Your Guide to the Highest-Paying Jobs in Malaysia
Article updated July 12, 2024
The Malaysian job market is characterised by dynamic shifts driven by technological advancements, economic growth, and evolving industry demands. In this landscape, certain industries and roles consistently command top salaries, offering lucrative career paths for ambitious professionals.
In this latest edition of our salary guide, we delve into the highest-paying and high-demand jobs in Malaysia, providing insights into salary trends and how you can effectively navigate the job market today.
What is a Good Salary in Malaysia?
Defining a "good" salary in Malaysia depends on various factors, including location, industry, experience level, and individual lifestyle. For example, jobs in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, where the cost of living is higher, usually pay more than those in less-urbanised areas.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) provides valuable insights into average monthly salaries across different sectors. An overall view of the latest available data shows that as of September 2023, the median monthly salary in Malaysia stood at RM2,600.
Income Classifications in Malaysia
Malaysia categorises household income into three main groups based on disposable income: B40 (Bottom 40%), M40 (Middle 40%), and T20 (Top 20%).
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia
Malaysians who earn roughly RM25,000 per month are in the country's top 1% of wage earners, placing them in the upper tier of the T20 category.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Malaysia by Industry
According to Michael Page’s 2024 Salary Guide, the following are some of the highest-paying jobs across various sectors:
Highest-Paying Jobs By Industry
1. Executive (C-Suite)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): RM720,000
- Managing Director: RM550,000
- Chief Operations Officer (COO): RM550,000
Executive positions, or the C-Suite, in Malaysia are among the highest-paid jobs, with salaries ranging from RM240,000 to RM720,000 per year for various roles in different industries.
C-Suite job roles also include Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Director, and Operations Director, which recorded annual salaries of between RM400,000 and RM537,000.
With big remuneration comes big responsibilities – individuals in these roles are decision-makers entrusted with making critical decisions that can make or break a business.
2. Marketing & Agency
- Marketing Director: RM480,000
- Head of Marketing (Fast Moving Consumer Goods): RM336,000
- Marketing Manager (Fast Moving Consumer Goods): RM228,000
Some of the top job roles in the Marketing & Agency industry include Agency Account Director, Head of Communications, Product Marketing Manager, and Senior Brand Manager (Fast Moving Consumer Goods). These roles can command annual salaries of RM180,000 to RM228,000.
Marketing roles, especially at the director level, are critical for driving brand strategy and engagement in a competitive market. Effective marketing strategies can significantly impact a company's market presence and profitability.
The sector has seen a shift towards digital marketing, requiring professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the competition both online and offline.
3. Banking & Financial Services
- Mergers & Acquisitions Partner: RM473,000
- Investment Director: RM429,000
- Mergers & Acquisitions Manager: RM222,000
The financial sector continues to offer some of the most lucrative roles, especially in investment management, and mergers and acquisitions. These positions demand in-depth knowledge of financial markets and the ability to manage large portfolios, making them highly sought after and high-paying.
The sector is characterised by high stakes and high rewards, with professionals required to stay ahead of market trends and regulatory changes.
In this industry, you can find roles such as Investment Manager, Private Quality Analyst, Head of Fund Management, Banking Relationship Director, and Investment Associate, which bring home annual salaries of between RM169,000 and RM204,000.
4. Technology
- Information Technology Director: RM462,000
- Head of Data: RM282,000
- Head of Digital: RM240,000
The technology sector continues to grow, with high demand for skilled professionals in leadership positions to drive transformation in digital technologies. The rapid pace of technological change, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, plus the need for continuous innovation, make these roles both challenging and highly rewarding.
Given this, it is no surprise that positions such as Head of Information Technology, Systems, Applications; Product Consultant; Enterprise Architect; C++ Developer; Product Manager; Infrastructure Architect; and, Senior Product Manager can command an annual salary range of RM187,000 to RM270,000.
Data-driven roles like Data Analyst and Data Scientist are also fast gaining popularity. Professionals in this field are responsible for overseeing technology strategy, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure, among others.
