China’s booming economy has created immense opportunities for foreign professionals. Multinational corporations increasingly look to external talent to head critical sales teams across China.
As regional sales manager at an international firm, you could earn $200,000 USD or more. However, compensation varies based on your experience level, industry, company size and exact job nature.
This article breaks down the major factors that determine salaries for foreign regional sales heads in China. Use the insight to benchmark pay during job negotiations and elevate your earning potential in the world’s largest market.
Multinational Firm Size
Larger companies with deeper pockets tend to offer sales executives the highest base pay packages:
Small Companies: Foreign managers at companies generating under $15 million USD annual China revenue see average base salaries around $80,000-$150,000. Total comp reaches ~$200k counting bonuses and equity.
Mid-Sized Firms: The base at companies with China revenue ranging from $16 million-$100 million sits roughly around $120,000-$180,000. TC crosses ~$300k incorporating variable additional pay.
MNCs: Large multinationals exceeding over $100 million in China revenue pay regional sales heads base pay from $180,000- $250,000+. Total comp exceeds $400k. Six figure salaries go to executives with extensive China experience.
Keep in mind, early career expats with under three years of local experience in China are on the lower end of these ranges. The above numbers apply for leaders with at least 5 years background in the Chinese marketplace.
Strategic Value of Role
Your pay also depends on the importance of China sales to overall corporate performance:
Greater Responsibilities: If China alone drives over 30-50% of global revenue, base pay for regional heads scales $200,000+. OTE can reach $500k at companies highly dependent on China sales.
Nice to Have Role: If China is simply an “add-on” revenue source for now, pay less emphasis. Here base hovers ~$120-$150k and total earnings stay under $350,000.
Influence Contract Details
Approach salary negotiations strategically. Highlight China’s growing middle class and your ability to expand market share:
Emphasize industry expertise to charge a premium price. Niche experience should net 20%+ higher base pay.
Leverage competing offers to catalyze bidding between firms, elevating your pay scale.
Seek allowances for housing, international school, and flights back home to offset China’s higher cost of living.
Negotiate sizable bonus rates, equity stakes, and sales commission to boost total compensation.
Other Perks
MNCs invest heavily to retain foreign talent and incentivize outsized sales growth in China. Expect other common perks like:
Resettlement/miscellaneous allowances averaging $5-15k for foreigners relocating to China
Yearly international round-trip tickets for you and dependents to fly home
“Hardship pay” bonuses around 5-15% base salary for adapting to China’s environment
A repatriation allowance up to one month’s salary upon concluding your China assignment
Future Earning Trajectory
A final strategic consideration – your payouts rise the longer you stay locally engaged:
First China Posting (Years 1-4): Base pay of $100-180k plus bonuses gets you ~$250-400k total annual earnings.
Renewal Term (Years 5-7): You leverage experience to push base pay $180-230k. TC reaches $400-600k+ counting greater bonuses and equity.
Lifers (Years 8+): Proven China veterans earn base salaries exceeding $230k and total pay crossing $600k+, sometimes more at hypergrowth startups.
The above sums up the complete compensation picture for foreign sales heads in China. Clearly define your experience level and unique value add during job negotiations. With the right chops, you stand to earn a small fortune leading regional sales from the Middle Kingdom while enjoying an unparalleled expat lifestyle!