Taiwan's average real regular wages post biggest gain in 6 years

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) Taiwan's average real regular wages rose 1.27 percent year-on-year in the first five months of 2026, the biggest increase for the period in six years.

According to data released Friday by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS), the increase indicates that employees' regular pay has continued to grow faster than inflation despite persistent inflationary pressures.

Average regular wages reached NT$49,216 (US$1,531) in May, up 2.95 percent from a year earlier, marking the second-highest growth rate for the month in 27 years.

Including bonuses and overtime pay, average total wages stood at NT$62,579, up 0.94 percent year-on-year.

Because average wages can be skewed by exceptionally high earners, the DGBAS also reported that the median regular wage in May was NT$39,426, an increase of 3.14 percent from a year earlier.

After adjusting for inflation, the average real regular wage during the first five months of the year reached NT$44,128, up 1.27 percent from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, real total wages rose 1.37 percent in the January-May period, slower than the 1.67 percent increase recorded a year earlier.

A DGBAS official attributed the slower growth in real total wages to the timing of Dragon Boat Festival bonuses.

Many companies paid the bonuses in May the previous two years, but some postponed the payments until June this year, reducing May's total wage growth, the official said.