Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In China, a software engineer earns about 62% more than a systems administrator — $117,700 vs $72,567 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
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
| Percentile | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $75,325 | $50,354 |
| 25th | $96,520 | $61,461 |
| Median | $117,700 | $72,567 |
| 75th | $143,600 | $86,136 |
| Senior (90th) | $169,485 | $99,706 |
National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a software engineer or systems administrator earn more in China?
- A software engineer earns more, at about ¥798,000 per year vs ¥492,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 62% (¥306,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in China?
- A software engineer typically earns ¥510,700–¥1,149,100, while a systems administrator earns ¥341,400–¥676,000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in China?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a software engineer averages about ¥66,500 and a systems administrator about ¥41,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in China, a software engineer earns about ¥510,700 while a systems administrator earns about ¥341,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in China, a software engineer earns about ¥1,149,100 while a systems administrator earns about ¥676,000 per year.
- Are software engineer and systems administrator 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.