Bureau of Labor Statistics
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CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 975-4373 (415) 975-4403 Public Information Line (415) 625-2270 Internet address: http://www.bls.gov/ro9/news.htm Fax on demand (415) 975-4567 -- Document 9530 |
BLS 06-41 |
HIGHLIGHTS OF PORTLAND-SALEM, OR-WA
NATIONAL COMPENSATION SURVEY AUGUST 2005
Workers in the Portland metropolitan area averaged $19.93 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 $24.38 per hour and accounted for 49 percent of the workers in the area. Blue collar employees averaged $16.83 per hour and represented 33 percent of the workforce, while the remainder worked in service occupations and earned $13.20 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 300 firms representing 470,300 workers in the Portland metropolitan area, which consists of Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill Counties, OR; and Clark County, WA. Seventy-nine percent of those represented worked in private industry.
In the Portland metropolitan area, average hourly wages were published for 37 detailed occupations. (See table 1.) Among white collar workers, registered nurses averaged $32.48 per hour; social workers, $17.99; and general office clerks, $14.50. Blue collar occupations included plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earning $30.76 per hour and assemblers at $12.75. In the service occupations, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants averaged $10.87 per hour and janitors and cleaners earned $11.67.
The NCS also provides broad coverage of selected occupational characteristics. (See tables 2 and 3.) For example, full-time employees in the Portland area averaged $20.32 per hour and part-time employees averaged $14.53. Union workers averaged $21.24 per hour, while their nonunion counterparts made $19.17. Private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $15.93 per hour and those in establishments with 500 or more employees earned $22.44. 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 Portland-Salem, OR-WA, National Compensation Survey August 2005 (Bulletin 3130-69). 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.
This bulletin is also available in its entirety in text or pdf format.
Please click here for a text format copy of the tables accompanying this release.
Last Modified Date: July 13, 2005
