China’s hi-tech boom pushes firms to boost pay in 2027 as keeping talent a priority

Employers in China are planning to increase median salaries by 4.5 percent in 2027 as the country’s technology sector experiences a period of growth. This anticipated rise in compensation comes as businesses prioritize the retention of high-level talent to maintain their competitive edge in a demanding market.

The decision to boost pay follows a period of financial constraint throughout 2026, which saw a softer economic performance for many firms. Despite these lingering fiscal pressures, companies are adjusting their budgets to ensure they can secure and keep essential personnel, signaling a strategic shift toward human capital investment as the hi-tech industry continues to expand.