Median monthly income in Hong Kong rises to $18,400

The 50th percentile of workers in Hong Kong earned $74.40 an hour in 2020, the Census and Statistics Department has calculated.

The median monthly wage of employees in Hong Kong rose 1.5% to $18,400 in May-June 2020, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has reported.

This is slightly higher than the $18,200 median recorded in the same period in 2019.

The 10th and 25th percentile monthly wages of employees in the city were $9,600 (down 3.9%) and $13,200 (up by 1.4%), respectively in May-June 2020; whilst the 75th and 90th percentile each earned $28,800 (up by 2.2%) and $45,300 (up by 1.6%) per month.

On an hourly basis, the median wage of employees was $74.4, which was up by 1.8% on the same period in 2019.

Moreover, the C&SD reported that male employees earned more than female employees, with an $83 hourly rate compared to $66 per hour for women across the workforce.

Age also played a factor. Those aged between 35-44 were the highest earners at $83.90 per hour, followed by those aged 25-34 at $77.60. Those who were 45-54 years old earned $75.6 an hour on average..

In a separate report, the C&SD said the average wage rate in December 2020 was unchanged at 1%. Around 50% of employers saw an increase, whilst 46% decreased their workers’ average wage rate.