[wahansa]

Hi,
I am searching for a job in the field of journalism/corporate communications in Hong Kong and recently have been talking (from a distance) to a rather known but small marketing/advertising agency of 9 employees. The employer (Swedish) finds that my skills and experience are perfect for his company and is interested in hiring me. When the issue of salary came up, he said the "normal salary" for this position (copywriter) is 20,000 per month. I was shocked to hear how low it is! I have 10+ years of journalism experience, two of which is spent in a company like his. I speak four languages (English, Cantonese+Mandarin, French and Swedish), grew up in HK (thus familiar with the society) and have a degree in journalism from a renown US university. Can someone tell me if the salary he offers is way too low? My salary was 20,000 seven years ago before I left Hong Kong. Even thought there has been deflation over the years, I still find this level ridiculous.

[Lammarite]

That does sound low. There is a salary guide in Media magazine and on their website at www.media.com.hk. You could turn around and bite him on the ass by quoting what they say is 'normal'.

[KnowItAll]

10 years experience as a journo and with commerical copy experience should be at a minimum $40K range. Absolute minimum...

If you're willing to settle for $20K, I'll give you a five percent raise and offer you $21K.

[wahansa]

KnowItAll--

Thanks for your generous offer

Lammarite--

Do you have a specific link on Media's website? I couldn't seem to find the salary guide you talked about.

Is there anyone on this forum who works in the same field as mine?

Would like to hear from you. Thanks!

[Janewiches]

I'm currently looking for journalism jobs in Hong Kong... not easy, since the pay is not great.

[wahansa]

Originally Posted by Janewiches

I'm currently looking for journalism jobs in Hong Kong... not easy, since the pay is not great.

Hi Janewiches,

Thanks for your post. Specifically, what type of journalism positions are you looking for?

I believe there is a huge difference in salaries between writers/journalists and those on the manager/director level. Unfortunately, I am not qualified for the latter yet. In Hong Kong, if you work in the same field for 10+ years, is there a good chance you can reach the manager level? Due to the constant moving from country to country, it has been hard for me to maintain a smooth career path.

I'm interested in hearing the kind of salaries people in this field earn so that I have a bottom line when negotiating salaries.