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Malaysians’ Salaries in 2024: A Breakdown Across the Country
With the latest annual data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), lets highlight median salaries in 2024 and compare earnings across gender, state, strata, age group, education level, and certificate qualification.
Note: This analysis covers Malaysian citizens only
Malaysians’ Median Salary Increased by 7.3% in 2024
In 2024, the national median monthly salary for Malaysian citizens rose to RM2,793 up from RM2,602 in 2023, showing a 7.3% year-on-year increase.
Gender Comparison: Male and Female Salaries in 2024
In 2024, male Malaysians earned a median salary of RM2,850, while female Malaysians earned RM2,641, a difference of just RM209.
- Male Malaysians: The median salary rose from RM2,675 to RM2,850 (6.5% increase)
- Female Malaysians: The median salary rose from RM2,464 to RM2,641 (7.2% increase)
Where Do Malaysians Earn the Most? Median Salary by State in 2024
W.P, Putrajaya topped the list at RM4,598, followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur at RM 3,687. In contrast, Kelantan recorded the lowest median salary at RM1,914
State and Gender: Who Earns More, and Where?
In 2024, W.P. Putrajaya offered the highest median salary for both genders: RM4,315 for male Malaysians and RM4,709 for females.
On the other side, the lowest median salary for male Malaysians was found in Kelantan, earning RM1,831. Terengganu meanwhile recorded the lowest median salary for female Malaysians (RM 1,946)
Salary by Strata: Urban vs Rural Malaysia
In 2024, Malaysians residing in urban areas earned a higher median salary of RM2,851, compared to RM1,698 in rural areas.
Strata by Gender – Who Earns More in Urban & Rural Areas?
Salaries tend to increase with age and experience: highest in the 40-44 age group at RM3,481, before earning less as they get closer to retirement.
By Age Group: When Do Malaysians Earn the Most?
Salaries tend to increase with age and experience: highest in the 40-44 age group at RM3,481, before earning less as they get closer to retirement.
Median Salary by Age Group and Gender
Among both male and female Malaysians, the 40-44 age group recorded the highest median salary: RM3,535 for males and RM3,481 for females.
Salary by Education Level. Does Education Pay Off?
Salaries clearly increase with education level. In 2024, Malaysians with tertiary education earned a median salary of RM4,131, while those with no formal education earned the lowest at RM1,559.
Median Salary by Education Level and Gender
When comparing by gender, both male and female Malaysians with tertiary education recorded the highest median salaries: RM4,406 for males and RM3,686 for females.
Salary by Certificate Qualification. Where Do Certificate Holders Stand?
In 2024, Malaysians with degree-level qualifications earned a median salary of RM5,110. Those with diploma certificates meanwhile earned RM3,414. As expected, Malaysians without any formal certificate recorded the lowest earnings, with a median salary of just RM1,589.
Median Salary by Certificate Qualification and Gender
Female Malaysians with degree qualifications earned the highest median salary at RM5,109, the same pattern seen among their male counterparts, who earned RM6,000.
Also read: Malaysia’s Median Wages. This article dives into the formal sector, exploring wages by multiple components.
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Malaysian’s Salaries in 2024: A Breakdown Across the Country
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