Salary Expectation for Various Technology Roles in Malaysia 2025 | Career Series

Based on the latest available salary data for Malaysia in 2025, here is an elaboration on the salary expectations for CTO, CIO, and other key technology roles.

The information is compiled from various salary guides and reports from different recruitment firms, and it's important to note that these figures are a guide and can vary based on company size, industry, location, and individual experience and skills.

All figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) on an annual basis.

1. Key Trends in Malaysia's Tech Sector in 2025

The Malaysian tech job market is experiencing significant growth, driven by digital transformation initiatives and a persistent talent shortage in specialized areas.

This has led to strong salary increases, particularly for roles in high-demand fields like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Companies are not only offering competitive salaries but also using attractive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development to attract and retain top talent.

2. Salary Expectations for Technology Roles in Malaysia (2025)

The following table provides an overview of expected annual salary ranges for key technology roles. The data is a composite from multiple sources and reflects the market rates for experienced professionals.

More salary references in Technology Roles (according to Hays Salary Guide):

3. Common technology roles and their descriptions

Software and Development

• Software Engineer/Developer: Designs, programs, and maintains software, applications, and systems using various programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Java).

• Full-Stack Developer: A versatile web developer proficient in both front-end (user-facing) and back-end (server-side) development.

• Front-End Developer: Focuses on the visual and interactive parts of a website or application that users see and interact with directly.

• Back-End Developer: Responsible for the server-side logic and databases that power a website's functionality.

• Mobile Application Developer: Creates applications for mobile devices using languages and frameworks like Swift, Kotlin, and React Native.

Data and Analytics

• Data Scientist: Mines and analyzes complex data sets using algorithms and machine learning to find trends and build predictive models that inform business decisions.

• Data Analyst: Collects, cleans, and interprets data to solve business problems and presents conclusions using data visualization tools.

• Data Engineer: Builds and maintains the infrastructure for data generation, storage, and analysis, transforming raw data into usable systems.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst: Uses data and other information to help organizations make informed business decisions.

• Database Administrator: Manages and maintains database systems to ensure they are secure, efficient, and meet an organization's needs.

Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity Specialist/Analyst: Develops, implements, and enforces security protocols to protect sensitive information and IT infrastructure from cyber threats.

• Information Security Analyst: Monitors computer networks for security breaches, assesses system vulnerabilities, and protects sensitive data.

• Cybersecurity Engineer: Integrates various security tools and systems to keep an organization's infrastructure safe.

Infrastructure and Support

• IT Manager: Oversees an organization's technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networks, to ensure alignment with business goals.

• Network Engineer: Designs, deploys, and troubleshoots computer networks, including LAN and WAN systems.

• Cloud Computing Specialist/Engineer: Responsible for the architecture, design, and maintenance of cloud-based systems (e.g., on platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure).

• IT Support Specialist/Help Desk Analyst: Provides technical support and resolves issues for employees or customers, often in a customer service-focused role.

• Computer Systems Analyst: Analyzes an organization's computer systems and procedures to recommend solutions for improved efficiency.

Other Specialized Roles

• UX/UI Designer: Designs user-friendly and intuitive websites and applications by focusing on the user experience and user interface.

• DevOps Engineer: Bridges the gap between software development and IT operations to ensure a smooth and efficient software delivery process.

• Machine Learning Engineer: Develops algorithms to teach machines how to learn from and act on data.

• IT Project Manager: Combines technical knowledge with project management skills to plan and direct an organization's technology projects.

4. How to get higher salary in Tech roles?

Achieving a higher salary in a tech role is a combination of strategic career planning, continuous skill development, and effective negotiation. Simply being good at your job isn't enough; you need to be able to demonstrate your value and advocate for yourself. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how to get a higher salary in tech roles:

1. Master In-Demand Skills and Specializations

The most direct way to increase your earning potential is to acquire and demonstrate expertise in the skills that companies are most willing to pay for. The tech landscape is constantly evolving, so staying current is critical. In 2025, the highest-paying skills and specializations include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): This is at the top of the list. Expertise in generative AI, data science, and developing AI-driven solutions is commanding premium salaries.

• Cybersecurity: With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, professionals with expertise in security analysis, risk mitigation, and ethical hacking are in high demand. Certifications in this field can significantly boost your credibility and salary.

• Cloud Computing: Proficiency in major cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is essential. Roles like Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Engineer are highly compensated.

• Data Science and Engineering: Companies are drowning in data and need skilled professionals to make sense of it. Expertise in data analysis, data engineering, and business intelligence (using tools like Power BI) is a major salary driver.