5. Engineering & Manufacturing
- Site Director: RM420,000
- Engineering Director: RM360,000
- Plant Manager: RM360,000
Engineering roles, particularly at the management and director levels, are crucial in driving innovation and maintaining operational efficiency. These roles often require advanced technical knowledge and significant experience, which are reflected in their high salaries.
Roles like Engineering Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Quality Manager, and Research & Development Manager can earn annual salaries of around RM216,000. Meanwhile, those at the manager or director level, such as Deputy General Manager, Quality Director, and Research & Development Director, can earn annual salaries of RM360,000.
From civil engineering to software engineering, the sector is booming, driven by infrastructure development and increasing demand for manufacturing capabilities.
6. Consultancy, Strategy & Change
- Strategy Director: RM378,000
- Senior Consultant: RM231,000
- Strategy Manager: RM222,000
Consultancy roles are in high demand as companies seek expert advice to navigate complex market environments and drive strategic growth.
Consultants provide critical insights and recommendations that help organisations optimise their operations and implement effective change management strategies. The need for strategic planning and business transformation drives the high salaries in this industry.
7. Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Medical Manager: RM199,000
- Regulatory Affairs Manager: RM180,000
- Pharmacovigilance Officer: RM146,000
Despite post-pandemic adjustments, such as staffing shortages and rising operational costs, for hospitals, the healthcare sector remains robust. Healthcare professionals and leaders in medical and life sciences are still receiving good remuneration.
Some well-paying roles in the industry include Medical Compliance Officer, Doctor, Regulatory Affairs Officer, and Clinical Manager. For these roles, the annual salary can be between RM134,000 and RM146,000.
These positions are critical in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services and advancing medical research. The sector is supported by continuous innovation and a growing emphasis on public health and wellness.
8. Accounting & Finance
- Head of Financial Planning & Analysis: RM336,000
- Head of Tax: RM330,000
- Finance Director: RM300,000
Accounting and finance roles are crucial for maintaining financial health and strategic planning within organisations. The ability to manage financial resources effectively and provide strategic financial insights is highly valued.
For roles such as Group Financial Controller, Internal Audit Director, Head of Finance, Senior Financial Controller, Accounts Director, Head of Treasury, and Audit Director, the annual salary range is between RM240,000 and RM300,000.
This sector is also seeing a rise in demand for specialists in areas such as taxation and internal audit.
9. Legal
- Head of Legal: RM300,000
- Head or Risk: RM 274,000
- Head of Compliance: RM257,000
Legal expertise is indispensable in navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring corporate compliance, making these roles highly compensated. The complexity and critical nature of legal work in corporate settings justify the high salaries in this sector.
Legal professionals play a crucial role in risk management, contract negotiation, and maintaining ethical standards. As such, experienced positions like Compliance Lawyer, Senior Lawyer, Legal Counsel, Corporate Lawyer, and Senior Legal Counsel can earn a yearly salary of between RM181,000 and RM240,000.
10. Procurement & Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Director: RM300,000
- Head of Procurement: RM240,000
- Head of Supply Chain: RM216,000
Efficient supply chain management is vital for business success, and top roles in this sector command high salaries. The complexity of global supply chains and the need for strategic sourcing and logistics management drive the demand for skilled professionals in this area.
This demand allows professionals such as Supplier Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Senior Demand Planner, Procurement Business Partner, Planning Manager, Buying Manager, as well as Sales & Operations Planning Manager to earn between RM164,000 and RM216,000 annually.
The sector is also increasingly leveraging technology for inventory management and operational efficiency – creating new and relevant tech-forward job opportunities.
11. Digital
- Digital Director: RM300,000
- Head of Data: RM282,000
- Head of Digital: RM240,000
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and companies are investing heavily in their digital transformation and online presence. Leadership roles in this sector, driven by advancements in technology and ever-changing consumer behaviours, are essential for guiding digital strategies and managing digital marketing and e-commerce operations.
Digital roles such as Digital Project Manager, User Experience / User Interface Researcher, Senior User Interface / User Experience Designer, Head of Media Buying, Product Designer, and Head of Search Engine Optimisation can fetch between RM146,000 and RM180,000 in annual salaries.
