Middle Level Expat Package Hits HK$2.2mn: Survey

Expatriate pay packages in Hong Kong have rebounded after hitting a five-year low in 2016, according to a survey.

According to an annual pay survey by consultancy firm ECA International, a typical expatriate pay package for a middle manager in Hong Kong is more than HK$2.2 million (US$268,000) a year, a rise of HK$23,000 when compared to last year's survey.

The survey also showed the pay gap between Hong Kong and the mainland has continued to close.

The average expat pay package on the mainland fell to more than US$276,000 – a drop of around US$6,000 from a year ago.

The fall was largely due to a strong US dollar during the period.

The mainland is now the fourth most expensive place to hire expats, while Hong Kong is in fifth position, with Japan the most expensive location globally.