The well-known job-search company 51job released a report of estimated incomes of white collar workers in China's major cities for 2005. The survey launched by 51job covers more than 200 positions in 17 businesses in the country's 17 provinces and cities.

The report predicts that income increases in middle-size cities will be higher than those in big coastal cities.

 

White collar workers in Dalian of Liaoning Province will see the highest income increase -- 7.34 percent -- next year.

 

While Shanghai's white collars will see only a 251-yuan (US$30) monthly increase next year, the Wenhui Daily reported.

 

The report said the top five increases next year in Shanghai will be in finance, with an average yearly income of 73,029 yuan (US$8,830), consulting, information technology and Internet, fast consumption (such as food and everyday articles) and the chemical energy industry.

 

Businesses with average yearly incomes that exceed 60,000 yuan (US$7,255) also include real estate and intermediary agency.

 

The survey shows women's income is 30 percent lower than men in the same positions. The average income of Shanghai white collars will be 60,445 yuan (US$7,310) next year, but the average for women is 16,000 yuan (US$1,935) lower. In Shenzhen of Guangdong Province, the income gap between genders is 21,500 yuan (US$2,600).

 

(Shanghai Star December 5, 2004)