Taiwan’s labour market expanded steadily in 2025, with employment rising and salaries climbing close to 4%, according to the latest data from Taiwan’s National Statistics.
The island added 66,000 jobs during the year, the average number of employees to 8.523 million. At the same time, the average annual total salary reached 760,632 yuan, reflecting a 3.91% year-on-year increase.
The figures point to stable economic conditions in Taiwan, supported by steady hiring and consistent wage growth across industrial and service sectors.
Taiwan Employment Reaches 8.52 Million in 2025
In 2025 (Year 114 in Taiwan’s official calendar), the average number of employees rose to 8,523,000, up 0.78% from 2024. By the end of December, total employment stood slightly higher at 8.567 million.
The pace of hiring was moderate rather than aggressive. This suggests companies continued expanding operations cautiously amid global economic uncertainties, particularly in trade-sensitive sectors such as manufacturing and technology.
The average annual total salary per employee increased to 760,632 yuan in 2025, up 3.91% year-on-year.
On a monthly basis, the average recurring monthly salary reached 47,884 yuan, rising 3.09% annually. The median monthly recurring salary stood at 38,406 yuan, up 3.03% from the previous year.
The gap between average and median salaries indicates income variation across industries. Higher-paying sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and technology continue to lift overall averages.
Still, median salary growth above 3% suggests income gains were broadly distributed rather than limited to top earners.
December Boost from Bonuses and Overtime
December figures show how bonuses and overtime contribute significantly to annual earnings.
In December 2025:
- The average recurring salary reached 48,400 yuan.
- Including bonuses and overtime, the average total salary rose to 62,492 yuan.
- Total salary increased 2.11% year-on-year for the month.
Part-Time Workers Earn 262,272 Yuan Annually
The data also highlights structural differences in Taiwan’s workforce.
Employees working reduced hours earned:
- 262,272 yuan in average annual total salary
- 20,612 yuan in average monthly recurring salary
The significant income gap between full-time and part-time workers underscores labour segmentation within Taiwan’s economy.
While part-time roles offer flexibility, they provide substantially lower annual income.
What the 2025 Labour Data Means for Taiwan’s Economy
Taiwan’s 2025 employment and salary data reflects three key trends:
1. Stable Job Creation
The addition of 66,000 jobs signals continued business expansion without overheating.
2. Wage Growth Outpacing Hiring
Salary growth of nearly 4% exceeded employment growth, suggesting tighter labour conditions and rising competition for skilled workers.
3. Sustained Domestic Income Growth
Steady wage increases may support consumer spending, strengthening Taiwan’s domestic demand alongside export performance.
For businesses, rising wages translate into higher operating costs, potentially accelerating automation, productivity upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives.
For policymakers, the figures indicate labour market stability while highlighting the need to manage wage pressure and income distribution.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri
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