YEREVAN, December 3. / ARKA /. Armenia’s finance and insurance companies boasted the highest median gross monthly salary in September 2014 - 353,383 drams- a 1.7 percent rise form the same time span in 2013, according to the latest numbers, released today by the National Statistical Service (NSS).

The second and third highest gross monthly salaries were reported by IT and communications companies -329,600 drams and the mining industry -320,100 drams.

According to the NSS, the lowest paid sectors were services -about 108,000 drams, culture, entertainment and recreation – 110,500 drams, hotels and catering - about 110,900 drams, education – 110,900 drams, agriculture, forestry and fisheries -113,500 drams.

In September 2014 the median gross salary in the country was 172,347 drams, or about 0.8% more than in August and 8.6% more than in 2013 September.

The highest median gross monthly salary in September 2014 was in the southern Syunik region, which is home to many mining companies - about 201,000 drams, while the lowest-paid jobs were in central Aragatsotn region - about 120,400 drams.

In Yerevan, the average gross wage in September was about 187,500 drams. According to preliminary estimates of the NSS, the average gross monthly salary in October 2014 was 173,552 drams ($423s or 17,338 Russian rubles), which was 0.7% more than in September. ($ 1 - 442.33 drams). - 0-