Bankers in South Korea outearn workers at major companies like Samsung
In the first half of this year, bankers at South Korea's four major banks earned an average of 60.5 million won ($45,300), outpacing the salaries at some of the nation's largest companies.
Recent disclosures to the Financial Supervisory Service show Hana Bank leading with an average of 67 million won for its employees in the first six months, followed by KB Kookmin and Woori Bank at 60 million won each, and Shinhan Bank at 55 million won.
The average salary at the four major banks, 60.5 million won, exceeded Samsung Electronics' 54 million won ($41,000), SK Hynix's 52 million won ($39,000), and Hyundai Motor's 42 million won ($32,000)during the same period.
As reported by the Korea Herald, despite a 1 million won ($753) decrease in the average first-half salary at the four banks, major companies also saw slight declines or minimal increases. Last year, Samsung Electronics paid 51 million won ($38,000), SK Hynix 73 million won ($55,000), and Hyundai Motor 45 million won ($34,000).
Employees at financial holding companies earned more, averaging 89.25 million won in six months. Woori Financial Group led with 97 million won ($73,000), followed by Hana at 94 million won ($71,000), Shinhan at 86 million won ($65,000), and KB at 80 million won ($60,000.
Meanwhile, the gender wage gap was evident, with holding companies paying female employees about 32% less (around 31 million won) than males. Woori Financial Group had the largest disparity, with males earning nearly 70% more than females.
