Wage Trends and Samsung Electronics Salary Negotiations — 2026-05-14
This report examines the latest trends in domestic corporate wages as of May 12, 2026. We focus on the breakdown in salary negotiations at Samsung Electronics and review average annual salary data by corporate category compiled by Saramin. All figures are based on official data, with no speculation included.
Wage Trends by Company and Job Role — 2026-05-14
Salary Levels by Job Category
According to the Top 5 average annual salary data provided by Saramin (saramin.co.kr)—based on estimates from HowMoney population income data, internal Saramin data, and CrediJob statistics—the salary leaders by corporate type are as follows:
Top 5 Average Annual Salaries: Large Corporations
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SK Square Co., Ltd. | 278.72 million KRW | 3.8% decrease |
| 2 | DL Co., Ltd. | 205.66 million KRW | 2.5% increase |
| 3 | Bugook Securities Co., Ltd. | 195.08 million KRW | 0.6% increase |
| 4 | Meritz Financial Group Inc. | 193.11 million KRW | 32.4% increase |
| 5 | HiteJinro Holdings Co., Ltd. | 191.85 million KRW | 3% increase |
Top 5 Average Annual Salaries: Public Corporations/Institutions
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korea International Trade Association (KITA) | 100.86 million KRW | 3.4% increase |
| 2 | Korea Tourism Organization (Jeju Office) | 99.65 million KRW | 2.6% increase |
| 3 | Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute | 99.06 million KRW | 2.8% increase |
| 4 | National Forestry Cooperative Federation | 99.03 million KRW | 4.2% increase |
| 5 | Koscom Corp. | 98.91 million KRW | 3.5% increase |
Top 5 Average Annual Salaries: Foreign/Investment/Other Corporations
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. | 167.61 million KRW | 2.9% decrease |
| 2 | Hana Financial Group Inc. | 163.60 million KRW | 6.5% increase |
| 3 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | 135.44 million KRW | 10.7% increase |
| 4 | Samsung SDS Co., Ltd. | 134.33 million KRW | 3.3% increase |
| 5 | Ajub Capital Co., Ltd. (Aju IB Investment) | 134.17 million KRW | 22% increase |
⚠️ Saramin clarifies that this data is based on statistical estimates and "may differ from the actual salaries paid by the companies."
Changes in Wages by Job Role
1. Samsung Electronics: Wage Negotiations Collapse
As reported by Yonhap News, negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its labor union fell through on May 12, 2026, even after post-adjustment procedures. Reports indicate that the parties were unable to narrow their differences regarding performance-based bonuses by the final day of the adjustment period, May 13. Specific wage hike percentages or bonus amounts were not disclosed in this report.
2. Salary Trends: Fewer raises, but higher increase rates
A survey conducted by HR-tech firm Incruit, involving 1,305 office workers regarding their "2026 Salary Negotiation Results," found the following:
- Percentage of employees who received a raise: 61.4% (down 5.3%p from last year)
- Average rate of increase: 7.5% (up 2.1%p from last year)
- Percentage of salary freezes: 36.2% (sharp increase)
- Percentage who felt dissatisfied with results and were tempted to quit: 52.9%
- Percentage intending to switch jobs: 92.5%
3. Mid-sized Companies: Haewon ST Sees Salary Surge
Among mid-sized firms, Haewon ST Co., Ltd. topped the list with an average annual salary of 238.56 million KRW, a 175.3% increase compared to the previous year. In the same category, Misto Holdings Co., Ltd. recorded 131.72 million KRW, a 47.9% increase.
Analysis and Background Issues
Structural Context of the Samsung Electronics Negotiation Breakdown
According to Yonhap News, the negotiations between Samsung Electronics and the union, which began late last year, remained unresolved despite undergoing post-adjustment procedures due to persistent disagreements over the structure of performance bonuses. The specific monetary amounts and conditions remain unconfirmed.
Polarization: Fewer Raises, Higher Averages
The Incruit survey highlights a polarizing trend: although the number of employees receiving a raise decreased by 5.3%p, the average increase for those who did receive one rose to 7.5%. This suggests that salary growth is being concentrated within specific roles and job levels. The sharp increase in salary freezes (36.2%) supports this observation. With 92.5% of respondents expressing an intent to change jobs, companies are expected to face significant pressure regarding talent retention.
This report is based on data released as of May 12, 2026. Saramin salary data represents statistical estimates and may differ from actual figures.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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