Average monthly salary sought by graduates falls

LAND OF RISING WAGES?A yes123 spokesman said that many workplace entrants had considered seeking employment abroad, with more than half eyeing Japan

By Wu Po-we and Jonathan Chin  /  Staff reporter, with staff writer

The average monthly salary sought by college graduates has fallen to NT$29,932 per month, a survey conducted by online job bank yes123 showed, the first time it has fallen below NT$30,000 since 2008.

On average, a new entrant to the workforce with a bachelor’s degree expected to be paid NT$28,025, down NT$431 from last year’s NT$28,456, or a decline of 1.5 percent, the poll showed, while those with a post-graduate degree sought NT$35,601, NT$1,297 less than last year’s NT$36,898, or a decline of 3.5 percent.

The overall average of NT$29,932 was down NT$613 from last year’s NT$30,545, or a fall of 2 percent.

Low salaries have contributed to a trend of people seeking work overseas, yes123 spokesman Yang Tsung-pin (楊宗斌) said.

For example, 88 percent of respondents told yes123 that they had considered seeking employment abroad, with more than 50 percent of that group seeking employment in Japan, Yang said, adding that favorable views toward Japanese culture among young Taiwanese is believed to be related to its popularity among job hunters.

“In addition to salary levels, people looking to work abroad should be mindful of the cost of living,” he said. “Some nations might have higher wages compared with Taiwan, but the salaries could offer little potential to build up savings after expenses are deducted.”

The poll showed that most people entering the workplace are more concerned about having a job than they are over the quality of the employment, with 55 percent of respondents saying that temporary work is acceptable and 65 percent saying they would not rule out independent contract work.

Temporary and independent contract work provides less benefits and pay compared with full-time employment, Yang said, calling on job seekers to choose their jobs carefully to protect their interests.

The poll was conducted from May 15 to Wednesday last week and had 1,540 valid responses with a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.