How much can you earn as a skilled immigrant in China? Below we compare estimated net monthly salaries across 25 professions, sorted by earning potential. The highest-paying role is Doctor at €2,400/month. The cost of living for a single person starts from €1,271/month in Shenzhen.
Salary Table: All Professions
| Profession | Score | Est. Net Monthly (EUR) | Recognition Required | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor | 4.5/10 | €2,400 | Yes | Challenging destination for Doctors. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| AI Engineer | 6.0/10 | €2,160 | No | Viable option for AI Engineers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Dentist | 4.3/10 | €2,160 | Yes | Challenging destination for Dentists. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Software Engineer | 6.0/10 | €1,920 | No | Viable option for Software Engineers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 5.8/10 | €1,800 | No | Consider alternatives for Cybersecurity Specialists. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Financial Analyst | 5.3/10 | €1,680 | No | Consider alternatives for Financial Analysts. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Pharmacist | 4.3/10 | €1,560 | Yes | Challenging destination for Pharmacists. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Mechanical Engineer | 5.5/10 | €1,560 | No | Consider alternatives for Mechanical Engineers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| UX Designer | 5.6/10 | €1,560 | No | Consider alternatives for UX Designers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Civil Engineer | 5.3/10 | €1,500 | Yes | Consider alternatives for Civil Engineers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Data Analyst | 5.3/10 | €1,440 | No | Consider alternatives for Data Analysts. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Architect | 5.0/10 | €1,440 | Yes | Consider alternatives for Architects. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Hotel Manager | 5.7/10 | €1,320 | No | Consider alternatives for Hotel Managers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Accountant | 4.8/10 | €1,320 | Yes | Challenging destination for Accountants. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Digital Marketer | 5.6/10 | €1,320 | No | Consider alternatives for Digital Marketers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Electrician | 4.4/10 | €1,080 | No | Challenging destination for Electricians. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Graphic Designer | 5.1/10 | €1,080 | No | Consider alternatives for Graphic Designers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier. |
| Nurse | 4.4/10 | €1,020 | Yes | Challenging destination for Nurses. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Plumber | 4.4/10 | €1,020 | No | Challenging destination for Plumbers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Teacher | 4.1/10 | €960 | Yes | Challenging destination for Teachers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Welder | 4.0/10 | €900 | No | Challenging destination for Welders. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Truck Driver | 4.0/10 | €840 | No | Challenging destination for Truck Drivers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Chef | 5.1/10 | €840 | No | Consider alternatives for Chefs. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Construction Worker | 4.0/10 | €780 | No | Challenging destination for Construction Workers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
| Caregiver | 3.8/10 | €660 | No | Challenging destination for Caregivers. Strengths: affordable cost of living. Challenges: significant language barrier, restrictive visa system. |
Salaries are estimated net monthly figures in EUR. “Data pending” indicates that salary data is not yet available for that profession in China.
Related Pages
- China Immigration Guide 2026
- China Visa Comparison 2026
- China Cost of Living 2026
- Cost of Living in Beijing
- Cost of Living in Shanghai
- Cost of Living in Shenzhen
- Compare China with Other Countries
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying professions in China for immigrants?
Based on estimated net monthly salaries, Doctor tops the list in China at €2,400 per month. Salaries vary significantly by profession, with tech and healthcare roles typically commanding the highest wages for skilled immigrants.
Are these salaries in China net or gross?
All salary figures shown are estimated net monthly amounts in EUR after taxes and social contributions. Actual take-home pay may vary based on individual tax circumstances, benefits, and employment contracts.
Do I need professional recognition to work in China?
It depends on your profession. Regulated professions such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and architects typically require credential recognition before you can practise. The recognition column in the table above indicates which professions have this requirement in China.
Data sourced from official government portals, Numbeo, Glassdoor, and verified employer surveys. Figures are indicative and should be used alongside professional immigration advice. Last updated 2026-03-12.