Low Salaries In India Continue To Enhance Cost Competitiveness With China by Willis Tower Watson
New Delhi, 7 June, 2016 – Annual base salaries in India are the lowest in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and significantly lower than China, according to research by leading global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW). China’s base salaries across all job grades are between 64% and 100% higher than in India. The finding supports India’s emerging reputation as being a cost-competitive labor market in the region.
The findings in the APAC section of Willis Towers Watson’s 2015/2016 Global 50 Remuneration Planning Report enable cross-country pay competitiveness comparisons across the region, by providing base salary information using a consistent framework for job levels. The report also sheds light on the impact of currency movements on base salaries in U.S. dollar terms.
Low Salaries – India vs China
At an APAC level, entry-level salaries for white-collar professionals are among the lowest in India and the Philippines at an average annual base salary of approximately USD 11,000. Their peers in China receive almost twice as much.
The story at senior management levels is not much different. At approximately USD 66,000, India offers the lowest average annual base salary across the region, which is almost half that of China.
“Labour costs are always a significant contributor to decisions around potential foreign investments. A young and tech-savvy workforce and comparatively lower salaries, especially at the entry level, augur well for India’s quest to attract investments and emerge as a top manufacturing destination. These factors, combined with a focus on skilling, could give India an advantage in comparison to China, where an aging population and shrinking workforce mean salaries will remain higher.” said Sambhav Rakyan, Data Services Practice Leader, Asia Pacific at Willis Towers Watson.
China salaries are notably higher across levels as compared to India – 81% higher at entry-level, 84% at mid-level, double at senior level and 64% at top management level.
“China is focusing more on R&D and higher-end value-added production, which requires advanced skill-sets. For that reason, along with proximity to other parts of the supply chain, although China is much more expensive, it’s more mature infrastructure and skilled workforce is likely to continue to attract companies particularly when compared with the emerging economies in the APAC region. But low-cost labor is no longer a major selling point for China.” added Mr. Rakyan.
In terms of highest paying countries, Australia tops at entry and mid-management levels while Singapore tops at senior and top management levels.
“Singapore has always been a leading economy in the region. As it continues to enhance its competitiveness in the international arena, it wants to bring in top talent with knowledge of best practices from all over the world, so offering globally competitive salaries is an important part of that process,” said Mr. Rakyan. “In terms of Greater China, Hong Kong has long been a hub for international talent; its gap with Singapore narrows once Hong Kong’s more favorable tax rates are taken into account.”
About The Survey
The Willis Towers Watson 2015/2016 Global 50 Remuneration Planning Report. This report is a comprehensive global compensation and benefits planning tool for companies operating in disparate markets and multicultural legislative environments. The report is designed to help companies establish a consistent global compensation strategy and ensure compliance with local laws and practices. Information is presented as a snapshot of statutory benefits and market practice. A salary structure which presents salary and benefits by different job levels, based on Willis Towers Watson’s proprietary Global Grading System (GGS). The latest Global 50 Remuneration Planning Report is available for purchase.
ABOUT WILLIS TOWERS WATSON
Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 39,000 employees in more than 120 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimise benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential.
