Newly Employed Graduates Earn NT$39,000 on Average in 2025: Ministry

Why It Matters

Rising graduate wages signal a tightening labor market, but the sizable share on minimum pay and the widening gender gap highlight structural challenges for Taiwan’s talent pipeline and equity goals.

Key Takeaways

• Average graduate salary 2025: NT$39,000 (≈US$1,240), +5.4% YoY.
• 17.2% of new grads earn minimum wage NT$28,590.
• Postgraduate grads average NT$53,000; publishing/ICT tops at NT$61,000.
• Female grads earn 9.2% less than males; gap widens for postgrads.
• Health care/social work leads industry pay at NT$42,000 monthly.

Pulse Analysis

Taiwan’s labor market is experiencing modest wage growth among fresh graduates, reflecting both economic recovery and heightened competition for skilled talent. The 5.4% rise to NT$39,000 aligns with broader regional trends where employers are compelled to offer more attractive packages to retain university‑educated workers. However, the fact that nearly one‑fifth of new entrants remain on the minimum wage underscores a bifurcated market, where entry‑level positions in certain sectors still struggle to keep pace with living‑cost pressures.

The disparity between education levels is stark: postgraduate degree holders command an average salary of NT$53,000, with publishing, audiovisual, and information‑communication services pushing earnings to NT$61,000. This premium reflects the premium placed on advanced technical and creative skills in a digital‑first economy. Conversely, university graduates see a modest NT$36,000 average, suggesting that while a degree remains a baseline requirement, the value added by higher qualifications is increasingly decisive for compensation.

Gender equity remains a critical concern. Women’s average earnings lag 9.2% behind men, and the gap widens to 12.1% among postgraduates, driven largely by male dominance in higher‑pay STEM fields. Policymakers and corporate leaders must address these imbalances through targeted recruitment, mentorship, and pay‑transparency initiatives to ensure that Taiwan’s talent pool can fully contribute to its growth ambitions.