Remuneration structure in China

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator22 October 2025 06:02:11

14940

Hello everyone,

Understanding the remuneration structure when living and working in China will help you better navigate professional life. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats grasp everything from gross pay to net pay, we invite you to share your experience.

How is your remuneration structured in China: basic salary, commissions, 13th month, etc.?

What are the common or mandatory allowances included such as transports, health insurance, pension contributions…?

What are the taxes and social contributions to be considered, especially if deduction is made at source?

What is the regular salary payment frequency in China: monthly, bi-montlhy, weekly…?

Is it acceptable or common to negotiate salary or benefits?

Are there any specific differences in remuneration structure between expats and locals?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

Slonik3 New member

Member since 09 November 2025

Slonik3New member09 November 2025 11:38:45

I've worked at five international high schools in China. I have a teaching certificate and graduate degree and have found significant variations. My teaching career started at school 1. I'll skip that one.

School 2/Kunshan: Low pay (20k)/month + 10k travel + 1k (x2 married) for housing + 75% tuition discount for my child + no social tax / no tax collected + 11 months pay + no health insurance (emergency is covered)

School 3/Beijing: Pay near 30-35k/month - 5-8k taken for tax + 10k for travel (receipt required) x 12 months pay + no social tax + free tuition for my child + 6k for housing/7.5 for married couple - 500-200/month for health insurance

School 4/Beijing: Pay near 35k/month - minimal tax, 2-3k (cash payment for half) + 10k travel (non-COVID years) + resigning bonus of 15-22.5k/year + free tuition for my child + 5k for housing + free healthcare with cap

School 5/Shenzhen: pay near 35k/month - variable tax, 3-9k/month + 5k travel + 0 housing + social tax included? + healthcare not available for me (60+) (emergency is covered)

I hope this helps.