
RM48,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than RM31,200 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Malaysia is RM8.72/hr ($2.13 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is RM4,000 ($977.04 USD). The median monthly income is RM2,600 ($635.08 USD).
Median household income approximately MYR 6,000/mo. Significant disparities between Peninsular Malaysia (higher) and Sabah/Sarawak (lower), and between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera households.
Mean monthly salaries and wages for employees. Median salary approximately MYR 2,600/mo, significantly lower than the mean. Net estimated at ~88% after EPF employee contribution (11%), SOCSO (~0.5%), and EIS (0.2%). Income tax is progressive (0-30%) but effective rate is low for average earners. Kuala Lumpur salaries are notably higher than national average.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2013, the minimum wage has grown +89% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Malaysia, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $6.23/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Malaysia earns RM1,511/mo. That is 38% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- RM1,511 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 38% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $369.08/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +89% since 2013
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- RM8.72
- Monthly
- RM1,700
- Annual
- RM20,400Based on 12 monthly payments
Gaji minimum MYR 1,700/month per Minimum Wages Order 2024 P.U.(A) 376, effective 1 February 2025 (13.3% increase from MYR 1,500). The order also specifies a statutory hourly rate of MYR 8.72. Previously MYR 1,500 from May 2022 under Minimum Wages Order 2022. Malaysia unified rates across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan in 2022. Informal sector estimated at 30-40% of employment.
Work Week
- Standard
- 45 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 45 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Employment Act 1955 (amended 2022) reduced maximum working hours from 48 to 45 hours/week, effective 1 January 2023. Maximum 8 hours/day or 45 hours/week. Overtime at 1.5x on normal days, 2x on rest days, 3x on public holidays. Maximum overtime: 104 hours/month. Applies to employees earning up to MYR 4,000/mo (threshold raised from MYR 2,000 in 2023 amendments).
How Malaysia Compares
| Metric | Malaysia | Asia Avg. | Asia Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $2.13/hr | $2.61/hr | $11.89/hr (Israel) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $977.04/mo | $1,185.31/mo | $4,472.55/mo (Singapore) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| El Salvador | $2.13 |
| Uruguay | $2.15 |
| Jamaica | $2.07 |
| Brunei | $2.06 |
| Mauritius | $2.21 |
| Malaysia | $2.13 |
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Bhutan Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Malaysia on our sister site.
Cost of living in Malaysia on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Malaysia?
The minimum wage in Malaysia is RM8.72/hr (approximately $2.13 USD), effective since 2025-02-01. Gaji minimum MYR 1,700/month per Minimum Wages Order 2024 P.U.(A) 376, effective 1 February 2025 (13.3% increase from MYR 1,500). The order also specifies a statutory hourly rate of MYR 8.72. Previously MYR 1,500 from May 2022 under Minimum Wages Order 2022. Malaysia unified rates across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan in 2022. Informal sector estimated at 30-40% of employment.
What is the average salary in Malaysia?
The average gross monthly salary in Malaysia is RM4,000 (approximately $977.04 USD). Mean monthly salaries and wages for employees. Median salary approximately MYR 2,600/mo, significantly lower than the mean. Net estimated at ~88% after EPF employee contribution (11%), SOCSO (~0.5%), and EIS (0.2%). Income tax is progressive (0-30%) but effective rate is low for average earners. Kuala Lumpur salaries are notably higher than national average. Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) – Salaries & Wages Survey (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Malaysia?
The standard work week in Malaysia is 45 hours, with a legal maximum of 45 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Employment Act 1955 (amended 2022) reduced maximum working hours from 48 to 45 hours/week, effective 1 January 2023. Maximum 8 hours/day or 45 hours/week. Overtime at 1.5x on normal days, 2x on rest days, 3x on public holidays. Maximum overtime: 104 hours/month. Applies to employees earning up to MYR 4,000/mo (threshold raised from MYR 2,000 in 2023 amendments).
How has the minimum wage in Malaysia changed over time?
The minimum wage in Malaysia has changed as follows: RM900 in 2013, RM1,000 in 2016, RM1,100 in 2019, RM1,200 in 2020, RM1,500 in 2022, RM1,700 in 2025. This represents 6 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Malaysia in USD?
The minimum wage in Malaysia converts to approximately $2.13/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Malaysia in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Malaysia is approximately $977.04 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Malaysia's minimum wage compare to the Asia average?
Malaysia's minimum wage ranks #13 out of 34 countries with statutory minimum wages in Asia, placing it above the median for Asia.
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