The minimum monthly and hourly wages in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have been increased, regional authorities said Sunday.

The minimum monthly wages to be paid to workers in the region's cities and counties, which include social welfare, have increased by more than 120 yuan (17.7 U.S. dollars), or 24.6 percent on average, said Tian Wen, secretary of the Party committee of the regional human resource and social security department.

After the adjustment, the minimum monthly wages now range from 640 yuan to 960 yuan across the region.

The minimum hourly wage standards also increased by amounts ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 yuan. The highest minimum hourly wage in Xinjiang is now 8.8 yuan, while the lowest is 6 yuan, Tian said.

Wages for work performed beginning June 1 should be paid based upon the new minimum standards, officials said.

This is the eighth hike of minimum wages in Xinjiang since 1995.

China adopted a minimum wage system in 1993, under which minimum wages in different provinces, municipalities or autonomous regions are decided by local governments.