The best paying jobs in Hong Kong

Whether you’re looking for a career change or are just starting to plan for your future career, it can be useful to look at the earning potential for particular jobs. Although your salary is far from the only important aspect, it can be a deciding factor in which roles you aim for. With that in mind, we look at the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

In addition to exploring the careers that pay the most, we also examine some of the steps you’ll need to get these jobs. And, to help you on your way, we’ve included some links to courses that are useful when you’re first starting out.

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Financial Analyst

What is a financial analyst?

Financial analysts take on a wide variety of tasks in their job role. Primarily, they gather data, organise information, analyse results, and make forecasts and recommendations. It’s a role that requires excellent analytical skills, as they have to help businesses understand the full financial picture so they can make informed decisions. Financial analysts will often specialise in one particular area, such as investment, private equity, or corporate development, which is why this is among the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

How do you become a financial analyst?

Usually, you’ll need to start with a degree in a field related to finance or accounting. From here, an internship or experience in a junior role is preferred. Some firms require that you also have a registration with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

How much do financial analysts make?

The average salary for a financial analyst in Hong Kong is HK$297,476.

Explore Our Finance and Accounting Courses

Software Developer

What is a software developer?

The role of a software developer is a varied one. As technology changes, the demands of organisations also progress. As such, software engineers must create, maintain, and audit IT systems to meet the needs of the business. These can be hardware or software solutions, requiring coding and programming knowledge. As in many countries, this is one of the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

How do you become a software developer?

You’ll need a blend of qualifications and experience to become a software developer. A good place to start is with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science. Many developers also study towards a master’s qualification. However, hands-on experience with writing code and creating programs is also essential.

How much do software developers make?

The average salary for a software developer in Hong Kong is HK$387,555.

Explore Coding & Programming Courses

Architect

What is an architect?

Architects are professionals that are qualified to design and advise on building projects. They’re responsible for both aesthetic and technical elements of architecture and work on private and public projects. They create technical drawings that account for design, materials, cost, and safety. Architects also oversee the smooth running of building projects they’re involved with.

How do you become an architect?

The road to becoming an architect is often a long one. You’ll need to complete a five-year degree course before undergoing some on-the-job training, usually for at least two years. You’ll then need to register with both the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board of Hong Kong (ARB). To get started, discover our range of online architecture courses.

How much do architects make?

The average salary for a design architect in Hong Kong is HK$475,994.

Discover Our Modern Building Design Course

Insurance Underwriter

What is an insurance underwriter?

Insurance underwriters assess whether or not applications for insurance should be accepted or not. They also determine the terms under which an application is accepted. This role requires an understanding of risk, as well as the various types of insurance. Underwriters work closely with other finance professionals, such as actuaries and brokers. Given the depth of knowledge needed, it’s one of the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

How do you become an insurance underwriter?

Although there aren’t any specific qualifications you need, a degree in an area such as maths, business, finance or economics is generally preferred. After getting your qualification, you’ll have to spend a few years training under an experienced underwriter. You’ll also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

How much do insurance underwriters make?

The average salary for an underwriter in Hong Kong is HK$461,299.

Discover Our Introducing Personal Lines Insurance Course

Doctor

What is a doctor?

Family doctors in Hong Kong are responsible for providing comprehensive primary care to the community. They assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and coordinate care with other medical professionals. The Medical Council of Hong Kong is very strict about who can practice medicine in the country, making this one of the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

How do you become a doctor?

There are two main medical; training faculties in Hong Kong, each offering six-year programs in medicine. You’ll need to complete such a course before taking on an internship in a hospital, where you’ll work across four different areas. You’ll then need to register with the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

How much do doctors make?

The average salary for a doctor (GP) in Hong Kong is HK$1,000,000.

Explore Healthcare Courses

HR Manager

What is an HR manager?

HR managers are at the centre of human resources departments. They oversee the various functions and tasks these teams perform, such as creating job descriptions, analysing surveys, developing hiring strategies, and planning personnel budgets. It’s a crucial role in any business, connecting the various departments and ensuring the overall wellbeing of employees.

How do you become an HR manager?

The best place to start on your way to becoming an HR manager is a bachelor’s degree in either human resources management or business administration. From here, a master’s degree can also be useful. However, experience is vital, as you’ll need to understand various areas of a business. You might also consider certification with a professional body.

How much do HR managers make?

The average salary for an HR manager in Hong Kong is HK$499,738.

Discover Our Introduction to International Human Resources Management Course

Project Manager

What is a project manager?

Project managers have a lot of responsibility when it comes to projects. They have to ensure the planning, execution, documentation, and overall delivery all go according to plan. No matter what the industry is, project managers follow similar strategies to do their jobs, coordinating with all major stakeholders, both internal and external. It’s a role with a lot of responsibility, which is why it’s one of the best-paying jobs in Hong Kong.

How do you become a project manager?

You’ll need a range of skills, qualifications, and experience to become a project manager. A good place to start is with a degree in a field that’s relevant to the one you wish to enter. Business qualifications are also useful, as is experience in the industry you plan on working in.

How much do project managers make?

The average salary for an IT project manager in Hong Kong is HK$588,634.

Explore Project Management Courses

Pharmacist

What is a pharmacist?

Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They’re responsible for ensuring the quality of medicines patients receive, making sure they’re of a high standard and suitable for patients. They also give advice on the use of various medications. Often, pharmacists will specialise in a particular area, such as retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical production, or in primary care facilities.

How do you become a pharmacist?

Due to the level of specialisation needed to become a pharmacist, you’ll have to undergo a fair amount of training. This starts with a pharmacy degree, which usually lasts for at least four years. From there, you’ll have to undergo training from the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong, which usually lasts one year.

How much do pharmacists make?

The average salary for a pharmacist in Hong Kong is HK$532,000.

Explore Pharmacy Courses