Engineer Salary in Malaysia: An Overview

Engineering is a well-respected profession in Malaysia, with numerous career opportunities and competitive salaries.

If you're considering a career in engineering or are already working in the field, it's essential to understand the salary trends and expectations for the coming years. 

This comprehensive overview will discuss the salary ranges for different engineering roles, from fresh graduates to senior professionals, and explore factors that affect engineer salaries in Malaysia.

Fresh graduate engineer salary in Malaysia

As a fresh graduate engineer in Malaysia, your salary may depend on several factors, such as your field of specialisation and the industry you work in. Here are the salary ranges for different types of engineering roles with less than three years of experience:

Software engineer

Software engineers play a vital role in developing and maintaining software applications. The average salary for a fresh graduate software engineer in Malaysia is around RM4,000 to RM6,000 per month.

Civil engineer

Civil engineers are usually involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects. Fresh graduate civil engineers can expect a salary range of RM1,900 to RM3,300 monthly.

Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers are principally responsible for designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. The salary range for fresh graduate mechanical engineers is approximately RM1,900 to RM2,900 per month.

Chemical engineer

Chemical engineers work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Chemical engineers with less than 3 years experience can expect a monthly salary of RM1,700 to RM2,600.

Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers systematically design, test, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. The average salary for fresh graduate electrical engineers in Malaysia is around RM2,500 to RM3,500 per month.

Computer engineer

Computer engineers specialise in the design and development of computer hardware and software systems. Fresh graduate computer engineers can expect a salary range of RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month.

Petroleum engineer

Petroleum engineers operate in the oil and gas industry, focusing on exploring and producing oil and gas reserves. The salary range for fresh graduate petroleum engineers is approximately RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month.

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers play a role in the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. Fresh graduate aerospace engineers can expect a salary range of RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month.

Automotive engineer

Automotive engineers specialise in designing, developing, and testing automotive systems and components. The average salary for fresh graduate automotive engineers in Malaysia is around RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month.

Telecommunications engineer

Telecommunications engineers work in the telecommunications industry, designing and maintaining communication systems. Fresh graduate telecommunications engineers can expect a salary range of RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month.

It's imperative to note that these salary ranges are approximate and may vary widely depending on company size, location, and demand for specific engineering skills. Additionally, salaries may be higher in specific industries or for engineers with additional certifications or qualifications.

Senior engineer salary in Malaysia

As you progress in your career and gain more experience, your salary will naturally increase. Here are the salary ranges for some senior engineering roles in Malaysia:

Software engineer

Senior software engineers, with more than three years of experience, can anticipate a salary range of approximately RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in high-demand industries.

Civil engineer

Senior civil engineers, with five or more years of experience, can anticipate a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. Those working on large-scale infrastructure projects or in managerial positions may earn even more.

Mechanical engineer

Senior mechanical engineers can prospect a monthly salary of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in industries such as aerospace or automotive.

Chemical engineer

Senior chemical engineers, with five or more years of experience, may expect a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those working in the oil and gas industry or managerial positions.

Electrical engineer

Senior electrical engineers, with five or more years of experience, can anticipate a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in industries such as telecommunications or renewable energy.

Computer engineer

Senior computer engineers, with five or more years of experience, may expect a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in high-demand industries such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.

Petroleum engineer

Senior petroleum engineers, with five or more years of experience, can anticipate a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those in the oil and gas industry or managerial positions.

Aerospace engineer

Senior aerospace engineers, with five or more years of experience, can bargain within a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those working on advanced aerospace projects or in managerial positions.

Automotive engineer

Senior automotive engineers, with five or more years of experience, can prospect a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in high-demand industries.

Telecommunications engineer

Senior telecommunications engineers, with five or more years of experience, can anticipate a salary range of RM8,000 to RM12,000 per month. This range can be higher for those working in managerial positions or on advanced telecommunications projects.

These salary ranges for senior engineering roles are approximate and may vary depending on company size, location, and demand for specific engineering skills. Additionally, salaries may be higher for engineers with advanced degrees or certifications and those working in multinational companies or industries with higher profit margins.

Average engineer salary in Malaysia

The average salary for engineers in Malaysia can vary depending on the field of specialisation and experience level. 

On average, engineers in Malaysia earn between RM4,000 to RM6,000 per month. 

However, this figure may be higher or lower depending on various factors, such as industry demand, geographical location, and company size.

It's important to note that this average salary is a general estimate and may vary significantly depending on the abovementioned factors. Engineers with specialised skills, advanced degrees, or working in high-demand industries can earn higher salaries. In comparison, those with less experience or working in less competitive industries may make less.

