TAIPEI - The average earnings and total working hours of all employees in Taiwan in July have increased from a year ago, according to the latest data from the island's statistics authority.

The average earnings were NT$41,927 (about $1,378) in July, up 2.42 percent from a year ago, the data showed.

Combining the regular earnings and irregular earnings such as bonuses and overtime payments, the total earnings came to NT$53,017, up 2.53 percent.

The average total working hours in July was 183 hours, up 6.9 hours from the same period last year.

The data also showed that average overtime pay in July was NT$1,760, 5.73 percent less than the previous month and 4.61 percent less than last July.

Taiwan had 7.99 million payroll employees by the end of July.