In 2023, Tsinghua graduates’ earnings show sector and regional differences, with 25 average start in IT (20% above mean), 28 in Beijing (30% above mean); 1-3yr growth 25%, 3-5yr 40%, 5yr senior median 60, including base, bonus, subsidies.
Table of Contents
Job Sectors
The 2023 Tsinghua Graduate Employment Quality Report shows that 35% of graduates enter the Information Technology sector, and their average starting salary is 20% higher than the university average;
Manufacturing absorbs 25%, Finance accounts for 15%, Research and Education 10%, and the remaining 15% are distributed in fields such as Energy and Consulting.
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Information Technology sector accounts for 35% of employment, including companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and ByteDance, with an average starting salary of 250,000 RMB. Master’s degree holders account for 70%, and core positions (algorithm, R&D) have salaries 30% higher than the university average;
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Manufacturing sector accounts for 25%, mainly focused on Aerospace Science and Technology, FAW, and CATL, with an average starting salary of 180,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders mostly enter R&D centers, with salaries 40% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree;
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Finance sector accounts for 15%, covering banks, securities, and funds, with an average starting salary of 200,000 RMB. Investment banking positions (such as CICC) have salaries 50% higher than the average;
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Research and Education sector accounts for 10%, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and 985 universities, with an average starting salary of 160,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 80%, with an average annual research grant subsidy of 20,000 RMB;
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Other sectors (Energy, Consulting) account for 15%, with an average starting salary of 170,000 RMB. Consulting positions (such as McKinsey) have year-end bonuses accounting for 30% of their total compensation.
Information Technology Dominance
Information Technology is the largest employment sector for Tsinghua graduates, with 35% of graduates starting in this field. Among them, 70% hold a master’s degree, focusing on core positions such as algorithms, chip design, and software development.
The 2023 data shows that the average starting salary in this sector is 250,000 RMB, 20% higher than the university average. Top companies, such as those hired under Huawei’s “Genius Youth Program,” have an annual salary of 500,000+ RMB.
In terms of sub-roles, Algorithm Engineers account for 40% with an average starting salary of 280,000 RMB; Hardware R&D positions account for 30% with a starting salary of 230,000 RMB; and Product Managers account for 20% with a starting salary of 220,000 RMB.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in the Information Technology sector are 30% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree, as companies value project experience and technical depth.
For example, a Master of Computer Science graduate joining Tencent AI Lab had a first-year income, including bonuses, of 300,000 RMB, significantly higher than the university’s average bachelor’s starting salary of 180,000 RMB.
Income growth in this sector is fast. Senior engineers typically reach an annual salary of 400,000 RMB after 3 years, and key technical personnel can exceed 600,000 RMB after 5 years, making it the preferred choice for graduates seeking high returns.
Manufacturing and Real Economy
Manufacturing absorbs 25% of Tsinghua graduates, primarily in high-end manufacturing, new energy, and aerospace, such as China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, CATL, and FAW Jiefang.
The average starting salary in 2023 is 180,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 30%, mostly entering R&D centers, with salaries 40% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree. Among the positions, R&D Engineers account for 50% with a starting salary of 200,000 RMB;
Process Optimization positions account for 30% with a starting salary of 160,000 RMB; and Project Management accounts for 20% with a starting salary of 170,000 RMB.
The starting salary in the New Energy sub-sector (such as CATL) is 25% higher than in traditional manufacturing, reaching 220,000 RMB, due to the urgent need for technical talent during industry expansion.
For example, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering joining CATL’s Battery Research Institute had a first-year income, including project bonuses, of 280,000 RMB, and was promoted to manager after 3 years with an annual salary exceeding 400,000 RMB.
Manufacturing income is stable and less affected by economic fluctuations. The median annual salary for practitioners with 5+ years of experience is 350,000 RMB, suitable for graduates who prefer the real economy.
Finance, Research, and Education
The Finance and Research/Education sectors collectively account for 25%, with differing income characteristics.
The Finance sector accounts for 15%, with an average starting salary of 200,000 RMB. Core positions in investment banking (such as CICC, CITIC) start at 300,000 RMB, with year-end bonuses accounting for 30%;
Research and Education accounts for 10%, with an average starting salary of 160,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 80%. Researcher positions at the Chinese Academy of Sciences include an average annual research grant subsidy of 20,000 RMB.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in the Finance sector are 35% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree, as qualifications such as CFA and FRM are valued. For example, an Economics and Management Master’s graduate joining CICC’s investment banking division had a first-year income, including bonuses, of 450,000 RMB;
A Ph.D. in Physics joining a Tsinghua lab had an annual salary of 180,000 RMB plus research incentives.
