The functional areas zoning identifies the most significant centres within the territory in terms of population and employment, as well as the municipalities to which they are linked.

Average private sector wages are higher in the larger functional areas. This can be explained in particular by the large proportion of executives, who are better paid. In addition, regardless of the business sector, average executive salaries are higher in large functional areas. In some moderately populated areas in which industrial activities are concentrated, levels of remuneration are relatively high.

During the period from 2006 to 2012, which takes account of the dynamics prior to the 2008 crisis and its impacts, some of which were delayed, wage growth was particularly slow in the Paris area. In moderately populated areas, public service jobs, which are less affected by the economic situation, sometimes mitigated the impact of the crisis. After 2012, wages increased faster in the larger functional areas.

Overall, wage disparities increase as the population of functional areas grows, in particular due to a greater diversity of job types and economic activities. Already higher in the very large functional areas in 2006, wage disparities have generally continued to increase in these areas, whereas they have fallen in the majority of the smaller functional areas.