The preliminary results of the 2026 Pay Trend Survey for Hong Kong’s civil service were released yesterday (April 28), revealing differentiated net pay trend indicators across different ranks.
According to the survey:
- High-level civil servants: +4.12%
- Middle-level civil servants: +2.64%
- Low-level civil servants: +1.17%
This marks a return to a tiered adjustment approach after last year’s pay freeze. For comparison, the 2024 net pay trend indicators were 4.01%, 4.32%, and 5.47% for high, middle, and low levels respectively, though the government eventually implemented a uniform 3% increase that year.
Secretary for the Civil Service Yeung Ho Poi-yan stated that the net pay trend indicators do not represent the final salary adjustment. The actual pay rise will be decided by the Chief Executive in Council after considering six major factors, including the local economic situation, changes in the cost of living, government fiscal position, staff morale, and views from staff associations.
Yeung said the government will meet with civil service unions next week to listen to their demands before making a final decision. The proposed adjustment will affect approximately 170,000 civil servants in Hong Kong.
When asked whether the pay trend indicators still hold significance given that the government often does not follow them exactly, Yeung emphasised that the indicators are only one of six factors and carry important reference value. She stressed that all six factors are equally important and that the Executive Council will make a balanced decision.
The final salary adjustment proposal is expected to be submitted to the Executive Council for approval in the coming weeks.