Electrical Engineer Salary in Malaysia: What to Expect and How to Earn More

Typical salary ranges by experience and industry

Electrical engineer salary in Malaysia varies widely by experience, industry and company size. Entry-level electrical engineers typically earn around RM2,500–RM4,000 per month. Mid-career engineers with 3–7 years of experience generally see RM4,000–RM8,000 monthly, while senior engineers, team leads, or specialist roles (power systems, protection & control, semiconductor, oil & gas) can command RM8,000–RM15,000+ per month and in some multinational or specialist roles exceed RM20,000. Annual figures translate roughly to RM30,000–RM240,000 depending on role and extras such as bonuses. Industry matters: manufacturing, utilities, and construction often pay differently—semiconductor and oil & gas firms usually offer the top salaries, while public sector and entry-level manufacturing roles sit at the lower end. When researching roles, look beyond base pay to bonuses, overtime, project allowances and statutory contributions (EPF/KWSP, SOCSO), which affect take-home pay.

Location differences: Kuala Lumpur and other cities

Location makes a meaningful difference in the electrical engineer salary in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, as the largest commercial hub, typically pays 10–30% more than smaller cities due to higher living costs and concentration of multinational firms, consultancy offices and headquarter roles. In Penang (electronics and semiconductor hub) and Johor (manufacturing and industrial parks) salaries can be competitive—often matching or exceeding Kuala Lumpur for specialized roles. In East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak) and smaller towns, pay is usually lower but sometimes supplemented by location allowances. When comparing offers, factor in housing, transport, and taxes: a higher salary in Kuala Lumpur can be offset by steeper rental and commuting costs, but access to larger projects, training and career mobility can accelerate