Eager for a high-paying job in Guangzhou or Shenzhen? You might find more opportunities if focusing on the financial industry, according to a new analysis of salary data in Q4 from employment agency Zhaopin.

The average monthly salary was RMB 9976 in Shenzhen and RMB 8440 in Guangzhou, higher than the country’s average (RMB 8096), and respectively ranked 3rd and 5th in 37 major cities nationwide. Pay slightly increased in both cities compared to previous quarters.

People are most likely to seek high-paying jobs in the financial sector, with salaries in this sector ranking in the top 3 in both Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

In addition, Shenzhen saw the online gaming industry grow rapidly and salaries in this sector roared into the top 10 in Q4. While the pay offered by Guangzhou's insurance companies witnessed a steep increase and topped the rankings.

Job seekers will probably face fierce competition in Shenzhen as the city ranked as the second most competitive job market nationwide. The competition was mainly in Internet, finance and real estate. Guangzhou saw intensive competition in the transportation industry because the bar to entry is relatively low.

The report indicates that the job market in Shenzhen became more competitive in Q4 while the competition was slightly eased in Guangzhou.

Reported by Jasmine Yin

Edited by Olivia Ouyang, Simon Haywood