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Fax on demand (415) 975-4567 Document 9580

BLS 05-72
FOR RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 19, 2005

HIGHLIGHTS OF SEATTLE-TACOMA-BREMERTON, WA
NATIONAL COMPENSATION SURVEY JANUARY 2005

Workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton metropolitan area averaged $22.39 per hour during January 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 $26.22 per hour and accounted for 58 percent of the workers in the area. Blue collar employees averaged $18.82 per hour and represented 27 percent of the workforce, while 15 percent worked in service occupations and earned $14.21 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 419 firms representing 725,300 workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton metropolitan area, which is comprised of Island, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties in Washington. Eighty percent of those represented worked in private industry.

In the Seattle metropolitan area, average hourly wages were published for 78 detailed occupations. (See Table 1.) Among white collar workers, librarians averaged $36.35; registered nurses, $31.83; and secretaries $17.78. Blue collar occupations included electricians, earning $27.86 per hour; truck drivers at $18.17; and stock handlers and baggers at $10.41. In the service occupations, police and detectives, public service averaged $27.56 per hour; nursing aides, orderlies and attendants, $12.18; and waiters and waitresses, $7.39.

The NCS also provides broad coverage of selected occupational characteristics. (See Tables 2 and 3.) For example, full-time employees in the Seattle area averaged $23.36 per hour and part-time workers $14.29. Union workers in blue collar jobs averaged $20.93 per hour, while their non-union counterparts made $15.62. Union workers in service jobs earned $19.11 per hour compared to non-union workers who averaged $11.11. White collar private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $18.29 per hour and those in establishments with 500 or more employees earned $31.17. Likewise, blue collar private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $16.43 per hour and those in establishments employing 500 or more employees earned $25.20.

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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA, National Compensation Survey January 2005 (Bulletin 3130-04). 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#WA. Select survey tables can also be obtained from the Bureau's fax-on-demand service in San Francisco by dialing 415-975-4567 and requesting document 9580.

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.

Please click here for a text format copy of the tables accompanying this release. 

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

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Last Modified Date: October 19, 2005