The employment landscape for women in Malaysia can be difficult to navigate, especially when you consider the fact that most female employees in this country earn less than their male counterparts in every major industry.
Despite the current wage gap issues, more opportunities are becoming available for women in Malaysia. This includes opportunities to land high-paying, high-growth, and rewarding jobs.
If you want to learn about the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia in general, check out our guide here or visit our salary guide. However, for those who want to learn about the top careers for women in Malaysia, specifically, continue with this guide for more gender-specific lists and advice.
Here, you’ll find a breakdown of the careers with the highest salaries, the highest growth, and the highest level of job satisfaction, as well as tips on how to get hired as a woman looking for work in Malaysia.
What Are the Top 10 High-Paying Careers for Women Working in Malaysia?
When researching the top careers for women in Malaysia, most people search specifically for the careers that come with the highest salaries. If you want to maximize your earning potential as a woman working in Malaysia, the following are 10 of the best careers to consider pursuing:
1. Search Engine Optimization Manager
- Job Description: Search engine optimization managers help businesses improve their search engine ranking and increase organic web traffic.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: This is one of the top high-paying careers for women in Malaysia because many businesses need help from SEO experts to stand out from the competition.
- Average Salary: RM106,020 per year
2. Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Job Description: Talent acquisition specialists help businesses hire new employees who are best suited for specific positions.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often do very well in these roles and can help companies hire the right people for various jobs.
- Average Salary: RM 60,724 per year
3. Ghostwriter
- Job Description: Ghostwriters write website copy, books, articles, and more on behalf of other professionals.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: These jobs are quite flexible, which makes them a good fit for women with busy schedules.
- Average Salary: RM84,311 per year
4. Sales Manager
- Job Description: Sales managers oversee salespeople and help them to meet or exceed sales quotas.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women are entering the sales field more than ever before. Although it’s competitive, new opportunities are popping up for women in this industry.
- Average Salary: RM100,000 per year
5. Finance Manager
- Job Description: Finance managers oversee all of a business’s financial needs.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: This is one of the best Malaysia jobs for women with high salaries, in part, because women are beginning to enter the finance industry more frequently.
- Average Salary: RM168,000 per year
6. Human Resources Director
- Job Description: Human resources directors are in charge of hiring, recruiting, onboarding, and supporting employees.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often do very well in human resource-related roles, and more are gaining director positions each year.
- Average Salary: RM140,000 per year
7. Head of Compliance
- Job Description: Heads of compliance ensure businesses comply with industry-specific laws and regulations.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: As more women take on leadership roles throughout Malaysia, more opportunities are arising for them to be hired for head of compliance positions.
- Average Salary: RM360,000 per year
8. Engineering Director
- Job Description: Engineering directors oversee various engineering projects and manage other engineers within their company.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Engineering director is one of the top high-paying careers for women in Malaysia, in part, because women are starting to enter the engineering industry in higher numbers.
- Average Salary: RM210,000 per year
9. Medical Director
- Job Description: Medical directors oversee hospitals, healthcare clinics, and other facilities to support patients and healthcare workers.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often do very well in healthcare positions, and medical director jobs are good for those who don’t want to work directly with patients.
- Average Salary: RM400,000 per year
10. Surgeon
- Job Description: Surgeons perform various surgical procedures in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Working as a surgeon is one of the top Malaysian jobs for women with high salary, especially as women start entering the medical field more frequently.
- Average Salary: RM340,000 per year
What Are the Top 10 High-Growth Careers for Women in Malaysia?
In addition to a high salary, another factor to consider when looking for a job in Malaysia is the rate of growth for that particular career. In other words, will there be opportunities for you to rise through the ranks and enjoy a great deal of job security in the future?
Not sure what kinds of high-growth jobs are available to you? The following are 10 of the most high-growth careers for women in Malaysia:
1. Mechanical Engineer
- Job Description: Mechanical engineers assist with the design and development of a wide range of machinery.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women are pursuing engineers more frequently, and mechanical engineering positions are some of the most popular.
- Average Salary: RM140,000
2. Civil Engineer
- Job Description: Civil engineers assist with the design and development of local infrastructure.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Civil engineering positions are also being more heavily sought after by women looking to enter the engineering field.
- Average Salary: RM115,000
3. Software Developer
- Job Description: Software developers write and edit code to create a variety of software programs.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Many women are entering the tech field to earn higher salaries and enjoy more growth potential.
- Average Salary: RM63,000
4. Sales Manager
- Job Description: Sales managers work with salespeople to help them meet or exceed their sales quotas.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women are entering the sales field more than ever before, and new opportunities will continue to arise for women in this industry.
- Average Salary: RM100,000 per year
5. Human Resources Director
- Job Description: Human resources directors oversee the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding processes and work to support employees at all levels.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often do very well in human resource-related roles, and as more businesses open throughout Malaysia, new opportunities will arise for them to take on these jobs.
- Average Salary: RM140,000 per year
6. Financial Advisor
- Job Description: Financial advisors offer financial insight and recommendations for individuals and businesses.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: As more women enter the finance world, more opportunities are popping up for them to get hired as financial advisors.
- Average Salary: RM51,000 per year
7. Graphic Designer
- Job Description: Graphic designers create print and digital graphics to improve a business’s branding and marketing efforts.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Lots of women are interested in the design elements of the web development world, and there are plenty of chances for them to get hired in this field.
