In Chinese work culture, the concept of 底薪 (dǐxīn) carries significant weight, often more so than in some Western cultures. It is directly linked to the deep-seated cultural value of stability (稳定 - wěndìng).
Stability over Speculation: While a high potential income from commissions is attractive, a job offer with a low 底薪 is often viewed with suspicion. A high and solid base salary is seen as a sign of a company's stability and its genuine commitment to its employees. It provides a sense of security that is highly prized, ensuring that one can cover basic living expenses (rent, food, family costs) no matter what.
Comparison to the West: In the US, for example, high-risk, high-reward “commission-only” sales jobs are relatively common. This model is far rarer and less accepted in China. The expectation is that the employer provides a reasonable safety net (底薪), and the employee strives for excellence on top of that. Asking “底薪是多少？” (What is the base salary?) is one of the most important and expected questions during a job interview. It's often discussed before total potential earnings. The 底薪 is the reality; the rest is potential.
The most common mistake for learners is to confuse 底薪 (dǐxīn) with the general word for “salary” or “wages,” which is 工资 (gōngzī).
Think of it this way: you can say “My base salary is a part of my total salary,” but you cannot say “My total salary is a part of my base salary.”