Top earners of all are French managers with an average 4,000 ECU a month. And even French professionals earn more than managers in the three other countries. In all the countries, average earnings are slightly higher in services than in industry. Highest are in the financial sector. Next comes the category 'real estate, renting and business activities'.
Lowest pay is in hotels and restaurants, especially in the UK .
Earnings tend to rise steeply through a person's 20s and 30s as he or she gains experience. In Spain and Sweden and especially the UK there is then a tendency for people near the end of their working lives to earn less than those up to 45. France is exceptional. It has a less important role in Sweden and the UK . Overtime remains largely a male preserve.