South Korean top 500 companies see 7.1% average salary increase

The average salary for employees at South Korea's top 500 companies rose to 54.99 million won for the first half of the year, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year. According to an analysis by CEO Score of 345 comparable companies, the most common salary range was between 40 million and 60 million won, accounting for 43.5% of firms.

Korea Investment Holdings recorded the highest average salary at 184 million won, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Within the group of 20 companies paying over 100 million won, securities firms accounted for 60%. Among non-financial companies, SK hynix led with an average of 144 million won.

In contrast, E-Land World reported the lowest average salary at 17 million won. Sector-wise, financial holding companies saw the highest average compensation at 113.88 million won, followed by the securities sector at 107.1 million won.