Workers rejoice: average wage rate rose 2.1% in December

Payroll per person also increased 2.6% in Q4.

It’s a good time to work in Hong Kong as latest wage and payroll statistics released by the Census & Statistics Department reveal that the average wage rate across industries rose 2.1% YoY in December.

The city’s robust economic conditions and tight labour market pushed both nominal and real wages up across major industries.

“Lower-paid workers continued to see relatively faster wage growth in the period alongside the uprating of Statutory Minimum Wage since May 2017,” the press release added.

Also read: 7 in 10 employees expect a year-end raise for 2018

Six in 10 (67%) of companies also reported an increase in average wage rates in December whilst only 28% of organisations admitted to reducing wage rates.

Only 5% admitted to maintaining the current salary levels for their employees.

Payroll for person also rose 2.6% YoY in Q4. This includes discretionary bonuses and overtime allowances.