The average monthly salary in the national economy in 2009 was 2,747.6 lei. Compared with the consumer price index, the salary rose by 8.6 % on 2008, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics. The highest average salaries were paid in the financial-banking sector (5,637 lei) and the energy sector (4,520 lei). The average pay in the transport and communications sector was 3,653 lei, while in the construction sector - 3,057 lei. The salary in education and the service sector was lower than the average in the country – 2,135 lei and 2.153 lei respectively. The farmers and fish breeders continued to receive the lowest salaries – 1,468 lei and, respectively, 1,620 lei.