Large firms amid the semiconductor boom: 942ten-thousand won vs. SMEs 176ten-thousand won wage gap
Amid the semiconductor boom, the average monthly pay of regular employees at large companies was 942ten thousand won, while that of non-regular employees at SMEs was 176ten thousand won. The top 10companies accounted for about half of total exports, while the export growth rate of SMEs was limited to around 10%.
As the semiconductor industry boom continued, clear differences in treatment emerged according to workplace size and employment type. The average monthly pay of regular employees at large companies was 942ten thousand won. In the same industry, the average monthly pay of non-regular employees at SMEs was 176ten thousand won.
The top 10companies accounted for about 50% of total exports. Exports by large companies recorded growth of more than 1% in the 50quarter. Export growth was concentrated among the leading companies.
The export growth rate of mid-sized and small companies remained around 10%. Their growth rate is described as lower than that of large companies. There is a difference in how the situation is being felt across the industry.
The wage gap is explained by differences in the distribution of full-time and non-regular workers, as well as by workplace size. Large companies had a higher share of full-time workers and higher average pay. Small and medium-sized companies had a relatively higher share of non-regular workers.
Demand for AI and favorable conditions in the semiconductor market drove export growth among leading companies. As a result, exports remain concentrated among top companies. The effects appear to be spreading only to a limited extent to small and medium-sized companies.
These figures show that imbalances exist within the industry according to employment type and company size. This finding is consistently noted in relevant statistics and industry tallies. Quarterly results and employment statistics are drawing attention going forward.