Have you just graduated from university and are having trouble deciding where to look for work? Here are the top 10 states and territories in Malaysia with the highest median salary for fresh grads, using last year’s data published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
Where will YOU end up working?
1. Kuala Lumpur
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Kuala Lumpur tops the list as the territory in Malaysia with the highest median fresh-grad salary a month. At RM5,088 monthly, this far outpaces the national average of RM3,911.
Median salary numbers also grew the highest by 27.2%, from RM4,000 in 2017 to last year’s figure. Most of the economic activities in KL are centred around the services sector, and the territory generates 15.4% of Malaysia’s total economic activity.
2. Putrajaya
New graduates who work in Putrajaya – the centre of government – can expect a median salary of RM4,377 a month, a figure that has grown by 9.4% from RM4,000 in 2017.
The majority of jobs here are offered by government ministries as well as high-profile technology companies, notably in Cyberjaya, given its position as a technology hub.
3. Perlis
With a median fresh-grad salary of RM4,186 per month, Perlis’ ranking might be surprising as it is the smallest state in terms of economic activity in Malaysia, generating only about 0.5% of total economic activity.
Most of these are centred around agriculture and services, comprising around 21.7% and 63.8% of the state’s economic activity, respectively. The average fresh-grad salary here grew at one of the quickest rates (10.7%), from RM3,780 in 2017.
With its proximity to Thailand, graduates could find jobs centred around cross-border trade.
4. Selangor
Close to KL and also boasting a large manufacturing sector, Selangor has a median salary of RM4,130 per month for fresh graduates, an increase of 11.6% from RM3,701 in 2017. The services and manufacturing sectors comprise about 61% and 28.1%, respectively, of Selangor’s economic activity.
The townships of Puchong, Shah Alam, and Selayang, among others, are key to Selangor’s manufacturing industry, while Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, and Damansara are important for the services sector.
5. Pahang
Pahang is the first state on this list with a median fresh-graduate salary below RM4,000 a month. Graduates can expect an average salary of RM3,933, which still represents growth of 9.2% since 2017.
Job-seekers should head to the districts of Kuantan, Temerloh, Pekan and Bentong, where the majority of Pahang’s population (60%) resides. But for those with hospitality degrees, Genting Highlands would be the go-to choice.
6. Sarawak
The land of the hornbills is the biggest state by land size in Malaysia, and is home to the country’s biggest reserves of natural resources. It offers a median fresh-graduate salary of RM3,919 per month, a drop of 6.7% from RM4,200 in 2017.
This could be due to the decline in the oil and gas sector in Sarawak, as global oil prices were very low from 2015 to 2020.
7. Kelantan
In the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan has a median fresh-grad salary of RM3,898 a month. Salaries grew by 7.8% from RM3,617 in 2017, below the national growth rate of 10.2%.
With its close proximity to Thailand and its position near to the South China sea, trade and logistics are the main drivers of Kelantan’s economy. Graduates should head to Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, and Bachok, as these districts account for 63% of the state’s total population.
8. Johor
New graduates looking for a job in Johor can expect a median salary of RM3,871 per month. This might be surprising considering it is the third-largest state in Malaysia, and is close to Singapore.
Graduate salary grew by 9% from RM3,550 in 2017 to last year’s figure. Development in Johor has been rapid in the last five years, with economic growth consistently outpacing the national average.
Graduates can work in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, with locations such as Pengerang, the Segamat Agriculture Hub, and Kluang Creative Economy Hub being major contributors of jobs in the state.
9. Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan’s median fresh-grad salary stood at RM3,696 per month last year, growing by 5.6% from RM3,500 in 2017.
With its close proximity to KL and Selangor, many from the Klang Valley work here. New graduates can head to Seremban and Port Dickson, home to 68% of the state’s population.
10. Sabah
Sabah rounds off this list with RM3,635 per month. The East Malaysian state is renowned for its breathtaking sights, and tourism plays a big part in its economy.
Sabah’s median fresh-grad salary actually declined by 1.8% from RM3,700 in 2017, primarily due to the pandemic and its impact on tourism in 2020 and last year (for comparison, graduates could earn RM4,458 monthly in 2019).
With the re-opening of borders, graduate salaries should recover in line with greater tourist arrivals.
This article was written by Su-Wei Ho for MyPF. To simplify and grow your personal finances, follow MyPF on Facebook and Instagram.