Western Information Office

Workers in the Phoenix metropolitan area averaged $18.22 per hour during August 2005, according to a new survey released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden reported that white collar workers averaged $22.85 per hour and accounted for 52 percent of the workers in the area. Blue collar employees averaged $14.73 per hour and represented 26 percent of the workforce, while the remainder worked in service occupations and earned $11.17 per hour. (See table 1.)

The National Compensation Survey (NCS) presents straight-time earnings for occupations in establishments employing 50 or more workers in private industry and State and local governments. The survey excludes agricultural establishments, private households, the self-employed, and the Federal Government. This NCS covered 377 firms representing 723,700 workers in the Phoenix metropolitan area, which consists of Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Within this survey, 84 percent of these employees worked in private industry.

In the Phoenix metropolitan area, average hourly wages were published for 54 detailed occupations. (See table 1.) Among white collar workers, electrical and electronic engineers averaged $41.23 per hour; registered nurses, $29.28; and cashiers, $11.86. Blue collar occupations included automobile mechanics earning $21.60 per hour and stock handlers and baggers earning $10.87. In the service occupations, police and detectives, public service averaged $25.69 per hour and maids and housemen earned $8.39.

The NCS also provides broad coverage of selected occupational characteristics. (See tables 2 and 3.) For example, full-time employees in the Phoenix area averaged $19.00 per hour and part-time employees averaged $10.82. Union workers averaged $18.66 per hour, while their nonunion counterparts made $18.17. Private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $13.89 per hour and those in establishments with 500 or more employees earned $19.64.

The NCS is part of a statistical program that integrates three previously separate surveys of wages and benefits into one comprehensive compensation program increasing the amount of data available. Data provided by the NCS may be used by businesses for establishing pay plans, making decisions concerning plant relocation, and in collective bargaining negotiations. Individuals may use the data to help choose potential careers. Average rates of pay are also available for levels of work within an occupation based on knowledge, skill, independent judgment, supervision received and other factors required on the job.

Complete survey results are contained in the Phoenix-Mesa, AZ, National Compensation Survey August 2005 (Bulletin 3130-73). While supplies last, single copies of the bulletin are available from the San Francisco Information Office by calling 415-975-4350. In addition, data contained in the bulletin are available on the Internet in both text and PDF formats at http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/compub.htm.

For personal assistance or further information on the National Compensation Survey, as well as other Bureau programs, contact the San Francisco Information Office at 415-975-4350 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

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This bulletin is also available in its entirety in text or pdf format.

Last Modified Date: July 25, 2006