• DevOps: This field, which combines software development and IT operations, is critical for rapid and reliable software delivery. Expertise in container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes is particularly valuable.

• Programming Languages: While a broad skill, mastering languages like Python (used in AI, data science, and web development) and JavaScript (for web development) is a prerequisite for many high-paying roles.

2. Quantify Your Value and Achievements

When it comes time to ask for a raise or negotiate a new offer, you must present a compelling case for why you deserve more. This means moving beyond a list of responsibilities and focusing on concrete, quantifiable accomplishments.

• Track Your Successes: Keep a running log of your achievements. Did you optimize a process that saved your company money? Did you lead a project that increased user engagement by a certain percentage? Did you mentor a junior developer who is now a key contributor?

• Use Data: Whenever possible, use numbers to back up your claims. For example, instead of saying, "I improved system performance," say, "I refactored the backend, which reduced load times by 20% and saved the company an estimated $50,000 per year in server costs."

• Focus on Business Impact: Tie your technical achievements to the company's bottom line. Show how your work contributed to revenue growth, cost savings, or increased efficiency.

3. Master the Art of Salary Negotiation

Negotiation is a skill in itself and a crucial part of securing a higher salary. Many tech professionals leave money on the table by not negotiating or doing so ineffectively.

• Do Your Research: Before any negotiation, know your worth. Use resources like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale to benchmark salaries for your role, location, and experience level. This data gives you a solid foundation for your request.

• Don't Give a Number First: When asked for your salary expectations early in the process, avoid giving a specific number. Redirect the conversation by saying you'd like to learn more about the role and the company's compensation philosophy before discussing numbers. If pressed, provide a broad range based on your research, but try to get them to make the first offer.

• Negotiate the Full Package: Remember that compensation is more than just base salary. Be prepared to negotiate for bonuses, equity (especially at startups), a signing bonus, paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and professional development stipends.

• Stay Positive and Collaborative: Frame the negotiation as a partnership. Instead of making demands, use phrases like, "How can we get this to a number that we're both happy with?" and "I'm very excited about this opportunity and want to find a compensation package that reflects the value I'll bring to the team."

• Consider Other Offers (Leverage): The most powerful tool in negotiation is a competing job offer. If you have another offer in hand, you have significant leverage to ask your preferred company to match or beat it.

4. Strategic Career Moves

• Change Jobs: The single most effective way to get a significant salary bump is often to change jobs. Companies are more willing to offer a higher salary to a new hire than they are to give a large raise to an existing employee.

• Internal Promotions: If you want to stay at your current company, aim for a promotion. A new title and increased responsibilities are often the most straightforward path to a substantial raise.

• Target High-Paying Industries and Companies: Certain industries (e.g., finance, big tech, and specialized startups) and large, profitable companies consistently offer higher salaries for tech talent.

5. Salary of CTO and CIO in Malaysia in 2025

Based on a review of multiple recruitment and salary guides for Malaysia in 2025, here is a compilation of the salary expectations for Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs).

It is important to note that these figures are a guide. The specific salary an individual can command will depend on a range of factors including:

• Company Size and Industry: Salaries are generally higher in large, multinational corporations and in high-growth sectors like financial services, e-commerce, and technology.

• Experience and Track Record: A leader with a proven history of successful digital transformation, product innovation, and effective team management will be at the top of the salary range.

• Specific Skills: Expertise in highly sought-after areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture will drive a higher salary.

Here is a compilation of the annual salary ranges (in Malaysian Ringgit, MYR) for CTOs and CIOs in Malaysia for 2025.

CTO and CIO Salary in Malaysia (2025)

6. Salary of CTO & CIO for different companies in Malaysia (2025)

When analyzing the salaries of CTOs and CIOs in Malaysia, it's crucial to consider how company size and type affect compensation. While definitive data for 2025 is often proprietary and requires downloading specific salary guides, we can extrapolate from available public information and industry trends to create a comparative table.

Here's a breakdown of how CTO and CIO salaries can differ across various types of companies in Malaysia, based on a combination of professional salary reports and general market insights for 2025. All figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) on an annual basis.

CTO and CIO Salary Comparison by Company Type in Malaysia (2025)

Disclaimer: The salaries provided are based on publicly available data from recruitment guides for the Malaysian market in 2025. These are general estimates and should be used as a benchmark. Actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on the company's size, industry, location (e.g., Kuala Lumpur vs. other cities), and the candidate's specific skills, experience, and negotiation abilities. For the most accurate and personalized information, it is recommended to download the official salary guides directly from sources like Hays, Michael Page, and Robert Walters.

Happy Investing! 😉