Meanwhile, data and analytics-forward roles, like Master Data Manager, Data Governance Engineer, Data Architect, Data Scientist, Business Analytics Manager, Data Science Consultant, and Data Science Manager, can earn annual salaries of RM178,000 to RM234,000.
12. Property & Construction
- Property Director: RM300,000
- Real Estate Developer: RM240,000
- Construction Director: RM210,000
The Property & Construction sector continues to thrive with large-scale projects, driving demand for experienced professionals in leadership roles. The growth in infrastructure and real estate development projects contributes to the high salaries in this industry. Professionals in this field are responsible for project management, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget and quality standards.
Within construction, the roles of Architect, Building Information Modelling Manager, Construction Project Manager, Design Manager, and Senior Construction Project Manager can earn an annual salary of between RM140,000 and RM199,000. For those on the property side, Property Managers, Lettings Negotiators, Technical Managers, Contracts Managers, and Development Managers could be taking home between RM144,000 and RM175,000 per year.
13. Sales
- Country Head: RM300,000
- Sales Director: RM240,000
- Business Development Director: RM216,000
Sales roles are crucial for driving revenue growth and expanding market reach. Leadership positions in sales involve strategic planning, relationship management, and achieving sales targets. The sector is defined by high competition and the need for continuous innovation in sales strategies.
Top roles in sales include Senior Key Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, Technical Sales Manager, and Senior Business Development Manager. These roles can bring in yearly salaries of between RM160,000 and RM193,000.
14. Human Resources
- Human Resources Director: RM264,000
- Head of Rewards: RM240,000
- Recruitment Director: RM239,000
Human resources roles are vital for talent acquisition, employee development, and organisational culture. Effective HR management supports employee satisfaction and retention, which are crucial for organisational success. The sector is also seeing an increased focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Top-paying HR roles include Reward & Benefits Manager; Head of Employee Relations; Senior Human Resources Manager; Head of Learning & Development; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager; Head of Recruitment; and, Senior Human Resources Business Partner. Professionals in these roles can take home a handsome sum of between RM170,000 and RM216,000 annually.
15. Sustainability & ESG
- Head of Sustainability: RM240,000
- Environmental, Social & Governance Manager: RM180,000
- Sustainability Manager: RM164,000
Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roles are becoming increasingly important as companies focus on sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility. These roles involve developing and implementing strategies that support environmental and social goals. The sector is driven by regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Due to the growing importance of their roles, Corporate Social Responsibility Managers; Sustainability Advisers; Environmental, Social, & Governance Consultants; Environmental, Social & Governance Advisers; and, Sustainability Consultants can earn annual salaries of between RM120,000 and RM144,000.
16. Customer Service
- Customer Service Director: RM204,000
- Head of Customer Service: RM175,000
- Contact Centre Manager: RM134,000
Customer Service is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. Effective customer service management ensures that customer needs are met and issues are resolved promptly. The industry is evolving with the integration of technology to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.
Other well-paying Customer Service roles include Telesales Manager and Customer Service Manager, which have a reported annual salary of RM99,000 and RM100,000, respectively.
17. Secretarial & Office Support
- Senior Administrator: RM169,000
- Legal Secretary: RM117,000
- Personal Assistant:RM108,000
Secretarial & Office Support roles are vital for the smooth operation of business activities. These roles involve administrative tasks, coordination, and support for executives and teams. They demand high organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Positions such as Executive Assistant, Secretary, and Office Manager can earn from RM93,000 to RM108,000 annually.
Climbing the Career and Salary Ladder
Securing a high-paying job in Malaysia requires a combination of skills, experience, and strategic career planning. By staying informed about market trends, continuously upskilling, and networking effectively, you can position yourself for success in your chosen field.
Remember, the highest-paying jobs often come with significant responsibilities and challenges. It's essential to choose a career path that aligns with your passions and values, ensuring both financial and personal fulfilment.
Our 100% online, globally recognised master’s degree programmes can help you gain the edge needed to secure top in-demand roles and climb the corporate ladder. Request a call-back from our Education Counsellors today to learn more about how a master's degree can help you achieve your career goals.