- Average Salary: RM83,000 per year
8. UI/UX Designer
- Job Description: UI/UX designers ensure that websites, apps, and other programs look good and function properly.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Because more women are working in the tech industry, there are lots of UI and UX designer jobs (with growth potential) available.
- Average Salary: RM115,000 per year
9. Physician
- Job Description: Physicians diagnose and treat patients in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: There aren’t a lot of female doctors in Malaysia now, but the number is steadily increasing and will continue to do so.
- Average Salary: RM320,000 per year
10. Pediatrician
- Job Description: Pediatricians care for children in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Many women seek out healthcare positions that allow them to care for children, and more opportunities are arising throughout Malaysia for women in this role.
- Average Salary: RM291,000 per year
What Are the Top 10 Most Rewarding Careers for Women Working in Malaysia?
When it comes to seeking the top jobs for women in Malaysia, it’s important to consider salary and growth potential. However, it’s also important to think about how rewarding the job will be and how much satisfaction you’ll derive from it.
The following are 10 of the most rewarding careers for women working in Malaysia:
1. English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- Job Description: ESL teachers help non-English-speaking students learn and improve their English.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often find careers as teachers to be rewarding, and ESL teaching positions tend to pay better than regular teaching positions.
- Average Salary: RM96,000 per year
2. UI/UX Designer
- Job Description: UI/UX designers work to make sure websites, apps, and other digital programs look good and function properly.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: UI and UX designer jobs are often very rewarding, and many women take pride in helping companies improve their online presence.
- Average Salary: RM115,000 per year
3. Physician
- Job Description: Physicians diagnose and treat patients in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Caring for patients and helping them to heal and recover is generally a very rewarding (and high-paying) career option for women.
- Average Salary: RM320,000 per year
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
- Job Description: Corporate social responsibility managers are in charge of a company’s philanthropic efforts and ensure the company is giving back to the community.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Women often find these types of roles very rewarding, and they get to enjoy higher salaries as a bonus.
- Average Salary: RM90,000 per year
5. Prosthetist
- Job Description: Prosthetists assist in making prosthetic limbs for amputees and those with birth defects.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: This is one of the best jobs for women in Malaysia because it pays well and provides the reward of seeing people regain use of various limbs.
- Average Salary: RM120,000 per year
6. Pediatrician
- Job Description: Pediatricians care for children in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Many women find careers that allow them to care for children and earn a high salary to be very rewarding.
- Average Salary: RM291,000 per year
7. Environmental Health and Safety Manager
- Job Description: Environmental health and safety managers are in charge of minimizing a business’s environmental impact and keeping employees safe.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Many women find this career rewarding and enjoy playing a key role in helping the environment.
- Average Salary: RM120,000 per year
8. Spa Therapist
- Job Description: Spa therapists offer massages, manicures, and hair and skin treatments to various clients.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Helping others look and feel their best is quite rewarding, and because the spa industry is booming in Malaysia, there are lots of opportunities to earn a high salary in this field
- Average Salary: RM120,000 per year
9. Accountant
- Job Description: Accountants help businesses and individuals manage their finances and budget properly.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: More women are entering the finance field, and those who have a knack for numbers find careers in accounting to be very fulfilling.
- Average Salary: RM107,000 per year
10. Architect
- Job Description: Architects design and oversee the construction of homes and commercial buildings.
- Why Is This a Top Career for Women in Malaysia: Architecture is one of the best careers for women in Malaysia because of the country’s growing infrastructure demands, which means there’s a higher need for talented architects (of all genders). Seeing one’s designs come to life is quite rewarding, too.
- Average Salary: RM160,000 per year
How to Get Started in One of the Top Careers for Women in Malaysia?
If you’re looking to land one of the best careers for women in Malaysia, you’ll need to do some prep work before you apply and interview to present yourself in a good light and increase your chances of getting hired.
Listed below are some tips to help you get started in one of the best jobs for women in Malaysia:
Update Your Resume or CV
Review your resume or CV and update it as needed. You don’t want to be applying to jobs with an old resume, do you? Be sure to address any gaps in your resume, too, and briefly explain why you weren’t working for a period of time (maternity leave, medical leave, etc.).
Start Networking
Networking is essential when looking for a new job, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while or are hoping to break into a particular industry. Reach out to friends, family, or former colleagues to find out about job openings or ask for referrals.
Practice Salary Negotiation
Negotiating a higher salary can be awkward and difficult for women, especially women in Malaysia who are already dealing with wage gaps and inequality in the workplace. The sooner you start practicing your salary negotiation skills, though, the easier it’ll be for you.
Keep these tips in mind to help the negotiation process go as smoothly as possible:
- Research the average salary for the job
- Consider alternatives to base pay negotiation, such as negotiating benefits
- Be polite and positive, but still firm when asking for a higher salary
- Know what the minimum salary is that you’re willing to accept, and stick to it
Apply for an Employment Pass
If you’re not a Malaysian native, you’ll need an employment pass. To get this, your employer will need to request approval from the Expatriate Committee (or EC) before they can officially hire you.
After this application has been approved, your employer can submit an application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia so that you’re legally allowed to work in the country.
Which of the Top Careers for Women in Malaysia is Right for You?
Now that you’re better informed about the top careers for women in Malaysia, do you know which one you want to pursue? Did anything on this list catch your eye?
Whether you’re interested in a career with a high salary, a high level of growth potential, or a high level of job satisfaction (or all three), our guide will help you make the best decisions for yourself and your future.
