China: jobs and pay

How many migrant workers are there in China?

China had 301.15 million rural migrant workers in 2025, 1.42 million or 0.5% more than in 2024, according to the NBS migrant worker monitoring survey report of 30 April 2026. Of these, 180.06 million worked outside their home area and 121.09 million locally.

Migrant workers are people with rural household registration who work in non-farm jobs. Their average age was 43.3, and 32.0% were over 50. 54.7% worked in services and 44.5% in industry and construction. Among those who left home, 67.65 million worked in another province, 1.1% fewer than a year earlier.

Official sources: NBS: 2025 migrant worker monitoring survey report (Chinese)

How much do migrant workers earn in China?

Rural migrant workers in China earned an average of 5,075 yuan a month in 2025, 2.3% more than in 2024, according to the NBS migrant worker monitoring survey report.

Those working away from their home area earned 5,774 yuan a month, up 2.5%, and those working locally 4,376 yuan, up 2.0%. Workers employed in the eastern region earned 5,501 yuan. The averages come from a household survey and cover monthly income from work, so they do not include social insurance contributions paid by employers.

Official sources: NBS: 2025 migrant worker monitoring survey report (Chinese)

Which sectors pay the most in China?

Information technology paid the highest average wage among urban non-private employers in China in 2025, at 248,752 yuan a year, followed by finance at 211,164 yuan, according to the NBS 2025 average wage release of 15 May 2026. Hotels and restaurants paid the least, at 62,461 yuan.

The average across all non-private employers was 129,441 yuan, up 4.3%, and across private employers 71,590 yuan, up 3.0%. The averages are means, so a smaller number of high earners can pull them above what a typical worker receives.

Official sources: NBS: 2025 average wages of urban employees (Chinese)

How many hours a week do people work in China?

Employees of Chinese enterprises worked an average of 48.2 hours a week in August 2026, according to the NBS release of 15 September 2026.

The figure comes from the monthly labour force survey, which also gives the urban surveyed unemployment rate: 5.3% in August, 0.1 points higher than in July. The survey average covers all employees of enterprises, and hours differ between sectors and between full-time and part-time workers.

Official sources: NBS: National economy in August 2026

How much of household income in China comes from wages?

Wages and salaries made up 57.9% of per capita disposable income in China in the first half of 2026, at 13,298 yuan per person, according to the NBS household income and consumption release of 17 July 2026. Wage income grew 5.3% from a year earlier.

Net income from business was 15.8% of disposable income, property income 8.0% and transfers, such as pensions, 18.3%. Property income rose only 1.1%. The figures come from a household survey covering urban and rural residents and are averages per person, including children and retired people.

Official sources: NBS: Households' income and consumption, first half of 2026

How much is the minimum wage in China?

In 2024, the statutory minimum wage in China was 1,930 CNY a month (about $268), according to the ILO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012.

What is the average wage in China?

According to the ILO, average monthly earnings of employees in China was $807 a month in 2022. Since 2012 it has ranged from $380 a month (2012) to $813 a month (2021). It is 3rd highest of 10 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $404 a month. World rank, highest first: 44th of 98.

What is the unemployment rate in China?

In 2025, the unemployment rate in China was 4.6%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 5.0%; its low point was 2018, at 4.3%. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.9%; China is 7th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 101st highest.

How many young people in China are unemployed?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 15.8%. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 2nd highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 7.5%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.

What share of people in China are in the labour force?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in China was 64.6% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. East Asia & Pacific median: 65.3%; China is 13th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.

What share of women in China are in the labour force?

59.1%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in China for 2025, according to the ILO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 10th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 56.3%. Worldwide: 52nd of 174.

How many people in China are employed?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 61.6%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 63.1%, and China placed 15th highest of 24. Worldwide: 59th of 174.

How many workers in China are self-employed or family workers?

In 2025, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in China was 33.4%, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 40.0%, and China placed 16th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 80th of 174.

What share of workers in China earn a wage or salary?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are paid employees in China at 62.3% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 56.8%, and China placed 10th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 93rd of 174.