More than 40 candidates competed for one job in the spring, according to a report released on Thursday.

The report, released by Zhaopin, an online recruitment company, is based on a survey performed in 37 major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan province and Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province.

The average payment in the 37 major cities in the first quarter was 7,629 yuan ($1,200) per month, a 2.1 percent decrease compared to last quarter.

Beijing ranks first among the 37 cities, with its average salary reaching 10,197 yuan, followed by Shanghai, with 9,621 yuan.

Payment for people involved in securities investment ranks first with the their salaries reaching 10,421 yuan per month.

Real estate, architecture and engineering remain the most competitive sectors in the job-hopping market, according to the report.

Beijing attracts the most job seekers among the 37 cities surveyed, with the competition index reaching 102.9, surging from 86.4 of last winter. The index is based on the divisor of resume deliveries and required positions.

Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, overtaking Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province and Shanghai, has become the second most popular city among job hunters this spring, the report said.