According to statistical data from the National Statistics bureau, China's average salary for workers in industry and business (including SOEs and those enterprises that earn more than RMB5 million in profit) is already in excess of RMB10 000. It has reached RMB10,515.

Apart from that, Shanghai and Beijing have the highest wage levels. In 2001, Shanghai's average worker's salary was RMB17,910, making it number one in the 30 areas of China. Beijing's average worker's salary was RMB17,221. Anhui workers' salary was the lowest at RMB7,928 less than half that of Shanghai.