Average Salary in Cambodia 2026: Expat Wage Insights

Whether you are searching for a new job, hiring employees, relocating to Cambodia, or simply comparing wages across different industries, understanding the average salary in Cambodia is essential. Cambodia's economy has experienced significant growth over the past decade, creating more opportunities in manufacturing, technology, banking, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, education, and professional services. As businesses continue expanding and foreign investment increases, salary expectations are also evolving across many sectors.

However, there is no single salary figure that applies to everyone. Earnings vary considerably depending on education, experience, location, industry, language skills, company size, and job responsibilities. For example, an entry-level administrative assistant may earn a modest monthly income, while experienced professionals in finance, information technology, or executive management can command significantly higher salaries.

For employers, understanding current salary benchmarks helps attract and retain qualified talent in an increasingly competitive labor market. Offering competitive compensation not only improves recruitment success but also strengthens employee satisfaction and long-term retention. Likewise, job seekers who understand current market rates are better positioned to negotiate fair salaries and evaluate job offers with confidence.

Anyone intending to live or work in Cambodia must be aware of the average pay and income levels in this Southeast Asian nation. For foreign workers as well as local job seekers, it is crucial to comprehend the compensation environment as Cambodia's economy develops and grows.

Another important distinction in 2026 is between monthly and yearly earnings. The average annual salary in Cambodia ranges from USD 3,000 to USD 6,000, but it depends on the job and the area. Senior professionals and specialists may make more than USD 12,000 a year, especially if they work for a global company in Phnom Penh.

The average salary in Cambodia, typical wages in different industries and expected income levels are all thoroughly explored in this article. 

What is the Average Salary in Cambodia?

The average wage in Cambodia is determined by taking into account a number of variables, including geography, job description, industry and experience.

Employees in entry-level roles typically receive lower salaries as they develop practical experience. Mid-level professionals generally enjoy higher earnings due to increased responsibilities, while senior managers, executives, and technical specialists often receive premium compensation packages that include bonuses, health insurance, transportation allowances, and other benefits.

Differences by Role and Industry

• Low‑wage: Labour‑intensive or Entry-Level Roles (textiles, general labor, service, hospitality, agriculture): typical monthly earnings range from ~ 720,000 to 2,176,000 KHR (≈ US $180–$540).
• Medium-skill: Service-professional Roles (e.g. education, healthcare, HR, admin): often earn ~ 2,000,000 to 3,840,000 KHR (≈ US $500–$960/mo).
• High-skill, Technical, Managerial Roles (e.g. ICT, engineering, finance, senior management): salaries range widely around 4,280,000 to 8,968,000 KHR (≈ US $1,070–$2,190 or more) depending on experience and expertise.

This helps job seekers better estimate realistic expectations, not “$200–$500” across the board, but a spectrum depending on skill & role.

Urban vs Rural , Location Matters

Data from the 2023 national survey shows that households in the capital (e.g. Phnom Penh) earn significantly more on average than the national average across Cambodia.

Hence, job seekers and employers should factor in cost-of-living differences, urban‑premium pay, and local labour‑market demand when discussing salaries.

Minimum Wage & Living Wage Context 2026

Workers in certain sectors - especially garment, textile and manufacturing - remain at the lower end of pay. There is growing advocacy to raise the statutory floor: in 2026, trade unions and civil society groups call for a minimum wage of USD 232/month, citing rising cost of living. This broader context helps explain why many workers’ real income remains modest and why salary expectations need to stay informed of labour‑market pressures.

Average Expat Salary in Cambodia in 2026 The average expat salary in Cambodia remains substantially higher than local earnings. In 2026, most expatriates earn between USD 1,500 and USD 3,500 per month, depending on industry and seniority. Sectors such as international education, IT consulting, engineering, NGO leadership and corporate management offer some of the most competitive packages.

Unlike local compensation structures, expat salaries often include non-cash benefits such as housing allowances, private health insurance, paid relocation, and annual flights. These benefits further widen the gap between local and expatriate income levels in Cambodia, even when base salaries appear similar on paper.

Explore more on: A Guide to Jobs in 2024 "Cambodia Job Hiring"

Salary Ranges in Cambodia by Location and Experience

Professional experience is one of the most important factors influencing the average salary in Cambodia. As employees gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and leadership experience, they often become eligible for higher-paying positions and greater responsibilities.

Although education helps candidates enter the workforce, employers generally place greater value on proven performance and hands-on experience. Professionals who consistently develop their technical skills, improve their communication abilities, and demonstrate leadership are more likely to receive promotions and salary increases throughout their careers.

1. Entry-Level Professionals (0–2 Years)

Fresh graduates and employees beginning their careers typically earn between USD 300 and USD 600 per month, depending on the industry, company, and job role. Common entry-level positions include administrative assistants, customer service representatives, junior accountants, marketing assistants and sales coordinators.

Graduates with strong English communication skills, digital expertise, or specialized technical knowledge often receive higher starting salaries, especially in information technology, finance, and multinational companies.

