Chinese urban residents' average gross salary in 2008 rose 17.2 percent year-on-year, 1.5 percentage points slower than in 2007, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Thursday.

The average salary for urban residents stood at 29,229 yuan (4,279.5 US dollars) in 2008, up 4,297 yuan compared with 2007. The actual increase rate (inflation adjusted) was 11 percent, the NBS said.

The average salary in the securities sector -- 172,123 yuan in 2008 -- was the highest among all industries, while wood, bamboo, palm and grass processing sectors were the lowest with 15,663 yuan.

The textile industry and garment, shoe and hat manufacturing industry were most hit by the global financial crisis. The average salary for the textile industry was 16,222 yuan and the latter 18,572 yuan.

Average salaries in nine provinces were higher than the national average, while 22 provinces were lower than the national average, the NBS said, without naming specific provinces.

Urban residents in the statistics do not include private companies and self-employed businessmen. The average salaries were calculated before taxes and insurances were paid.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2009)