Income growth in these two sectors is moderate. Senior analysts in finance reach 500,000 RMB after 5 years, and professor-level salaries in research/education reach 400,000 RMB, suitable for graduates who prioritize stability or academic development.
Industry Income
The 2023 Tsinghua Graduate Employment Quality Report shows that the average starting salary in the Information Technology industry is 250,000 RMB, 20% higher than the university average;
Manufacturing is 180,000 RMB, Finance 200,000 RMB, and Research and Education 160,000 RMB. The industry income median is highest in Information Technology at 280,000 RMB, followed by Finance at 250,000 RMB, with Manufacturing and Research/Education at 190,000 RMB and 170,000 RMB, respectively.
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Information Technology Industry
Information Technology is the highest-paying industry for Tsinghua graduates, with an average starting salary of 250,000 RMB leading all sectors. Core positions in algorithms, chip design, and software development account for 70%, and master’s degree holders command a salary premium of 30% over bachelor’s degree holders.
2023 data shows that the median income in this industry is 280,000 RMB. Graduates hired under Huawei’s “Genius Youth Program” have an annual salary of 500,000+ RMB, and ByteDance algorithm positions for fresh graduates average 280,000 RMB.
In terms of sub-roles, Algorithm Engineers account for 40% (starting salary 280,000), Hardware R&D accounts for 30% (230,000), and Product Managers account for 20% (220,000).
Income growth is fast: senior engineers reach 400,000 RMB in annual salary after 3 years, and key technical personnel exceed 600,000 RMB after 5 years. The core driver is the demand for high-end talent due to technological iteration.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in the Information Technology industry are 30% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree, as companies prioritize project experience and coding ability. For example, a Master of Computer Science graduate joining Tencent AI Lab had a first-year income, including bonuses, of 300,000 RMB, significantly higher than the average bachelor’s starting salary of 180,000 RMB.
Manufacturing and New Energy
Manufacturing income is characterized by stability, with an average starting salary of 180,000 RMB, including a premium from the new energy sub-sector. R&D positions at companies like CATL and BYD have a starting salary 25% higher than traditional manufacturing, reaching 220,000 RMB.
The 2023 median income in this industry is 190,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 30%, mostly entering R&D centers at companies like China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and FAW, with salaries 40% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Among the positions, R&D Engineers account for 50% (starting salary 200,000), Process Optimization accounts for 30% (160,000), and Project Management accounts for 20% (170,000).
Due to industry expansion, new energy professionals with 3 years of experience have a median annual salary of 350,000 RMB, and manager-level personnel reach over 400,000 RMB after 5 years. For instance, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering joining CATL’s Battery Research Institute had a first-year income, including project bonuses, of 280,000 RMB.
The starting salary in the New Energy sub-sector is 25% higher than in traditional manufacturing, becoming the engine for manufacturing income growth, offsetting the slowdown in traditional manufacturing. This sector is suitable for graduates who prefer the real economy.
Finance and Research/Education
Income divergence is clear between Finance and Research/Education. Finance has an average starting salary of 200,000 RMB. Core positions in investment banking (CICC, CITIC) start at 300,000 RMB, with year-end bonuses accounting for 30%, which boosts total income;
Research and Education has an average starting salary of 160,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 80%. CAS researcher positions include an average annual subsidy of 20,000 RMB for research projects.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in Finance are 35% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree due to the need for qualifications such as CFA. For example, an Economics and Management Master’s graduate joining CICC’s investment banking division had a first-year income, including bonuses, of 450,000 RMB.
Income growth in Research and Education is moderate. Senior analysts in finance reach 500,000 RMB after 5 years, and professor-level salaries reach 400,000 RMB, with better stability than other industries.
The two sectors combined account for 25% of employment, suitable for graduates who prioritize risk appetite or academic development. The income medians are 250,000 RMB (Finance) and 170,000 RMB (Research/Education), respectively.
