If we needed any more proof that the Chinese employment market is booming, new research suggests that salaries in the country’s machinery market are soaring.

According to Janice Liu, Manager of Antal International’s Machinery Team in China, candidates stepping into new roles now expect a 30% salary increase. By comparison, pay increases in the UK average 3% across the private sector.

Liu recently closed a deal with a candidate insisting on a 40% rise – most other candidates were asking for the same increase. ‘It is now more challenging for companies to balance staff turnover and retain their best employees. They have to pay more to hire new people who will be at the same level as other employees earning much less’.

There is no doubt that China’s growth is far from slowing down, and recruiters in the region are enjoying the rewards of this continuing upswing. It seems China is still on the front line of a dynamic shift in world economics, and companies in the Asia Pacific region require the skills of recruitment professionals to help navigate this exciting period of growth.