China's minimum salaries have grown slower in 2012 when compared to last year due to the economic slowdown, Economic Information reported, citing data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

In the first half of this year, 16 provincial regions raised their minimum salaries. However, the average growth rate of minimum salaries was less than 17 percent.

In 2011, 25 regions in China raised their minimum salary standards, which grew at an average rate of 22 percent.

The 16 regions which have raised minimum salary standards this year include Beijing, Tianjin，Shanghai ,Chongqing municipalities and Sichuan, Jiangxi, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Yunnan and Jiangsu provinces. Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the city of Shenzhen are also among the group.

Beijing boasts the highest wage per hour with 14 yuan, while Shenzhen sets the highest monthly salary of 1,500 yuan ($235.35).

Among these 16 regions, 14 now have a minimum salary standard of more than 1,000 yuan, while the?number for last year was six.

According to China's regulation, each region needs to adjust its minimum salary standard at least every two years.