Regional Pay
The 2023 Employment Quality Report shows that 70% of graduates are concentrated in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta, with Beijing’s average starting salary of 280,000 RMB ranking first nationwide, 30% higher than the university average. Regional industry clustering and talent competition directly shape the salary gradient, which is a key perspective for international students to understand regional income differences.
- Beijing Employment accounts for 40%, with an average starting salary of 280,000 RMB, and a median of 300,000 RMB. Master’s degree premium is 35%. Core positions (Internet, Research) have an annual salary of 350,000+ RMB, such as algorithm positions at technology companies in Zhongguancun;
- Shanghai Accounts for 20%, with an average starting salary of 250,000 RMB, and a median of 270,000 RMB. High proportion of Finance and Integrated Circuit positions. Investment banking positions have an annual salary of 400,000+ RMB;
- Guangdong (including Shenzhen) Accounts for 15%, with an average starting salary of 220,000 RMB, and a median of 240,000 RMB. Dominated by technology companies such as Huawei and Tencent. R&D positions start at 250,000 RMB;
- Other Yangtze River Delta (Jiangsu, Zhejiang) Accounts for 10%, with an average starting salary of 210,000 RMB, and a median of 230,000 RMB. Equal emphasis on Manufacturing (such as Suzhou Industrial Park) and Digital Economy;
- Central and Western China Accounts for 15%, with an average starting salary of 180,000 RMB, and a median of 190,000 RMB. Mainly state-owned enterprises and research institutes, with strong stability but slow growth.
Beijing Compensation
Beijing is the primary employment destination for Tsinghua graduates, absorbing 40% of graduates. The average starting salary is 280,000 RMB, 30% higher than the university average. The salary advantage stems from the concentration of headquarters economy and research resources.
2023 data shows that the income median is 300,000 RMB. Master’s degree holders’ salaries have a 35% premium over bachelor’s degree holders. Core positions are concentrated in Haidian District (Internet, AI), Chaoyang District (Finance, Consulting), and Xicheng District (Research, Central SOEs).
For example, ByteDance algorithm positions for fresh graduates average 280,000 RMB, and CAS researcher positions, including subsidies, have an annual salary of 200,000+ RMB. Top companies like Huawei’s Beijing Research Institute and Baidu Apollo offer senior engineers an annual salary of 500,000+ RMB. The median for those with 3 years of experience is 400,000 RMB, and key technical personnel exceed 600,000 RMB after 5 years.
Regional salaries are high, but the cost of living also increases, with rent accounting for 30% of income. This region is suitable for graduates pursuing career ceilings and resources. Data shows that the median annual salary for Beijing graduates after 5 years is 450,000 RMB, ranking first nationwide.
Yangtze River Delta Compensation
The Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang) collectively absorbs 30% of Tsinghua graduates, forming a salary system driven by industrial clusters. Shanghai’s average starting salary of 250,000 RMB leads the region, with Jiangsu and Zhejiang averaging 210,000 RMB.
Relying on advantages in Finance (Lujiazui) and Integrated Circuits (Zhangjiang), Shanghai’s investment banking positions (CICC Shanghai) start at 300,000 RMB, and chip design positions (SMIC) at 280,000 RMB, with an income median of 270,000 RMB;
R&D positions in manufacturing (Bosch, Samsung) in Suzhou Industrial Park start at 220,000 RMB, and algorithm positions in Hangzhou’s digital economy (Alibaba, NetEase) start at 250,000 RMB.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in the Yangtze River Delta have a 30% premium over those with a bachelor’s degree. For instance, a Master of Mechanical Engineering graduate joining Tesla’s R&D department in Shanghai had a first-year income of 250,000 RMB.
Regional salaries are balanced. The median for practitioners with 3 years of experience is 350,000 RMB, and manager-level personnel reach 400,000 RMB after 5 years. The cost of living is lower than in Beijing, making it suitable for graduates who prefer the real economy and a livable environment. Last year, the graduate retention rate in this region was 75%, higher than in other regions.
Pearl River Delta and Central/Western China
The Pearl River Delta (Guangdong) accounts for 15% of graduates, with an average starting salary of 220,000 RMB. Companies like Huawei and Tencent in Shenzhen dominate, with R&D positions starting at 250,000 RMB, and an income median of 240,000 RMB;
Central and Western China accounts for 15%, with an average starting salary of 180,000 RMB. Mainly state-owned enterprises (such as Dongfang Electric in Chengdu/Wuhan) and research institutes, with strong stability but slow growth.
