/REUTERS, Almaty, Tatyana Seroshtanova, March 15, 05/ - Average monthly salary rate in Kazakhstan in January 2005 grew 14.5 percent in nominal and 7.2 percent relative to January of the last year and totaled KZT28,447 (nearly $219), statistics agency told in regular statement.

At the same time relative to December 2004 the average salary rate fell 20.2 percent.

"In the last month of the previous year the average monthly pay of an employee totaled KZT35,652, which is linked to traditional upfront payment and year-end bonuses", the document says.

Financial structures payment amounted KZT67,219 in January which is 2.4 times higher than average rate across the whole country, in mining industry - KZT52,627, hotel & restaurants business - KZT43,866, transportation and communications - KZT39,684.

According to Statistics agency, salaries in healthcare industry remains below average - KZT15,537, education - KZT17,726. The lowest remains within agricultural business - KZT10,758.

[2005-03-15]