Between 1994 and 2004, real wages increased on average by 0.7% per year, as during the previous decade. They stagnated at the start and end of the period due to high unemployment. They grew more noticeably during the period 1996-2001, despite a lowering of wages following the implementation of the 35-hour week. This growth was maintained throughout the period due to a noticeable rise in the minimum wage (SMIC). The average salaries of full-time labourers and, to a lesser extent, of managers, grew more than those of other socio-professional categories. The salary gap between men and women reduced slowly but steadily. The average rise in salaries was often greater in those industries, particularly manufacturing, where the reduction of the workforce was accompanied by a rise in the qualification of the employment. Conversely, it was more moderate in the tertiary sector, where jobs were being created.