Hi guys and gals. Considering moving to China for architectural work. What can I expect in terms of living cost with a 11k rmb per month? Second, is this an "accurate" salary range for an expat for a "junior designer" full time position? Lastly, is it just me, or do employers in China like to poach the salary question early rather than late? I'm used to how they do things in the States, where one usually puts off salary until later. Any answers would be greatly appreciated--trying to get an idea of the "culture" and what to expect over there, thanks.

Expect to starve, this is not Kansas - so throw all your 'normal assumptions' away.

Be more specific. What kind of "architectural work" are you going to be doing? Are you an architect?

Yes they discuss salary before they ask your name

If you are inexperienced, 15k is probably the best you can do. Try to negotiate sth better than the 11k, in the form of benefits (housing allowance, cash against receipts, prepaid cash cards).

That said, you can have a good living with 11k, don't listen to people here. But you won't be saving and you ll need a safety cushion for emergencies

11k is pretty low even if it's after taxes but as Verbal Kint said it can be done, you just won't be living like a king. It all depends on your lifestyle, you can have local breakfast for less than 5RMB or go for the american that will be 50-100RMB. Is your employer a local company or MNC? If they are sending you over to work you should get a better package.

OP, be more clear so people can give better opinions. Is 11k/month all you get? or is it excluding other benefits?

Rental would take a big portion of your expenses, expect average 6k-7k/month rental in downtown.

Assuming you are single, 11k only for living cost; food, drinks, leisure, would be fine.

If you are happy to rent a room in a shared apartment it's doable.

As for the salary that is nowadays unforunately what you will most likely get. As mentioned by others try to bargain housing allowance (At least 5000/m) Than you would be doing fine. Or use roommate finder sites to arrange a shared apartment when you arrive.

jzzzzzzz wrote:If you are happy to rent a room in a shared apartment it's doable.

or you can live in suburbs like moi...

@chavstar: The "architectural work" involves schematic design and design development packages for client presentations/submissions, site visits, and redlining for mostly "design" oriented work (meaning there is no official licensed architect in the firm and CD's are deferred to larger firms). Since this is a Junior position in a small Mainland Chinese design firm, they are more than willing to give me the opportunity to take on other responsibilities, such as building code analysis and interior design. And yes, I am single (I have a gf so please do not spam me with offers).

Clarification: In China/EU, I can be considered an architect. However, in the States I am an architectural designer. The title "architect" is given to those who are licensed. It's the law here.

12K seems like the highest they are willing to offer and there are no benefits. It appears they are offering the bare minimum and my worst fears have come true. Thanks Verbal Kint and PureX--pretty much clears it up.

At 12K they are still offering you about 3 times what a local person with your same level of education and experience would get, so by their standard they are being extremely generous.