Loading...
Loading...
Salary Intelligence
National median, after-tax net, and purchasing power for 38 professions in South Korea — anchored to a primary-sourced median wage (2024 data).
What is a good salary in South Korea?
In South Korea, the national median salary is about $23,834 gross (~$18,888 after tax, 2024 data). Estimated pay for a mid-level professional ranges from ~$21,357 to ~$112,160 net depending on the role — highest for a cto / technology director. Figures are modelled estimates anchored to South Korea's national median wage; not a job offer.
Key facts
National median (2024)
$23,834 gross · $18,888 after tax · $24,826 PPP-equivalent. Source & methodology
| Profession | Est. gross | Est. net |
|---|---|---|
| CTO / Technology Director | $167,476 | $112,160 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $138,269 | $94,052 |
| AI Engineer | $137,294 | $93,447 |
| Engineering Manager | $122,473 | $84,258 |
| Doctor (Physician) | $116,897 | $80,801 |
| Software Engineer | $101,157 | $70,702 |
| Data Engineer | $99,284 | $69,485 |
| Cloud Engineer | $95,202 | $66,831 |
| DevOps Engineer | $94,918 | $66,647 |
| Product Manager | $93,823 | $65,935 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $87,456 | $61,796 |
| Dentist | $83,344 | $59,124 |
| Management Consultant | $82,579 | $58,626 |
| Data Scientist | $82,206 | $58,384 |
| Remote Freelancer | $66,904 | $48,846 |
| Pharmacist | $66,185 | $48,367 |
| Sales Manager | $63,823 | $46,790 |
| General Manager | $62,202 | $45,710 |
| UX Designer | $60,817 | $44,786 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $59,367 | $43,819 |
| Marketing Manager | $58,021 | $42,921 |
| Project Manager | $58,021 | $42,921 |
| Civil Engineer | $56,589 | $41,966 |
| Finance Analyst | $53,396 | $39,836 |
| Business Analyst | $53,299 | $39,771 |
| Operations Manager | $51,702 | $38,707 |
| Content Writer | $50,600 | $37,971 |
| HR Manager | $46,822 | $35,452 |
| University Lecturer | $44,697 | $34,034 |
| Physiotherapist | $43,726 | $33,386 |
| Graphic Designer | $39,243 | $30,396 |
| Accountant | $37,257 | $29,049 |
| Hospitality Manager | $33,810 | $26,440 |
| Nurse | $30,697 | $24,083 |
| Chef | $29,535 | $23,204 |
| Teacher | $28,175 | $22,175 |
| Electrician | $27,202 | $21,438 |
| Plumber | $27,095 | $21,357 |
“vs median” = estimated gross ÷ South Korea's national median gross. Tap a role for the full country-by-country ranking. Regulated professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, teaching) require local credential recognition before you can practise.
South Korea salary estimates · Source: South Korea national median wage (national statistical office / Eurostat, 2024) + WhereNext tax engine · Last verified Jun 22, 2026 (today)
Modelled estimate, not survey data. Each profession figure is the country's national median wage scaled by the role's skill premium — a directional model, not a per-role salary survey. It is for a mid-level professional and varies widely by employer, seniority, bonus, equity, contract type and tax regime. Net is modelled via WhereNext's tax engine and is not tax or employment advice — verify with an employer or qualified advisor before making decisions.
Turn salary, tax and cost of living into a relocation decision built around your real numbers.
The national median is about $23,834 gross (~$18,888 after tax) for 2024. A "good" salary is typically well above the median — many skilled professions here estimate above $78,512 net. Cost of living matters as much as the headline number.
Among the roles modelled, the highest after-tax pay in South Korea is estimated for cto / technology director, senior software engineer, ai engineer. These are directional estimates — actual pay varies by employer, seniority and sector.
Yes. Net figures are computed with WhereNext's tax engine using South Korea's domestic resident income tax brackets and social contributions — not expat regimes. Verify your own situation with a qualified advisor.
The national median is primary-sourced (national statistical office / Eurostat, 2024 data). Per-profession figures are a model — the national median × the role's skill premium, not a per-role salary survey — so treat them as a planning guide, not a quote.