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Industry Wage Survey:

Drug Manufacturing, September 1978

U.S. Department of Labor 

Bureau of Labor Statistics 

October 1980

Bulletin 2077

d o c u m e n t

E lection

OCT 2

°a yto n & to

3 1980

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Industry Wage Survey:

Drug Manufacturing, September 1978

U.S. Department of Labor 

Ray Marshall

Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Janet L. Norwood 

October 1980

Bulletin 2077

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office 

Washington, D.C. 20402—Price $3.25

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Preface

This bulletin summarizes the results of an occupational wage survey in the drug manufacturing industries conducted for the first time by BLS in September 

1978.

Releases were issued earlier for Los Angeles-Long 

Beach, Calif.; New York-Northeastern New Jersey; and 

the State of New Jersey. Copies are available from the 

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

Washington, D.C. 20212, or any of its regional offices.

The study was conducted in the Bureau’s Office of 

Wages and Industrial Relations. Carl Barsky in the Division of Occupational Wage Structures prepared the 

analysis. Fieldwork for the survey was directed by the 

Assistant Regional Commissioners for Operations.

Other reports available from the Bureau’s program 

of industry wage studies, as well as the addresses of the 

Bureau’s regional offices, are listed at the end of this 

bulletin.

Unless specifically identified as copyright, material 

in this publication is in the public domain and may, with 

appropriate credit, be reproduced without permission.

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Contents

Page

Summary........................................................................................................................................... 1

Industry characteristics.................................................................................................................... 1

Employment and staffing.............................................................................................................. 1

Type of facility............................................................................................................................. 1

Major products.................................................................................................. 2

Productivity and production........................................................................................................ 2

Processes...................................................................................................................................... 2

Location......................................................................................................................................... 2

Size of establishment...................................................................................................................... 2

Unionization................................................................................................................................. 2

Method of wage payment.......................... 2

Average hourly earnings.................................................................................................................... 2

Occupational earnings...................................................................................................................... 3

Production w orkers...................................................................................................................... 3

Professional and technical workers.............................................................................................. 4

Establishment practices and supplementary wage provisions...........................................................4

Scheduled weekly hours........................................ 4

Shift differential provisions and practices..................................................................................... 4

Paid holidays................................................................................................................................. 5

Paid vacations............................................................................................................................... 5

Health, insurance, and retirement plans....................................................................................... 5

Other selected benefits.................................................................................................... 5

Benefits of professional and technical workers..............................................................................5

Text tables:

1. Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing whose earnings fell within

specified intervals, United States and selected regions, September 1978............................. 3

2. Regional pay relationships for selected production occupations in drug manufacturing,

September 1978 ...................................................................................................................... 3

3. Regional pay relationships for selected professional and technical occupations in drug

manufacturing, September 1978 .............................................................................................4

4. Earnings of level II chemists and science technicians, New York-Northeastern

New Jersey, September 1978 ...................................................................................................4

Reference tables:

1. Average hourly earnings of production workers by selected characteristics......................... 6

Earnings distribution: Production workers

2. All establishments.................................................................................................................. 7

3. Pharmaceuticals...................................................................................................................... 8

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Contents—Continued

Page

Occupational averages: Production workers

4. All establishments.................................................................................................................. 9

5. Pharmaceuticals.......................................................................................................................10

6. By size of community............... 11

7. By labor-management contract coverage.............................................................................. 12

8. Los Angeles—Long Beach Calif.......................................................................... 13

Occupational earnings: Production workers

9. New Jersey.............................................................................................................................. 14

10. New York—Northeastern New Jersey....................................................................................15

Occupational averages: Professional and technical workers

11. All establishments...................................................................................................................16

12. Pharmaceuticals.......................................................................................................................18

Occupational earnings: Professional and technical workers

13. Los Angeles—Long Beach, Calif............................................................................................20

14. New Jersey..............................................................................................................................20

15. New York—Northeastern New Jersey....................................................................................21

Establishment practices and supplementary wage provisions:

Production workers:

16. Method of wage payment.......................................................................................................21

17. Scheduled weekly h o u rs.........................................................................................................22

18. Shift differential provisions...................................................................................................22

19. Shift differential practices.......................................................................................................23

20. Paid holidays.........................................................................................................................24

21. Paid vacations............................ 25

22. Health, insurance, and retirement plans................................................................................26

23. Other selected benefits............................................................................................................27

Professional and technical workers:

24. Selected benefits..................................................................... 28

Appendixes:

A. Scope and method of survey................................................................................................... 29

B. Occupational descriptions..................................................................................................... .33

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Drug Manufacturing,

September 1978

Summary

Straight-time earnings of production and related 

workers in drug manufacturing averaged $5.81 an hour 

in September 1978. Slightly more than nine-tenths of 

the 54,332 production workers covered by the survey1 

earned between $3.50 and $8.50; the middle 50 percent 

earned between $4.63 and $6.92.

Among the four regions1 2 for which data could be 

shown separately, earnings averaged $6.42 in the Middle Atlantic, $5.72 in the Middle West, $5.07 in the Pacific, and $4.78 in the Southeast. Pay levels also varied 

by community size, degree of unionization, and 

occupation.

Among the 21 production worker occupations studied separately, nationwide average hourly earnings 

ranged from $8.14 for maintenance pipefitters to $4.44 

for production packagers performing both hand and 

machine packaging.3 Information developed for workers in four professional and technical categories showed 

that pay levels for biologists, chemists, and engineers 

ranged from about $265 to $650 a week for six levels 

of skill and responsibility within each job while those 

for three levels of science technicians fell between $200 

and $300 weekly.

Virtually all of the production workers were in establishments providing paid holidays and paid vacations, and contributing at least part of the cost of various health, insurance, and retirement plans. Production 

workers typically received 10 to 12 holidays annually, 

and, depending on their years of service, between 2 and 

5 weeks of paid vacation. Benefits for professional and 

technical workers were usually the same as for production workers in the same establishment, although some 

professionals received more liberal vacation benefits.

Industry characteristics

Drug manufacturing industries consist of three segments: 1) Biological products, such as diagnostic agents,

1 See appendix A for scope and method of study. Survey coverage

was reduced to 84 percent of the nationwide employment in these

industries because of the unavailability of data from large establishments in the industry that could not be adequately represented by

other establishments. Because these nonrespondents were centered in

the Great Lakes region, which has about one-fourth of the industries’

work force, data for the region could not be shown separately.

2 For a definition of regions, see appendix A, table A-l, footnote 1.

3 See appendix B for occupational descriptions.

plasma, serums, and vaccines; 2) medicinal chemicals 

and botanical products, primarily in bulk form; and 3) 

pharmaceutical preparations. Pharmaceuticals are by far 

the largest of the three, accounting for more than fourfifths of the drug industries’ work force.

Employment and staffing. Establishments within the 

scope of the study (those with at least 50 workers) employed about 125,000 workers in September 1978 (table 

A-l). About 44 percent of these, or slightly over 54,000, 

were production and related workers. Another 18,000 

(14 percent) were professionals; and 7,000 (6 percent) 

were technical workers. The remainder were primarily office clerical employees or salesworkers.

Chemical industries in general and drug manufacturing in particular employ a relatively large proportion 

of nonproduction workers. Whereas nonproduction 

workers make up about one-fourth of total employment 

in the manufacturing sector, they account for somewhat 

over one-half of total employment in drugs. A large 

part of the nonproduction work force in drugs is engaged in quality control and research and development.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association 

(PMA) estimates that their members employed 24,000 

workers in research and development activities and 

10,000 full-time worker equivalents in quality control;4 

more than half of those engaged in R&D were professionals, many with advanced degrees. Obviously, research and development is extremely important to drug 

companies because of industry competition and because 

Federal laws require that a new drug must be proven 

safe and effective before being put on the market. Similarly, Federal regulations mandate strict quality control 

measures.

Type of facility. Slightly more than one-half of the 284 

establishments within the scope of the Bureau’s survey 

had both manufacturing and research facilities at the 

same location. About two-fifths were plants without 

research facilities; the remainder were separate research 

laboratories.

4 PMA Factbook ‘76 (Washington, D.C.: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, 1976), pp. 8 and 26. Research and development

expenditures account for about 10 percent of total sales revenue by

PMA member firms. About 15 new single entity drugs are introduced

into the U.S. market each year.

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Major products. Establishments whose major products 

were pharmaceuticals employed 85 percent of the industries’ production workers. Of the nearly 46,000 production workers in the pharmaceuticals industry, about 

three-fifths were in plants chiefly producing prescription, or ethical, drugs and two-fifths were in plants primarily making over-the-counter drugs. The remaining 

15 percent of the drug manufacturing work force was 

split about evenly between establishments chiefly making biological products and those primarily producing 

medicinal chemicals and botanicals.

Productivity and production. Between 1963 and 1978, 

output per employee hour in pharmaceuticals rose at 

an average annual rate of 4.7 percent, compared with 

2.0 percent in the private economy as a whole.5 The 

relatively sharp rise resulted from pharmaceutical output nearly tripling while employee hours rose by 50 

percent. Contributing to productivity gains have been 

increased economies of scale and improvements in production and control technologies. The large increase in 

pharmaceutical production, according to PMA, relates 

to rapidly growing demand for these products, triggered, in part, by an increasing proportion of the elderly in the population, the increased availability of medical insurance, and the availability of new drugs to meet 

a wide variety of needs.

Processes. Although a wide variety of products are 

manufactured in the drug industries, the same general 

production methods apply to most substances. The procedures for producing a tablet illustrate these methods. 

Ingredients are mixed according to a predetermined 

formula in a unit tended by a chemical operator. After 

this initial processing, the ingredients are granulated to 

produce a powdery substance and compressed into tablet form. A coating may be added at this point to flavor or color the tablet or to control disintegration time.

The final step in the process is packaging, which involves wrapping individual tablets and/or placing a 

group of tablets in containers. Packagers account for 

about one-fifth of the production workers in the industry, primarily because this process is least adaptable to 

automation. Because of quality control measures and 

the industry’s tendency to produce on a job order basis, products tend to be made in small batches. Thus, 

many workers are engaged in placing batch numbers 

in product containers or in packaging tasks that vary 

from batch to batch.

Location. The Middle Atlantic States accounted for 

nearly one-half of the production workers covered by 

the September 1978 survey. Among the remaining regions for which data could be published, the Southeast

5 Productivity in Selected Industries, 1979 Edition, Bulletin 2054 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1979). Data are not available for the other

drug industries.

accounted for about one-sixth and the Middle West and

Pacific regions each employed about 6 percent.

Metropolitan areas6 accounted for 86 percent of all 

workers and 78 percent of production workers, reflecting a somewhat greater tendency for plants to be in 

nonmetropolitan areas than for offices or research facilities. For example, only about one-third of the 45,000 

workers in the New York-Northeastern New Jersey 

area were production workers. By contrast, in the 

Southeast, a primarily nonmetropolition region, about 

two-thirds of the 14,000 employees were production 

workers.

Size of establishment. Establishments employing at 

least 500 workers accounted for two-thirds of the production workers in September 1978. Regionally, these 

larger establishments employed three-fourths of the production workers in the Middle Atlantic, seven-tenths 

in the Southeast, three-tenths in the Middle West, and 

one-fifth in the Pacific.

Unionization. One-third of the production workers 

were in establishments having union contracts covering 

a majority of these workers. Union contracts covered 

slightly more than one-half of the production workers 

in the Middle Atlantic and in the Middle West, in contrast to less than one-tenth each in the Southeast and 

Pacific regions. The International Chemical Workers 

Union and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union (both AFL-CIO affiliates) were the largest in the 

industries.

Method of wage payment. Virtually all production 

workers were paid time rates in September 1978, usually under formal plans providing ranges of rates for 

specific occupations (table 16). The proportion of workers paid under these plans (three-fourths) was the highest among manufacturing industries studied by BLS. 

Rate-range plans accounted for between two-thirds and 

five-sixths of the workers in each of the regions shown 

separately. Most of the remaining workers were paid 

single rates for a given occupation.

Average hourly earnings

The 54,332 production workers within the scope of 

the study averaged $5.81 an hour in September 1978 

(table 1). About half of the workers were in the Middle Atlantic region, where the average was $6.42. In 

the other regions permitting comparison, hourly pay 

levels were $4.78 in the Southeast, $5.72 in the Middle 

West, and $5.07 in the Pacific.

6 Standard Metropolitan Statistical areas as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget through February 1974. The New

York-Northeastern N.J. area consists of the New York and NassauSuffolk areas, N.Y.; Newark, Jersey City, New Brunswick-Perth

Amboy-Sayreville, Paterson-Clifton-Passaic, and Long Branch-Asbury Park, N.J.; and Stamford and Norwalk, Conn.

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Workers in metropolitan areas and those covered by 

labor-management agreement enjoyed substantial pay 

advantages over their counterparts in nonunion firms 

and in smaller communities. Much of the nationwide 

differences observed in these comparisons stemmed 

from the disproportionate effect of the relatively highpaying Middle Atlantic region. That region accounted 

for three-fifths of all workers in metropolitan areas and 

three-fourths of the total in union establishments compared to less than one-tenth in nonmetropolitan areas 

and to one-third of the nonunion work force. The union-to-nonunion wage differential, for example, was 16 

percent nationwide compared with 6 percent in the 

Middle Atlantic region. Similarly, the size of community differential was reduced from 24 percent to less 

than 1 percent.

Nationwide, and in each of the four regions studied 

separately, production workers in pharmaceutical plants 

averaged slightly less than those in drug manufacturing 

as a whole ($5.75 compared with $5.81).

Slightly more than nine-tenths of the production 

workers earned between $3.50 and $8.50 an hour; the 

middle 50 percent earned between $4.63 and $6.92 (table 2). This relatively high degree of dispersion reflects, 

in part, regional pay differences. As illustrated in text 

table 1, about seven-tenths of the workers in the 

Southeast region averaged less than $5 an hour, compared with just over one-half in the Pacific, threeeighths in the Middle West, and only about one-eighth 

in the Middle Atlantic States. By contrast, one-third of 

the Middle Atlantic work force earned more than $7 

an hour, compared with about 3 percent in the 

Southeast. (Tables 2 and 3 provide full earnings 

distributions.)

Occupational earnings

Production workers. Earnings information was developed for 21 occupations selected to represent the wage 

structure and activities of production and related workers in drug manufacturing. These jobs accounted for 

half of the 54,332 production workers within the scope 

of the study. Nationwide, average hourly earnings in

Text table 1. Percent of production workers in drug

manufacturing whose earnings fell within specified intervals,

United States and selected regions, September 1978

Region Under $5 $5 and 

under $6

$6 and. 

under $7

$7 and 

over

United States1 ................. 33.8 21.7 21.6 22.8

Middle Atlantic............... 13.5 22.8 30.1 33.7

Southeast......................... 71.9 15.4 9.9 2.7

Middle W est..................... 37.3 29.7 14.0 18.9

Pacific.............................. 53.6 24.6 12.3 9.3

1 Includes data for regions in additon to those shown separately.

NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal 

100.

these categories ranged from $8.14 for maintenance 

pipefitters to $4.44 for production packagers performing both hand and machine tasks (table 4). The latter 

category was also the largest studied, accounting for 

nearly one-tenth of the production work force. Other 

numerically important occupational groups and their 

averages included machine packagers, $5.27; hand packagers, $4.97; janitors, $5.54; class B chemical operators, 

$5.92; and class A operators, $7.19.

Pay levels were usually highest in the Middle Atlantic and lowest in the Southeast for occupational classifications permitting comparison across all four regions 

shown separately (text table 2). The interregional spread 

was 15 percent or less for the three skilled maintenance 

jobs but more than 30 percent for 5 of the 6 other jobs 

compared.

Occupational averages in pharmaceutical plants were 

generally about the same as those for drugs as a whole 

(table 5). Where differences occurred, they were always 

less than 5 percent.

Nationwide, occupational averages were generally 

higher in metropolitan than in nonmetropolitan areas 

(table 6) and in union than in nonunion establishments 

(table 7). However, there were some exceptions to these 

patterns. Nonunion workers in the Middle West, for 

example, usually had higher occupational averages than 

their union counterparts.

Earnings of individual workers varied widely even 

within limited geographic boundaries. These variations 

are illustrated by separate tabulations for Los AngelesLong Beach, New York-Northeastern New Jersey, and 

the State of New Jersey (tables 8-10). Within any of 

these three locales, earnings of the highest paid worker in each job usually exceeded those of the lowest paid 

worker by more than $2 an hour. These broad ranges 

of earnings primarily reflect widely varying pay levels 

among establishments.

Text table 2. Regional pay relationships for selected

production occupations in drug manufacturing, September

1978

(United States average earnings for each occupation = 100)

Occupation Middle

Atlantic

Southeast

Middle

West Pacific

Maintenance

Electrician................................... 101 90 95 93

Maintenance worker, general

utility ........................................... 102 97 96 100

Mechanic (machinery) ................ 103 89 102 92

Processing

Chemical operator, class B ........ 112 80 97 95

Production packager................... 110 94 91 87

Custodial and material

movement

Janitor.......................................... 107 75 88 83

Power-truck operator.................. 112 84 106 96

Shipper........................................ 116 84 91 88

Receiver...................................... 108 82 113 80

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Professional and technical workers. Earnings information also was developed for about 14,000 professional 

and technical workers in four general categories. These 

included about 2,900 biologists, 5,300 chemists, 1,300 

engineers, and 4,700 science technicians. Together, the 

four categories accounted for just under three-fifths of 

the 25,000 professional and technical workers within 

the scope of the study. Average weekly earnings are 

presented in tables 11 and 12 for six levels7 each of biologists, chemists, and engineers and three levels of 

technicians. In September 1978, average weekly pay 

levels ranged from $265 for entry level personnel to 

$650 for highly experienced professional workers and 

from $200 to $300 for technicans.

Among the professional categories, averages were 

fairly similar for biologists and chemists but fell somewhat below averages for engineers at each level. At 

the entry level in the Middle Atlantic States, for example, biologists (I) and chemists (I) had weekly averages 

of $300.50 and $282, respectively, compared with 

$356.50 for engineers (I).

Science technicians generally averaged less than the 

professionals. However, the top level technicians studied (III) averaged as much as or more than entry level 

biologists and chemists in most instances permitting 

comparisons.

The Middle Atlantic region was typically highest 

paying for professional job categories, although its pay 

advantage compared to the U.S. average for professionals rarely exceeded 5 percent. Limited comparisons 

for the Southeast, Middle West, and Pacific showed 

that professional averages in these instances were usually 5 to 10 percent below U.S. levels. For science technicians, the Middle West was highest paying for the 

two lower levels and the Middle Atlantic, for the top 

level. (See text table 3.)

As with production workers, earnings of individual 

professional and technical workers varied widely by 

area (tables 14-16) and contributed to a substantial overlapping of salaries for occupations with significantly 

different pay levels. Text table 4 shows such an overlapping for level II chemists and science technicans, 

despite nearly a $100 per week difference between their 

average earnings.

Establishment practices and supplementary

wage provisions

Data also were collected for production workers on 

certain establishment practices, including work schedules, shift differential policies, and supplementary wage

7 E> ded are workers at higher levels who make decisions and

>mmendation that are recognized as authoritative and have an

important inpact on extensive company activities, such as fostering

technological breakthroughs and advances. Also excluded are executive and administrative officers.

Text table 3. Regional pay relationships for selected

professional and technical occupations in drug

manufacturing, September 1978

(United States average earnings for each occupational classification = 

100)

Occupational classification Middle

Atlantic

Southeast

Middle

West Pacific

Biologists 1 .................................. 107 _ - 92

Biologists II ................................. 105 - 81 94

Biologists III ................................ 106 - 90 95

Biologists IV ................................ 102 - 96 96

Biologists V ................................. 103 - - 92

Biologists V I................................ 100 - - -

Chemists 1................................... 105 _ 94 _

Chemists II .................................. 103 90 91 94

Chemists III................................. 104 89 94 95

Chemists IV................................. 102 92 100 94

Chemists V .................................. 100 104 104 93

Chemists V I................................. 100 - - -

Engineers 1.................................. 105 - - -

Engineers I I .................................. 104 89 - -

Engineers III................................. 102 101 - -

Engineers IV ................................ 100 101 88 93

Engineers V ................................. 97 - - -

Engineers VI ................................ 100 - - -

Science technicians 1 ................. 101 98 104 90

Science technicians II ................ 100 90 107 81

Science technicians III ............... 104 88 97 79

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Text table 4. Earnings of level II chemists and science

technicians, New York-Northeastern New Jersey, September

1978

Weekly earnings Chemists II Science ' 

technicians II

Under $200 ................................................... 171

$200 and under $240 .................................. 10 144

$240 and under $280 .................................. 95 175

$280 and under $320 .................................. 194 102

$320 and under $360 .................................. 154 2

$360 and over .............................................. 171

Number of workers ...................................... 624 594

Average weekly earnings ............................. $327.50 $235.50

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

provisions, including paid holidays, paid vacations, and 

health, insurance, and retirement plans. In addition, the 

benefits for professional and technical workers in each 

establishment were compared with production workers’ benefits.

Scheduled weekly hours. Slightly more than nine-tenths 

of the production workers were in plants scheduling a 

majority of their day-shift employees for 40 hours per 

week (table 17). Shorter schedules, but not less than 

37.5 hours, applied to the remaining workers.

Shift differential provisions and practices. Slightly more

than nine-tenths of the production workers were in establishments with provisions for second (evening) shifts

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and about five-sixths in those with provisions for third 

shifts (table 18). At the time of the survey, however, 

only about one-fifth of the production workers actually were employed on second shifts, and 6 percent were 

on third shifts (table 19). Nearly all late-shift workers 

received differentials, typically as uniform cents-perhour premiums above day-shift rates. Premiums varied 

considerably, but the most common were 15, 20, and 

28 cents for second shifts and 25, 30, and 44 cents for 

third shifts.

Paid holidays. All establishments visited provided paid 

holidays (table 20). Typical provisions were for 10 to 

12 days annually in the Middle Atlantic and Middle 

West, 9 or 10 days in the Southeast, and 10 or 11 days 

in the Pacific States.

Paid vacations. All establishments visited provided 

paid vacations to production workers after qualifying 

periods of service (table 21). The most common provisions were 2 weeks’ pay after 1 year of service, 3 weeks’ 

after 5 years, 4 weeks’ after 15 years (for one-third of 

the workers, after 12 years), and 5 weeks’ after 25 years 

(for two-fifths, after 20 years). Three-tenths of the workers were eligible for 6 weeks after 30 years.

Health, insurance, and retirement plans. Virtually all 

production workers were in establishments paying at 

least part of the cost of life, hospitalization, surgical, 

and medical insurance; typically the plans were entirely financed by the employer (table 23). Slightly over 

nine-tenths were covered by major medical plans and 

were protected from temporary loss of income due to 

illness or accident by pay continuation plans. Both sickness and accident insurance and sick leave plans were 

prevalent—the latter covering a relatively large proportion of the production work force for a manufacturing industry. Accidental death and dismemberment 

insurance applied to five-sixths of the workers and longterm disability and/or dental insurance, to just over 

one-half.

Retirement pension plans, in addition to Federal social security, covered about nine-tenths of the production workers. These plans were generally wholly financed by employers. Lump-sum severance pay applied 

to some of these workers as well, limited mainly to the 

Middle Atlantic region (one-tenth).

Other selected benefits. Virtually all production workers were provided funeral and jury-duty leave (table 

24). Technological severance pay for workers separated from their jobs because of technological changes, 

applied to one-fourth of the workers. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), in most cases based on the BLS 

Consumer Price Index, were found in establishments 

employing one-fifth of the workers. No region studied 

separately had as many as two-fifths of their production workers covered by technological severance pay 

or COLA.

Benefits of professional and technical workers. Professional and technical workers typically were eligible for 

the same holiday, vacation, life insurance, hospitalization insurance, and pension plans as production workers in the same establishment (table 24). In some instances, however, professional or technical workers enjoyed more liberal benefits than production workers. 

For example, establishments employing one-third of the 

professional and one-fifth of the technical workers in 

the Middle Atlantic region had provisions for more liberal vacations for these workers.

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Table 1. Average hourly earnings of production workers by selected characteristics

(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings,1 drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions,' September 1978)

United States1 2 Middle Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Item Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

All productions workers................................ 54,332 $5.81 26,228 $6.42 9,577 $4.78 3,421 $5.72 3,593 $5.07

Size of community:

Metropolitan areas...................................... 42,274 6.07 25,304 6.42 2,067 5.23 2,897 6.04 3,464 5.11

Nonmetropolitan areas .............................. 12,058 4.89 924 6.40 7,510 4.66 - - - -

Labor-management contract coverage: 

Establishments with—

Majority of workers covered................... 18,657 6.39 13,820 6.58 1,862 5.87

None or minority of workers 

covered................................................... 35,675 5.51 12,408 6.23 8,919 4.75 1,559 5.54 3,471 $5.02

Primary product:

Pharmaceuticals.......................................... 45,946 5.75 22,290 6.36 9,042 4.77 2,251 5.25 3,102 5.00

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late regions, see appendix A, table A-1, footnote 2.

shifts.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately. For definition of NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did not meet

publication criteria.

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Table 2. Earnings distribution: All establishments

(Percent of production workers by straight-time hourly earnings,1 United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Hourly earnings

Number of workers........

Average hourly earnings1

Total............................

Under $3.50...................

$3.50 and under $3.60 ... 

$3.60 and under $3.70 ... 

$3.70 and under $3.80 ... 

$3.80 and under $3.90 ... 

$3.90 and under $4.00 ...

$4.00 and under $4.10 ... 

$4.10 and under $4.20 ... 

$4.20 and under $4.30 ... 

$4.30 and under $4.40 ... 

$4.40 and under $4.50 ...

$4.50 and under $4.60 ... 

$4.60 and under $4.70 ... 

$4.70 and under $4.80 ... 

$4.80 and under $4.90 ... 

$4.90 and under $5.00 ...

$5.00 and under $5.10 ... 

$5.10 and under $5.20 ... 

$5.20 and under $5.30 ... 

$5.30 and under $5.40 ... 

$5.40 and under $5.50 ...

$5.50 and under $5.60 ... 

$5.60 and under $5.70 ... 

$5.70 and under $5.80 ...

United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific Hourly earnings United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

54,332 26,228 9,577 3,421 3,593 $5.80 and under $5.90............ 3.0 4.4 0.1 1.1 2.4

$5.81 $6.42 $4.78 $5.72 $5.07 $5.90 and under $6.00............ 2.6 2.2 .1 .9 1.8

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 $6.00 and under $6.10............ 2.2 3.5 1.0 1.3 2.4

$6.10 and under $6.20............ 3.5 3.8 2.3 1.9 1.5

4.0 2.7 1.3 7.3 9.5 $6.20 and under $6.30............ 2.0 2.7 1.4 2.5 1.2

$6.30 and under $6.40............ 1.3 2.0 1.0 .3 .5

.8 .7 .4 .7 2.1 $6.40 and under $6.50............ 2.8 4.4 1.0 .7 1.6

.7 .8 .2 .1 1.1

1.1 .5 .7 .6 2.6 $6.50 and under $6.60............ 2.7 3.5 .2 1.3 1.3

1.4 .3 1.6 .6 1.3 $6.60 and under $6.70............ 2.0 3.4 .6 .6 1.2

2.5 .2 7.0 1.1 5.7 $6.70 and under $6.80............ 1.3 2.0 .5 .8 .4

$6.80 and under $6.90............ 1.9 1.8 _ 2.3 .9

2.8 .8 9.6 2.5 2.7 $6.90 and under $7.00............ 1.9 3.0 1.9 .3 1.3

2.7 .3 8.7 3.3 2.4

3.5 .5 12.0 2.2 3.5 $7.00 and under $7.10............ 2.0 3.3 (3) .1 .3

1.3 .6 1.4 1.2 2.6 $7.10 and under $7.20............ 1.8 1.9 .1 6.6 .8

1.6 .4 3.6 1.9 4.1 $7.20 and under $7.30............ 1.5 2.7 .1 1.7 .6

$7.30 and under $7.40............ 2.1 1.8 .4 14.2 1.7

2.2 .4 6.9 1.1 3.6 $7.40 and under $7.50............ 1.5 2.7 .3 .7 .3

2.4 2.2 4.0 1.4 2.5

2.0 .6 4.9 .9 4.8 $7.50 and under $7.60............ .8 1.3 .1 .9 .3

1.8 1.1 1.6 5.5 3.0 $7.60 and under $7.70............ 2.9 4.2 - 1.3 .4

2.7 1.4 8.0 1.8 2.1 $7.70 and under $7.80............ 1.3 1.9 1.1 .3 .5

$7.80 and under $7.90............ 1.5 1.2 .1 (3) .3

1.4 .7 2.3 3.4 1.7 $7.90 and under $8.00............ .4 .4 - 1.7 .6

1.6 1.0 3.8 1.6 2.5

1.7 1.1 1.7 2.3 3.2 $8.00 and under $8.10............ 1.0 1.5 (3) .4 .3

1.9 3.0 .5 1.9 1.1 $8.10 and under $8.20............ .7 1.3 .1 .3

2.0 2.3 1.6 2.7 2.9 $8.20 and under $8.30............ 1.7 2.4 - 1.3 1.4

$8.30 and under $8.40............ .3 .4 .3 _ .5

2.7 1.8 3.4 8.5 4.1 $8.40 and under $8.50............ .8 1.6 - _ .1

2.7 4.1 1.4 1.0 2.6

2.1 2.2 .5 2.2 2.3 $8.50 and over......................... 3.1 5.1 .2 .6 1.0

NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no 

data.

Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. 

Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

Less than 0.05 percent.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 3. Earnings distribution: Pharmaceuticals

(Percent of production workers by straight-time hourly earnings,1 United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Hourly earnings United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific Hourly earnings United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Num ber of workers 45,946 22,290 9,042 2,251 3,102 $5.80 and under $5.90............ 3.3 5.0 0.1 0.7 2.7

Average hourly earnings1 ......... $5.75 $6.36 $4.77 $5.25 $5.00 $5.90 and under $6.00............ 2.7 2.2 .2 1.4 1.0

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 $6.00 and under $6.10............ 2.2 3.6 .6 1.7 2.4

$6.10 and under $6.20............ 3.9 4.2 2.4 1.9 1.7

Under $3.50 . ............ 3.7 3.1 .8 9.2 310.1 $6.20 and under $6.30............. 2.0 2.6 1.5 3.8 1.1

$6.30 and under $6.40............ 1.1 1.7 1.1 .3 .5

$3.50 and under $3 60 .8 .8 .2 .8 1.8 $6.40 and under $6.50............ 2.8 4.4 1.0 1.0 1.3

$3.60 and under $3.70............. .8 .9 .1 r> 1.2

$3 70 and under $3 80 1.2 .6 .7 .4 2.4 $6.50 and under $6.60............ 2.8 3.7 .2 1.7 1.5

$3 80 and under $3 90 1.5 .3 1.7 .8 1.4 $6.60 and under $6.70............ 2.1 3.7 .6 .8 1.4

$3 90 and under $4 00 2.9 .3 7.4 1.5 6.6 $6.70 and under $6.80............ 1.3 2.0 .5 .4 .3

$6.80 and under $6.90............ 2.0 1.7 3.4 .8

$4 00 and under $4 10 3.1 1.0 10.1 3.6 2.9 $6.90 and under $7.00............ 1.8 2.6 2.0 .5 1.5

$4.10 and under $4.20............. 2.4 .2 9.2 4.1 2.4

$4.20 and under $4.30............. 4.0 .6 12.6 3.1 3.8 $7.00 and under $7.10............ 2.1 3.5 (4) .1 .3

$4 30 and under $4.40 ..... 1.5 .7 1.5 1.6 2.7 $7.10 and under $7.20............ 1.6 2.0 .1 2.3 .8

$4 40 and under $4 50 1.7 .3 3.8 2.4 4.4 $7.20 and under $7.30............ 1.1 2.1 .1 .5 .7

$7.30 and under $7.40............ 1.1 1.6 .5 1.0 .7

$4 50 and under $4 60 ........... 2.5 .4 7.3 1.4 3.4 $7.40 and under $7.50............ 1.5 2.7 .3 .2 .4

$4.60 and under $4.70............. 2.0 1.2 4.2 2.0 2.7

$4.70 and under $4.80............. 2.0 .4 5.1 .8 5.4 $7.50 and under $7.60............ .6 .7 .1 1.4 .3

$4.80 and under $4.90............. 1.9 1.3 1.6 8.3 2.2 $7.60 and under $7.70............ 2.8 4.2 _ .5 .5

$4 90 and under $5.00............. 2.8 1.4 8.1 2.8 2.3 $7.70 and under $7.80............ 1.4 2.0 1.1 .2 .6

$7.80 and under $7.90............ 1.1 .9 .1 (4) .2

$5 00 and under $5.10............. 1.3 .8 1.8 3.4 1.8 $7.90 and under $8.00............ .3 .5 _ .4 (4)

$5.10 and under $5.20............ 1.6 .9 3.9 2.2 2.3

$5 20 and under $5 30 .......... 1.5 1.2 .7 3.2 3.5 $8 00 and under $8.10............ 1.0 1.6 (4) .6 .3

$5 30 and under $5.40............. 2.1 3.5 .4 2.3 1.2 $8.10 and under $8.20............ .5 1.0 .1 .3

$5 40 and under $5.50............. 1.9 2.3 1.5 3.1 2.8 $8.20 and under $8.30............ 1.9 2.7 _ 1.9 1.6

$8.30 and under $8.40............ .2 .3 .3 .2

$5 50 and under $5.60............. 2.9 2.1 3.5 12.0 3.1 $8.40 and under $8.50............ .8 1.6 _ _ .1

$5.60 and under $5.70............. 2.8 4.6 .3 1.0 3.0

$5.70 and under $5.80............. 2.2 2.2 .5 2.3 2.6 $8.50 and over......................... 2.8 4.4 .3 .9 .9

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. 4 Less than 0.05 percent.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

3 Workers were distributed as follows: 4.4 percent under $3; 1.6 percent at $3 to $3.10; 0.5 NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no

percent at $3.10 to $3.20; 1.4 percent at $3.20 to $3.30; 1.0 percent at $3.30 to $3.40; and 1.2 data.

percent at $3.40 to $3.50.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table* 4. Occupational averages: Production workers—all establishments

(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings,1 in selected occupations, drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Department and occupation

United States1 2 Middle Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Maintenance

Electricians.................................................... 503 $8.08 325 $8.20 24 $7.31 43 $7.69 13 $7.50

Maintenance workers, general

utility............................................................. 920 6.58 283 6.71 287 6.37 98 6.29 36 6.59

Mechanics (machinery)................................ 1,233 7.41 546 7.62 202 6.61 125 7.58 102 6.79

Pipefitters....................................................... 513 8.14 424 8.21 14 7.16 - - - -

Processing

Ampule-filling,-sealing, or

washing-machine operators........................ 1,832 5.16 1,115 5.62 - - - - 131 4.64

Chemical operators, class A ........................ 2,616 7.19 1,246 7.61 202 5.92 - - 144 6.43

Chemical operators, class B ........................ 2,839 5.92 1,264 6.64 883 4.72 231 5.75 196 5.64

Chemical operators’ helpers........................ 383 5.52 130 6.67 - - 73 5.42 18 5.35

Coaters .......................................................... 384 6.31 226 6.55 - - - - 39 6.05

Compressors................................................. 607 6.21 338 6.60 - - 38 6.07 97 5.37

Encapsuling-machine operators.................. 290 5.33 151 5.89 - - - - 24 3.93

Granulating-machine operators................... 574 6.21 309 7.10 - - 29 4.44 61 4.82

Molders, machine......................................... 119 5.46 - - - - - - - -

Production packagers.................................. 10,076 4.86 4,090 5.36 1,020 4.55 718 4.40 1,031 4.21

Hand............................................................ 2,799 4.97 1,145 5.62 307 4.28 - - 419 4.30

Machine ...................................................... 3,323 5.27 1,708 5.60 - - 349 4.39 274 4.61

Hand and machine.................................... 3,954 4.44 1,237 4.77 - - 157 4.48 338 3.76

Custodial and material movement

Janitors.......................................................... 2,749 5.54 1,754 5.94 296 4.18 159 4.88 115 4.58

Power-truck operators ................................. 773 6.06 267 6.81 206 5.10 97 6.43 34 5.80

Shippers and receivers................................ 825 5.60 242 6.39 160 5.00 67 5.44 - _

Shippers...................................................... 255 5.48 78 6.36 50 4.60 33 4.96 17 4.83

Receivers.................................................... 194 6.09 102 6.59 35 4.97 6 6.87 10 4.86

Shippers and receivers............................. 376 5.42 62 6.10 - - 28 5.70 - -

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did not meet publication

shifts. criteria.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 5. Occupational averages: Production workers—pharmaceuticals

(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings,1 in selected occupations, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

United States1 2 Middle Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Department and occupation Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Maintenance

Electricians.................................................... 396 $8.02 253 $8.10 24 $7.31 28 $7.56 9 $7.51

Maintenance workers, general

utility.............................................................. 657 6.68 184 6.62 209 6.63 78 6.24 33 6.57

Mechanics (machinery)................................. 1,073 7.40 454 7.69 202 6.61 112 7.54 88 6.69

Pipefitters....................................................... 377 7.94 316 7.98 14 7.16 - - - -

Processing

Ampule-filling, - sealing, or

washing-machine operators........................ 1,453 5.25 908 5.65 - - - - - -

Chemical operators, class A ........................ 1,606 7.21 851 7.77 202 5.92 85 6.60 - -

Chemical operators, class B ........................ 1,887 5.66 792 6.40 - - 191 5.92 153 5.63

Chemical operators’ helpers........................ 260 5.74 103 6.63 - - 45 5.84 17 5.46

Coaters.......................................................... 384 6.31 226 6.55 - - - - 39 6.05

Compressors................................................. 606 6.21 337 6.60 - - 38 6.07 97 5.37

Encapsuling-machine operators.................. 285 5.36 151 5.89 - - - - 19 3.98

Granulating-machine operators ................... 573 6.21 309 7.10 - - 29 4.44 60 4.83

Molders, machine.......................................... 119 5.46 - - - - - - - -

Production packagers................................... 9,592 4.86 3,935 5.33 1,018 4.55 641 4.40 1,013 4.21

Hand............................................................ 2,706 5.00 1,145 5.62 305 4.28 - - 419 4.30

Machine ...................................................... 3,212 5.28 1,668 5.59 - - 344 4.37 265 4.60

Hand and machine..................................... 3,674 4.40 1,122 4.63 - - 98 4.52 - -

Custodial and material movement

Janitors.......................................................... 2,337 5.44 1,457 5.85 279 4.13 116 4.65 108 4.60

Power-truck operators .................................. 616 5.99 204 6.87 194 5.08 57 5.87 34 5.80

Shippers and receivers................................. 713 5.55 201 6.39 158 5.00 47 5.04 - -

Shippers...................................................... 218 5.51 63 6.72 50 4.60 - - 12 5.09

Receivers.................................................... 169 6.09 92 6.53 35 4.97 6 6.87 7 4.95

Shippers and receivers.............................. 326 5.30 46 5.66 - - 17 5.65 - -

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did not meet publication

shifts. criteria.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 6. Occupational averages: Production workers by size of community-all establishments

(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings,1 in selected occupations, drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

United States1 2 Middle Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Metropolitan areas Nonmetropolitan

areas

Metropolitan areas Metropolitan areas Nonmetropolitan

areas

Metropolitan areas Metropolitan areas

Department and occupation

Number Average Number Average Number Average Number Average Number Average Number Average Number Average

of hourly of hourly of hourly of hourly of hourly of hourly of hourly

workers earnings workers earnings workers earnings workers earnings workers earnings workers earnings workers earnings

Maintenance

Electricians.................................................... 443 $8.13 60 $7.68 309 $8.20 - - 20 $7.12 37 $7.78 13 $7.50

Maintenance workers, general

utility.............................................................. 559 6.58 361 6.58 257 6.69 49 $6.30 238 6.39 79 6.47 33 6.58

Mechanics (machinery)................................ 1,021 7.56 212 6.68 539 7.62 59 7.11 143 6.40 113 7.61 99 6.82

Pipefitters....................................................... 469 8.15 44 8.04 398 8.18 - - - - - - - -

Processing

Ampule-filling, sealing, or

washing-machine operators........................ 1,357 5.38 475 4.53 1,115 5.62 - - - - - - 131 4.64

Chemical operators, class A ........................ 2,096 7.19 520 7.18 1,223 7.62 - - - - - - 144 6.43

Chemical operators, class B ........................ 1,702 6.22 1,137 5.46 1,037 6.49 75 4.81 - - 227 5.78 196 5.64

Chemical operators’ helpers........................ 274 5.81 109 4.81 122 6.69 - - - - 73 5.42 18 5.35

Coaters .......................................................... 339 6.42 45 5.44 226 6.55 - - - - - - 34 6.01

Compressors................................................. 505 6.36 102 5.46 330 6.59 - - - - 34 6.48 83 5.55

Encapsuling-machine operators.................. 241 5.45 49 4.75 151 5.89 - - - - - - 22 3.96

Granulating-machine operators................... 503 6.38 71 5.03 309 7.10 - - - - 13 5.94 55 4.92

Molders, machine......................................... 58 6.92 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Production packagers.................................. 7,575 5.01 2,501 4.42 3,750 5.33 381 4.44 639 4.61 434 4.94 999 4.24

Hand............................................................ 2,267 5.05 532 4.62 988 5.65 - - - - 74 4.79 417 4.31

Machine ...................................................... 2,987 5.37 336 4.42 1,549 5.58 - - - - 203 5.36 269 4.63

Hand and machine.................................... 2,321 4.51 1,633 4.35 1,213 4.75 - - - - 157 4.48 - -

Custodial and material movement

Janitors.......................................................... 2,368 5.70 381 4.55 1,713 5.94 - - - - 141 4.96 113 4.61

Power-truck operators ................................. 570 6.41 203 5.07 245 6.83 - - 154 4.77 97 6.43 34 5.80

Shippers and receivers................................ 581 5.76 244 5.20 238 6.39 53 4.60 107 5.20 51 6.19 - -

Shippers...................................................... 185 5.65 70 5.02 78 6.36 - - 22 5.15 17 6.77 17 4.83

Receivers.................................................... 153 6.17 41 5.80 100 6.59 - - - - 6 6.87 10 4.86

Shippers and receivers.............................. 243 5.59 133 5.11 60 6.10 - - - - 28 5.70 - -

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did not meet publication

shifts. criteria.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings,1 in selected occupations, drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Table 7. Occupational averages: Production workers by labor-management contract coverage-all establishments

United States2 Middle Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Establishments with—

Department and occupation Majority of workers 

covered

None or minority of 

workers covered

Majority of workers 

covered

None or minority of 

workers covered

None or minority of 

workers covered

Majority of workers 

covered

None or minority of 

workers covered

None or minority of 

workers covered

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number

of

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Maintenance

Electricians.................................................... 256 $8.22 247 $7.94 216 $8.32 109 $7.97 24 $7.31 - - 25 $7.72 13 $7.50

Maintenance workers, general

utility.............................................................. 340 6.34 580 6.72 141 6.51 142 6.91 189 6.66 44 $5.34 54 7.05 34 6.60

Mechanics (machinery)................................. 471 7.60 762 7.30 357 7.72 189 7.43 202 6.61 26 7.13 99 7.70 102 6.79

Pipefitters....................................................... 347 8.21 166 7.99 308 8.29 116 7.98 14 7.16 - - - - - -

Processing

Ampule-filling,-sealing, or

washing-machine operators........................ 485 5.35 1,347 5.09 439 5.57 676 5.65 - - - - - - 131 4.64

Chemical operators, class A ........................ 1,164 7.40 1,452 7.02 528 7.39 - - 196 5.92 - - 83 6.75 140 6.38

Chemical operators, class B ........................ 1,292 6.51 1,547 5.42 763 6.89 501 6.26 - - - - 96 6.12 176 5.60

Chemical operators’ helpers........................ 104 5.62 279 5.49 43 7.20 87 6.41 - - 44 4.89 29 6.24 18 5.35

Coaters .......................................................... 185 5.99 199 6.60 146 6.00 80 7.57 - - - - - - 35 5.99

Compressors................................................. 239 6.04 368 6.32 207 6.22 131 7.20 - - - - 34 6.48 89 5.31

Encapsuling-machine operators.................. 150 5.15 140 5.52 81 5.57 70 6.26 - - - - - - 24 3.93

Granulating-machine operators ................... 273 6.14 301 6.27 189 6.92 120 7.38 - - - - - - 61 4.82

Molders, machine.......................................... 20 6.28 99 5.30 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Production packagers................................... 2,457 5.15 7,619 4.77 1,640 5.46 2,450 5.29 1,020 4.55 218 3.57 500 4.76 1,003 4.19

Hand............................................................ 697 5.85 2,102 4.68 577 6.06 568 5.18 307 4.28 - - - - 397 4.28

Machine ...................................................... 1,084 4.96 2,239 5.42 602 5.34 1,106 5.74 - - - - 214 5.29 268 4.61

Hand and machine..................................... 676 4.72 3,278 4.39 461 4.85 776 4.72 - - 52 3.88 105 4.77 338 3.76

Custodial and material movement

Janitors .......................................................... 1,166 6.15 1,583 5.09 974 6.26 780 5.54 279 4.12 50 5.29 109 4.69 113 4.57

Power-truck operators .................................. 269 6.55 504 5.79 136 7.07 131 6.53 186 5.07 - - 34 6.38 32 5.64

Shippers and receivers................................. 223 5.91 602 5.48 118 6.48 124 6.31 158 4.99 46 4.92 21 6.59 - -

Shippers...................................................... 62 5.53 193 5.46 13 6.87 65 6.26 50 4.60 28 4.59 - - 13 4.63

Receivers.................................................... 75 6.64 119 5.74 58 6.77 44 6.36 33 4.95 - - - - 8 4.70

Shippers and receivers.............................. 86 5.54 290 5.39 47 6.02 15 6.37 - - 17 5.44 11 6.10 - -

Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. 

Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did not meet publication criteria.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 8. Occupational earnings: Production workers—Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.1

(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings2 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Num- Average

hourly

earnings

Number of workers receiving straight-time hourly earnings of—

Department and occupation ber of 

workers

Under

$2.70

$2.70

$2.80

$2.80

$3.00

$3.00

$3.20

$3.20

$3.40

$3.40

$3.60

$3.60

$3.80

$3.80

$4.00

$4.00

$4.20

$4.20

$4.40

$4.40

$4.60

$4.60

$4.80

$4.80

$5.00

$5.00

$5.20

$5.20

$5.40

$5.40

$5.60

$5.60

$5.80

$5.80

$6.00

$6.00

$6.20

$6.20

$6.40

$6.40

$6.80

$6.80

$7.20

$7.20

$7.60

$7.60

$8.00

$8.00

and

over

All production workers....................... 1,717 $5.15 19 8 75 48 58 68 72 59 73 58 102 73 105 86 71 134 49 85 109 25 119 66 64 44 47

Selected ocupations 

Maintenance

Electricians............................................. 7 7.49 - - - - - - - - _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 _ 2 1 _ 3

Maintenance workers, general

utility....................................................... 22 7.12 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 1 _ 5 3 4 3 4

Mechanics (machinery).......................... 19 7.02 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - 1 - - 1 - 3 2 2 - 3 7

Processing

Ampule-filling,-sealing, or

washing-machine operators................. 62 4.52 - - - 6 6 5 3 1 3 1 2 6 4 4 5 14 1 - 1 - - - - _ _

Chemical operators, class A ................. 130 6.30 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 8 7 19 9 18 14 3 3 12 30 6 _

Chemical operators, class B ................. 130 5.48 - - - - - 6 - 10 1 3 1 1 5 3 7 33 9 14 22 _ 11 2 2 _ .j

Coaters ................................................... 19 6.21 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - 2 2 2 _ _ _ _ 4 8 _ _ _

Compressors.......................................... 32 5.56 - - - - - - 3 1 3 - 2 2 1 _ _ _ 1 _ 8 _ 11 _ _ _ _

Encapsuling-machine operators ........... 14 3.87 - - - 2 1 2 1 4 - 1 1 1 1 - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ _

Granulating-machine operators ............ 20 5.11 - - - - - - - 4 4 - 1 1 - - 1 3 - - _ _ 6 _ _ _ _

Production packagers............................ 281 3.84 16 7 59 17 17 17 15 6 11 8 19 34 34 6 15 - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Hand..................................................... 119 4.07 4 14 3 12 8 1 2 1 3 - 1 18 24 32 - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Machine ............................................... 83 4.13 - - 9 5 6 9 6 3 7 4 1 10 2 6 15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Hand and machine.............................. 79 3.18 2 4 38 4 10 6 8 - 4 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Custodial and material movement

Janitors ................................................... 48 4.60 - - - 4 2 - 4 1 1 5 4 _ 12 5 4 _ 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Power-truck operators............................ 9 5.53 - - - - - - _ 2 _ _ _ _ 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 5 _ _ _ _

Shippers and receivers5 ........................ 33 4.93 - - - - - 2 1 _ 5 5 1 1 2 1 _ 9 1 2 _ 2 1 _ _ _ _

Shippers............................................... 17 4.83 - - - - 2 1 _ 3 2 _ 1 _ _ _ 6 _ _ _ 1 1 _ _ _ _

Receivers............................................. 10 4.85 - - - - - - ~ - 2 1 1 - 2 1 - 2 1 - - - -

L _ _

- -

1 The Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan area consists of Los Angeles County. 5 Includes data for workers in classification in addition to those shown separately.

2 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts.

3 All workers were at $8.00 to $8.40.

4 All workers were at $2.60 to $2.70.

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings1 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Table 9. Occupational earnings: Production workers—New Jersey

Department and occupation

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of workers receiving straight-time hourly earnings of—

$2.60

and

under

$2.80

$2.80

$3.00

$3.00

$3.20

$3.20

$3.40

$3.40

$3.60

$3.60

$3.80

$3.80

$4.00

$4.00

$4.20

$4.20

$4.40

$4.40

$4.60

$4.60

$4.80

$4.80

$5.00

$5.00

$5.20

$5.20

$5.40

$5.40

$5.60

$5.60

$5.80

$5.80

$6 . 0 0

$6 . 0 0

$6 . 2 0

$6 . 2 0

$6.40

$6.40

$6.80

$6.80

$7.20

$7.20

$7.60

$7.60

$8 . 0 0

$8 . 0 0

$8.40

$8.40

$8.80

$8.80

and

over

All production workers....................... 12,520 $6.56 25 35 42 109 183 216 65 193 195 105 271 165 213 816 373 372 850 599 712 1,718 1,023 1,075 919 808 6 6 8 770

Selected ocupations

Maintenance

Flprtririflns 166 8.34 17 17 2 0 5 60 2 47

Maintenance workers, general

utility....................................................... 191 6 . 6 8 - - - - - - - 15 - - - - - 1 - - 6 1 11 48 74 2 2 5 - 8 -

Mechanics (machinery).......................... 235 7.53 2 - 6 2 - 41 16 75 19 18 54 2

Pipefitters................................................ 219 8.53 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 5 18 25 15 57 2 95

Processing

Ampule-filling,-sealing, or

washing-machine operators................. 708 5.47 - - - 4 1 31 - 47 45 15 80 24 39 55 46 25 2 2 31 54 167 6 16 - - - -

Chemical operators, class A ................. 1,047 7.67 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 - 15 156 141 1 0 0 11 1 401 55 50

Chemical operators, class B ................. 592 6.30 - - - 2 4 39 6 1 2 6 6 26 5 5 1 0 2 4 30 25 34 190 73 51 4 58 - -

Chemical operators’ helpers................. 81 6.53 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 6 - 1 0 8 2 1 0 4 8 2 2 28 - - -

Coaters ................................................... 114 6.75 - - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 1 0 5 - 5 5 30 7 2 2 17 2 2 2 2

Compressors.......................................... 128 6.29 - - - - 1 0 5 1 0 - - 5 1 5 - 1 0 - - - - - 18 5 6 38 11 2 2

Encapsuling-machine operators ........... 57 6.16 - - - - - - - - - 1 0 5 - - - - - 5 - 1 1 0 23 - 3 - - -

Granulating-machine operators ............ 82 7.57 1 - - - - - - - - 4 2 24 34 17 - -

Production packagers.......................... 1,865 5.30 25 35 2 0 61 8 8 45 14 27 30 11 52 50 15 449 80 2 1 1 199 84 207 157 - - 5 - - -

H and..................................................... 421 5.07 - - 4 28 2 8 4 2 2 19 6 4 30 9 143 40 92 6 4 - - - - - - - -

Machine ............................................... 1,203 5.53 25 35 15 1 0 15 - 5 - 6 - 48 2 0 6 306 38 105 191 74 147 157 - - - - - -

Hand and machine.............................. 241 4.56 - -

1 23 71 37 5 5 5 5 - - - - 2 14 2 6 60 - - - 5 - - -

Custodial and material movement

Janitors ................................................... 933 5.90 - - 7 - 1 0 5 6 3 15 15 37 24 19 140 117 24 2 2 0 67 14 1 0 4 138 58 - - -

Power-truck operators............................ 126 6.52 - - - - - - - 5 - 3 3 - 3 - - - 15 2 1 0 57 8 8 - 1 2 - -

Shippers and receivers.......................... 154 6.28 - - - - - - - 1 9 3 6 - 30 1 2 2 - 8 8 19 41 7 3 14 - -

Shippers............................................... 64 6.26 - - - - - - - 1 - 3 6

- 7 - - - - 8 6 4 23 4 - 2 - -

Receivers............................................. 41 6.59 - - - - - - - - 4 - - - 3 1 2 - - - 2 1 0 9 - 3 7 - -

S h if^ rs and receivers....................... 49 6.03 - - - - - - - - S - - - 2 0 - 1 - 2 - 2 - - - 2 1 0 9 - 3 - 3 8 - -

1 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

2 All workers were at $8.80 to $9.20.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(Number of workers and average straight-time hourly earnings2 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Table 10. Occupational earnings: Production workers—New York-Northeastern New Jersey.

Department and occupation

Number of 

workers

Average

hourly

earnings

Number of workers receiving straight-time hourly earnings of—

$2.60

and

under

$2.80

$2.80

$3.00

$3.00

$3.20

$3.20

$3.40

$3.40

$3.60

$3.60

$3.80

$3.80

$4.00

$4.00

$4.20

$4.20

$4.40

$4.40

$4.60

$4.60

$4.80

$4.80

$5.00

$5.00

$5.20

$5.20

$5.40

$5.40

$5.60

$5.60

$5.80

$5.80

$6 . 0 0

$6 . 0 0

$6 . 2 0

$6 . 2 0

$6.40

$6.40

$6.80

$6.80

$7.20

$7.20

$7.60

$7.60

$8 . 0 0

$8 . 0 0

$8.40

$8.40

$8.80

$8.80

$9.20

$9.20

and

over

All production workers....................... 14,245 $6.48 43 47 183 1 0 1 230 227 63 2 0 0 197 1 0 2 312 379 320 533 569 544 963 978 784 1,638 1,218 1,174 1,171 809 677 576 207

Selected ocupatlons

Maintenance

Electricians............................................. 191 8.32 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ 9 15 51 5 58 47 6

Maintenance workers, general

utility....................................................... 189 6.62 - - - - - 2 - 15 - - - - - 4 - - 2 1 14 51 62 25 5 _ 8 _ _

Mechanics (machinery).......................... 237 7.62 - - - - - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 9 2 - 1 0 28 74 19 18 70 - 2

Pipefitters................................................ 256 8.41 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 19 67 15 55 95 -

Processing

Ampule-filling, - sealing, or

washing-machine operators................. 775 5.39 - - 16 15 - 32 2 50 49 15 80 26 40 59 46 25 2 2 55 54 167 6 16 - - - - -

Chemical operators, class A ................. 1,085 7.66 - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - 23 9 15 93 213 109 113 402 55 50 -

Chemical operators, class B ................. 560 6.34 - - - - - 25 - 15 8 6 30 5 3 16 1 2 15 30 25 34 150 73 51 4 58 _ _ _

Hhpmiral nperatnrs' halpara 72 6 . 6 8 5 2 3 2 1 0 4 g 2 O oa

Coaters ................................................... 182 6.37 _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 4 13 _ _ 4 6 1 2 16 5 5 31 15 6

c.

18

C.O

17 2 2 2 2

_

Compressors.......................................... 192 6.14 - - - - 1 0 9 14 - 4 5 8 5 4 1 0 2

- 4 5 - 36 5 18 38 11 2 2 _

Encapsuling-machine operators ............ 109 5.85 - - - - 1 2 - - - - 1 0 5 - - 1 0 1 6 7 - 1 28 23 3 3 _ _ _ _

Granulating-machine operators ............ 203 6.98 - - - - - - 4 - - 4 - - 2 6 4 - 8 29 - 4 18 73 34 17 - - -

Production packagers ............................ 2,055 5.21 25 39 127 39 106 63 16 23 32 11 69 155 19 159 169 213 203 150 271 161 - - 5 - - - -

H and................ 565 5.22 - - - - - - - 18 18 6 21 152 13 147 8 6 92 8 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Machine .......... 1,070 5.68 25 35 15 1 0 15 - 5 - 6 - 48 - 6 1 2 81 107 193 140 2 1 1 161 _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Hand and machine.............................. 420 4.01 - 4 1 1 2 29 91 63 11 5 8 5 - 3 - - 2 14 2 6 60 - - - 5 - - - -

Custodial and material movement

Janitors ................................................... 938 5.86 - - 5 - 14 1 0 6 6 18 15 36 26 44 104 119 24 2 2 0 67 14 1 0 4 138 58 _ _ _ _

Power-truck operators............................ 124 6.62 - - - - - - - 5 - 3 3 _ 3 - _ - 3 6 1 0 57 8 14 _ 1 2 _ _ _

Shippers and receivers.......................... 174 6.29 - - - - - - - - 5 3 6 - 29 - 2 5 - 38 4 17 41 7 3 14 _ _ -

Shippers............................................... 65 6.29 - - - - - - - - - 3 6 - 6 - - - - 15 2 4 23 4 - 2 _ _ -

Receivers............................................. 59 6.54 - - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ 3 _ 2 _ _ 23 2 1 0 9 _ 3 7 _ _ _

Shippers and receivers....................... 50 5.98 - “ - ~ _ - - - 5 - - -

2 0 - - 5 - - - 3 9 3 - 5 - - -

1 The New York-Northeastern New Jersey consolidated area consists of the following metropolitan areas: NassauSuffolk, N.Y.; New York, N.Y.-N.J.; Jersey City, Long Branch-Asbury Park, Newark, New Brunswick-Perth AmboySayreville, and Paterson-Clifton-Passaic, N.J.; and Norwalk and Stamford, Conn.

2 Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. 

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 11. Occupational averages: Professional and technical workers—all establishments

(Number of workers and average straight-time weekly earnings and hours1 in selected occupations, drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Occupation

United States2 Middle Atlantic Southeast

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range

Biologists I ............................ 470 39.0 $280.50 $272.50 $246.50 _ $317.00 300 38.5 $300.50 $290.00 $267.50 _ $346.50 _ _ _ _ _ _

Biologists I I ........................... 699 39.5 328.50 326.50 294.00 - 371.50 495 39.0 346.50 344.00 309.00 - 388.00 - - - - - -

Biologists III.......................... 694 39.5 373.50 366.00 319.50 - 419.00 389 39.0 396.00 388.00 338.00 - 439.50 - - - - - -

Biologists IV ......................... 513 39.5 450.50 448.50 404.50 - 483.00 330 39.5 459.50 449.50 419.50 - 488.50 - - - - - -

Biologists V .......................... 326 39.5 551.00 544.50 480.00 - 614.50 205 39.0 566.00 557.50 508.00 - 638.50 - - - - - -

Biologists VI ......................... 165 39.5 642.50 662.50 576.00 - 709.50 125 39.5 643.50 658.00 576.00 - 702.50 - - - - - -

Chemists I ............................ 679 39.5 268.50 264.00 240.50 _ 288.00 429 39.0 282.00 270.50 255.50 _ 303.50 _ _ _ _ _ _

Chemists II ........................... 1147 39.5 317.00 317.00 286.00 - 351.50 821 39.0 326.50 322.00 292.00 - 362.00 40 39.5 $284.50 $288.00 $238.00 - $318.50

Chemists III .......................... 1432 39.5 377.50 366.50 333.50 - 410.00 982 39.5 392.50 380.00 343.50 - 433.50 62 40.0 335.50 345.50 332.00 - 368.50

Chemists IV .......................... 1102 39.5 466.00 457.50 405.00 - 508.50 822 39.5 474.00 462.50 410.50 - 521.00 36 39.5 427.50 404.50 344.00 - 482.00

Chemists V ........................... 623 39.5 541.50 532.00 480.00 - 592.50 502 39.5 541.50 531.50 480.00 - 592.50 18 39.0 564.50 506.00 477.00 - 600.50

Chemists VI .......................... 313 39.5 641.00 645.00 575.00 - 699.50 256 39.5 639.00 644.50 575.00 - 700.00 - - - - - -

Engineers I ........................... 45 39.5 340.50 335.00 303.50 _ 368.50 25 39.0 356.50 361.00 307.50 _ 389.00 _ _ _ _ _ _

Engineers II .......................... 88 39.5 361.00 353.00 336.00 - 388.50 49 39.0 376.00 384.00 351.50 - 403.50 11 40.0 322.00 - - -

Engineers III ......................... 339 40.0 434.00 434.00 405.00 - 466.50 141 39.5 442.50 434.00 407.50 - 480.00 40 40.0 437.50 443.00 406.50 - 474.50

Engineers IV ......................... 425 39.5 496.00 496.00 448.50 - 545.50 173 39.5 494.00 489.50 449.50 - 533.00 15 40.0 498.50 534.50 455.00 - 558.50

Engineers V .......................... 263 40.0 570.00 576.00 524.00 - 617.50 133 39.5 554.00 553.00 499.00 - 598.00 - - - - - -

Engineers V I......................... 106 40.0 653.00 642.50 593.50 - 722.00 54 39.5 653.00 646.00 575.50 - 733.50 - - - - - -

Science technicians I ........... 1088 39.5 199.00 198.00 172.00 _ 221.50 475 39.0 200.50 196.00 174.50 _ 225.00 270 40.0 194.50 205.50 172.00 - 217.50

Science technicians I I .......... 2131 39.5 232.00 222.50 199.00 - 261.00 1079 39.5 231.50 225.50 200.00 _ 262.50 195 39.5 208.00 206.00 192.50 - 223.50

Science technicians III......... 1452 39.5 294.00 300.00 250.00 - 334.00 1023 39.5 304.50 300.50 275.00 - 340.50 32 39.5 260.00 263.00 252.00 - 268.00

See footnotes at end of table

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 11. Occupational averages: Professional and technical workers—all establishments—Continued

(Number of workers and average straight-time weekly earnings and hours1 in selected occupations, drug manufacturing, United States and selected 

regions, September 1978)

Occupation

Middle West Pacific

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range

Biologists I ........................... _ _ _ - _ _ 40 40.0 $258.00 $258.00 $236.00 _ $280.50

Biologists I I .......................... 11 40.0 $267.50 - - - 49 40.0 307.50 313.00 299.50 - 327.00

Biologists III......................... 39 40.0 334.50 $325.001 $290.50 - $351.00 48 40.0 354.00 371.00 320.50 - 396.00

Biologists IV ......................... 18 40.0 431.00 435.00 415.50 - 450.50 18 40.0 434.50 443.50 402.00 - 456.50

Biologists V ......................... - - - - - - 13 40.0 509.00 - - -

Biologists VI ......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chemists I ........................... 32 40.0 252.50 253.50 229.00 _ 283.50 _ _ _ _ _ _

Chemists II .......................... 52 40.0 290.00 267.00 255.00 - 313.50 75 40.0 299.00 308.50 257.50 - 329.50

Chemists III ......................... 62 40.0 356.00 343.00 304.00 - 398.50 92 40.0 359.00 352.50 318.00 - 394.50

Chemists IV ......................... 32 39.5 467.00 476.00 403.50 - 531.50 43 40.0 439.50 431.50 390.50 - 475.00

Chemists V .......................... 14 39.5 560.50 - - - 11 39.5 505.50 _ - _

Chemists V I......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers I .......................... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Engineers II ......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers III......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers IV ......................... 16 40.0 435.50 422.00 402.00 - 450.00 10 40.0 459.50 - - -

Engineers V ......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers V I......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Science technicians I .......... 35 39.5 207.00 194.00 181.00 _ 251.50 57 40.0 179.50 171.50 167.00 _ 185.50

Science technicians I I ......... 162 40.0 247.00 229.50 204.00 - 291.50 93 40.0 210.00 200.50 190.00 - 222.00

Science technicians III........ 100 40.0 285.00 257.00 220.00 - 344.50 32 40.5 233.00 229.50 218.00 - 253.50

1 Weekly hours have been rounded to the nearest half hour, and 

weekly earnings to the nearest half dollar. Earnings information 

excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. See appendix A for methods used in computing 

medians and middle ranges. Medians and middle ranges are not

provided for occupations with fewer than 15 workers.

NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did 

not meet publication criteria.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 12. Occupational averages: Professional and technical workers—pharmaceuticals

(Number of workers and average straight-time weekly earnings and hours1 in selected occupations, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Occupation

United States2 Middle Atlantic Southeast

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range

Biologists I ................................................. 357 39.0 $282.00 $272.50 $253.50 _ $304.00 228 39.0 $297.00 $288.00 $267.50 _ $328.00 _ _ _ _ _ _

Biologists I I ........................... 520 39.5 336.50 332.00 299.50 - 375.50 385 39.5 350.50 346.00 312.00 - 387.50 - - - - - -

Biologists III.......................... 522 39.5 373.00 366.50 324.50 - 413.00 303 39.5 387.50 378.00 337.00 - 433.00 - - - - - -

Biologists IV ............................................ 404 39.5 448.50 448.50 408.00 - 481.50 278 39.5 449.00 442.50 414.50 - 480.50 - - - - - -

Biologists V .......................... 192 39.5 528.50 529.00 476.00 - 576.00 125 39.0 520.00 526.50 476.00 - 566.50 - - - - - -

Biologists VI ......................... 149 39.5 648.00 665.50 584.50 - 711.00 117 39.5 647.00 661.50 584.50 - 704.00 - - - - - -

Chemists I ................................................. 592 39.0 263.00 260.00 237.50 _ 281.00 364 39.0 275.00 269.00 250.00 _ 289.00 _ _ _ _ _ _

Chemists II ............................................... 1073 39.5 316.00 316.00 286.00 - 348.50 780 39.0 326.00 321.50 294.00 - 360.00 37 39.5 $277.00 $288.00 $235.00 - $315.00

Chemists III .............................................. 1273 39.5 372.00 366.50 332.00 - 405.00 883 39.5 385.00 377.50 341.00 - 419.00 58 40.0 341.50 346.00 1 .>34.00 - v 70.00

Chemists IV .......................... 957 39.5 457.50 450.00 401.00 - 500.00 714 39.5 463.00 452.00 403.00 - 504.00 36 39.5 427.50 404.50 344.00 - 482.00

Chemists V ........................... 542 39.5 532.00 528.00 476.50 - 585.50 429 39.5 529.50 527.50 470.50 - 584.50 18 39.0 564.50 506.00 477.00 - 600.50

Chemists V I.......................... 296 39.5 641.00 645.00 576.00 - 699.50 248 39.5 639.50 645.00 576.00 - 699.50 - - - - - -

Engineers I ............................................... 28 39.5 319.00 321.50 300.00 _ 339.00 10 39.0 316.50 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -

Engineers II .......................... 44 39.5 362.00 353.50 324.50 - 396.50 26 39.5 382.00 395.50 353.50 - 410.50 - - - - - -

Engineers III ............................................ 263 40.0 432.50 434.00 406.50 - 466.00 105 40.0 435.50 432.00 406.50 - 466.50 37 40.0 440.50 443.50 407.50 - 479.50

Engineers IV ............................................ 372 40.0 500.00 503.00 452.50 - 550.50 142 39.5 496.50 492.50 451.00 - 533.50 15 40.0 498.50 534.50 455.00 - 558.50

Engineers V .............................................. 206 40.0 577.50 582.00 531.00 - 625.50 104 39.5 553.00 554.50 506.50 - 594.50 - - - - - -

Engineers V I............................................ 93 40.0 646.00 635.00 585.50 - 698.50 43 39.5 639.00 631.00 575.50 - 698.00 - - - - - -

Science technicians I ................... 908 39.5 196.00 194.00 172.00 _ 217.50 407 39.0 196.50 195.00 173.00 _ 224.00 240 40.0 191.00 184.50 172.00 - 217.50

Science technicians I I ................. 1694 39.5 228.00 220.00 198.00 - 253.00 906 39.0 226.50 221.00 199.00 - 255.00 195 39.5 208.00 206.00 192.50 - 223.50

Science technicians III................ 1200 39.5 296.00 300.50 259.00 - 331.00 924 39.5 304.00 300.50 275.00 - 338.00 32 39.5 260.00 263.00 252.00 - 268.00

See footnotes at end of table.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(Number of workers and average straight>time weekly earnings and hours1 in selected occupations, United States and selected regions, September 

1978)

Table 12. Occupational averages: Professional and technical workers—pharmaceuticals—Continued

Occupation

Middle West Pacific

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(Standard)

Weekly earnings1

Mean Median Middle range Mean Median Middle range

Biologists I ........................... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Biologists I I .......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Biologists III.......................... - - - - - - 35 40.0 $359.50 $384.001 $320.00 - $404.50

Biologists IV ......................... - - - - - - 7 40.0 453.50 ! - -

Biologists V .......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Biologists VI ......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chemists I ........................... 23 40.0 $238.00 $230.00 $227.50 _ $262.00 _ _ _ _ _ _

Chemists II ........................... 36 40.0 272.50 262.50 |l 255.00 - 297.50 69 40.0 306.00 318.50 272.50 - 332.00

Chemists III .......................... 38 39.5 327.50 333.00 299.00 - 356.50 84 40.0 366.50 366.00 331.50 _ 399.00

Chemists IV .......................... 17 39.5 442.00 433.00 343.00 - 529.00 42 40.0 441.50 432.00 391.00 - 476.00

Chemists V .......................... 11 39.5 557.00 - - - 9 39.0 503.50 - - -

Chemists V I.......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers I ........................... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Engineers I I .......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers III......................... 8 40.0 327.50 - - - - - - - - -

Engineers IV ......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers V .......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Engineers V I......................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Science technicians I .......... 35 39.5 207.00 194.00 181.00 _ 251.50 43 40.0 169.00 167.00 163.50 _ 173.50

Science technicians I I ......... 82 40.0 216.00 208.50 198.00 - 229.50 81 40.0 202.50 198.00 189.50 - 217.00

Science technicians III........ 34 40.0 228.00 220.00 220.00 - 237.50 32 40.5 233.00 229.50 218.00 - 253.50

1 Weekly hours have been rounded to the nearest half hour, and 

weekly earnings to the nearest half dollar. Earnings information 

excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. See appendix A for methods used in computing 

medians and middle ranges. Medians and middle ranges are not

provided for occupations with fewer than 15 workers.

NOTE: Dashes indicate that no data were reported or that data did 

not meet publication criteria.

Digitized for FRASER 

http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ 

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(Number of workers and average straight-time weekly earnings2 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Table 13. Occupational earnings: Professional and technical workers—Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.

Occupation

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(standard)

Average

weekly

earnings

(standard)

Number of workers receiving straight-time weekly earnings of—

$180

and

under

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 2 0

$ 2 2 0

$240

$240

$260

$260

$280

$280

$300

$300

$320

$320

$340

$340

$360

$360

$380

$380

$400

$400

$420

$420

$440

$440

$460

$460

$480

$480

$500

$500

$520

$520

$540

$540

and

over

9 40.0 $266.00 - - - 5 3 - 1

13 40.0 220.50 3 3 5 1 1

18 40.0 246.50 - 3 2 8 4 - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -

30 40.0 323.00 - - - 4 2 4 7 1 7 2 - 2 1 - - - - - -

1 0 40.0 417.50 - - - - - - - - 1 2 3 - - 2

- - 1 1 -

6 40.0 511.50 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 -

1 -2

1 0 40.0 459.501 - 3 2 3 2 - - -

Biologists III

Chemists I ... 

Chemists II . 

Chemists III 

Chemists IV 

Chemists V .

Engineers IV

1 The Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan area consists of Los Angeles County.

2 Average weekly hours are rounded to the nearest half hour and earnings to the nearest half 

dollar. Earnings information excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts.

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Table 14. Occupational earnings: Professional and technical workers—New Jersey

(Number of workers and Average straight-time weekly earnings1 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Average

weekly

hours

(standard)

Average

weekly

earnings

(standard)

Number of workers receiving straight-time weekly earnings of—

$ 1 2 0

and

under

$140

$140

$160

$160

$180

$180

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 2 0

$ 2 2 0

$240

$240

$260

$260

$280

$280

$300

$300

$320

$320

$340

$340

$360

$360

$380

$380

$400

$400

$440

$440

$480

$480

$520

$520

$560

$560

$600

$600

$640

$640

$680

$680

$720

$720

$760

$760

and

over

38.0 $293.50 _ _ _ _ 3 7 23 53 40 16 19 15 11 5

39.0 338.50 - - - - - 3 2 0 8 8 31 35 47 34 24 18 - - - - - - - - -

39.0 404.50 - - - - - - 1 4 14 11 1 2 8 11 18 47 2 2 17 7 5 - - - - -

39.0 464.00 - - - - - - - - 3 3 2 5 7 6 27 51 43 7 3 4 5 2 - -

39.0 583.00 - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 4 3 2 14 11 27 24 8 15 8 17 6

39.0 653.50 1 1 6 4 4 4 16 1 0 6 2 6

38.5 282.50 _ _ _ 2 _ 2 7 81 78 41 23 21 16 1 2 5 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

39.5 332.50 - - - - 4 3 31 50 59 84 87 78 87 47 36 3 - - - - - - - -

39.5 399.50 - - - - - - 6 5 2 0 43 60 43 95 73 114 94 43 2 2 1 2 4 - - - -

39.0 468.00 - - - - - - - - 4 6 8 17 36 46 74 75 87 39 41 15 14 6 - -

39.5 536.00 1 3 1 0 31 47 6 6 71 36 28 13 8 17 6

39.5 624.50 1 4 19 28 17 23 38 30 11 9

38.5 330.50 _ _ _ _ _ - _ 2 2 5 1 2 3 2

39.0 379.00 - - - - - - - - - 2 7 4 5 11 11 2 - - - - - - - -

39.5 447.00 - - - - - - - - - 1 - 3 3 7 38 24 2 0 9 - - - - - -

39.5 506.50 2 3 - 1 0 2 2 36 19 14 8 2 1 - -

39.5 566.50 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 5 2 19 13 2 2 1 2 8 6 1 -

39.5 647.50 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 5 7 5 2 3 9 3 5

38.5 205.50 1 0 34 15 47 34 49 32 21 2

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

39.0 232.50 - 16 50 77 71 83 41 8 8 56 26 1

39.5 305.00 - - -

2 17 16 24 2 0 44 181 35 71 32

Occupation

Number 

of workers

Biologists I .................

Biologists I I ................

Biologists III...............

Biologists IV ..............

Biologists V ...............

Biologists VI ..............

Chemists I .................

Chemists II ................

Chemists III ...............

Chemists IV ...............

Chemists V ................

Chemists VI ...............

Engineers I ................

Engineers II ...............

Engineers III ..............

Engineers IV ..............

Engineers V ...............

Engineers V I..............

Science technicians I . 

Science technicians II 

Science technicians III 12

192

228

177

168

142

58

310

569

634

468

337

180

17

42

105

117

89

39

244

509

442

1 Average weekly hours are rounded to the nearest half hour and earnings to the nearest half dollar. Earnings 

information excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts.

2 Workers were distributed as follows: 4 at $760 to $800 and 2 at $800 and over.

3 All workers were at $760 to $800. 

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 15. Occupational earnings: Professional and technical workers—New York-Northeastern New Jersey1

(Number of workers and average straight-time weekly earnings1 2 in selected occupations in drug manufacturing, September 1978)

Occupation

Number 

of workers

Average

weekly

hours

(standard)

Average

weekly

earnings

(standard)

Number of workers receiving straight-time weekly earnings of—

$ 1 2 0

and

under

$140

$140

$160

$160

$180

$180

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 0 0

$ 2 2 0

$ 2 2 0

$240

$240

$260

$260

$280

$280

$300

$300

$320

$320

$340

$340

$360

$360

$380

$380

$400

$400

$440

$440

$480

$480

$520

$520

$560

$560

$600

$600

$640

$640

$680

$680

$720

$720

$760

$760

and

over

38.0 $294.00 _ _ _ _ 3 5 23 56 43 14 19 15 11 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

39.0 332.00 - - - - - 11 17 15 1 2 42 29 46 35 24 18 - - - - - - - - -

38.5 397.00 - - - - - - 9 3 14 13 15 9 13 15 43 23 17 7 5 - - - - -

39.0 452.00 - - - - - - - - 3 2 5 6 13 15 56 6 6 45 7 3 4 5 2 - -

39.0 572.00 - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 4 3 7 17 18 30 2 2 11 15 8 17 6

39.0 641.00 1 1 6 7 11 7 2 0 13 5 6

38.5 282.00 _ _ _ _ 2 30 77 80 41 19 2 0 16 1 2 5 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

39.0 327.50 - - - - - 1 0 32 63 81 113 80 74 85 47 36 3 - - - - - - - -

39.5 391.50 - - - - - - 6 1 2 26 53 70 80 125 75 12 1 92 43 2 2 1 2 4 - - - -

39.0 463.00 - - - - - - - - 4 4 6 21 41 59 10 1 11 1 96 40 41 15 14 6

- -

39.0 534.50 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 3 1 0 39 62 74 99 48 34 15 8 17 6

39.5 625.50 1 4 19 28 2 2 31 42 37 9 1 0

38.5 330.50 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 2 5 1 2 3 2

39.0 376.50 - - - - - - - - - 2 7 6 8 11 11 2 - - - - - - - -

39.5 445.50 - - - - - - - - - 1 - 3 4 8 42 27 2 0 9 - - - - - -

39.0 501.00 - - - - - - - - - - - 2 2 1 15 29 44 2 2 14 8 2 1 - -

39.5 559.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 4 26 19 28 1 2 8 6 1 -

39.5 644.50 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 4 9 5 3 2 9 3 5

39.0 2 0 1 . 0 0 2 0 58 16 52 55 55 38 23 2

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

39.0 235.50 - 19 53 99 59 85 62 113 69 33 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - -

39.5 301 00 - - -

2 23 34 46 37 70 204 6 6 77 38 - - - - - - - - - - -

Biologists I .................

Biologists I I .................

Biologists III...............

Biologists IV 

Biologists V 

Biologists VI

Chemists I .................

Chemists II ................

Chemists III ...............

Chemists IV ...............

Chemists V ................

Chemists VI ...............

Engineers I ................

Engineers II ......

Engineers III .....

Engineers IV .....

Engineers V ......

Engineers V I..............

Science technicians I . 

Science technicians II 

Science technicians III

194

249

186

232

161

77

306

624

741

559

416

203

17

47

114

140

111

40

319

594

597

1 The New York-Northeastern New Jersey consolidated area consists of the following metropolitan areas: 

Nassau-Suffolk, N.Y.; New York, N.Y.-N.J.; Jersey City, Long Branch-Asbury Park, Newark, New Brunswick-Perth 

Amboy-Sayreville, and Paterson-Clifton-Passaic, N.J.; and Nonwalk and Stamford, Conn.

2 Average weekly hours are rounded to the nearest half hour and earnings to the nearest half dollar. Earnings

information excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. 

3 All workers were at $760 to $800.

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Table 16. Method of wage payment

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments by method of wage payment,1 United States and selected regions, State, and areas, 

September 1978)

Method United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific Los AngelesLong Beach New Jersey

New YorkNortheastern 

N.J.

All workers................................................. 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Time-rated workers........................................ 99 99 100 97 100 100 100 100

Formal plans............................................... 97 99 99 95 93 87 100 100

Single rate................................................ 22 32 16 16 15 - 30 22

Range of rates.......................................... 76 67 83 79 78 87 70 78

Individual rates............................................ 2 (3) 1 2 7 13 - (3)

Incentive workers........................................... 1 1 - 3 - - - -

1 For definition of method of wage payment, see appendix A. NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately. Dashes indicate no data.

3 Less than 0.5 percent.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 17. Scheduled weekly hours

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments by scheduled weekly hours,1 United States and

selected regions, September 1978)

Weekly hours United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

All workers................................................. 100 100 100 100 100

37.5 hours...................................................... 4 7

Over 37.5 and under 40 hours ..................... 3 3

_ 7 13

40 hours......................................................... 93 90 100 93 87

1 Data relate to the predominant schedule for full- NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual

time day-shift workers in each establishment. items may not equal 100. Dashes indicate no data.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those 

shown separately.

Table 18. Shift differential provisions

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments by shift differential provisions,1 United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Shift differential United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific Shift differential United

States2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific

Second shift Third shift

Workers in establishments with Workers in establishments with

second-shift provisions.......................... 92.1 91.6 98.6 80.7 88.8 third-shift provisions............................... 83.6 84.5 89.6 76.7 83.1

With shift differential ............................ 91.4 91.6 98.6 80.7 86.6 With shift differential ............................ 83.4 84.5 89.6 76.7 80.5

Uniform cents per hour..................... 72.6 66.7 90.3 69.0 79.4 Uniform cents per hour..................... 65.7 61.8 82.8 65.0 73.3

10 cents ........................................... 3.0 3.0 5.0 4.2 12 cents ........................................ .3 5.5

12 ce n ts........................................... 4.0 5.2 6.7 5.5 15 cents.......................................... 4.3 6.3 4.0 2.3

13 ce n ts........................................... .5 5.4 16 cents ......................................... .7 4.1

15 ce n ts........................................... 17.8 11.3 46.4 2.3 22.9 17 cents.......................................... .3 5.4

17 ce n ts........................................... .3 .4 1.2 18 cents ......................................... 1.5 .6 2.6

17.5 cents........................................ 1.5 23.2 20 cents........................................... 6.5 4.9 14.8 8.2 4.7

18 ce n ts........................................... 3.5 2.1 4.2 26.0 Over 20 and under 25 cents.......... 1.5 23.0

20 cents ........................................... 15.7 16.6 14.8 14.7 16.7 25 ce n ts .......................................... 24.0 24.3 19.3 17.1

Over 20 and under 25 cents.......... 5.8 6.0 13.2 Over 25 and under 30 cents.......... 1.7 .4 | 23.2

25 cents ........................................... 7.7 2.2 11.8 8.3 30 ce n ts.......................................... 9.2 1.6 38.1 2.4 16.7

28 ce n ts........................................... 7.7 13.9 35 cents.......................................... .7 11.8

30 cents ........................................... 2.1 6.1 Over 35 and under 40 cents.......... 3.1 4.7 11.8

35 ce n ts........................................... 2.5 4.9 40 ce n ts.......................................... 1.9 .8

Over 35 cents.................................. .7 1.3 44 ce n ts.......................................... 7.5 13.9

Uniform percentage........................... 18.8 24.9 8.3 11.7 7.2 45 cents.......................................... 2.5 4.1 6.1

5 percent.......................................... 5.9 7.1 Uniform percentage ........................ 17.5 22.7 6.8 11.7 7.2

7 percent.......................................... .7 1.5 7.5 percent....................................... 3.7 6.8

7.5 percent....................................... 1.2 6.8 10 p e rc e n t.............................................. 8.1 12.5 11.7

8 percent.......................................... 5.2 10.7 Over 10 and under 15 percent 4.9 10.2

10 percent........................................ 5.8 5.6 1.6 11.7 7.2 15 percent ............................................ .8 7.2

Other formal paid differential............ .3 - - -

1 Refers to policies of establishments currently operating late shifts or having provisions covering NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no

late shifts. data.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 19. Shift differential practices

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments employed on late shifts by amount of pay differential, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Shift differential United

States1

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific Shift differential United

States1

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific

Second shift Third shift

Workers employed on second sh ift....... 19.8 16.3 24.3 12.2 24.3 Workers employed on third shift............ 5.9 4.5 9.6 6.2 4.2

Receiving differential............................. 19.5 16.3 24.3 12.2 24.0 Receiving differential............................ 5.9 4.5 9.6 6.2 4.1

Uniform cents per hour..................... 16.6 13.7 23.0 9.0 22.0 Uniform cents per hour..................... 5.1 4.3 9.0 4.7 4.1

10 ce n ts........................................... .5 .3 1.2 .2

12 ce n ts........................................... .6 .8 1.2 .2 _ 15 ce n ts.................... ...................... .4 .4 .8 _ _

13 ce n ts........................................... .1 1.8 16 cents ......................................... (2) .2

15 ce n ts........................................... 4.6 2.5 12.5 .4 7.3 17 cents .......................................... .1 1.8

17 ce n ts........................................... 0 O 18 cents........................................... .2 .1 .5

17.5 cents........................................ .2 2.9 20 cents.......................................... .3 .2 1.0 .1 .2

18 cents........................................... 1.1 .5 1.3 9.2 Over 20 and under 25 cents.......... .1 1.2

20 ce n ts........................................... 3.6 3.0 5.2 1.6 4.0 25 cents.......................................... 1.6 1.5 1.9

Over 20 and under 25 cents......... 1.1 1.2 1.7 Over 25 and under 30 cents.......... .1 (2) 2.2

25 cents............................ .............. 1.9 .2 1.6 1.3 30 cents.......................................... 1.1 .2 4.5 2.8

28 cents........................................... 2.4 4.3 35 cents.......................................... (2) .1

30 ce n ts.......................................... .3 .6 Over 35 and under 40 cents.......... .2 .4

35 cents ........................................... .4 .8 40 cents.......................................... .1 (2)

Over 35 cents..................................

_ _ 44 cents........................................... .8 1.2

Uniform percentage........................... 2.9 2.6 1.3 3.1 1.9 45 cents.......................................... .1 .2 .6

5 percent......................... ................ 1.8 1.6 Uniform percentage........................... .8 .2 .5 1.5

7 percent.......................................... 7.5 percent....................................... .5 .5

7.5 percent....................................... .2 1.1 10 percent....................................... .2 .2 1.5

8 percent......................... ................ Over 10 and under 15 percent...... O (2)

10 percent........................................ 1.0 .9 .2 3.1 1.9 15 percent....................................... .1

Other formal paid differential............ - - - -

1 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately. NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no

2 Less than 0.05 percent. data.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 20. Paid holidays

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments with formal provisions for paid holidays, United

States and selected regions, September 1978)

Number of 

paid holidays

United

States1

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

All workers................................................. 100 100 100 100 100

Workers in establishments

providing paid holidays................................ 100 100 100 100 100

8 days or less.............................................. 3 1 2 1 7

8 days plus 1 or 2 half days ...................... 1 1 - - 8

9 days .......................................................... 12 - 55 13 10

9 days plus 1 or 2 half days ...................... (1 2) - - - -

10 days........................................................ 26 28 36 23 50

10 days plus 1 or 2 half days .................... 1 2 - 1 3

11 days ........................................................ 27 22 7 23 23

11 days plus 1 or 2 half days.................... 1 2 - - -

12 days........................................................ 24 39 - 31 -

13 days........................................................ 1 2 - 7 -

14 days ........................................................ (2) - - - -

15 days........................................................ 1 1 - - -

Over 15 days............................................... 1 2 - - -

1 Includes data for regions in addition to those NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual

shown separately. items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no data.

2 Less than 0.5 percent.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 21. Paid vacations

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments with formal provisions for paid vacations after selected periods of service, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Vacation policy United

States1

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific Vacation policy United

States1

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle

West Pacific

All workers........................................... 100 100 100 100 100

Amount of vacation pay2

Method of payment After 10 years of service:— Con.

Workers in establishments Over 3 and under 4 weeks................. 2 1 - 2 (3)

providing paid vacations 100 100 100 100 100 4 weeks ................................................ 15 15 26 16 26

Length-of-time payment....................... 97 100 99 100 100 After 12 years of service:

Percentage payment............................ 3 - 1 - - 2 weeks ................................................ (3) 1 - - 1

O ther........... ............................. 1 _ _ _ _ 3 weeks ................................................ 62 47 71 59 61

Over 3 and under 4 weeks................. 3 5 (3)

Amount of vacation pay2 4 weeks ................ ............................... 33 46 29 41 37

After 6 months of service: Over 4 and under 5 weeks................. 1 1 - - -

Under 1 week ....................................... 20 15 55 - - After 15 years of service:

1 week .................................................. 31 36 21 46 24 2 weeks ................................................ (3) _ _ _ 1

Over 1 and under 2 weeks.................. 18 21 9 6 19 3 weeks ................................................ 12 4 21 10 27

2 weeks ................................................. 5 6 7 Over 3 and under 4 weeks................. 2 5 (3)

After 1 year of service: 4 weeks ................................................ 83 90 79 80 69

1 week .................................................. 20 13 24 49 24 Over 4 and under 5 weeks................. 1 1 _ _ _

Over 1 and under 2 weeks .................. 1 1 5 weeks ................................................ 1

_ 9_

2 weeks ................................................. 78 86 76 44 76 6 weeks ................................................ (3) _ _ 3

Over 2 and under 3 w eeks................. 1 (3) After 25 years of service:

3 weeks ................................................. (3) _ _ 8

_ 2 weeks ................................................ (3) _ _ _ 1

After 2 years of service: 3 weeks ................................................ 5 3 2 1 27

1 week .................................................. 2

_ 1 6_ Over 3 and under 4 weeks................. (3) _ _ _ (3)

Over 1 and under 2 w eeks................. (3) 1 4 weeks ................................................ 18 6 42 37 20

2 weeks ................................................. 96 98 99 86 100 Over 4 and under 5 weeks................. 2 2

Over 2 and under 3 weeks................. 1 1 (3) 5 weeks ................................................ 72 89 55 54 49

3 weeks ................................................ (3) 8 6 weeks ................................................ 1 8 3

After 3 years of service: Over 7 weeks................ ...................... 1 1 -

1 week .................................................. (3) - 1 - - After 30 years of service:4

2 weeks ................................................. 96 98 99 92 85 2 weeks ................................................. (3) _ _ _ 1

Over 2 and under 3 w eeks................. 2 2 4 3 weeks ................................................ 5 3 2 1 27

3 weeks ................................................. 1 8 11 Over 3 and under 4 weeks................. (3) (3)

After 5 years of service: 4 weeks ................................................ 18 6 42 37 20

2 weeks ................................................. 26 20 38 35 12 Over 4 and under 5 weeks................. 1 2 _ _ _

Over 2 and under 3 w eeks................. 2 3 2 3 5 weeks ................................................ 44 38 55 54 49

3 weeks ................................................. 71 76 62 63 84 6 weeks ................................................ 31 51 8 3

Over 3 and under 4 w eeks.................. 1 1 (3) Over 6 and under 7 weeks................. 1

After 10 years of service: Over 7 weeks............... ........................ 1 1 - - -

2 weeks ................................................. 1 1 - 1 1

Over 2 and under 3 weeks................. (3) 1 - - -

3 weeks ................................................. 82 82 74 81 72

1 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately.

2 Vacation payments, such as percent of annual earnings, were converted to an equivalent time 

basis. Periods of service were chosen arbitrarily and do not necessarily reflect individual establishment 

provisions for progression. For example, changes indicated at 10 years may include changes that 

occurred between 5 and 10 years.

3 Less than 0.5 percent.

4 Vacation provisions were virtually the same after longer periods of service.

NOTE: Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no 

data.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 22. Health, insurance, and retirement plans

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments with specified health, insurance, and retirement

plans/ United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Type of plan United

States1 2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

All workers................................................. 100 100 100 100 100

Workers in establishments providing:

Life insurance.............................................. 99 99 100 100 100

Noncontributory plans............................... 70 62 93 82 83

Accidental death and

dismemberment insurance.................... 84 84 90 66 82

Noncontributory plans............................... 63 66 62 48 69

Sickness and accident insurance

or sick leave or both3................................ 94 91 100 100 97

Sickness and accident insurance............. 71 82 93 83 6

Noncontributory plans............................ 58 58 93 74 6

Sick leave (full pay,

no waiting period) ................................... 62 71 28 49 95

Sick leave (partial pay

or waiting period).................................... 12 6 18 23 2

Long-term disability insurance.................... 54 60 39 31 38

Noncontributory plans.............................. 37 40 28 22 28

Hospitalization insurance............................ 99 99 100 100 100

Noncontributory plans.............................. 67 60 79 89 69

Surgical insurance....................................... 99 99 100 100 100

Noncontributory plans.............................. 67 60 79 89 69

Medical insurance....................................... 99 99 100 100 100

Noncontributory plans.............................. 67 60 79 89 69

Major medical insurance............................. 92 84 100 100 100

Noncontributory plans.............................. 64 53 79 89 69

Dental insurance......................................... 54 57 28 63 84

Noncontributory plans.............................. 32 34 10 54 59

Retirement plans4........................................ 92 98 83 90 78

Pensions................................................... 92 98 83 90 78

Noncontributory plans............................ 66 79 37 74 74

Severance pay.......................................... 6 12 - - -

No plans...................................................... (5) 1 - - -

1 Includes those plans for which the employer pays 

at least part of the cost and excludes legally required 

plans such as workers’ compensation and social 

security; however, plans required by State temporary 

disability laws are included if the employer contributes 

more than is legally required or the employees receive 

benefits in excess of legal requirements. 

“ Noncontributory plans” include only those plans 

financed entirely by the employer.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those

shown separately.

3 Unduplicated total of workers receiving sickness 

and accident insurance and sick leave shown 

separately.

4 Unduplicated total of workers covered by pension 

plans and severance pay shown separately.

5 Less than 0.5 percent.

NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 23. Other selected benefits

(Percent of production workers in drug manufacturing establishments providing funeral leave pay, jury-duty pay,

technological severance pay, and cost-of-living adjustments,1 United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Type of benefit United

States1 2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific

Workers in establishments 

with provisions for:

Funeral leave.................................................. 99 99 99 100 92

Jury-duty leave............................................... 96 99 85 100 85

Technological severance pay........................ 24 29 - 4 38

Cost-of-living adjustments.............................. 20 28 - 6 10

Based on BLS Consumer Price Index ....... 19 28 - 64 10

Other basis .................................................. 1 (3) - - -

1 For definition of items, see appendix A. 3 Less than 0.5 percent.

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those

shown separately. NOTE: Dashes indicate no data.

Digitized for FRASER 

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 24. Professional and technical workers: Selected benefits

(Percent of professional and technical workers in drug manufacturing establishments where selected benefit provisions were compared with those of production 

workers,1 drug manufacturing, United States and selected regions, September 1978)

Benefit United

States1 2

Middle

Atlantic Southeast Middle West Pacific Los AngelesLong Beach New Jersey

New YorkNortheastern 

New Jersey

Holidays

Same as production workers:

Professional workers............................... 96 99 65 100 64 62 98 98

Technical workers.................................... 98 99 93 100 100 100 97 98

More liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 1 6

. 36 38 _ .

Less liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 1 1

_ _ _ 2 2

Technical workers.................................... 1 1 - - - - 3 2

Vacations

Same as production workers:

Professional workers............................... 73 66 55 72 100 100 56 59

Technical workers.................................... 85 81 76 77 100 100 74 76

More liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 24 34 12 28 43 40

Technical workers.................................... 14 19 17 23 - - 26 24

Less liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 1 1 5 - - - 1 1

Life insurance

Same as production workers:

Professional workers............................... 78 75 57 45 94 100 80 79

Technical workers.................................... 86 86 81 57 97 100 94 93

More liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 18 23 9 55 6 18 19

Technical workers.................................... 12 14 12 43 3 - 6 7

Less liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 1 1 5 1 1

Hospitalization insurance

Same as production workers:

Professional workers............................... 92 93 60 89 100 100 99 99

Technical workers.................................... 94 93 93 92 100 100 100 100

More liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 5 6 6 11

Technical workers.................................... 4 6 - 8 - - - -

Less liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 1 (3) 5 1 1

Retirem ent pensions

Same as production workers:

Professional workers............................... 78 73 66 56 94 100 68 72

Technical workers.................................... 89 89 93 72 73 100 92 93

More liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... 19 27 43 32 27

Technical workers.................................... 7 9 - 28 - - 6 5

Less liberal than production workers:

Professional workers............................... (3) - 5 - - - - -

1 For definition of items, see appendix A. NOTE: Sums of individual items may not equal 100 because some

2 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately. workers, not shown in this table, were in establishments which did not employ

3 Less than 0.5 percent. production workers or which did not provide benefits to any workers. Dashes

indicate no data.

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Appendix A. Scope and

Method of Survey

Scope of survey

The survey included establishments, including research units, of companies engaged primarily in manufacturing medicinal chemicals and pharmaceutical products (industry group 283 as defined in the 1972 edition 

of the Standard Industrial Classification Manual prepared by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget). 

Separate auxiliary units such as central offices were 

excluded.

Establishments studied were selected from those employing 50 workers or more at the time of reference of 

the data used in compiling the universe lists. Table A-l 

shows the number of establishments and workers estimated to be within the scope of the survey, as well as 

the number actually studied by the Bureau.

Products

Classification of establishments by industry was based 

on the principal product manufactured. For example, 

if 60 percent of the total value of an establishment’s 

production was pharmaceuticals, and 40 percent was 

medicinal chemicals, all workers in that establishment

were considered as producing pharmaceuticals.

Method of study

Data were obtained by personal visits of the Bureau’s 

field representatives to a probability-based sample of 

establishments within the scope of the survey. To obtain appropriate accuracy at minimum cost, a greater 

proportion of large than of small establishments was 

studied. All estimates are presented, therefore, as relating to all establishments in the industry, excluding only 

those below the minimum size at the time of reference 

of the universe data.

Establishment definition

An establishment is defined for this study as a single 

physical location where industrial operations are performed, consisting of either a manufacturing plant, a 

combination plant and research facility, or a a separate 

research facility. An establishment is not necessarily 

identical with a company, which may consist of one 

establishment or more.

Table A-1. Estimated number of establishments and employees within scope of survey' and number studied, drug

manufacturing industries, September 1978

Region2 and area3

Number of 

establishments4 Workers in establishments

Within scope 

of study

Actually

studied

Within scope of study

Actually

studied Total5 Production

workers

Professional

workers

Technical

workers

United States6 ............................................................. 284 153 124,775 54,332 17,930 7,099 92,807

Middle Atlantic7 ........................................................... 118 55 69,627 26,228 11,038 3,578 49,865

New Jersey............................................................... 63 24 39,265 12,520 7,141 1,862 28,337

New York-Northeastern N.J..................................... 77 27 43,764 14,245 8,289 2,211 31,527

Southeast..................................................................... 27 14 14,075 9,577 1,268 844 10,272

Middle West ................................................................ 30 18 7,433 3,421 541 367 6,268

Pacific7 ......................................................................... 35 25 8,250 3,593 64 37 5,666

Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif................................ 19 14 3,245 1,717 60 27 2,874

1 Survey coverage was reduced to 84 percent of the nationwide 

employment in these industries because of the unavailability of data 

from large establishments in the industry that could not be adequately 

represented by other establishments. Because these nonrespondents 

were centered in the Great Lakes region, which has about one-fourth 

of the industries’ work force, data for the region could not be shown 

separately.

2 The regions used in this study include: Middle Atlantic— New 

Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; Southeast— Alabama, Florida, 

Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; 

Middle West— Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, and South

Dakota; and Pacific—California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

3 See individual area tables 8-10 and 13-15 for definitions of 

selected areas.

4 Includes only those establishments with 50 workers or more at the 

time of reference of the universe data.

5 Includes other workers in addition to the categories shown 

separately.

6 Includes data for regions in addition to those shown separately. 

Alaska and Hawaii were not included in the study.

7 Includes data for areas in addition to those shown separately.

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Employment

Estimates of the number of workers within the scope 

of the study are intended as a general guide to the size 

and composition of the industry’s labor force, rather 

than as precise measures of employment.

Production workers

The terms “production workers” and “production 

and related workers,” used interchangeably in this bulletin, include working supervisors and all nonsupervisory workers engaged in nonoffice activities. Administrative, executive, professional, and technical personnel, and force-account construction employees, who are 

used as a separate work force on the firm’s own properties, are excluded.

Professional and technical workers

“Professional workers” include those who are engaged in work at a level which requires knowledge 

equivalent to that acquired through completion of a 

4-year college course. “Technical workers” include 

those who are engaged in technical work using knowledge and skills obtained through study at a technical 

school, a 4-year or 2-year college course, or equivalent 

training or experience. Estimates of professional and 

technical workers are not limited to the occupations 

(biologists, chemists, engineers, and science technicians) 

for which separate data were provided.

Occupational classification

Occupational classification was based on a uniform 

set of job descriptions designed to take account of interestablishment and interarea variations in duties within the same job. (See appendix B for these descriptions.) 

The criteria for selection of the occupations were: The 

number of workers in the occupation; the usefulness of 

the data in collective bargaining; and appropriate representation of the entire job scale in the industry. Working supervisors, apprentices, learners, beginners, trainees, and handicapped, part-time, temporary, and probationary workers were not reported in the data for selected production occupations but were included in the 

data for all production workers. Part-time workers were 

excluded from the data reported for professional and 

technical occupations.

Wage data

Information on wages relates to straight-time hourly 

earnings, excluding premium pay for overtime and for 

work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. Incentive 

payments, such as those resulting from piecework or 

production bonus systems, and cost-of-living bonuses 

were included as part of the workers’ regular pay. Nonproduction bonus payments, such as Christmas or yearend bonuses, were excluded.

Average (mean) hourly rates or earnings for each occupation or category of workers, such as production

workers, were calculated by weighting each rate (or 

hourly earnings) by the number of workers receiving 

the rate, totaling, and dividing by the number of individuals. The hourly earnings of salaried workers were 

obtained by dividing straight-time salary by normal (or 

standard) hours to which the salary corresponds.

The median designates position; that is, one-half of 

the employees surveyed received more than this rate 

and one-half received less. The middle range is defined 

by two rates of pay such that one-fourth of the employees earned less than the lower of these rates and 

one-fourth earned more than the higher rate.

Size of community

Tabulations by size of community pertain to metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The term “metropolitan areas,” as used in this bulletin, refers to the 

Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas as defined by 

the U.S. Office of Management and Budget through 

February 1974. Except in New England, a Standard 

Metropolitan Statistical Area is defined as a county or 

group of contiguous counties which contains at least 

one city of 50,000 inhabitants or more. Counties contiguous to the one containing such a city are included 

in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area if, according to certain criteria, they are essentially metropolitan 

in character and are socially and economically integrated with the central city. In New England, where the 

city and town are administratively more important than 

the county, they are the units used in defining Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

Labor-management agreements

Separate wage data are presented, where possible, 

for establishments that had (1) a majority of the production workers covered by labor-management contracts, and (2) none or a minority of the production 

workers covered by labor-management contracts.

Method of wage payment

Tabulations by method of wage payment relate to 

the number of production workers paid under the various time and incentive wage systems. Formal rate structures for time-rated workers provide single rates or a 

range of rates for individual job categories. In the absence of a formal rate structure, pay rates are determined primarily by the qualifications of the individual 

worker. A single rate structure is one in which the same 

rate is paid to all experienced workers in the same job 

classification. Learners, apprentices, or probationary 

workers may be paid according to rate schedules which 

start below the single rate and permit the workers to 

achieve the full job rate over a period of time. An experienced worker occasionally may be paid above or 

below the single rate for special reasons, but such payments are exceptions. Range-of-rate plans are those in 

which the minimum, maximum, or both of these rates

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paid experienced workers for the same job are specified. Specific rates of individual workers within the 

range may be determined by merit, length of service, 

or a combination of these. Incentive workers are classified under piecework or bonus plans. Piecework is 

work for which a predetermined rate is paid for each 

unit of output. Production bonuses are for production 

in excess of a quota or for completion of a task in less 

than standard time.

Scheduled weekly hours

Data on weekly hours refer to the predominant work 

schedule for full-time production workers employed on 

the day shift.

Shift provisions and practices

Shift provisions relate to the policies of establishments 

either currently operating late shifts or having formal 

provisions covering late-shift work. Shift practices relate to workers employed on late shifts at the time of 

the survey.

Establishment practices and supplementary

wage provisions

Supplementary benefits in an establishment were considered applicable to all production workers if they applied to half or more of such workers in the establishment. Similarly, if fewer than half of the workers were 

covered, the benefit was considered nonexistent in the 

establishment. Because of length-of-service and other 

eligibility requirements, the proportion of workers receiving the benefits may be smaller than estimated. Estimates for professional and technical workers were 

based on a comparison, within each establishment, of 

the benefits provided these workers and benefits provided to production workers.

Paid holidays. Paid holiday provisions relate to fullday and half-day holidays provided annually.

Paid vacations. The summary of vacation plans is limited to formal arrangements and excludes informal plans 

whereby time off with pay is granted at the discretion 

of the employer or supervisor. Payments not on a time 

basis were converted; for example, a payment of 2 percent of annual earnings was considered the equivalent 

of 1 week’s pay. The periods of service for which data 

are presented represent the most common practices, but 

they do not necessarily reflect individual establishment 

provisions for progression. For example, changes in 

proportions indicated at 10 years of service may include 

changes which occurred between 5 and 10 years.

Health, insurance, and retirement plans. Data are presented for health, insurance, pension, and retirement 

severance plans for which the employer pays all or a 

part of the cost, excluding programs required by law 

such as workers’ compensation and social security.

Among plans included are those underwritten by a commercial insurance company and those paid directly by 

the employer from his current operating funds or from 

a fund set aside for this purpose.

Death benefits are included as a form of life insurance. Sickness and accident insurance is limited to that 

type of insurance under which predetermined cash payments are made directly to the insured on a weekly or 

monthly basis during illness or accident disability. Information is presented for all such plans to which the 

employer contributes at least a part of the cost. However, in New York and New Jersey, where temporary 

disability insurance laws require employer contributions,1 plans are included only if the employer (1) contributes more than is legally required, or (2) provides 

the employees with benefits which exceed the requirements of the law.

Tabulations of paid sick leave plans are limited to 

formal plans which provide full pay or a proportion of 

the worker’s pay during absence from work because of 

illness; informal arrangements have been omitted. Separate tabulations are provided for (1) plans which provide full pay and no waiting period, and (2) plans providing either partial pay or a waiting period.

Long-term disability insurance plans provide payments to totally disabled employees upon the expiration 

of sick leave, sickness and accident insurance, or both, 

or after a specified period of disability (typically 6 

months). Payments are made until the end of disability, 

a maximum age, or eligibility for retirement benefits. 

Payments may be full or partial, but are almost always 

reduced by social security, workers’ compensation, and 

private pension benefits payable to the disabled 

employee.

Medical insurance refers to plans providing for complete or partial payment of doctors’ fees. Such plans 

may be underwritten by a commercial insurance company or a nonprofit organization, or they may be a form 

of self-insurance.

Major medical insurance, sometimes referred to as 

extended medical or catastrophe insurance, includes 

plans designed to cover employees for sickness or injury involving an expense which exceeds the normal 

coverage of hospitalization, medical, and surgical plans.

Dental insurance, for purposes of this survey, usually covers fillings, extractions, and X-rays. Excluded are 

plans which cover only oral surgery or accident damage.

Tabulations of retirement pensions are limited to plans 

which provide regular payments for the remainder of 

the retiree’s life. Data are presented separately for retirement severance pay (one payment or several over 

a specified period of time) made to employees on retirement. Establishments providing both retirement severance payments and retirement pensions to employees

1 The temporary disability laws in California and Rhode Island do

not require employer contributions.

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were considered as having both retirement pensions and 

retirement severance plans; however, establishments 

having optional plans providing employees a choice of 

either retirement severance payments or pensions were 

considered as having only retirement pension benefits.

Paid funeral and jury-duty leave. Data for paid funeral 

and jury-duty leave relate to formal plans which provide at least partial payment for time lost as a result of 

attending funerals of specified family members or serving as a juror.

Technological severance pay. Data relate to formal plans 

providing for payments to employees permanently separated from the company because of a technological 

change or plant closing.

Cost-of-living adjustments. Data relate to formal plans 

for adjustments to wages in keeping with changes in 

the BLS Consumer Price Index or some other measure.

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Appendix B. Occupational

Descriptions

The primary purpose of preparing job descriptions 

for the Bureau’s wage surveys is to assist its field representatives in classifying into appropriate occupations 

workers who are employed under a variety of payroll 

titles and different work arrangements from establishment to establishment and area to area. This classification permits the grouping of occupational wage rates 

representing comparable job content. Because of this 

emphasis on interestablishment comparability of occupational content, the Bureau’s job descriptions may differ significantly from those in use in individual establishments or those prepared for other purposes. Unless 

otherwise indicated, these job descriptions exclude 

working supervisors, apprentices, learners, beginners, 

trainees, and handicapped, part-time, temporary, and 

probationary workers.

PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL

OCCUPATIONS

Biologist

(Bacteriologist; pathologist; pharmacologist; zoologist)

Performs professional work in research and development and quality control relating to life processes. Includes scientists engaged in the development of new 

substances as well as those involved in testing the safety and effectiveness of established products. Work 

typically requires a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences or the equivalent in appropriate and substantial college level study of the life sciences plus experience. Excluded from this classification are medical scientists; 

e.g., physicians and pharmacists.

Biologists are classified into levels as follows:

Biologist I

General characteristics. This is the entry level of professional work requiring a bachelor’s degree in the life 

sciences and no experience, or the equivalent of a degree in appropriate education and experience. Performs 

assignments designed to develop professional capabilities and to provide experience in the application of 

training in life sciences as it relates to the company’s 

programs. May also receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. (Terminal positions are excluded.)

Direction received. Works under close supervision. 

Receives specific and detailed instructions as to required 

tasks and results expected. Work is checked during 

progress and is reviewed for accuracy upon completion.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Performs a variety 

of routine tasks that are planned to provide experience 

and familiarization with the biology staff, methods, practices, and programs of the company.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Usually none.

Biologist II

General characteristics. At this continuing developmental level, performs routine scientific work requiring 

selection and application of general and specialized 

methods, techniques, and instruments commonly used 

in the laboratory, and the ability to carry out instructions when less common or proposed methods or procedures are necessary. Requires work experience acquired in an entry level position or appropriate graduate level study. For training and developmental purposes, assignments may include some work that is typical of a higher level. (Terminal positions are excluded.)

Direction received. Supervisor establishes the nature 

and extent of analysis required, specifies methods and 

criteria on new types of assignments, and reviews work 

for thoroughness of application of methods and accuracy of results.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Carries out a wide 

variety of standardized methods, tests, and procedures. 

In accordance with specific instructions, may carry out 

proposed and less common ones. Is expected to detect 

problems in using standardized procedures because of 

the condition of the sample, difficulties with the equipment, etc. Recommends modifications of procedures, 

e.g., extending or curtailing the analysis or using alternate procedures, based on knowledge of the problem 

and pertinent available literature. Conducts specified 

phases of research projects as an assistant to an experienced scientist.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May be assisted 

by a few aids or technicians.

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Biologist ill

General characteristics. Performs a broad range of 

tasks, using judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and adaptation of standard methods and techniques. May carry through a complete series of tests on 

a product in its different process stages. Some assignments require a specialized knowledge of one or two 

common categories of related substances. Performance 

at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level 

education.

Direction received. On routine work, supervision is 

very general. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound 

professional judgment.

Typical duties and responsibilities. In accordance with 

instructions as to the nature of the problem, selects 

standard methods, tests, or procedures; when necessary, 

develops or works out alternate or modified methods 

with supervisor’s concurrence. Assists in research by 

analyzing samples or testing new prodeures that require 

specialized training because (a) standard methods are 

inapplicable, (b) analytical findings must be interpreted 

in terms of complicance or noncompliance with standards, or (c) specialized and advanced equipment and 

techniques must be adapted.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

or coordinate the work of a few technicians or aids, 

and be assisted by lower level scientists.

Biologist IV

General characteristics. As a fully competent biologist 

in all conventional aspects of the subject matter or the 

functional area of the assignments, plans and conducts 

work requiring (a) mastery of specialized techniques or 

ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems, and (b) ability to apply a 

research approach to the solution of a wide variety of 

problems. Requires sufficient professional experience to 

assure competence as a fully trained worker; or, for 

positions primarily of a research nature, completion of 

all requirements for a doctoral degree may be substituted for experience.

Direction received. Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed 

plans for projects.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Conducts laboratory assignments requiring the determination and evaluation of alternative procedures and the sequence of performing them. Performs complex, exacting, unusual analytical assignments requring specialized knowledge of 

products. Interprets results, prepares reports, and may 

provide technical advice in specialized area.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

a small staff of scientists and technicians.

Biologist V

General characteristics. Participates in planning laboratory programs on the basis of specialized knowledge 

of problems and methods and probable value of results. 

May make recommendations and conclusions which 

serve as the basis for undertaking or rejecting important projects. Development of the knowledge and expertise required for this level of work usually reflects 

progressive experience through biologist IV.

Direction received. Supervision and guidance relate 

largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new comcepts, and policy matters. Consults with supervisor concerning unusual problems and developments.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or both of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity, plans, organizes, and directs assigned laboratory programs. Independently defines scope and critical elements of the 

projects and selects approaches to be taken. A substantial portion of the work supervised is comparable to 

that described for biologist IV. (2) As individual researcher or worker, carries out projects requiring development of new or highly modified scientific techniques and procedures, extensive knowledge of specialty, 

and knowledge of related scientific fields.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of a small staff of scientists and technicians engaged in varied research and 

development projects, or a larger group performing 

routine analytical work. Estimates personnel needs and 

schedules and assigns work to meet completion date. 

Or, as individual researcher or worker, may be assisted 

on projects by other scientists or technicians.

Biologist VI

General characteristics. Performs work requiring leadership and expert knowledge in a specialized field, product, or process. Formulates and conducts a systematic 

attack on a problem area of considerable scope and 

complexity which must be approached through a series 

of complete and conceptually related studies, or a number of projects of lesser scope. The problems are complex because they are difficult to define and require unconventional or novel approaches or have other difficult features. Maintains liaison with individuals and units 

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ty for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to the field. Work at this level usually requires 

extensive progressive experience including work comparable to biologist V.

Direction received. Supervision received is essentially 

administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad 

objectives and limits.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or both of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity (a) plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a number of large and 

important projects or a project of major scope and importance, or (b) is responsible for the entire biological 

research program of a company, when the program is 

of limited complexity and scope. Activities supervised 

are of such a scope that they require a few (3 to 5) 

subordinate supervisors or team leaders with at least 

one in a position comparable to level V. (2) As individual researcher or worker determines, conceives, 

plans, and conducts projects of major importance to 

the company. Applies a high degree of originality and 

ingenuity in adapting, extending, and synthesizing existing theory, principles, and techniques into original 

combinations and configurations. May serve as a consultant to other scientists in specialty.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff of scientists 

and technicians. Evaluates progress of the staff and results obtained and recommends major changes to 

achieve overall objectives. Or, as individual worker or 

researcher, may be assisted on individual projects by 

other scientists or technicians.

Chemist

Performs professional work in research, development, 

quality control, interpretation, and analysis to determine 

the composition, molecular structure, and properties of 

substances; to develop or investigate new materials and 

processes; and to investigate the transformation which 

substances undergo. Work typically requires a B.S. degree in chemistry or the equivalent in appropriate and 

substantial college level study of chemistry plus 

experience.

Chemists are classified into levels as follows:

Chemist I

General characteristics. This is the entry level of professional work requiring a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and no experience, or the equivalent of a degree 

in appropriate education and experience. Performs assignments designed to develop professional capabilities 

and to provide experience in the application of training 

in chemistry as it relates to the company’s programs. 

May also receive formal classroom or seminar-type 

training. (Terminal positions are excluded.)

Direction received. Works under close supervision. 

Receives specific and detailed instructions as to required 

tasks and results expected. Work is checked during 

progress and is reviewed for accuracy upon completion.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Performs a variety 

of routine tasks that are planned to provide experience 

and familiarization with the chemistry staff, methods, 

practices, and programs of the company. The work includes a variety of routine qualitative and quantitative 

analysis; physical tests to determine properties such as 

viscosity, tensile strength, and melting point, and assisting more experienced chemists to gain additional knowledge through personal observation and discussion.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Usually none.

Chemist II

General characteristics. At this continuing developmental level, performs routine chemical work requiring 

selection and application of general and specialized 

methods, techniques, and instruments commonly used 

in the laboratory, and the ability to carry out instructions when less common or proposed methods or procedures are necessary. Requires work experience acquired in an entry level position or appropriate graduate level study. For training and developmental purposes, assignments may include some work that is typical of a higher level. (Terminal positions are excluded.)

Direction received. Supervisor establishes the nature 

and extent of analysis required, specifies methods and 

criteria on new types of assignments, and reviews work 

for thoroughness of application of methods and accuracy of results.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Carries out a wide 

variety of standardized methods, tests, and procedures. 

In accordance with specific instructions, may carry out 

proposed and less common ones. Is expected to detect 

problems in using standardized procedures because of 

the condition of the sample, difficulties with the equipment, etc. Recommends modifications of procedures; 

e.g., extending or curtailing the analysis or using alternate procedures, based on knowledge of the problem 

and pertinent available literature. Conducts specified 

phases of research projects as an assistant to an experienced chemist.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May be assisted 

by a few aids or technicians.

Chemist III

General characteristics. Performs a broad range of 

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lection, and adaptation of standard methods and techniques. May carry through a complete series of tests on 

a product in its different process stages. Some assignments require a specialized knowledge of one or two 

common catergories of related substances. Performance 

at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level 

education.

Direction received. On routine work, supervision is 

very general. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound 

professional judgment.

Typical duties and responsibilities. In accordance with 

instructions as to the nature of the problem, selects 

standard methods, tests, or procedures; when necessary, 

develops or works out alternate or modified methods 

with supervisor’s concurrence. Assists in research by 

analyzing samples or testing new procedures that require specialized training because (a) standard methods 

are inapplicable, (b) analytical findings must be interpreted in terms of compliance or noncompliance with 

standards, or (c) specialized and advanced equipment 

and techniques must be adapted.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

or coordinate the work of a few technicians or aids, 

and be assisted by lower level chemists.

Chemist IV

General characteristics. As a fully competent chemist 

in all conventional aspects of the subject matter or the 

functional area of the assignments, plans and conducts 

work requiring (a) mastery of specialized techniques or 

ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems, and (b) ability to apply a 

research approach to the solution of a wide variety of 

problems and to assimilate the details and significance 

of chemical and physical analyses, procedures, and test. 

Requires sufficient professional experience to assure 

competence as a fully trained worker; or, for positions 

primarily of a research nature, completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree may be substituted for 

experience.

Direction received. Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed 

plans for projects.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Conducts laboratory assignments requiring the determination and evaluation of alternative procedures and the sequence of performing them. Performs complex, exacting, unusual analytical assignments requiring specialized knowledge of

techniques or products. Interprets results, prepares 

reports, and may provide technical advice in specialized 

area.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

a small staff of chemists and technicians.

Chemist V

General characteristics. Participates in planning laboratory programs on the basis of specialized knowledge 

of problems and methods and probable value of results. 

May serve as an expert in a narrow specialty (e.g., class 

of chemical compounds, or a class of products) making 

recommendations and conclusions which serve as the 

basis for undertaking or rejecting important projects. 

Development of the knowledge and expertise required 

for this level of work usually reflects progressive experience through chemist IV.

Direction received. Supervision and guidance relate 

largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Consults with supervisor concerning unusual problems and developments.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or both of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity, plans, organizes, and directs assigned laboratory programs. Independently defines scope and critical elements of the 

projects and selects approaches to be taken. A substantial portion of the work supervised is comparable to 

that described for chemist IV. (2) As individual researcher or worker, carries out projects requiring development of new or highly modified scientific techniques and procedures, extensive knowledge of specialty, 

and knowledge of related scientific fields.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of a small staff of 

chemists and technicians engaged in varied research 

and development projects, or a larger group performing routine analytical work. Estimates personnel needs 

and schedules and assigns work to meet completion 

date. Or, as individual researcher or worker, may be 

assisted on projects by other chemists or technicians.

Chemist VI

General characteristics. Performs work requiring leadership and expert knowledge in a specialized field, product, or process. Formulates and conducts a systematic 

attack on a problem area of considerable scope and 

complexity which must be approached through a series 

of complete and conceptually related studies, or a number of projects of lesser scope. The problems are complex because they are difficult to define and require unconventional or novel approaches or have other difficult features. Maintains liaison with individuals and units

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within and outside the organization, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to the field. Work at this level usually requires 

extensive progressive experience including work comparable to chemist V.

Direction received. Supervision received is essentially 

administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad 

general objectives and limits.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or both of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity (a) plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a number of large and 

important projects or a project of major scope and importance, or (b) is responsible for the entire chemical 

program of a company, when the program is of limited complexity and scope. Activities supervised are of 

such a scope that they require a few (3 to 5) subordinate 

supervisors or team leaders with at least one in a position comparable to level V. (2) As individual researcher or worker, determines, conceives, plans, and conducts projects of major importance to the company. 

Applies a high degree of originality and ingenuity in 

adapting, extending, and synthesizing existing theory, 

principles, and techniques into original combinations 

and configurations. May serve as a consultant to other 

chemists in specialty.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff of chemists 

and technicians. Evaluates progress of the staff and results obtained, and recommends major changes to 

achieve overall objectives. Or, as individual worker or 

researcher, may be assisted on individual projects by 

other chemists or technicians.

Engineer

Performs professional work in research, development, 

design, testing, analysis, production, construction, maintenance, operation, planning, survey, estimating, application, or standardization of engineering facilities, systems, structures, processes, equipment devices, or materials requiring knowledge of the science and art by 

which materials, natural resources, and power are made 

useful. Work typically requires a B.S. degree in engineering or the equivalent in combined education and 

experience. (Excluded are: Safety engineers, industrial 

engineers, quality control engineers, sales engineers, and 

engineers whose primary responsibility is to be in charge 

of nonprofessional maintenance work.)

Engineers are classified into levels as follows:

Engineer I

General characteristics. This is the entry It 'el of professional work requiring a bachelor’s degree in engineering and no experience, or the equivalent of a degree in appropriate education and experience. Performs 

assignments designed to develop professional work 

knowledge and abilities. May also receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. (Terminal positions are 

excluded.)

Direction received. Works under close supervision. 

Receives specific and detailed instructions as to required 

tasks and results expected. Work is checked during 

progress and is reviewed for accuracy upon completion.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Performs a variety 

of routine tasks that are planned to provide experience 

and familiarization with the engineering staff, methods, 

practices and programs of the company.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Usually none.

Engineer II

General characteristics. At this continuing developmental level, performs routine engineering work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and 

criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Limited exercise of judgment is required on 

details of work and in making preliminary selections 

and adaptations of engineering alternatives. Requires 

work experience acquired in an entry level position or 

appropriate graduate level study. For training and developmental purposes, assignments may include some 

work that is typical of a higher level. (Terminal positions are excluded.)

Direction received. Supervisor screens assignments for 

unusual or difficult problems and selects techniques and 

procedures to be applied on nonroutine work. Receives 

close supervision on new aspects of assignments.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Using prescribed 

methods, performs specific and limited portions of a 

broader assignment of an experienced engineer. Applies 

standard practices and techniques in specific situations, 

adjusts and correlates data, recognizes discrepancies in 

results, and follows operations through a series of related, detailed steps or processes.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May be assisted 

by a few aids or technicians.

Engineer III

General characteristics. Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making minor 

adaptations and modifications. Assignments have clear 

and specified objectives and require the investigation 

of a limited number of variables. Performance at this 

level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level education.

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Direction received. Receives instruction on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and 

work is reviewed for application of sound professional 

judgment.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Performs work 

which involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment with relatively 

few complex features for which there are precedents. 

Assignments usually include one or more of the following: Equipment design and development, test of materials, preparation of specifications, process study, research investigations, report preparation, and other activities of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

or coordinate the work of drafters, technicians, and 

others who assist in specific assignments.

Engineer IV

General characteristics. As a fully competent engineer 

in all conventional aspects of the subject matter or the 

functional area of the assignments, plans and conducts 

work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, 

selection, and substantial adaptation and modification 

of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises 

new approaches to problems encountered. Requires sufficient professional experience to assure competence as 

a fully trained worker; or, for positions primarily of a 

research nature, completion of all requirements for a 

doctoral degree may be substituted for experience.

Direction received. Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed 

plans for projects.

Typical duties and responsibilities. Plans, schedules, 

conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major project of moderate 

scope. Performs work which involves conventional engineering practices but may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, 

unsuitability of standard materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Work requires a broad knowledge 

of precedents in the specialty area and a good knowledge of principles and practices of related specialties.

Responsibility for the direction of others. May supervise 

a few engineers or technicians on assigned work.

Engineer V

General characteristics. Applies intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices 

in broad areas of assignments and related fields. Makes 

decisions independently on engineering problems and 

methods, and represents the organization in conferences 

to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work. Requires the use of advanced techniques 

and the modification and extension of theories, precepts, 

and practices of own field and related sciences and disciplines. The knowledge and expertise required for this 

level of work usually result from progressive experience, including work comparable to engineer IV.

Direction received. Supervision and guidance relate 

largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Consults with supervisor concerning unusual problems and developments.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or more of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a large and important engineering profect or a number of small projects with 

many complex features. A substantial portion of the 

work supervised is comparable to that described for 

engineer IV. (2) As individual researcher or worker 

carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the 

development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development 

of new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods. (3) As staff specialist 

develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety 

of projects and activities to be carried out by others. 

Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering evaluation tests, products, or equipment when 

necessary data are insufficient or confirmation by testing is advisable. Usually performs as a staff advisor and 

consultant on a technical specialty, a type of facility or 

equipment, or a program function.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of a small staff of engineers and technicians; estimates personnel needs and 

schedules and assigns work to meet completion date. 

Or, as individual researcher or staff specialist may be 

assisted on projects by other engineers or technicians.

Engineer VI

General characteristics. Has full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. Plans and develops engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems 

which have an important effect on major company programs. This involves exploration of subject area, defiDigitized for FRASER 

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nition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches. Maintains liaison with individuals and unit;* 

within or outside the organization, with responsibility 

for acting independently on technical matters pertaining 

to own field. Work at this level usually requires extensive progressive experience including work comparable 

to engineer V.

Direction received. Supervision received is essentially 

administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad 

general objectives and limits.

Typical duties and responsibilities. One or more of the 

following: (1) In a supervisory capacity (a) plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a number of large and 

important projects or a project of major scope and importance; or (b) is responsible for the entire engineering program of a company when the program is of limited complexity and scope. Extent of responsibilities 

generally requires a few (3 to 5) subordinate supervisors or team leaders with at least one in a position comparable to level V. (2) As individual researcher or worker, conceives, plans, and conducts research in problem 

areas of considerable scope and complexity. The problems must be approached through a series of complete 

and conceptually related studies, are difficult to define, 

require unconventional or novel approaches, and require sophisticated research techniques. Available 

guides and precedents contain critical gaps, are only 

partially related to the problem, or may be largely 

lacking due to the novel character of the project. At 

this level, the individual researcher generally will have 

contributed inventions, new designs, or techniques 

which are of material significance in the solution of important problems. (3) As a staff specialist serves as the 

technical specialist for the organization (division or 

company) in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for an assigned area of 

responsibility (i.e., subject matter, function, type of 

facility or equipment, or product). Keeps abreast of new 

scientific methods and developments affecting the organization for purpose of recommending changes in 

emphasis of programs or new programs warranted by 

such developments.

Responsibility for the direction of others. Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff of engineers 

and technicians. Evaluates progress of the staff and results obtained, and recommends major changes to 

achieve overall objectives. Or, as individual researcher 

or staff specialist may be assisted on individual projects 

by other engineers or technicians.

Science technician

(Scientific assistant; laborarory assistant)

Provides technical support to biologists and/or chemists performing a variety of laboratory tasks. Among 

the duti es that may be performed by technicians assisting biologists are gathering samples, preparing tissues 

for testing, and assisting in care of laboratoy animals. 

Duties of * technicians assisting chemists would include 

performing physical and chemical tests or analytical 

control work, and keeping records of test observations. 

Engineerin g technicians are excluded. Workers are classified into levels as follows:

Science technician I

This is an entry level position requiring little or no 

experience. Worker receives training in laboratory techniques, usually from higher level technicians. Performs 

standard laboratory tests and procedures and assists in 

more difficult ones. Work is reviewed closely for 

accuracy.

Science technician II

At this level, the technician is fully competent and 

capable of performing all the duties expected of a technician in the laboratory. Receives only general instructions and work is reviewed for technical adequacy. 

Work typically requi res an associate degree, two years 

of college , or technical school education, or certification by a technical association.

Science technician III

At this senior level, the technician performs highly 

complex and nonroutine technical work requiring 

thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures. In addition, may train lower level technicians 

in more routine procedures. Some of the duties performed may overlap with entry level chemists or biologists; howe ver, this is the terminal level of the technician category. Work typically requires formal post 

high school education, certi fication by a technical association, and experience as a lower level technician.

PR ODUCTION AND RELATED

OCCUPATIONS

Maintenamce

Electrician

Perform: s a variety of electrical trade functions such 

as the insti illation, maintenance, or repair of equipment 

for the generating, distribution, or utilization of electric 

energy in an establishment. Work involves most of the

following: ■ Installing or repairing any of a variety of electrical equipment such as generators, transformers, 

switchboards, controllers, circuit breakers, motors, 

heating units, conduit systems, or other transmission 

equip men t; working from blueprints, drawings, layout, 

or ot her specifications; locating and diagnosing trouble

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in the electrical system or equipment; working standard computations relating to load requirements of wiring or electrical equipment; using a variety of electricians’s handtools and measuring and testing i nstruments. 

In general, the work of the maintenance electrician requires rounded training and experience usu/ally acquired 

through a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training 

and experience.

Maintenance worker, general utility

Keeps the machines, mechanical equipment and/or 

structure of an establishment (usually a small plant 

where specialization in maintenance work is impractical) in repair. Duties involve the performance of operations and the use of tools and equipment of several 

trades, rather than specialization in one trade or one 

type of maintencance work only. However, workers 

who have the appropriate training and/or experience 

and perform the level of work of two or more journeymen maintenance crafts are excluded form the classification. Work involves a combination of tike following:

Planning and laying out of work relating to repair of 

buildings, machines, and mechanical equipment; repairing buildings, floors, and stairs, as well as making and 

repairing bins, cribs, and partitions.

Mechanic (machinery)

Repairs machinery or mechanical equipment of an 

establishment. Work involves most of the following'. Examining machines and mechanical equipment to diagnose source of trouble; dismantling or partly dismantling machines and performing repairs that mainly involve the use of handtools in scraping and fitting parts; 

replacing broken or defective parts with i terns obtained 

from stock; ordering the production of ;a replacement 

part by a machine shop or sending the machine to a 

machine shop for major repairs; preparing written specifications for major repairs or for the production of 

parts ordered from a machine shop; reassembling machines; and making all necessary adjustments for operation. In general, the work of a maintena nce mechanic 

(machinery) requires rounded training and experience 

usually acquired through a formal apprenticeship or 

equivalent training and experience. Excluded from this 

classification are workers whose primary d'uties involve 

setting up or adjusting machines.

Pipefitter

Installs or repairs water, steam, gas, or other types 

of pipe fittings in an establishment. Work involves most

of the following: Laying out of work and measuring to 

locate position of pipe from drawings or o1:her written 

specifications; cutting various sizes of pipe to correct 

lengths with chisel and hammer or oxyacet ylenc torch 

or pipe-cutting machines; threading pipe 1 with stocks 

and dies; bending pipe by handdriven or power-driver 

machines; assembling pipe with couplings and fastening

pipe to hangers; making standard shop computations 

relating to pressures, flow, and sizes of pipe required; 

making standard tests to determine whether finished 

pipes meet specifications. In general, the work of the 

maintenace pipefitter requires rounded training and experience usually acquired through a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. Workers primarily engaged in installing and repairing building sanitation and heating systems are excluded.

Processing

Ampule,-filling,-sealing; or washing-machine

operator

Tends a machine or machines that steam wash ampules, fill ampules with drug products, or seal ampules 

preparatory to filling. Work includes one or more of the

following: Starts machine; dumps empty ampules into 

hopper or places them in table of machine that automatically positions them for filling; seals ampules in 

steam washing machine; discards broken ampules after 

washing.

Chemical operator

(Pharmaceutical operator; sterile products processor)

Operates or tends one or more equipment units or a 

system performing intermediate or final operations 

which processes raw materials into chemical substances. This category includes worker who may be designated (within establishments) according to equipment 

controlled, material processed, or drug produced. It is 

intended to include operators of a specific type of equipment as well as those whose work involves a series of 

various types of equipment that may be centrally controlled through panel boards.

For wage study purposes, workers are classified as 

follows:

Class A-operates one or more types of equipment 

and whose job involves most of the following: Extensive 

knowledge of operating procedures, laboratory test results, and correlation of process instrumentation; ability to control the processing of all or most of the establishment’s products; a high degree of responsibility for 

a product meeting rigid specifications or an expensive 

product where cost of weiste or reworking is relatively 

high; and making decisions which affect yield and safety; and/or coordinates the work of several chemical 

operators working on a process comprising several types 

of equipment.

Class B-performs any of the specific duties of the 

class A operator but requires guidance in the interpretation of tests and observ ations, in setting and regulating 

controls, and in making out reports on operations. Work 

at this level is designed to develop the employee’s capabilities for advancement to the class A level. May 

direct one or several helpers.

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Chemical operator’s helper

Performs a variety of simple and standard tasks assigned by a chemical operator. Work involves most oj

the following: Assisting in the moving, handling, dumping, and weighing of materials; loading equipment; 

taking simple recordings of temperature and pressure 

under the direction of chemical operators; cleaning 

work area; removing finished products from equipment; 

and cleaning or washing equipment.

Includes all helpers assigned to chemical operators, regardless of whether the operator is assigned to a specific type of apparatus or is engaged in controlling the 

operations of a series of equipment.

Coater

(Pill coater; tablet coater)

Operates one or a battery of machines that ap ply 

coatings to pharmaceuticals to flavor, color, preserve, 

add medication, or control disintegration time. Work 

includes most o f the following: Places pharmaceuticals 

in pans prior to machine coating; pours enteric solution 

to control disintegration over pharmaceuticals prior to 

coating; loads machine with uncoated phar maceuticals 

and additives; applies dusting powder to prevent 

sticking; examines product for defects; and measures 

and weighs product for conformance with s pecifications. May compound and mix coating, acco rding to 

formula.

Compressor

Sets up and operates a machine to compress 

granulated ingredients into tablets of specifier 1 sized and 

shape. Work includes most of the following: Installs 

punches and dies in machine and adjusts springs and 

hydraudic presses according to specificatior is; loads ingredients into hopper; examines tablets fo r imperfections; tests samples for conformance with pi ;oduct specifications or routes samples to laboratory for this purpose; and readjusts machine to insure con formity with 

specifications.

Encapsuling-machine operator

Operates a machine to fill hard shell capsules with 

drugs in powdered form. Work includes most of the following: Loads hopper with ingredients an id sets turntable 

at appropriate speed; places ring on ma< chine and operates vacuum apparatus to separate capsule tops from 

bodies; pushes ring down to close capsules after they 

are filled with powder; and places filled capsules in 

containers. May weigh capsules to assure machine is 

operating properly.

Granulating-machine operator

(Granulator; wet-mix operator)

Operators machine to granulate powdered ingredients preparatory to compressing int o medicinal tablets. 

Work includes most of the following: Observes machine 

as it automatically weighs and measure ingredients;

sta rts machine; adds chemicals to grind ingredients; 

sp reads mixture on trays; places trays in oven or steam 

dirier; examines dried product for completeness; may 

screen granulated material to determine size of granules. 

T.vlay tend auxiliary equipment such as Ion-exchange or 

tumbling-barrel to refine granulated product.

Molder, machine

(Capsule molder)

Tends a machine that heats and transfers mixtures to 

conveyor molds to form drug and toilet products. Work 

includes most of the following: Sets up machine and starts 

conveyor; controls valves, agitator, and pump to cause 

product to be heated and poured into mold as it passes 

through the conveyor; removes damaged or defective 

molds and adjusts molder scraper to avoid overfilling 

or underfilling.

Production packager

(Cupping-machine operator; label- or wrapping-machine operator; table worker)

Performs one or more of the duties listed below. For 

wage study purposes, production packagers are classified as follows:

/7a«tff-assembles packages or containers by hand and 

places products in them. Work involves one or more of

the following: Cleans packages; lines crates; assembles 

cartons or packages from stock; wraps protective material such as plastic around product; regulates conveyor; inserts product into container; weighs container and 

adjusts quantity; visually inspects materials; and keeps 

simple records.

Machine-tends one or more machines that automatically fill containers or package products. Work involves 

one or more of the following: Starts machine and observes 

operation; stops machine to report malfunctions to supervisor; inspects filled containers; makes minor adjustments to machine; feeds product to conveyors or hoppers; replenishes packaging supplies; holds container in 

machine and presses button or pedal to seal package; 

keeps simple records.

Hand and machine-performs both of the functions 

listed above.

Miscellaneous

Janitor, porter, or cleaner

Cleans and keeps in an orderly condition factory 

working areas and washrooms, or premises of an office, 

apartment house, or commercial or other establishment. 

Duties involve a combination of the following: Sweeping, mopping or scrubbing, and polishing floors; removing chips, trash, and other refuse; dusting equipment, 

furniture, or fixtures; polishing metal fixtures or trimmings; providing supplies and minor maintenance services; cleaning lavatories, showers, and restrooms. Workers who specialize in window washing are excluded.

41

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Power-truck operator

Operates a manually controlled gasoline-or electricpowered truck or tractor to transport goods and materials of all kinds about a warehouse, manufacturing 

plant, or other establishment.

For wage study purposes, workers are classified by 

type of power-truck as follows:

Forklift operator 

Power-truck operator (other

than forklift)

Shipper and Receiver

Performs clerical and physical tasks in connection with 

shipping goods of the establishment in which employed 

and receiving incoming shipments. In performing dayto-day, routine tasks, follows established guidelines. In 

handling unusual, nonroutine problems, receives specific guidance from supervisor or other officials. May direct and coordinate the activities of other workers engaged in handling goods to be shipped or received.

Shippers typically are responsible for most of the following: Verifying that orders are accurately filled by 

comparing items and quantities of goods gathered for 

shipment against documents; insuring that shipments are 

properly packaged, identified with shipping information, and loaded onto transporting vehicles; and preparing and keeping records of goods shipped, e.g., 

manifests and bills of lading.

Receivers typically are responsible for most of the following: Verifying the correctness of incoming shipments by comparing items and quantities unloaded 

against bills of lading, invoices, mainifests, storage rece.ipts, or other records; checking for damaged goods; 

ens uring that goods are appropriately identified for 

rou ting to departments within the establishment; and 

prep aring and keeping records of goods received.

For wage study purposes, workers are classified as 

follow's:

Shipper

Receiver

Shipper and receiver

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Industry Wage Studies

The most recent reports providing occupational wage 

data for industries included in the Bureau’s program of 

industry wage surveys are listed below. Copies are for 

sale from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 

Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, 

or from any of its regional sales offices, and from the 

regional offices of the Bureau of Labor Statistics shown 

on the inside back cover. Bulletins that are out of stock 

are available for reference at leading public, college, or 

university libraries, or at the Bureau’s Washington or 

regional offices.

Manufacturing

Basic Iron and Steel, 1978-79. BLS Bulletin 2064 

Candy and Other Confectionery Products, 1975. BLS 

Bulletin 1939

Cigar Manufacturing, 1972. BLS Bulletin 1796 

Cigarette Manufacturing, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1944 

Corrugated and Solid Fiber Boxes, 1976. BLS Bulletin 

1921

Drug Manufacturing, September 1978. BLS Bulletin 

2077

Fabricated Structural Steel, 1974. BLS Bulletin 1935 

Fertilizer Manufacturing, 1971. BLS Bulletin 1763 

Flour and Other Grain Mill Products, 1977. BLS 

Bulletin 2026

Fluid Milk Industry, 1973. BLS Bulletin 1871 

Footwear, 1975. BLS Bulletin 1946 

Hosiery, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1987 

Industrial Chemicals, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1978 

Iron and Steel Foundries, 1973. BLS Bulletin 1894 

Leather Tanning and Finishing, 1973. BLS Bulletin 

1835

Machinery Manufacturing, 1978. BLS Bulletin 2022 

Meat Products, 1979. BLS Bulletin 2082 

Men’s Shirts and Separate Trousers, 1978. BLS Bulletin 

2035

Men’s and Boys’ Suits and Coats, April 1979. BLS 

Bulletin 2073

Miscellaneous Plastics Products, 1974. BLS Bulletin 

1914

Motor Vehicles and Parts, 1973-74, BLS Bulletin 1912 

Nonferrous Foundries, 1975. BLS Bulletin 1952 

Paints and Varnishes, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1973 

Paperboard Containers and Boxes, 1970. BLS Bulletin 

1719'

Petroleum Refining, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1948

Pressed or Blown Glass and Glassware, 1975. BLS 

Bulletin 1923

Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills, 1977. BLS Bulletin 

2008

Semiconductors, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2021 

Shipbuilding and Repairing, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1968 

Southern Sawmills and Planing Mills, 1969. BLS 

Bulletin 1694*

Structural Clay Products, 1975. BLS Bulletin 1942 

Synthetic Fibers, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1975 

Textile Dyeing and Finishing, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1967 

Textiles, 1975. BLS Bulletin 1945 

Wages and Demographic Characteristics in Work 

Clothing Manufacturing,. 1972. BLS Bulletin 1858 

West Coast Sawmilling, 1969. BLS Bulletin 17041 

Women’s and Misses’ Coats and Suits, 1970. BLS 

Bulletin 17281

Women’s and Misses’ Dresses, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2007 

Wood Household Furniture, Except Upholstered, 1974. 

BLS Bulletin 1930

Nonmanufacturing

Appliance Repair Shops, 1978. BLS Bulletin 2067 

Auto Dealer Repair Shops, 1978. BLS Bulletin 2060 

Banking and Life Insurance, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1988 

Bituminous Coal Mining, 1976. BLS Bulletin 1999 

Communications, 1978. BLS Bulletin 2071 

Computer and Data Processing Services, 1978. BLS 

Bulletin 2028

Contract Cleaning Services, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2009 

Contract Construction, 1973. BLS Bulletin 1911 

Department Stores, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2006 

Educational Institutions: Nonteaching* Employees, 

1968-69. BLS Bulletin 19711 

Electric and Gas Utilities, 1979. BLS Bulletin 2040 

Hospitals and Nursing Homes, 1975. BLS Bulletin 2069 

Hotels and Motels, 1978. BLS Bulletin 2055 

Laundry and Cleaning Services, 1968. BLS Bulletin 

1645'

Metal Mining, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2017 

Motion Picture Theatres, 1966. BLS Bulletin 1521'

Oil and Gas Extraction, 1977. BLS Bulletin 2014 

Scheduled Airlines, 1975. BLS Bulletin 1951 

Wages and Tips in Restaurants and Hotels, 1970. BLS 

Bulletin 1712'

'Bulletin out of stock

43

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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24 Hour CPI Mailgram Service

Consumer Price Index data now are available by

mailgram within 24 hours of the CPI release. The new

service is being offered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

through the National Technical Information Service of

the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The CPI MAILGRAM service provides unadjusted

and seasonally adjusted U.S. City Average data both

for the All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and for the Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) Indexes as shown on the CPI-U sample page below. The

unadjusted data include the current month’s index and

the percent changes from 12 months ago and one month

ago. The seasonally adjusted data are the percent

changes from one month ago.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ALL URBAN CONSUMERS ( C P I - U ) : U . S . C I TY

AVERAGE ( .1967 1 IOC)

GROUP

ALL ITEMS

ALL I T E MS C 1 9 5 7 - 5 9 = 1 0 0 )

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

FOOD

FOOD AT HOME

CEREALS AND BAKERY PRODUCTS

MEATS. POULTRY. F I S H . AND EGGS

DAIRY PRODUCTS

FRUI TS AND VEGETABLES

FOOD AUAY FROM HOME

HOUSING

RENT, RESIDENTIAL

HOMEOWNERSHIP

FUEL AND OTHER U T I L I T I E S

FUEL O I L . COAL. AND BOTTLED GAS

GAS ( P I P E D ) AND E LE C T R I CI T Y

HOUSEHOLD FURNI SHI NGS AND OPERATION

APPAREL AND UPKEEP

TRANSPORTATION

NEU CARS

USED CARS

GASOLINE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

MEDICAL CARE

MEDICAL CARE SERVICES

ENTERTAINMENT

OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES

PERSONAL CARE \ /

COMMODITIES

COMMODITIES LESS FOOD AND EcVEPAGES

NCND'JRABL ES LESS FOOD AND LEVERAGES

DURABLES

SERVICES

ALL ITEMS LESS FOOD

ENERGY U

ALL ITEMS LESS FOOD AND FNERGY

1 / NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

UNADJ UNADJUSTED S ADJ

INDEX PER CHG PER CHG PER CHG

MAY FROM 12 FROM 1 FROM 1

1979 M0 AGO MO AGO MO AGO

2 14 . 1 10.8 1.2 1 . 1

249.0 - - -

228.2 11.2 . 8 .7

2 3 4 . 3 11.4 . 9 .7

2 3 3 . 4 11.3 . 7 . 5

216.2 9.5 . 8 1.0

242.2 19.4 . 9 . 1

203.8 11.1 . 7 . 8

226.8 3.4 . 1 -.2

241.1 11.7 1 . 1 1. 1

222.4 11.3 1.2 1.2

173.8 6.8 1 .0 1 . 0

254.9 14.6 1.3 1 . 3

232.2 7 . 7 2. 1 2.2

364.3 23.2 4 . 1 4.8

251.6 8.2 2.6 2.6

189.2 7.5 . 3 .4

166 . 1 3.9 .4 .0

207.7 13.4 2.4 1.8

165.8 8.7 . 9 1 . 1

205.4 11.3 2.7 -.5

247.7 29. 1 5.5 5.0

193.3 3. 1 . 4 .7

236.3 8.9 . 5 .6

254.4 9.4 5.6

OO00

6 . 6 .7 . 5

193.9 7.5 . 4 . 5

193.9 7 . 5 .6 . 6

205.8 10.9 1.2 . 9

192.9 10.9 1.5 1 . 0

195.7 12.0 2.0 1 . 9

189.2 10.0 1 . l . 5

229.5 10.3 1 . 1 1 . 3

203.9 10.5 1 . 3 1.2

260.8 19.8 4.2 4.2

204 . 1 9.5 . 9 . 9

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