The 2026 Market Outlook and Salary Guide report in Malaysia offers employees and job seekers salary benchmarks for more than 500 roles across 9 key sectors and analyses the country’s evolving talent landscape amid digital transformation and economic growth.
The report also includes early findings from the 2026 Talent Outlook and Expectations Survey, which highlights talent sentiments from 982 respondents on job-switching behaviours, work-life balance priorities, and AI adoption at work.
2026 salary & bonus expectations
The study reveals an optimistic talent market against the backdrop of rapid economic growth, with 22% of respondents expecting a salary increase of 5% to 10% in the new year. Another 17% anticipate a pay raise between 4% to 5% from their current employer.
Beyond salary increments, 1 in 3 respondents expect a modest one-month bonus next year, as another 26% anticipate a two-month bonus, and 18% look forward to a three-month bonus payout.
“Salary and benefits” has consistently ranked as the most important employee value proposition sought by talent. Reflecting this, 52% of respondents said they would consider changing jobs in 2026 if they are dissatisfied with their salary increments, bonuses, or both.
Salary variations differ by industry and depend heavily on demand and supply for specialised skills. In some sectors with urgent talent shortages, companies may offer higher salary packages, yet talent mobility remains constrained. This variability underlines the importance of agility and flexibility in evolving economic conditions.
The 2026 Market Outlook and Salary Guide Report further details industry-specific salary benchmarks and standards.
AI adoption at work
The increasing adoption of AI and digital tools further transforms the talent landscape. The report finds that 78% of employees already use generative AI for tasks such as content creation, email drafting, and reporting, underlining the significance of continuous upskilling in digital literacy and technical proficiency.
The 2026 Market Outlook and Salary Guide Report provides more information about emerging in-demand digital and AI skills across the different sectors in Malaysia, as organisations seek talent capable of effectively collaborating with AI technologies through strong analytical and logical abilities.
However, the survey also reveals that 13% of the workforce is hindered by corporate restrictions on AI use, creating a potential gap in skills that may push talent to seek employers offering greater exposure to AI-driven innovation.
adopt agile workforce solutions to scale business productivity
Companies in Malaysia have an opportunity to address talent scarcity with a flexible workforce model that comprises both permanent and contract employees. Flexibility in workforce management allows companies to respond quickly to economic changes, maintain operational resilience, and capitalise on new market opportunities.
Already, flexible workforce strategies are being adopted by some industries like Technology and Shared Services, where often the workforce size is dependent on the volume of projects.
Contract talent offers companies niche expertise exactly when the business needs it. For talent, contract work meets most expectations in career flexibility and greater autonomy through a diversity of projects that contributes to overall professional development.
While previously a job type that is less preferred given the perceived lack of stability and the hassle of finding new roles frequently, the local workforce is warming up to the concept of contract roles. In a recent survey, 27% of job seekers in Malaysia said that they are open to taking a contract role.
download now: randstad malaysia’s 2026 market outlook & salary guide
Our 2026 Job Market and Salary Trends report cuts through the complexity to deliver actionable insights and expert analyses from our business leaders in Malaysia. Let us help you navigate today's challenges and create new opportunities to strengthen your workforce for the future, ensuring your business doesn't just adapt — it thrives.
Salary benchmarks for more than 500 job titles are also featured in the report for the following specialisations:
- Accounting & Finance
- Construction & Property
- Human Resources
- Legal
- Life Sciences & Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Sales & Marketing
- Shared Services
- Technology
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