Benefits and bonuses for engineers

In addition to their base salaries, engineers in Malaysia often receive benefits and bonuses as part of their compensation packages. These benefits can include:

• Annual leave and public holidays: Most companies provide annual leave and paid public holidays to their employees. The number of annual leave days can vary depending on company policies and employment contracts.

• Medical and health insurance: Many companies offer medical and health insurance coverage to their employees, including outpatient treatment, hospitalisation, and dental care.

• Retirement savings: Employers may contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) on behalf of their employees. The EPF is a retirement savings scheme that helps employees save for their future.

• Performance bonuses: Depending on company performance and individual performance, engineers may receive performance bonuses as part of their annual compensation. These bonuses can vary in amount and are typically based on key performance indicators (KPIs) or targets.

• Professional development opportunities: Companies may provide opportunities for engineers to attend training programmes, workshops, or conferences to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Flexible work arrangements: Some companies offer flexible work arrangements, like remote work or flexible working hours, enabling employees to maintain a better work-life balance.

Factors that affect engineer salary in Malaysia

Several factors can influence engineer salaries in Malaysia, including:

• Field of specialisation: Different engineering fields have different levels of demand and salary ranges. For example, software engineering and petroleum engineering often command higher salaries due to their specialised skills and high demand in the market.

• Level of experience: As engineers gain more experience and expertise in their field, their salaries tend to increase. Employers are usually willing to pay higher salaries for competent engineers with a proven track record and the ability to take on more complex projects.

• Industry demand: The demand for engineers varies across different industries. Industries such as technology, oil and gas, and manufacturing often have a high leading engineering talent, which can lead to higher salaries.

• Geographical location: Salaries can vary depending on the location within Malaysia. Major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer relatively higher salaries in stark contrast to smaller towns or rural areas.

• Company size and reputation: Larger or multinational corporations often offer higher salaries and better benefits packages than smaller companies. Companies with a strong reputation in the industry may also provide higher salaries to attract top engineering talent.

• Qualifications and certifications: Engineers with advanced degrees or specialised certifications may command higher salaries due to their additional expertise and qualifications.

It's important to consider these factors when evaluating job opportunities or negotiating salary offers. Researching industry trends and salary benchmarks may also help you determine the fair market value of your skills and experience.

Engineering education in Malaysia

To pursue a career in engineering, a strong educational foundation is essential. In Malaysia, universities offer engineering programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are some popular engineering degrees in Malaysia:

Undergraduate engineering courses

• Foundation in Engineering: This programme provides a solid foundation in engineering principles and prepares university students for further studies in various engineering disciplines.

• Chemical Engineering: This degree programme focuses on designing, developing, advancing, and operating chemical processes and systems.

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering: This programme covers the design, development, and systematic testing of electrical and electronic systems and devices.

• Mechatronic Engineering: This programme equips students with practical skills to program basic mechatronic integrated systems and control of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems.

• Mechanical Engineering: This focuses on designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems and components.

Postgraduate engineering courses:

• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering: This programme offers advanced training in chemical engineering principles and prepares students for research or industry positions.

• Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: This scientific course provides specialised knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering and offers opportunities for research and advanced study.

• Master of Environmental Engineering: This master's course is aimed at students interested in environmental engineering who initially undertook a more mainstream undergraduate programme. 

• Engineering MPhil/PhD: This is a research degree that requires the submission of a dissertation and is typically completed in two years.  It does not typically involve any oral examination. 

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering: This programme offers advanced training in mechanical engineering principles and prepares students for research or industry positions.

These are just a few examples of engineering programmes available in Malaysia. It's essential to research and consider different universities and programmes to find the one that best suits your interests and career goals. 

Conclusion

Engineering is a rewarding and highly sought-after profession in Malaysia, offering competitive salaries and numerous career opportunities. Whether you're a fresh graduate starting your engineering journey or a seasoned professional looking to advance your career, it's essential to understand the salary trends and factors that affect engineer salaries in Malaysia. 

By considering factors such as field of specialisation, level of experience, industry demand, and qualifications, you can make informed decisions about your career path and negotiate fair compensation packages. With a solid educational foundation and continuous professional development, you can thrive in the engineering industry and enjoy a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in Malaysia.

Also, If you are keen to learn more about your academic pathway and campus life at UNM, a free shuttle bus service is available every Saturday, departing from Future Students Centre, Petaling Jaya to Semenyih. Book your spot at The Notts Express!

Explore the scholarships available for our foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Also, remember to download our prospectus for detailed information about our programs!

This article aims to give an overview of Malaysia's education system for public understanding. However, it does not cover all aspects of the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), so readers are encouraged to seek more information if necessary.