Liaoning Updates Minimum Wage for 2025

Liaoning Province has officially updated its minimum wage standards, effective December 1, 2025, after approval from provincial authorities. The change revises both monthly and hourly minimum wages across three defined pay tiers.

New Minimum Wage Standards (Effective Dec 1, 2025)

• Tier 1 (highest-level):
  
  • Monthly minimum: CNY 2,230
    
  • Hourly minimum (non-full-time): CNY 22.0/hr
    
• Tier 2:
  
  • Monthly minimum: CNY 2,080
    
  • Hourly minimum: CNY 20.0/hr
    
• Tier 3:
  
  • Monthly minimum: CNY 1,930
    
  • Hourly minimum: CNY 19.0/hr
    

Per regulation, these minimums already include the personal portion of social-insurance and housing-fund contributions (“five insurances and one fund”). 

The new thresholds do not cover overtime pay, night-shift or hazardous-work allowances, bonuses, or other special premiums — those must still be handled separately under standard labor law.

Implications for Employers, Payroll & HR Teams

Update Payroll Systems Immediately
All payroll systems must be updated to reflect the new minimum wage levels by December 1, 2025. Failure to comply may lead to underpayment and regulatory risks.

Reassess Labor Costs and Budgeting
With higher wage floors, especially under Tier 1 and Tier 2, employers may see upward pressure on their labor costs — particularly for entry-level, hourly, or part-time staff. Budget forecasts should be revisited accordingly.

Clarify Compensation Structure for Employees
Employers should ensure employees understand what counts toward statutory minimum wages — base salary plus mandatory social insurance contributions — and which payments (overtime, allowances) are excluded.

Enhance Compliance Documentation
Payroll records and social-insurance filings must align. Accurate payroll documentation helps prevent compliance issues, particularly during audits or labor inspections.

Support Recruitment & Retention Efforts
Fair and updated wage policies strengthen employer reputation and may help attract and retain employees in a competitive labor market — especially for companies operating in multiple regions or with mobile staff.

Why This Matters Beyond Liaoning

Minimum wage increases like this reflect a broader trend across China: rising living costs, inflation pressures, and evolving labor-market standards. For multi-regional employers and payroll service providers, keeping wage and payroll rules synchronized with local regulations is critical for compliance and financial stability. 

As a specialized payroll services provider, ChinaPayroll continuously monitors such regulatory changes. We help clients adapt payroll systems, ensure correct wage and benefit calculations, and manage compliance across provinces — reducing administrative burden and protecting employers from legal risk while safeguarding employee rights.

If you’d like to calculate minimum wage and salary standards for other cities, check our multi-city wage calculator here:
https://www.china-payroll.com/salary-calculator-amp-minimum-wages-for-more-cities/

Source: https://rst.ln.gov.cn/rst/zfxx/fdzdgknr/lzyj/rstgfxwj/lrsf/2025111415102221916/index.shtml