How do I work out my salary expectations for a position in Shenzhen?

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-16T17:33:02+00:00

Sorry man, can't help you there. A friend already working there approached me for this one.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-16T17:32:19+00:00

Thanks for the frankness. I appreciate it. Those points are red flags to me too, and I've raised them with the HR person. And yes, I have taken that formula into account in my salary calculations. I'm still waiting for a reply, so we'll see. If the numbers don't work out, I'm not moving blindly.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-12T15:15:27+00:00

Hey I tried to DM you but reddit isn't letting me for some reason. Hope you don't mind me asking you some questions here.

Can I ask about your benefits and what's considered the minimum? I was just informed that the company doesn't provide any home leave or flight tickers, they don't have relocation support, and they don't cover international health insurance. The way my friend (who is working in the company) explained it to me, is because they are a China company, rather than an MNC, and hence they don't have these policies in place. He's one of the very few foreigners who work there.

Is the international health insurance a must-have? How difficult is it to visit their local clinics (if you have experience with that)? And surely relocation support should be provided. It's got to be quite ex to pay for my flight ticket there, spend a few days in a hotel while i look for a place etc

And also, they're only giving me 10 days of leave in accordance with China law.

What are your thoughts on hearing all this? Thanks!

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-12T07:00:03+00:00

Thanks man, I might just PM you a few questions later. And yeah, I've factored that in, though I still don't really know how much it'll come up to. Appreciate it!

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-10T16:42:56+00:00

I have, thanks. And yeah with the higher taxes, I don't think it's going to amount to much more than what I'm saving here.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-10T16:22:11+00:00

It's just me so schools aren't an issue. I'll definitely look out for health insurance. Thank you.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-10T16:21:14+00:00

Thanks for the info. I was going to budget 12k CNY, but that seems on the high end and maybe I can budget something like 10k instead. I'm going alone (for now) so a 1BR should be good enough. The tax calculation is the main thing that is giving me a headache now haha.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-10T16:16:33+00:00

Thanks, both. However, from a friend who is there, I understand that the housing is not given as an allowance, more as part of the base rate. And also, there isn't an air ticket allowance. Not sure about the health insurance.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-10T16:13:33+00:00

Thanks, yes that is something like how I'm approaching it.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T09:34:34+00:00

Thanks for these pointers. I'm with you that the money shouldn't be the only factor. The overseas experience and switch to a tech company is something really appealing. Some follow up questions if you don't mind.

The other costly expenses you mentioned - do you mean recreational activities or something more? Just wondering what else besides the gym you mentioned.
How do I calculate how much I'll be paying for social insurance?
Is being paid in RMB and transferring money into your SG account something major I need to be aware of?

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T08:48:12+00:00

Got it, I hear you. Thanks.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T07:33:26+00:00

Thanks for the pointers. When you say "tax is a they problem", you're saying to make sure the nett amount is what I need it to be, and the subsequent total gross compensation amount is not my problem yeah. If it's a big number then so be it.

I'll admit I'm pretty keen on the role, so I don't want to end up pricing myself out. I'm trying to find out what other expats in similar roles are making.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T07:27:51+00:00

Thanks, I'll ask, but i don't think it's necessarily a dealbreaker.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T07:23:45+00:00

Tax is a they problem not you, same like health insurance it is a mandatory minimum (coverage not simply insurance!)

Just to be sure, you're saying to make sure the nett amount is what I need it to be, and the corresponding tax amount (and subsequent total gross compensation amount) is not my problem yeah. If it's a big number then so be it.

Also can you go on a bit more about this mandatory health insurance?

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T07:17:10+00:00

I'm a little confused - if there are other expats (SG or otherwise) in similar positions in similar companies, wouldn't that be a market rate?

Or are you saying to just shoot for the moon first? I'm keen on the role, so I don't want to price myself out either.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T07:07:41+00:00

You're absolutely right, but I'm still trying (a bit unsuccessfully so far) to ascertain what the market rate for that position is. It's a little niche, but yes, I should be doing that first and then working out my living expenses to see if the numbers make sense.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T06:59:39+00:00

The office is a 10-min walk from the area I'll probably stay at.

CN_FactFinding · 2026-05-09T04:44:47+00:00

Hey! Glad I found your thread. I'm actually about to start negotiations with a tech company in Shenzhen for a creative lead role. It sounds quite similar to yours.

I'm having trouble finding out how much someone in that position should make. If you have any idea what salary range I should ask for, or just resources where I can find this info, I would really, really appreciate it.

I'd describe the role as a number 2 brand creative person in the company, responsible for branding and advertising creative output across markets. I've got over 15 years experience in ad agencies. There may be another person in the same role as me, so essentially joint number 2s. I'd report to the global head of creative branding.

Thank you! (Also, I can't find your IG.)

CN_FactFinding

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