Top 5 countries in Southeast Asia with highest average wages in manufacturing
In 2024, the manufacturing sector in Southeast Asia continues to be a significant driver of economic growth, with varying wage levels across different countries.
According to ASEAN Briefing, here are the top 5 countries in the region with the highest average wages in manufacturing:
Singapore
Singapore leads the region with the highest average wage in manufacturing, $5,016 per month. The country's advanced industrial base in sectors like biotech, electronics, and chemicals and its high cost of living contribute to these elevated wage levels.
Malaysia
Malaysia's manufacturing sector is robust, and the average wage is $797 per month, particularly in electronics and machinery. This helps maintain relatively high wages compared to its regional peers.
Philippines
With a $555 average wage, the Philippines has a growing manufacturing sector, with significant contributions from the semiconductor and food industries, supporting higher wage levels.
Thailand
Thailand's manufacturing industry is well-developed, especially in the automotive and electronics sectors, which helps sustain competitive wages. The average monthly wage in Thailand is $431.
Indonesia
Indonesia's average wage per month is $350. The country's large manufacturing workforce and diverse industrial base in key sectors like electronics, automotive and textiles contribute to its position on this list, with wages reflecting the country's economic scale.
