TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Employees in Taiwan wait an average of three years and five months without a salary increase, according to a survey released Tuesday by 1111 Job Bank.

The survey found that 92% of respondents consider their pay low, with 43.2% expressing strong dissatisfaction. Rising living costs and unclear salary adjustment policies were the main reasons for dissatisfaction, according to CTEE.

A lack of clear company pay-raise policies was cited as a key factor behind widespread discontent. To improve earnings, 67.5% of workers reported changing jobs, with each move bringing an average salary increase of NT$5,142.

Chuang Yu-chieh (莊雨潔), spokesperson for 1111 Job Bank, noted that with less than two months left in the year, 83.7% of respondents are unlikely to receive a raise before year-end. About 22.5% have remained in the same position for over six years without a raise.

Salary negotiation is increasingly seen as a key skill, according to Chang Chuan-kai (張篆楷), general manager of 1111 Job Bank. He advised workers considering a career move to evaluate both their professional abilities and market conditions.

Chang suggested employees seeking steady salary growth continuously enhance their skills, acquire relevant certifications, and actively showcase their performance through key projects or measurable results. If advancement opportunities are limited, he recommended exploring career changes for roles with higher earning potential and greater professional value.