The average wage rate in Hong Kong rose in September 2006 compared with a year earlier.

According to the figures released by the Census and Statistics Department, the average wage rate for all major sectors in Hong Kong have risen by 2.2% in September 2006 compared with a year earlier.

It is reported that about 56% of the companies recorded some increase in average wage rates in September 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. Decrease in wage rates was recorded for 30% of the companies. The remaining 14% of companies reported almost no change in average wage rates.

For nominal wage indices, year-on-year increases were observed in almost all major sectors in September 2006, ranging from 1.6% to 4.8%. For transport services, the index remained the same when comparing with that in September 2005. Wage rate includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses.