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© Copyright 1997 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning

I t’s finally done! The 1994 statewide wage survey results are tabulated and ready for publication. This effort is the second in a series of three wage survey rounds begun back in 1993. It constitutes one of the most often sought after pieces of information by employers.

The purpose of this article is not to totally bore our readership with an explanation of our survey procedure. It is however important that readers understand our basic survey techniques to understand the basis of the data presented in the wage table. A detailed explanation of our wage survey process can be found in the December 1993 issue of Wyoming Labor Force TRENDS, 1993 Professional and Technical Occupational Wage Survey Results. Overall, it is our intent to furnish the most accurate and timely data possible.

This article will then focus on the following areas: First. A general comparison between the 1994 estimated professional and technical (P&T) wage survey and the 1994 sales, clerical, and service (SC&S) occupation wages. Second. Future feature articles based on additional questions in the 1994 SC&S wage survey. Third. A tentative 1995 schedule for the agriculture, forestry, construction, and operators (AFC&O) survey. This survey round would include occupations such as loggers, gardeners, mechanics, riggers, carpenters, electricians, machinists, printers, and plant and equipment operators.

Comparison Between P&T and SC&S

In August 1994 the 1993 P&T occupational wages were updated using an estimation process. The goal of this estimation process was to adjust 1993 wages to 1994 levels. By estimating 1993 P&T wages to 1994 levels, it is possible to directly compare average wage rates against SC&S occupations. There is an alphabetical table of P&T Wages and an OES Table of P&T Wages. When comparing surveys some interesting differences come to light.

First. The overall average wage between P&T wages and SC&S is $6.01 per hour (P&T=$14.47, SC&S=$8.46 per hour). In other words, on average, professional or technical type workers make over $12,260 more a year than do sales, clerical, and service workers.

Second. P&T workers have a better opportunity to earn higher wages then do SC&S workers. For example. The lowest P&T wage for 1993 was $4.25 per hour. While SC&S had a low of $2.03 for waiters and waitresses in 1994. However, P&T had 11 occupations with a maximum wage over $50.00 an hour. SC&S only had one, sales representatives (49008), at $62.50 per hour. SC&S workers simply do not have the opportunity to earn more from the very beginning.

Upcoming Feature Articles Based on the 1994 SC&S Wage Survey

Changes in the 1994 sales, clerical, and service occupation survey instrument make it possible to answer more questions than the 1993 wage survey. Data are available to answer such questions as: What is the difference in wages between SC&S part-time and full-time employees? What effect does years of service or experience have on SC&S wages? How many hours a week are considered full-time and part-time for SC&S occupations? What is the difference in wages between licensed and un-licensed SC&S occupations?

These are just a few of the topics that will be explored in future articles of TRENDS. Research & Planning is in the process of dividing these research questions among staff. They will analyze the data and present their findings in upcoming issues.

Tentative 1995 Schedule

The 1995 wage survey will focus on occupations such as those found in agriculture, forestry, construction and operators (AFC&O). In many ways this is probably the most sought after wage information. In particular, wages for operator type occupations are in demand as unemployment continues to fall and wages are increasing. For example. Wyoming's unemployment rate for Oct is 4.0 percent. When employers search the available labor force for new employees, they are interested in making sure their wages are competitive with the market. Research & Planning has tentatively scheduled the wage survey’s first mailing shortly after April 15, the income tax deadline. We have found that employers are extremely busy at this time of the year and are more likely to fill out the wage survey if it arrives after the 15th.

The second and final mailing will be sent out sometime around May 15 with a request for response by the first week of June. It is then conceivable that we could publish wages in the August issue of TRENDS. The August issue would also have estimated wages for both the previous survey rounds (P&T and SC&S). We hope to make this an annual event in the August issue of TRENDS.

We have learned a great deal from past surveys and hope to use that knowledge in the future. The 1995 AFC&O survey will incorporate further improvements to the wage survey. Research & Planning along with the Employment Resources Division has invested funds to further automating the wage survey process. Recently, a new high speed printer was purchased to automate survey printing. This will eliminate several weeks of lead time needed to print forms and cover letters.

Our primary goal in 1995 is to speed up the wage survey process so that the results can be presented as soon as possible. We realize that this is a very valuable product both to private industry and government. Again, we are committed to providing the most accurate and timely data possible.

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