Software Engineering salaries in China
The median senior Software Engineering salary in China is CNH 960,000 per year, with the market band from CNH 850,000 to CNH 1,450,000 (morganmckinley.com.cn, 2026-09-02).
By seniority
executive (Medium quality data)
- P25
- CNH 950,000
- Median
- CNH 1,500,000
- P75
- CNH 2,000,000
- per month
- CNH 125,000
About CNH 125,000 per month at the median.
Morgan McKinley 2026 Mainland China Salary Guide, technology table, row Technical Director, Shanghai only. Published CNY treated as CNH at near parity. Annual per guide FAQ (base salary). Low/avg/high mapped to p25/p50/p75. Method: thousands of job offers and placements plus consultant intel and annual surveys.
lead (Medium quality data)
- P25
- CNH 670,000
- Median
- CNH 880,000
- P75
- CNH 1,250,000
- per month
- CNH 73,333
About CNH 73,333 per month at the median.
Morgan McKinley 2026 Mainland China Salary Guide, technology table, row Engineering Lead, Shanghai only. Published CNY treated as CNH at near parity. Annual per guide FAQ (base salary). Low/avg/high mapped to p25/p50/p75. Method: thousands of job offers and placements plus consultant intel and annual surveys.
senior (Medium quality data)
- P25
- CNH 850,000
- Median
- CNH 960,000
- P75
- CNH 1,450,000
- per month
- CNH 80,000
About CNH 80,000 per month at the median.
Morgan McKinley 2026 Mainland China Salary Guide, technology table, row Java Architect, Shanghai only. Published CNY treated as CNH at near parity. Annual per guide FAQ (base salary). Low/avg/high mapped to p25/p50/p75. Method: thousands of job offers and placements plus consultant intel and annual surveys.
Sources for these numbers
- https://www.morganmckinley.com.cn/en/salary-guide/technology/permanent-salaries
- https://www.morganmckinley.com.cn/en/salary-guide
These are market medians. Your own quote also depends on your current pay, your walk-away floor, and the package you need. Get your personal quote.