1. Objective

The aim of this survey is to collect information on the pay trend of full-time salaried employees working in different business sectors in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2008. Besides, information on various types of benefits was also collected for analysis. These findings will help companies make informed hiring decisions, and pay/benefit adjustment on the current staff.

2. Survey Coverage

The survey covered 137 companies from 22 business sectors. Only full-time salaried employees working in Hong Kong were surveyed. Expatriates, part-time and temporary employees were excluded. Among the surveyed companies, more than 60% of the companies employ less than 50 staff. Of the remaining 38.7% of companies, 11.7% employ 50-100 staff, 10.9% employ 101-200 staff, 11.7% employ 201-500 staff, and 4.4% employ more than 500 staff.

3. Datum Point

Present basic monthly salary (excluding any bonuses, but including commission) of surveyed companies as at 1 September 2007 is recorded and predicted adjustment of basic monthly salary in 2008 is also captured. The compensation and benefits in 2007 and 2008 are also surveyed.

4. Data Collection Method

The survey was conducted by an online questionnaire. Companies were invited to fill in the questionnaire through e-mail and completed it by early November 2007.

5. Data Analysis

Surveyed companies were requested to provide data of basic monthly salary of each job position in 2007, predicted salary adjustment of each job position in 2008 and the compensation and/or benefits provided in each company.

The data was analyzed to determine the "average", "median", "25th percentile", "75th percentile" or "percentage" for basic monthly salary, predicted salary adjustment, annual leave, performance bonus and year-end bonus. For other compensation or benefits, "percentage" was to be determined.

Separate analyses were carried out by grouping the surveyed companies according to their business sectors, or grouping the job positions according to their job functions.