Western Information Office

CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 975-4373 (415) 975-4405 General Information (415) 625-2270 Internet address: /ro9/ro9news.htm Fax on demand (415) 975-4567 -- Document 9540

BLS 06-35 FOR RELEASE: Thursday, June 15, 2006

Workers in the Reno metropolitan area averaged $16.56 per hour during February 2006, 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 $20.75 per hour and accounted for 44 percent of the workers in the area. Blue-collar employees averaged $16.83 per hour and represented 22 percent of the workforce, while the remainder worked in service occupations and earned $10.89 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 221 firms representing 76,100 workers in the Reno metropolitan area, which consists of Washoe County. Within this survey, 82 percent of these employees worked in private industry.

In the Reno metropolitan area, average hourly wages were published for 32 detailed occupations. (See table 1.) Among white-collar workers, registered nurses averaged $31.15 per hour; hotel clerks, $10.15; and cashiers, $9.82. Blue-collar occupations included truck drivers earning $19.97 per hour and assemblers earning $11.72. In the service occupations, cooks averaged $11.51 per hour while waiters and waitresses earned $5.69.

The NCS also provides broad coverage of selected occupational characteristics. (See tables 2 and 3.) For example, full-time employees in the Reno area averaged $16.91 per hour and part-time employees averaged $12.01. Union workers averaged $22.94 per hour, while their nonunion counterparts made $15.14. Private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $17.67 per hour and those in establishments with 500 or more employees earned $12.49.

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.

Survey Availability

Complete survey results are contained in the Reno, NV, National Compensation Survey February 2006 (Bulletin 3130-62). 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 /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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Please click here for a text formatted copy of the tables accompanying this release.

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

 

Last Modified Date: June 15, 2006