Master’s degree holders’ salaries in the Pearl River Delta have a 25% premium. For instance, a Master of Electronics graduate joining DJI in Shenzhen had a first-year income of 280,000 RMB. Doctoral degree holders account for 40% in Central/Western China, joining CAS branch institutes with an annual salary of 200,000+ RMB plus subsidies.
The regional salary gap has narrowed by 5% in 3 years due to expansion in emerging industries in Central/Western China (such as Xi’an’s semiconductor industry), but it is still lower than in core city clusters. This region is suitable for graduates who prioritize the cost of living or returning home for development. Last year, 30% of those employed in Central/Western China chose it due to family factors, with a salary satisfaction of 65%.
Career Progression
The 2023 Employment Quality Report shows that salaries grow by an average of 25% in 1-3 years, and reach 40% in 3-5 years. The median annual salary for senior positions with 5+ years of experience is 600,000 RMB, exceeding the university average by 50%. Career progression boosts income through three paths: promotion, skill deepening, and job transition. The 3-year promotion rate for master’s degree holders is 55%, higher than 40% for bachelor’s degree holders, which is key for international students to understand the long-term income curve.
Promotion Speed
Tsinghua graduates’ promotion speed is strongly correlated with education level and job type. The 3-year promotion rate for master’s degree holders (55%) is significantly higher than for bachelor’s degree holders (40%). The average time from a grassroots position to a manager is 3.2 years. Technical positions (such as Algorithm Engineer), due to the visual nature of results, shorten this period by 0.5 years to 2.7 years compared to management positions (such as Project Coordinator).
2023 data shows that the Information Technology industry has the fastest promotion, with 60% of graduates in this sector being promoted to manager within 3 years. For example, a Master of Computer Science graduate joining Huawei’s 2012 Lab was promoted from engineer to project manager in 2.5 years, with salary increasing from 280,000 to 420,000 RMB;
Due to longer project cycles, the promotion period in Manufacturing is 3.5 years, but doctoral degree holders (accounting for 30% in this industry) can reduce it to 3 years.
Promotion not only increases salary but also brings management stipends (accounting for 15%-20% of salary). A Bachelor of Economics and Management graduate joined CICC and was promoted to analyst manager in 3 years, with annual salary increasing from 220,000 to 380,000 RMB, including a team performance bonus of 50,000 RMB.
Salary Growth
Salary growth during career progression accelerates in stages: the average of 25% in 1-3 years comes from improved job proficiency; the 40% in 3-5 years comes from increased responsibility (such as leading a team, managing projects); and the 15% annual increase after 5 years for senior positions relies on industry barriers (such as patents, client resources).
Comparing 2023 data across industries, Information Technology positions increase from 280,000 to 390,000 RMB in 3 years (an increase of 39%), close to the average of 40%;
Finance positions increase from 300,000 to 440,000 RMB (an increase of 47%) due to accumulated performance commissions; Manufacturing positions increase from 200,000 to 290,000 RMB (an increase of 45%), with the new energy sub-sector growing faster due to expansion.
The median annual salary for senior positions after 5 years is 600,000 RMB, with 35% of those in management reaching 700,000 RMB. For example, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at CATL was promoted to R&D Director in 5 years, with an annual salary, including project dividends, of 850,000 RMB.
Growth is not uniform. The first 3 years rely on execution, and the subsequent 2 years rely on decision-making, representing the realization of both ability and opportunity.
Job Transition
30% of Tsinghua graduates proactively change jobs within 5 years. Transitioning from technology to product management and from R&D to consulting are the most common, with an average salary increase of 18% after the transition, primarily due to the premium on composite skills.
For example, a Bachelor of Computer Science graduate joined Tencent for development (250,000 RMB) and switched to Product Manager after 2 years (320,000 RMB), an increase of 28%;
A Master of Electronics graduate joined SMIC for chip design (260,000 RMB) and switched to market strategy after 3 years (330,000 RMB), an increase of 27%.
Those with rare skills command a higher premium for transition, such as a liberal arts student who understands AI algorithms transitioning to FinTech, with a salary 30% higher than their original position.
The job transition success rate of 65% depends on prior skill reserves (such as minor degrees, project experience). Failure is often due to blindly following trends (such as a technical role switching to sales without adapting).
