The Money Map: Navigating Average Salaries in Cambodia
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country of contrasts—an emerging economy still in transition, yet brimming with opportunity. While its skyline is rising and investment is flowing in, the average salary landscape remains vastly different from that of more developed neighbors. For job seekers, business owners, expats, and investors alike, understanding average salaries in Cambodia is essential for navigating both career choices and market opportunities. This is your money map—a guide to the income terrain of the Kingdom.
1. The National Snapshot: What’s the Average Salary in Cambodia?
As of 2025, the average monthly salary in Cambodia hovers around $250 to $300 USD, depending on the sector, location, and level of education or experience. However, this figure hides significant variation:
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Urban vs. Rural: Phnom Penh salaries tend to be higher than those in provincial towns or rural areas.
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Private vs. Public Sector: Private companies and international organizations often offer far more competitive wages than government jobs.
➡ Tip: Professionals working for foreign NGOs or multinational firms can earn salaries comparable to international standards—often $1,000 to $5,000/month for skilled roles.
2. Sector Breakdown: Who Earns What?
Let’s unpack the average income by sector to get a clearer picture:
a. Garment Industry (Low Skilled Labor)
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Average Monthly Salary: $200–$250
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Cambodia’s garment sector employs over 700,000 people, mainly women. Wages are generally at or just above the national minimum wage, which as of 2025 stands at $204/month for garment workers.
b. Hospitality & Tourism
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Average Monthly Salary: $250–$500
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Positions in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies vary widely. English proficiency, customer service skills, and working in major cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh can significantly increase pay.
c. Education (Teachers & Admin)
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Public School Teacher: $250–$400
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Private International School: $800–$2,500+
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Teaching English or working at international schools offers much higher pay than local institutions, particularly for native speakers with qualifications like TEFL or CELTA.
d. IT & Tech
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Entry-Level Developer: $400–$700
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Mid-Level IT Professional: $800–$1,200
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Senior Software Engineer: $1,500–$2,500+
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Cambodia’s tech industry is growing fast. Startups and foreign firms are creating strong demand for digital skills, pushing up average salaries in tech.
e. Finance & Banking
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Average Monthly Salary: $500–$2,000+
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Experienced professionals in finance, accounting, and banking earn competitive incomes, especially in international banks or insurance companies.
f. Construction & Real Estate
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Construction Worker: $150–$250
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Site Engineer or Architect: $600–$1,500
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Real Estate Agent: Commission-based (potential for high earnings with performance)
➡ Insight: Professional and technical fields offer the best earning potential, while manual labor and traditional services remain lower-paying.
3. Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
The minimum wage in Cambodia applies primarily to the garment, textile, and footwear industries, not universally across all sectors. As of 2025, it stands at $204/month.
But how far does that go?
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Average rent in Phnom Penh: $150–$500 (depending on location and size)
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Basic groceries: $100–$150/month
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Transport & utilities: $50–$100/month
➡ Conclusion: For many Cambodians, living on minimum wage means budgeting tightly. For expats, $1,000/month is generally the minimum needed for a modest lifestyle in the capital.
4. Salary Trends: Is Cambodia Catching Up?
There are promising signs:
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Annual wage growth is steady in sectors like IT, finance, and education.
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Government initiatives are improving technical education and vocational training, helping Cambodians access better jobs.
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A growing startup culture and digital economy are opening up new income streams for younger generations.
However, structural challenges like low productivity, informal labor markets, and limited access to higher education still hold back wage growth for many.
➡ Forecast: Cambodia’s salary landscape is likely to improve gradually over the next decade, especially for skilled workers.
5. Tips for Job Seekers and Employers
For Job Seekers
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Invest in language and tech skills—these unlock higher-paying roles.
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Seek internships or experience with international companies.
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Consider freelancing or remote work for global employers.
For Employers
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Competitive pay attracts top talent, especially in a market where skilled labor is scarce.
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Offering training, bonuses, and flexible conditions can make a big difference in staff retention.
Final Thoughts: A Country in Transition
Cambodia’s salary map reflects its broader development story—growing, uneven, and full of potential. From garment factories to software hubs, the spectrum is wide, but the trend is upward. Whether you’re navigating your career path or investing in the local economy, understanding this money map helps you make informed, strategic decisions in the Kingdom of Wonder.
