TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s headline salary figures show growth, but most workers earn less than the averages suggest, according to CTEE.

Last year, the average monthly salary reached NT$48,000 (US$1,529), the highest in 26 years. Average annual pay rose to NT$760,000, up 3.91% from 2024, boosted by performance bonuses.

Despite these gains, 69.74% of workers earned below the average monthly salary, the highest proportion on record. Five years ago, that share was 66.8%.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says this reflects how high earners raise the average, leaving most employees behind. The median monthly salary was NT$38,406, nearly NT$10,000 below the average of NT$47,884, highlighting how a small group of high-income workers inflates overall figures.

Artificial intelligence-driven demand boosted pay in the electronic components industry. Average annual salaries reached NT$1.33 million, the highest among all sectors last year.

Traditional industries remained below average. For instance, accommodation workers earned NT$34,961 per month, while those in food services earned NT$36,709.

In 2025, five industries reported average annual salaries above NT$1 million. Electronic components led, followed by finance and insurance at NT$1.32 million, and electricity and gas supply at NT$1.17 million.

Computer and optical electronics earned NT$1.14 million, while publishing, audiovisual, and information and communication technology-related industries averaged NT$1.03 million. The high figure in the latter largely reflects higher salaries within the ICT segment.