Increases in average annual salary were the highest in financial institutions and insurance sector over the past decade in Hong Kong.

According to the salary statistics of middle-level managerial and professional employees 1997 - 2006 released by the Census and Statistics Department, the average annual salary increase for the middle-level managerial and professional employees was 2.6% for 1997 - 2001, and an average annual decrease of 1.7% for 2002 - 2004 was recorded. The average annual rate rose up to 1.4% for 2005 - 2006. It is reported that the reversion during 2002 - 2004 reflected the on-going downward adjustments in costs and prices in the local economy while the rise from 2005 was mainly due to the effect of the increase in consumer price.

The statistics show that those in financial and insurance sector had the greatest average annual salary increases over the past decade, at 2% per annum. The smallest increase was recorded for manufacturing, electricity and gas sector, at 0.7% per annum. Building, construction and related trades sector had a drop in salary, at 0.6% per annum.

As for fringe benefits, 95% of the middle-level managerial and professional employees were entitled to insurance benefits of some kind in 2006 such as medical insurance and accident insurance, 99% to retirement benefits, and 65% to business bonuses and profit-sharing bonuses. For annual leave, more than 60% had 15 - 28 days per year.

Owing to the economic downturn in recent years, the percentages of middle-level managerial and professional employees entitled to guaranteed year-end extra pay (e.g. double pay) and housing benefits decreased significantly. In 1997, 97% employees were entitled to guaranteed year-end extra pay. The percentage dropped to 57% in 2006. In 1997, 34% employees were entitled to housing benefits. The percentage was only 18% in 2006.