Shanghai beckons international job seekers from a variety of fields. Though business-savvy folks might be at the front of the pack, designers, journalists, humanitarians, bankers, teachers, and others are trailing close behind. The expat life in Shanghai is sweet; a low cost of living coupled with competitive global salaries makes for happy employees. But don’t let that fool you, because succeeding in the Chinese workforce requires resilience, determination, and most days, a sense of humor. Brush up on your chopsticks skills, pack your best business casual, put your best guanxi forward and begin your search for Jobs In Shanghai China!
Explore Jobs In Shanghai China
The expansion of China’s economy has led to more and more expats jumping at the opportunity to live and work in Shanghai. It is the commercial and financial center of mainland China, has achieved status as a Special Economic Zone as of 1990 and a Shanghai Free Trade Zone as of 2013. Both initiatives aim to allow ease and accessibility for foreign investments and convenient trade. Not to mention Shanghai’s location on the mouth of the Yangtze River and proximity to the East China Sea have made it a popular trade port since the 1800s.
The city’s booming financial sector as well as multinational and local technology companies are quick to hire skilled expats to fulfill high-need jobs in Shanghai. Professionals young and old interested in the fields of business, development, finance, law, education, advertising, and communications will not only be able to land competitive and fast-paced jobs in Shanghai, they will also benefit from exposure to other hard-working expats and local professionals in their field.
You do not need to speak Chinese to work in Shanghai, though it is highly encouraged that you memorize a number of key phrases to help you navigate the everyday workings of life in China. When applying for jobs in Shanghai, express early on your preferred working language. Don’t be afraid to search for job opportunities in Shanghai that will utilize your Mandarin skills, if you have them, especially if you are keen to work for a Chinese owned-and-operated enterprise.
Salary & Affordability
Your level of pay will vary considerably from company to company, based on your job, skill set, experience, and negotiation skills (you know, what you bring to the table). Potential hires are advised to treat their interview for a job in Shanghai with the professionalism necessary for any serious business venture.
To increase your financial worth when searching for jobs in Shanghai, consider: learning Chinese to be able to work bilingually, seeking jobs with foreign companies versus Chinese ones, and finding a job from outside of China rather than from within. The good news is that most expats earn higher salaries in China than locals. Generally speaking, pay for ESL teachers hovers around $20,000 annually. Those who work in advertising and marketing earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, while workers hired in finance can earn $50,000 and upwards.
The cost of living in Shanghai is relatively low compared to many places in the world. Breakfast in the form of a trio of delicious steamed buns may set you back only a dollar. Since China is a center of manufacturing, you may even find items of high quality, such as leather wallets or tailored suits, at a much cheaper price than you ever would at home. Just be sure to ask questions, because knowledge of Mandarin or Cantonese will get you far (or a friend) in Shanghai.
At the same time, Shanghai is still one of the more expensive cities in all of China. Depending on the neighborhood, apartment rent can hover easily around $1,000. However, daily necessities and basic amenities, such as utilities, internet, food, and transportation, tend to be very affordable.