Pay by Role
China · Salary comparison

IT Support Specialist vs Software Engineer salary

In China, a software engineer earns about 140% more than a it support specialist $117,700 vs $49,115 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CNY). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Technology
IT Support Specialist
$49,115/yr
Monthly
$4,100
Hourly
$24
Range
$35,856$65,325
10-yr outlook
+6%
Pays more
Technology
Software Engineer
$117,700/yr
Monthly
$9,808
Hourly
$57
Range
$75,325$169,485
10-yr outlook
+17%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileIT Support SpecialistSoftware Engineer
Entry (10th)$35,856$75,325
25th$42,478$96,520
Median$49,115$117,700
75th$57,213$143,600
Senior (90th)$65,325$169,485

National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a it support specialist or software engineer earn more in China?
A software engineer earns more, at about ¥798,000 per year vs ¥333,000 for a it support specialist — roughly 140% (¥465,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in China?
A it support specialist typically earns ¥243,100–¥442,900, while a software engineer earns ¥510,700–¥1,149,100 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in China?
On a monthly basis before tax, a it support specialist averages about ¥27,800 and a software engineer about ¥66,500.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in China, a it support specialist earns about ¥243,100 while a software engineer earns about ¥510,700 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in China, a it support specialist earns about ¥442,900 while a software engineer earns about ¥1,149,100 per year.
Are it support specialist and software engineer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.