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The intense competition for top talent in China’s embodied intelligence industry has prompted many leading firms and startups to increase salary offers. Despite this, some companies still struggle to find qualified candidates even offering annual salaries of around CNY1 million (approximately USD138,000).
Entry-level algorithm engineers specializing in embodied intelligence are earning roughly CNY30,000 (USD4,140) per month, while experienced engineers can command around CNY50,000, and specialists working on world models make about CNY60,000, based on various job postings. Other sought-after roles include motion control algorithm developers and embedded software engineers, with most technical positions requiring at least a master’s degree.
Most newcomers to the sector come from major internet, autonomous driving, and smart manufacturing firms. Employers tend to focus heavily on candidates’ previous experience, according to recruiters and industry professionals.
Senior engineers in this field generally earn close to CNY1 million annually. Business leaders can earn even more through a combination of salary, signing bonuses, relocation stipends, equity, and other incentives, one recruitment firm indicated.
Ubtech Robotics, notable as the first humanoid robotics company to go public, recently launched a global search for a chief scientist with a focus on androids and embodied intelligence, offering an annual salary ranging from CNY15 million to CNY124 million (USD2.2 million to USD18 million).
Last year, ByteDance’s cloud division Volcano Engine began recruiting for a senior algorithm manipulation expert specializing in embodied robotics, offering monthly salaries between CNY95,000 and CNY120,000 (USD13,110 to USD16,560).
A recent algorithm engineer who switched jobs told reporters that he received interview invitations from three recruitment firms beforehand. He noted that startups often provide higher compensation packages than larger companies due to fierce competition for talent in embodied intelligence.
“Since the industry is still in its early stages, candidates with one to three years of experience in algorithm research are highly in demand,” he said.
He also highlighted a supply-demand imbalance within the job market. “Many companies are finding it difficult to hire even with attractive salaries because there’s a shortage of interdisciplinary talents who understand both algorithms and physical robotics,” he explained. “Job seekers also feel discouraged because gaining the necessary project experience can be challenging without a background in the field.”
To address the talent shortages, several companies have partnered with universities to develop specialized programs. Top institutions like Beihang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University now offer undergraduate degrees focused on embodied intelligence.
“Because embodied intelligence requires high computing power, many universities lack the resources to adequately train students in this area,” the engineer added. He predicts that the talent gap will persist in the near future until stronger collaborations between academia and industry result in more graduates equipped for the field.
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