Data shows that the 3-year retention rate after transition is 80%, and salary satisfaction is 75%. This is an effective path to break through income bottlenecks, but graduates must assess their suitability rather than simply chasing high salaries.
Income Components
The 2023 Employment Quality Report shows that in the first year’s total income, base salary accounts for 65%, bonuses for 25%, and subsidies and equity account for 10%. The proportions of each component vary significantly by industry and education level, which is key for international students to understand the difference between “book income” and “actual earnings.”
Base Salary
Base salary is the stable foundation of Tsinghua graduates’ income, accounting for the largest share at 65%. Its level is jointly determined by industry attributes, job level, and education level.
2023 data shows that the base salary accounts for 60% in the Information Technology industry (e.g., 170,000 RMB of 280,000 RMB base salary for a ByteDance algorithm position), as technical positions are priced based on ability;
Finance accounts for 50% (150,000 RMB base salary of 300,000 RMB for an investment banking position), due to the high flexibility of bonuses; Manufacturing accounts for 70% (140,000 RMB base salary of 200,000 RMB for an R&D position), as the real economy emphasizes security.
Master’s degree holders’ base salary is 30% higher than for bachelor’s degree holders. For example, a Master of Computer Science has a base salary of 220,000 RMB vs. a bachelor’s at 170,000 RMB, as companies see them as “immediate combat effectiveness” premium.
In terms of job level, the base salary accounts for 70% of income for grassroots positions, dropping to 60% for manager-level positions (as the weight of bonuses increases).
A Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering graduate joined FAW R&D, with a base salary of 140,000 RMB accounting for 70% of the first year’s 200,000 RMB income. After being promoted to manager in 3 years, the base salary of 180,000 RMB accounted for 64% of the 280,000 RMB income. This shows that the absolute amount of the base salary increases with job level, while its relative proportion decreases, making it the “ballast” of career accumulation.
Bonuses and Subsidies
Bonuses and subsidies constitute the flexible part of income. In the 25% bonus share, performance bonuses account for 60% and year-end bonuses for 40%. The Finance industry leads all sectors with a 40% bonus share (the year-end bonus for CICC investment banking positions can reach 150,000 RMB).
Performance bonuses are strongly linked to KPIs. For example, the quarterly bonus for an Internet Operations position is 20%-50% of the monthly salary, with full payment for those achieving a target rate above 80%;
Year-end bonuses depend on annual contribution. Huawei’s “Genius Youth Program” year-end bonus can reach 30% of the annual salary. Subsidies account for 5%, including housing (average monthly 2,000), meal (800), and transportation (500). The coverage rate in state-owned enterprises is 90% (such as State Grid), while foreign companies often offer selective benefits (such as Tencent’s housing subsidy, limited to 3 years of employment).
A Master of Economics and Management graduate at CICC had first-year bonuses of 120,000 RMB (30% of 400,000 RMB income) and subsidies of 30,000 RMB (including 20,000 RMB for housing), totaling 150,000 RMB in flexible income, which narrows the gap with the 220,000 RMB base salary, demonstrating the boosting effect of bonuses on total income.
The stability of subsidies in state-owned enterprises gives lower earners a stronger sense of gain. For example, a bachelor’s degree holder in manufacturing receives a monthly subsidy of 1,300 RMB, accounting for 11% of the 140,000 RMB base salary, alleviating rental pressure.
Long-term Incentives
Long-term incentives are mainly composed of equity and stock options, accounting for 10% of income, serving as a “talent retention tool” in the technology and finance industries.
The equity grant rate in the technology industry is 15% (Huawei, DJI), with an average annual appreciation of 20% during the 3-year vesting period. For example, a Master of Computer Science graduate at Tencent received 50,000 shares (strike price 10 RMB). The market value doubled to 1,000,000 RMB after 3 years;
Stock options in finance account for 5%, mostly for director-level and above (such as CITIC Securities’ option pool covering 20% of middle management).
Long-term incentives are tied to company growth. A Ph.D. in Electronics joining CATL received restricted stock. As the company’s performance grew, the value increased from 80,000 RMB to 250,000 RMB in 3 years.
Granting conditions are linked to job level. Grassroots positions mainly receive stock options (low base, high potential), while management receives equity (real shares with dividends).
Data shows that the 5-year retention rate for those who receive long-term incentives is 80%, 25% higher than for those without, due to an increased “wealth expectation” leading to a greater sense of belonging.