Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China raised its monthly minimum wages by up to 35 percent this month, local authorities said Tuesday.

The move was approved by the autonomous regional government earlier this month and the wage hike would take effect on July 1, said Yao Ruifeng, head of Tibet's human resources and social security administration.

The hike added 220 yuan (32.4 U.S. dollars) to the monthly minimum wages that vary from 630 yuan to 730 yuan in different parts of the region.

In addition, the minimum per-hour wages were also raised to 7.5 yuan and 8.5 yuan from the previous 5.5 yuan and 6.5 yuan with an increase of up to 36 percent.

The wage hike is the second since 2007.