Frequently asked questions
What is the 2027 Hong Kong Salary Guide?
The 2027 Hong Kong Salary Guide is a resource for both hiring managers and jobseekers. It features projected starting salaries and the latest compensation trends across four professional fields: finance and accounting, financial services, technology, and human resources.
Employers can use the 2027 Robert Half Salary Guide to support recruitment, retention, and workforce planning, while jobseekers can rely on it to guide career decisions and pay negotiations.
How accurate is the salary data?
The 2027 Robert Half Salary Guide is highly accurate, using real compensation data from our placements across Hong Kong. Salary ranges are shown across three percentiles to reflect differences in skills, experience, and qualifications.
Here’s how we define each percentile in the guide:
25th percentile: The candidate is new to the role, with little or no experience, and requires more than casual instruction or supervision to perform day-to-day duties.
50th percentile: The candidate has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
75th percentile: The candidate’s value to the organisation goes far beyond the ability to perform normal job duties; the candidate has rare qualifications that enable consistent contribution in unique ways and is ready for the next career level when the opportunity becomes available.
Note: The 25th percentile is not the lowest end of the salary range, and the 75th percentile is not the highest or a cap. We provide these percentiles because they are the ones most commonly used. Salaries outside of this range occur far less frequently and, as a result, are not included in our guide.
Why should I use a salary guide?
Employers need salary guides to set pay that’s competitive with what other companies are offering. Jobseekers use them to negotiate fair compensation based on their skills and experience.
Employers should use a salary guide to:
Benchmark salaries with confidence
Support retention and workforce planning
Strengthen negotiation and decision-making
Jobseekers and employees should use a salary guide to:
Know their market value
Negotiate with confidence
Plan their career strategically
Do salaries in the Robert Half Salary Guide include bonuses or the Mandatory Provident Fund?
No. Salaries listed in the 2027 Hong Kong Salary Guide represent starting salaries only, meaning pay for someone new to the role. They do not include bonuses, benefits, or the Mandatory Provident Fund.
Does “starting salaries” mean they’re all entry-level, like someone just starting their career?
No, the 2027 Hong Kong Salary Guide reports starting salaries, which are the base pay ranges for new hires at the time they join the company. We present salaries in this way because factors, such as promotions, seniority, and individual performance influence ongoing pay and can vary widely. Similarly, bonuses, incentives, and benefits are not included as these differ greatly by industry and company.
What factors influence (or determine) salary levels in Hong Kong?
Salary levels in Hong Kong are influenced or determined by a mix of market, individual, and economic factors. High demand for specialised skills in sectors such as technology, banking, and finance often drives higher salaries, especially for roles tied to revenue generation and operations. At an individual level, experience, education, and in-demand certifications are key drivers of pay. Broader influences, including Hong Kong’s high cost of living and wider economic conditions, also affect salary benchmarks and annual wage adjustments.
How to use the salary guide data (or salary calculator)?
Enter the job title that best matches the role you are researching (e.g., Human Resources Manager, Financial Accountant, Data Engineer).
The calculator will display the salary data, broken down into three levels to reflect experience:
Low (25th percentile): Represents starting-level professionals new to the role.
Mid (50th percentile/average): Represents the average starting salary.
High (75th percentile): Represents professionals with extensive experience and high-demand skills/certifications.
The results provide a gross yearly starting salary range for the selected position, helping you benchmark your pay expectations or set a competitive offer.
What non-salary benefits/perks are top candidates looking for?
The non-salary benefits/perks top candidates value the most are work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, financial benefits (bonuses, stock, overtime), and family and caregiving benefits.
