What are the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia?

Whether you're starting your working life or changing jobs, now is a great time to go job hunting. According to MIFD Research, the Malaysian job market is likely to continue growing in 2024. The reason for this is strong domestic demand and external trade recovery. The projected average number of job vacancies available each month is around 100,000 to 120,000. 

As the cost of living continues to rise, it's important to look for a job that offers good financial compensation. A high-paying job gives you financial security, allowing you to live comfortably and follow your passions. However, you should also balance income with motivation when making your job choice. This way, you can avoid burnout and continue the upward trajectory of your career.

Let's explore the highest-paying jobs in the Malaysian job market.

• Highest-paying jobs in Malaysia that don't require a degree
• Highest-paying jobs in Malaysia
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Highest-paying jobs in Malaysia that don't require a degree 

A wide range of jobs offer competitive salaries that only require Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), a diploma, or certification. The highest-paying jobs in Malaysia without an undergraduate degree include:

Real estate agent

Real estate agents help clients purchase, sell, and rent residential and commercial properties. The average monthly salary of a real estate agent is RM 14,000. It's probably one of the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia without a degree.

To become a real estate agent, you must have the SPM and attend a two-year diploma programme. You must also register with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, and Estate Agents. After that, you need to complete two years of practical training and pass the Test of Professional Competence. In addition to integrity, essential skills include communication, organisation, persuasion, and presentation.

Insurance agent

An insurance agent helps clients purchase insurance policies that match their lifestyles. This role requires good sales, communication, and analytical skills, as well as patience. If you want to pursue a job as an insurance agent, you need to have the SPM and pass the Pre-Contract Examination for Insurance Agents exam. Then, you must register with the Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia or the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia. The average salary for this job is RM 3,980 per month. Although this does not seem like much, an insurance agent’s salary mainly comprises compounding commissions. This makes their earning potential higher than most. 

Licensed practical nurse

The job responsibilities of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) include monitoring patients' health, administering medication, dressing wounds, and assisting patients in performing daily tasks. If you want to take this job path, you need to have compassion, attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong ethics. On average, an LPN earns an average monthly salary of RM 5,376. To become an LPN, you need to have a diploma in nursing and pass the Malaysian Nursing Board exam. You must also register with the Malaysian Nursing Board and obtain the Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

Executive assistant

An executive assistant helps executives with administrative and secretarial tasks. To perform this job well, you will need organisational and communication skills, attention to detail, and discretion. In Malaysia, an executive assistant receives an average salary of RM 4,850, making it one of the highest-paying jobs without a degree. This role requires a diploma and fluency in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Personal trainer 

A personal trainer, also known as a fitness coach, helps clients achieve fitness goals by designing personalized exercise programs, providing guidance on nutrition, and monitoring progress. Essential skills include empathy, communication, motivation, and problem-solving. Formal education isn't necessary but can be helpful. Salaries vary based on client load, with potential earnings averaging around RM 100,000 annually or between RM4,000-RM6,000 per month.  

MRI technologist

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist specialises in operating MRI machines. The essential skills for this profession include technical skills, attention to detail, patient care, and communication skills. To become an MRI technologist, you need a diploma in medical imaging or radiography.

You must also undergo clinical training at a recognised medical facility. You need a licence from the Malaysian Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists. In this role, you can expect to earn anywhere from RM 3,000 to RM 6,000 per month.

Highest-paying jobs in Malaysia 

Here's a list of the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia for degree holders:

Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anaesthesia and helping patients manage pain. If you're planning to pursue this career path, you may need to obtain a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery, undergo a two-year internship, complete a master's degree in anesthesiology, and pass the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) certification exam. The salary of an anesthesiologist is in the range of RM 10,000 to RM 25,000 per month. You may receive additional benefits, such as malpractice insurance coverage and continuing education opportunities.

Surgeon

A general surgeon performs common surgeries, such as hernia repairs and appendectomies. A specialist surgeon focuses on surgeries for specific body parts such as heart, brain, and lungs. A surgeon is an in-demand job that offers a high level of job security, professional autonomy, and potential for private practice.

To become a general surgeon, you need to complete medical school and get a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery. You then complete a two-year internship and become a medical officer with the MMC. If you want to specialise in a specific field of surgery, you need to finish postgraduate medical school and do two years of supervised training. The average salary is RM 21,225 per month.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Working as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon involves performing surgical procedures of the cranio-maxillofacial complex. These include craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial regeneration, head and neck reconstruction, dentoalveolar surgery, corrective jaw surgery, and cosmetic facial surgery. The path to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon begins with a bachelor's degree in dentistry. You'll then need two years of postgraduate clinical training, followed by postgraduate studies and a two-year fellowship. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon earns an average salary of RM 30,377 per month.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist assesses, diagnoses, and treats dental and oral cavity anomalies. They also design braces and fix irregularities in teeth. It's a rewarding job that has a high impact on patients and offers a flexible work schedule.

