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According to the figures released today (November 7) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the average monthly salaries for middle-level managerial and professional employees in all the major sectors surveyed taken together, as measured by the Nominal Salary Index (A), rose by 2.4% in June 2006 over a year earlier.
After discounting the increase in consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (C), the Real Salary Index (A) fell by 0.1% in June 2006 over a year earlier.
Analysed by economic sector and on a year-on-year comparison in nominal terms, the average monthly salaries for middle-level managerial and professional employees increased in all the major sectors, ranging from 0.1% to 5.8%.
After netting out the increase in consumer prices, the real indices increased in the manufacturing, electricity and gas sector, and the financial institutions and insurance sector by 1.2% and 3.2% respectively in June 2006. As for the building and construction and related trades sector, the wholesale, retail and import/export trades sector, and the transport, storage and communications sector, decreases ranging from 0.1% to 2.4% were registered.
The Salary Index (A) measures changes in salary rates for all middle-level managerial and professional employees of the companies covered by the survey. Another index, the Salary Index (B), which excludes newly recruited and promoted employees and covers only those middle-level managerial and professional employees remaining in the same occupation and in the same company in two consecutive years, is also compiled. Its main purpose is to measure salary changes due to general increment, meritorious increase and gain in seniority.
Comparing June 2006 with June 2005, the overall Salary Index (B) increased by 3.7% in nominal terms or 1.2% in real terms. The different movement between the Salary Index (A) and the Salary Index (B) was partly attributable to the new recruits (included only in Salary Index (A) but not in Salary Index (B)) who generally received lower pay than the existing employees. Hence, in general, increases in Salary Index (B) are usually greater than the corresponding increases in Salary Index (A). Nevertheless, the change in Nominal Salary Index (A) of the manufacturing, electricity and gas sector was higher than that of the Nominal Salary Index (B) of the same sector. It was largely due to the leaving of a large proportion of low-paid engineering and other technical personnel as a result of the relocation of the production line to the mainland of China.
Statistics on the year-on-year percentage changes in the Nominal Salary Index (A), Real Salary Index (A), Nominal Salary Index (B) and Real Salary Index (B) for June 2006 in respect of the major economic sectors covered are shown in the tables attached.
In June 2006, 57% of the middle-level managerial and professional employees covered in the survey were entitled to guaranteed year-end extra pay (59% in June 2005), 65% to profit-sharing bonuses (69% in June 2005), and 18% to housing benefits of some kind (22% in June 2005).
The salary indices are compiled annually based on the results of the Survey of Salaries and Employee Benefits - Managerial and Professional Employee (Excluding Top Management). This statistical survey has been conducted by the C&SD since 1984 to measure changes in salary rates for middle-level managerial and professional employees. A sample of about 250 companies was selected for the survey in 2006.
For the purpose of the survey, salary rate is defined to include basic salaries, cost-of-living allowance, guaranteed year-end extra pay, commission and tips, and other guaranteed and regular bonuses and allowances.
Details of the salary movement, average salary rate for major occupations, and statistics on employee entitlement to various fringe benefits, together with a description of the survey methodology, are published in the "2006 Report of Salary and Employee Benefits - Managerial and Professional Employees (Excluding Top Management)". Users can download this publication free of charge at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) of the C&SD. Print version of this publication is available for sale at HK$24 per issue. Purchase can be done in person at the Publications Unit of the C&SD (Address : 19/F Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel. : 2582 3025) or through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/other_services/provision_of_stat/mail_ordering_of_publications/index.jsp). Print version of this publication is also available for sale online at the Statistical Bookstore and the Government Bookstore of the Information Services Department (www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm). Print versions if purchased online are offered a discount, at 85% of their original prices.
Enquiries concerning the Salary Indices can be directed to the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section of the C&SD at telephone number 2887 5584 or 2887 5564.
Ends/Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:15
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