2. Mid-Level Professionals (3–7 Years)

Employees with three to seven years of experience usually take on greater responsibilities, supervise small teams, or manage important projects. During this stage, salaries commonly range from USD 700 to USD 1,500 per month.

Professionals who demonstrate strong performance, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise often receive annual salary increases and performance bonuses. Many employers also provide additional benefits such as health insurance, transportation allowances, and professional training.

3. Senior Professionals (8–15 Years)

Senior professionals are responsible for strategic planning, decision-making, and mentoring junior employees. Their extensive experience allows them to manage departments, oversee major projects, and contribute to long-term business growth.

Most senior professionals earn between USD 1,500 and USD 3,000 per month, although salaries can be considerably higher in industries such as banking, technology, engineering, and multinational corporations. Besides competitive salaries, many senior employees receive annual bonuses, leadership incentives, and comprehensive employee benefits.

4. Executive Leadership

Executives, directors, and C-level leaders oversee company strategy, financial performance, and organizational development. These positions require years of experience, exceptional leadership skills, and industry expertise.

Monthly salaries for executives generally start from USD 3,000 and can exceed USD 10,000 in multinational companies or large organizations. Executive compensation packages often include performance bonuses, company vehicles, health insurance, housing allowances and other attractive benefits.

Average Annual Salary in Cambodia The average annual salary in Cambodia can provide a clearer picture of income trends. Workers make between $2,400 and $6,000 a year on average. This yearly statistic demonstrates the variety of industries and employment rolls present in the nation.

1. General Overview

The average yearly pays and average salary in Cambodia varies greatly depending on the sector, type of work, experience level, and region. Most workers in Cambodia make between $2,400 and $6,000 per year, although depending on certain conditions, these amounts can vary greatly.

2. Sector-Specific Annual Salaries

• Garment Industry: Workers in the garment sector typically earn between $1,800 and $2,400 annually. This sector remains one of the largest employers in Cambodia.
• Finance Sector: Annual salaries in the finance sector range from $4,800 to $14,400. Positions in this sector often require specialized skills and qualifications.
• Education Sector: Local teachers earn between $2,400 and $6,000 annually. Teachers in international schools can earn between $12,000 and $24,000 annually, reflecting higher standards and additional qualifications.
• Healthcare Sector: Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, can earn between $3,000 and $10,000 annually. This sector is crucial and has been seeing gradual improvements in salary structures.

3. Expatriate Annual Salaries

When compared to local laborers, foreign employees in Cambodia typically have more earning potential. Expatriates typically earn between $12,000 and $36,000 a year, depending on their industry, type of work, and level of experience.

4. Factors Influencing Annual Salaries

The fluctuations in the average yearly pay in Cambodia are caused by various factors:

• Industry Demand: To recruit and retain qualified workers, high-demand industries like technology and finance provide higher salaries.
• Experience and Education: People who have completed postgraduate coursework or have a great deal of experience in their area are likely to earn more money annually.
• Geographical: Due to the concentration of enterprises and higher cost of living in urban areas as opposed to rural ones, urban areas especially Phnom Penh generally give higher salaries.
• Economic Growth: As the country's economy expands, salaries in a number of industries are on the rise.
• Living Costs and Inflation: Increasing living expenses can have an effect on wage negotiations and overall pay levels, especially in urban areas.

In brief, many factors affect the average yearly pay in Cambodia, such as industry, experience, education, and location. Although the overall range is $2,400 to $6,000 there are notable differences depending on the industry and type of work. Employers and job seekers alike must comprehend these wage trends in order to make wise judgments and bargain for just compensation average salary in Cambodia.

You may be interested in the Top Career Websites in Cambodia.

What to Expect from the Average Expat Salary in Cambodia?

Cambodia is an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates, thanks to its growing economy and vibrant culture. Potential expats might make well-informed judgments about moving to and working in Cambodia by being aware of the average income for foreign workers in the nation. This is a detailed summary of the average expat salary in Cambodia that expatriate should expect and average salary in Cambodia.

1. General Overview: The industry, employment role, level of knowledge, and location are some of the elements that affect the average expat pay in Cambodia. In general, foreign workers should expect to make between $12,000 and $36,000 per year, which equates to a $1,000–$3,000 monthly salary range.

2. Industry-Specific Expat Salaries:

• Technology Sector: Expats working in IT and tech roles can earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month. This sector is rapidly expanding and offers competitive salaries to attract skilled professionals.
• Education Sector: International school teachers typically earn between $1,000 and $2,500 per month. Roles in education often come with additional benefits such as housing allowances and health insurance.
• Finance Sector: Finance professionals can expect salaries ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per month. Positions in banking, accounting, and financial analysis are in demand and offer lucrative compensation packages.
• Healthcare Sector: Expats in healthcare, including doctors and specialized medical staff, can earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month. The healthcare sector values the expertise and experience that expat bring.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Managers and executives in the hospitality industry can earn between $1,200 and $2,500 per month. This sector benefits from Cambodia's booming tourism industry, offering various opportunities for expats.

3. Factors Influencing Expat Salaries: A number of factors affect the average pay for foreigners in Cambodia:

• Industry Demand: In order to attract and retain personnel, high-demand businesses like technology, finance and healthcare typically provide higher salaries.
• Experience and Requirements: Foreign nationals who possess advanced degrees, specialized talents or a wealth of experience are likely to be paid more.
• Geographical Location: Due to greater living expenses and more work opportunities, salaries are often higher in urban areas like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
• Employer Type: Compared to local businesses, multinational corporations and international organizations frequently offer greater perks and higher compensation.

4. Additional Benefits: In addition to base salaries, many expats receive additional benefits, including:

• Housing Allowances: A lot of companies give company housing or housing allowances.
• Health Insurance: One common perk is comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Travel Allowances: For foreign workers and their families, certain employers provide travel allowances.
• Education Allowances: Some businesses cover the cost of schooling for foreign nationals living abroad who have children.

Depending on the company, experience level, and region, the typical monthly income for foreign workers average expat salary in Cambodia from $1,000 to $3,000, providing a good quality of living. Acceptance the aforementioned wage patterns and supplementary advantages can aid foreign nationals in making informed choices regarding their relocation to Cambodia.

Salary Ranges in Cambodia and Income Levels in Cambodia

The economic diversity of Cambodia is reflected in the wage ranges and income levels, which vary significantly based on the industry, function, and location. Here's a thorough rundown about average salary in Cambodia and Cambodian salary statistics also:

1. Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level Positions:

• Lower-paying (entry-level, manual, apparel, service): ~ 720,000–2,176,000 KHR/mo (≈ US $180–$540).
• Common Roles: Junior staff, assistants and basic positions in various industries.

Mid-Level Positions:

• Medium-paying (education, healthcare, HR, etc): ~ 2,000,000–3,840,000 KHR/mo (≈ US $500–$960).
• Common Roles: Supervisors, coordinators and professionals with several years of experience.

Senior-Level Positions:

• Higher-paying (skilled professionals, ICT, engineers): ~ 4,280,000–8,968,000 KHR/mo (≈ US $1,070–$2,190).
• Common Roles: Managers, senior professionals, and department heads

Executive and High-Level Managerial Roles:

• Typical Salary: $1,500 to $3,000+ per month
• Common Roles: Executives, directors and senior management in high-paying sectors

2. Income Levels by Location

Urban Areas (e.g., Phnom Penh): 

• Higher salaries due to greater demand for skilled labor and a higher cost of living
• Typical Salary Range: $300 to $2,000+ per month, depending on the industry and role

Rural Areas:

• Lower wages but a correspondingly lower cost of living
• Typical Salary Range: $150 to $500 per month, with variations depending on the industry and job type

3. General Pay Scale in Cambodia

• Entry-Level: $150 to $300 per month
• Mid-Level: $300 to $700 per month
• Senior-Level: $700 to $1,500 per month
• Executive and Specialized Roles: $1,500 to $3,000+ per month

Salary ranges in Cambodia and income levels in Cambodia, there is a wide range of incomes that vary based on the industry. Some sectors, like clothing production, offer lower wages than others. When it comes to earning chances, urban locations usually offer more than rural ones. So general people and foreigners can make more informed judgments about work and housing arrangements in Cambodia by being aware of these ranges’ Cambodian salary statistics and pay scale in Cambodia also.

Read More: Employee Salary Certificate Format Word File | Free Download

Conclusion

Understanding the average salary in Cambodia is valuable for both employers and job seekers. While salary levels vary widely depending on industry, experience, education and location, having a clear understanding of current market trends allows individuals to make informed career decisions and helps businesses remain competitive when attracting talent.

As Cambodia's economy continues to grow, demand for skilled professionals is expected to increase across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, logistics, engineering, and professional services. Employees who continuously develop their skills, gain practical experience and stay informed about market trends are more likely to achieve long-term career growth and higher earnings.

Whether you are entering the workforce, considering a career change, or recruiting top talent, understanding salary expectations provides a strong foundation for successful hiring and career planning. By keeping pace with evolving market conditions and investing in professional development, both employers and employees can benefit from Cambodia's expanding employment opportunities.

Discover more in our insights article: Career's Opportunities and Growth for Job in Phnom Penh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average salary in Cambodia?

The average salary in Cambodia varies by industry, experience, and location. Most professionals earn between USD 500 and USD 1,200 per month, while highly skilled specialists and senior managers can earn significantly more.

2. What is considered a good salary in Cambodia?

A good salary depends on your lifestyle and location. In Phnom Penh, many professionals consider USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per month a comfortable income. Higher salaries are common for management positions and specialized occupations.

3. Which jobs pay the highest salaries in Cambodia?

Executive management, finance, information technology, engineering, healthcare, legal services and multinational corporate roles are among the highest-paying careers in Cambodia.

4. Does Phnom Penh offer higher salaries than other cities?

Yes. Phnom Penh generally offers the highest salaries because it is Cambodia's main economic and business center, with a high concentration of multinational companies and large organizations.

5. How can I increase my salary in Cambodia?

Improving your professional skills, gaining relevant experience, earning industry certifications, strengthening your English or additional language skills, and demonstrating measurable achievements can all increase your earning potential.