For years, Cambodia, along with other ASEAN countries, has been a hotspot for expatriates and global nomads due to its low cost of living. The rapid urbanization and rich cultural tourism have created an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, especially in major cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Here, foreigners can enjoy familiar comforts without breaking the bank, assimilating into the local lifestyle.
When it comes to dining, filling meals can be found for as low as $1.00 outside, with even more savings for those who cook at home. While Numbeo reports an average price of $3.00 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, cheaper options are abundant in local cuisine.
However, the National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) in Cambodia regularly reviews the national minimum wage, considering various factors such as inflation, cost of living, productivity, and sector profitability. It is a common trend for areas with lower living costs to offer lower wages.
Fortunately, for minimum wage workers in Cambodia, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, along with NCMW, has increased the minimum wage from $192 to $200 by 2023, marking a 10% increase over three years. Initially set at $198, Prime Minister Hun Sen intervened, further raising it by $2. This increase is applicable to workers in the garment industry, such as factory workers, across the country.
Moreover, workers are entitled to several benefits, including allowances for food and accommodation, as well as bonuses for attendance, overtime, and seniority. For probationary workers, the monthly minimum wage has been raised to $198 from $187.
In the capital city of Phnom Penh, the most expensive city in the country, the minimum wage is $290 per month. Expatriates, especially Westerners, can expect significantly higher salaries if they work in urban centers.
Top-Paying Industries and Average Monthly Salaries (USD):
- Top Management: $1568
- Management: $1041
- Information Technology: $996
- Leasing: $969
- Technology and Development: $908
- Law and Legislation: $823
- Banking: $807
- Telecommunications: $802
- Human Resources: $773
- Quality Management: $770
- Pharmaceutical Industry: $761
- Economics, Finance, Accountancy: $750
- Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations: $748
- Mining, Metallurgy: $702
- Public Administration, Self-Governance: $680
Bottom-Paying Industries and Average Monthly Salaries (USD):
- Textile, Leather, Apparel Industry: $419
- General Labor: $491
- Service Industries: $495
- Tourism, Gastronomy, Hotel Business: $506
- Agriculture, Food Industry: $509
- Wood Processing: $544
- Administration: $544
- Customer Support: $570
- Transport, Haulage, Logistics: $573
- Security, Protection: $574
- Medicine, Social Care: $583
- Education, Science, Research: $599
- Journalism, Printing, Arts, Media: $600
- Water Management, Forestry, Environment: $638
- Translating, Interpreting: $641
- Car Industry: $644
It’s evident from the data that managerial roles, information technology, law, finance, and human resources are among the highest-paying industries in Cambodia. Conversely, manual labor and service-oriented industries, including tourism and agriculture, offer lower average salaries.
It’s worth noting that the figures provided are subject to change and are influenced by various factors such as experience, gender, and educational attainment. To bridge the gap, investors, especially foreign investors, must understand local wage rates and legal compliance to ensure fair labor practices and business operations.
