THE average salary of experienced ayi in Shanghai has increased sixfold over the past decade as workers have become better skilled and highly sought after, a study has shown.

According to a poll of 70,000 registered domestic helpers by industry website yunjiazheng.com, the highest paid group of ayi last year earned between 7,000 (US$1,120) and 10,000 yuan per month.

Workers in this category specialize in caring for newborn babies and generally live with families for the first month after a child’s birth. In 2004, their average monthly pay was between 2,000 and 2,500 yuan, the survey said.