Wages rise 3.4% in March 2026

Real wages increased 1.7%, whilst payroll per worker grew 3.4% in the first quarter.

The average wage rate increased by 3.4% YoY in nominal terms in March 2026, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

After accounting for inflation, the average wage rate rose by 1.7% in real terms.

About 62% of surveyed companies reported increases in average wage rates compared with a year earlier. Meanwhile, 33% recorded declines and 5% reported little or no change.

Payroll per person engaged also rose by 3.4% in nominal terms in the first quarter of 2026. In real terms, average payroll increased by 1.8% YoY.

Wage growth was recorded across all surveyed industries, with nominal increases ranging from 2.5% to 4%. Nominal payroll growth ranged from 2.3% to 4.1%.

The government said Hong Kong’s continued economic expansion should support labour demand, wages and earnings, although external uncertainties remain a risk.