Workers rejoice: Nearly half of employers will raise wages in 2018

However, the increase will only range from 3 to 6%.

Hong Kong workers have reason to celebrate this year as nearly half (49%) of employers are planning 3-6% salary increases in 2018 but some niche industries may be more generous than others, according to Hays Asia Salary Guide.

“For example, specialised roles in some areas of the Financial Tech industry such as threat intelligence and information security management are experiencing skill shortages and thus commanding substantial salary increases,” said Hays Hong Kong and South China managing director Dean Stallard.

Almost a fourth (24%) of Hong Kong employers plan to hike salary of its workers by up to 3% whilst a stingy 5% will offer no raise at all.

The report also revealed that China has the most generous employers as over half (51%) of employers are planning to hike its workers’ salaries by more than 6% in 2018.

Close regional competitor Singapore takes a more conservative approach as most employers only plan to increase salaries between 3-6%.

Japanese workers, on the other hand, face the most modest salary increase of a measly 3% for the year ahead.