A report from America’s VC firm IDG on Monday reveals the highest paid positions in Chinese startups are related to mobile development, product management and user experience design. It also shows that salaries for positions in client-side development and new media operations have great potential to grow.
The report aims to share insights and guidelines on the most asked questions for startup companies, especially on how to find the benchmark for salaries.
IDG generated the report from 147 potential unicorn startups which are valuated at about USD one billion and have completed at least one round of financing from IDG or other investors. Some 27 companies are valued at USD 100 million to USD one billion. All the companies are based in first-tier Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
Mobile development is among the best-paying jobs
Mobile development positions include both IOS development and Android development. The median annual salary of an IOS developer in an entry-level position is above RMB 160,000 (USD 24,600), and an IOS development director can earn over RMB 350,000 a year. The median annual salary of an entry-level Android developer surpasses RMB 150,000, and the number exceeds RMB 330,000 for an Android development director.
Mobile product managers are more competitive
The salary of a mobile product manager is more competitive than that of an internet product manager, with median annual salaries ranging between RMB 90,000 at the entry level and RMB 560,000 at the level of vice president. The median annual salary of an entry-level internet product manager is more than RMB 100,000 but tops out at around RMB 320,000 at the director level.
UX design is gaining importance in the startup sector
A user experience designer can earn a high annual salary of RMB 120,000 at the entry level, which is higher than the annual salary of a mobile product manager at the same level. The median annual salary of a user experience director is over RMB 380,000 (USD 58,000).
Client side development salaries are on the rise
An entry-level client side developer can earn a median annual salary of RMB 120,000, while a manager’s can exceed RMB 250,000.
The salaries of positions related to marketing are growing rapidly
In marketing departments, median annual salaries range between RMB 70,000 and RMB 600,000, while business cooperation employees can earn between RMB 100,000 and RMB 410,000 per year. The median annual salary for people working in public relations ranges between RMB 100,000 and RMB 370,000.
The salary of new media operation positions has great potential to grow
Annual salary for entry-level new media operations positions is over RMB 80,000, but is less competitive than other positions. The median annual salary at a management level can reach RMB 250,000.
Over 80% of start-up company CEOs make a living wage or zero salary
The salaries of CEOs from start-up companies vary greatly. The IDG report said that over 80% of start-up CEOs make minimal salaries or no salary at all.