Minimum wage
in Hong Kong.

SALARY PAYMENT IN Hong Kong Dollars (HKD, $)

CONTRACT LANGUAGES English / Chinese

PAYROLL TAX 5% + 1,500 HKD

PAYROLL CYCLE Monthly

TIME TO HIRE 12 hours
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Hong Kong

What is the minimum wage in Hong Kong per hour?

The minimum wage in Hong Kong is $40 HKD per hour, and applies to all workers based in Hong Kong, excluding domestic helpers.

Are there regional variations in Hong Kong minimum wage?

There are no regional variations for the Hong Kong minimum wage.

There are only limited exceptions. For example, school or university students taking part in work experience, live-in domestic worker receiving free housing, or family members living and working with their employer.

The minimum wage is determined at an hourly rate and applies to all types of employment contracts, including part and full-time, day rates, piece rated, casual, and contracted staff.

How has minimum wage in Hong Kong changed in the last 5 years and beyond?

The minimum wage in Hong Kong was last increased in 2023 from $37.50 to $40.

Hong Kong – Minimum Wage Over the Years

Date	Min. wage, hourly rate (HKD)
2023	40
2019	37.50
2017	34.50
2015	32.50
2013	30

In 2021 it was announced that the statutory minimum wage will be frozen at HKD 37.50 per hour until 2023.

How does the minimum wage in Hong Kong compare to surrounding countries?

The minimum wage in Hong Kong is significantly higher than in many surrounding countries. For example, the minimum wage in Beijing is just $3.53 USD per hour (minimum wage is set regionally in China), and in Jakarta, Indonesia, it is just over $1 USD per hour. This makes Hong Kong with a minimum wage of $4.78 USD an attractive destination for foreign workers looking for better pay and working conditions. However, it is important to note that the cost of living is extremely high in Hong Kong.

Is there a different minimum wage for expats in Hong Kong?

No, all workers in Hong Kong (aside from domestic workers) must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Hiring in Hong Kong, Made Easy

Your business can easily hire employees in Hong Kong without opening a local entity. We handle local employment law, complex tax regulations, and international payroll in 180+ countries worldwide. All you need to do is focus on your business.

FAQs

What is the difference between the average salary and the minimum wage in Hong Kong?

The median full-time annual salary in Hong Kong is approximately $439,000 HKD per year. The annual minimum wage is approximately $97,695 (based on the average Hong Kong work week of 50.1 hours)

Is it possible to hire skilled employees close to the minimum wage in Hong Kong?

Minimum wage in Hong Kong tends to apply to low skilled jobs. Skilled employees command much higher rates, with the exact amount dependent on the industry and skill required.

Who is not entitled to the minimum wage in Hong Kong?

Almost all workers in Hong Kong are entitled to the minimum wage, except for live-in domestic workers, student interns or work-experience students.

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