To become an orthodontist, you must go to dental school to gain a bachelor's degree in dental surgery. Following this, you need to do a three-year hands-on clinical course and a postgraduate degree. The average monthly salary of an orthodontist is RM 33,917.

Psychiatrist

The job duties of a psychiatrist include examining, diagnosing, treating, and preventing behavioural disorders, mental illnesses, and emotional disturbances. Working as a psychiatrist requires you to complete a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery and a one-year internship programme. You must also work as a medical officer for several years, pursue postgraduate psychiatry training, and pass a certification exam. A psychiatrist earns an average salary of RM 16,467 per month.

Investment banker

An investment banker assists entrepreneurs and businesses in raising funds for financing projects. They advise on acquisitions and mergers and how to employ financial strategies. It's an ideal job if you want to work in a fast-paced environment and advance quickly.

For a job in investment banking, you need a bachelor's degree in business administration or finance. A master's in business would also be beneficial. An investment banker makes an average of RM 14,000 per month.

Chief executive officer

A chief executive officer (CEO) is a leader of a company and is responsible for executing major corporate strategies and decisions. It's a role with high levels of influence, decision-making power, and prestige. As a CEO, you can expect to earn an average of RM 15,042 per month.

To become a CEO, you need a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field. Business acumen, leadership skills, and many years of industry experience are also important. While it isn't always necessary, a master's degree in business and professional certification can increase your chances of securing a role as a chief executive officer.

Nurse anaesthetist

A nurse anaesthetist assists patients with pain management before, during, and after surgeries. They play a critical role in ensuring surgical procedures run smoothly. On average, this high-demand job offers a monthly salary of RM 18,136.

You typically require a master's degree in nursing to become a nurse anaesthetist. However, some employers may accept you with an undergraduate degree. Nurse anaesthetists must be Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. They must also register with the Malaysian Nursing Board and have an APC.

Corporate lawyer

A corporate lawyer deals with a wide array of legal matters relating to corporations and businesses. These include drafting and reviewing contracts and facilitating acquisitions and mergers. This job is intellectually challenging and gives you a lot of corporate exposure.

To become a corporate lawyer, you must first gain a bachelor's degree in law. You then need to pass the Certificate in Legal Practice exam and apply to become a solicitor or advocate of the High Court of Malaya. The average monthly salary of a corporate lawyer is RM 17,169.

DevOps engineer

A DevOps engineer is mainly responsible for developing robust automation scripts to deploy and maintain data infrastructure. As a type of software engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, networks, data engineering, or a related field. You also require technical computer skills. These typically include knowledge of scripting and programming languages, such as Python, Bash, and Go. This is one of the highest-paying entry-level jobs in Malaysia, earning an average RM 12,090 per month.

Conclusion 

There are plenty of jobs offering competitive salaries in the Malaysian job market. Even if you don't have a degree, you can still make a good living. When choosing the path you want to take in your working life, it's essential to consider your interests and goals. Getting a good job that aligns with your passion and values can give you a higher level of job satisfaction. Once you've found and secured your ideal job, you need to adapt to its changing demands. This means staying up to date with the latest job market trends and continuing to learn.

FAQs 

The following is a list of questions that job seekers frequently ask about the highest-paid jobs in the Malaysian job market:

1. What are the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia?
   ⁠The top 10 highest-paying jobs in Malaysia include anesthesiologists, surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, psychiatrists, investment bankers, CEOs, nurse anaesthetists, corporate lawyers, and DevOps engineers.
2. How can I find high-paying jobs in Malaysia?
   ⁠The best way to find a high-paying job is to use JobStreet's job search tool. Click on "More options" to select your desired salary range before submitting your search request.
3. What is the highest-paying job in the world?
   ⁠Global Immigration Services' list of the top 25 highest-paying jobs in the world ranks CEO first. On average, a CEO earns an annual salary of RM 868,852.
4. What do I need for high-paying jobs?
   ⁠Most of the highest-paying jobs require a bachelor's degree, but some only need the SPM, a diploma, or certification.
5. Are there high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree?
   ⁠Yes. Some examples include real estate agents, insurance agents, LPNs, executive assistants, and MRI technologists.
6. How can I develop the skills needed for high-paying jobs?
   ⁠Once you've decided which high-paying job you want to pursue, find out the types of skills it requires. For example, financial analysis, data analytics, or leadership skills can help you excel in your chosen job. You can develop those skills by taking an online course, joining a professional association, and pursuing continuous education.