Occupational Employment 

and Wages, May 2005

U.S. Department of Labor

Elaine L. Chao, Secretary

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Philip L. Rones, Deputy Commissioner

May 2007

Bulletin 2585
iii

Preface

This bulletin provides occupational employment and 

wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey. Included are national, State, and 

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) estimates across all industries, as well as by industry. The tables in the bulletin 

present cross-industry national estimates for Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) major occupational groups and 

detailed occupations, as well as selected industry-specific 

national estimates and cross-industry State and MSA estimates for selected detailed occupations. National industry 

estimates by industry sector and at the three-digit, four-digit, 

and selected five-digit industry level within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) are available on 

the Internet at www.bls.gov/oes/. Cross-industry estimates 

for all States and metropolitan areas are available on the same 

Web site.

The estimates are based on data collected during the 2002-

05 surveys and are adjusted to full universe counts for the 

reference period, May 2005 for wage data and the average of 

May 2005 and November 2004 for employment data, based 

on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 

Covered Employment and Wages program.

The OES program is a Federal-State cooperative effort between the State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and the Bureau 

of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS provides technical assistance 

and the statistical procedures for the survey; the SWAs collect the data. For many years, the OES survey has been a 

major source of detailed occupational employment data by 

industry for the Nation, for States, and for metropolitan areas. This survey provides information for many data users, 

including individuals and organizations engaged in planning 

vocational education programs, higher education programs, 

and employment and training programs. OES data also are 

used to prepare information for career counseling, for job 

placement activities performed at State Workforce Agencies, 

and for personnel planning and market research conducted by 

private enterprises.

This bulletin was prepared in the BLS Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics, Division of Occupational 

Employment Statistics, under the direction of Laurie Salmon, 

with contributing articles by Benjamin Cover, Fatemeh Hajiha, Jeffrey Holt, Dina Itkin, John Jones, Michael Soloy, 

Zachary Warren, and Audrey Watson. Benjamin Cover, John 

Ichiro Jones, Jeffrey Holt, and Michael Soloy prepared the 

charts and tables. For additional information, call (202) 691-

6569 or e-mail oesinfo@bls.gov.

Information in this bulletin will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 

691-5200; Federal Relay Service: 1-800-877-8339. This material is in the public domain and, with appropriate credit, 

may be reproduced without permission.


Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Employment and Wages by Major Occupational Group and Industry

	 Fatemeh Hajiha......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Occupational Shares in Growing and Shrinking Establishments

Zachary Warren......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Wages and Employment of Workers in Automobile Manufacturing

Jeffrey Holt................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Wage and Employment Patterns in the Mining Sector

Dina Itkin................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Examining Social Science Occupations

Ben Cover.................................................................................................................................................................. 31

A Concise Look at Occupations in the Life and Physical Sciences

John I. Jones.............................................................................................................................................................. 38

Crime Fighters

Michael Soloy............................................................................................................................................................ 46

Occupational Composition of the Elder Care Industries, May 2005

Audrey Watson........................................................................................................................................................... 53

Employment Changes from 2001 to 2005 for Occupations Concentrated in the Finance Industries

Fatemeh Hajiha......................................................................................................................................................... 68

Tables:

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey,

 by occupation, May 2005.............................................................................................................................. 73

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry, May 2005 ........................ 85

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2005............................................................... 135

Appendixes:

	 A. The Standard Occupational Classification System................................................................................................... 2

B. Survey Methods and Reliability Statement for the May 2005 Occupational Employment Statistics Survey ........ 2

C. Availability of Historical Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Data National

 and from State Agencies........................................................................................................................................ 261


Introduction

I

n 2005, approximately 133 million workers were employed in the United States. This bulletin provides information on the types of jobs held by these 133 millio

people and the wages they were paid for that work. For example, the two largest occupations, retail salespersons and 

cashiers, accounted for almost 8 million workers, or nearly 

6 percent of all jobs, and earned average hourly wages of 

$11.14 and $8.32, respectively. (See table .)  Registe

nurses, with 2.4 million workers, made up the largest occupation paying above-average wages, with a mean wage 

of $27.35 per hour.

Employment and wages for these and other occupations 

vary by industry. Even wage patterns vary by industry. This 

bulletin contains descriptions of two industries with distinct 

wage patterns. The automobile-manufacturing industries 

exhibit a compressed wage distribution, paying workers in 

low-paid occupations above the occupational average and 

workers in higher paid occupations below the occupational 

average. On the other hand, the mining industries display the 

opposite pattern and more wage dispersion, with the highest 

paid workers earning more than their counterparts in other 

industries and the lowest paid workers earning less than their 

counterparts in other industries.

Several factors may affect wages for an occupation, including where the workers are located. It is by no means 

surprising to find workers in New York City, Seattle, or the 

District of Columbia earning higher wages for the same work 

than workers in Jacksonville, Florida; Portland, Maine; or 

Omaha, Nebraska. Articles in this bulletin look at some of 

the reasons wages may vary by area, including the size of 

the area, the concentration of certain workers in the area, the 

industries present in the area, and the wages of other workers 

in the area.

Two articles contain descriptions of employment patterns 

for different occupations: life and physical science occupations and social science occupations. Employment in these 

occupations is not evenly distributed, but tends to be concentrated in certain industries and geographic areas.

Finally, while the data in this bulletin provide a detailed 

picture of static employment patterns in 2005, many people 

are interested in seeing how labor markets change over time. 

Although Occupational Employment Statistics data are not designed to be a time series, special applications of the data can 

provide information about the changing economy. One article 

compares specific employers surveyed at two points in time in 

order to analyze the types of workers they retain, hire, or let 

go as the establishment grows and shrinks. Two other articles 

look at important industries that are changing. The first of these 

examines staffing and wages in elder care services, which is 

becoming increasingly important as the population ages. The 

second examines the effects of economic changes on selected 

financial services occupations between 2001 and 2005.

The tables in the bulletin show a selection of the OES data 

that is available on Web pages or in database format from the 

BLS Web site. Table  shows the national, cross-industry

employment for occupations in the Standard Occupational 

Classification system, along with mean and percentile wages. 

Industry information for all of the four-digit NAICS industries is shown in table 2. The largest occupations for each 

industry are listed. Table 3 presents occupational profiles for 

the five largest occupations in each SOC major group. The 

profiles show the industries and areas that have the highest 

employment and wages for those occupations. 

Additional information about each occupation, industry, 

or geographic area is available on the OES Web site, www.

bls.gov/oes/.


Employment and Wages by Major 

Occupational Group and Industry

Fatemeh Hajiha is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey 

is a semiannual mail survey measuring occupational 

employment and wage rates of workers in all U.S. 

industries. The survey is based on a sample of 1.2 million

business establishments and over 80 million workers. The 

data are collected in six semiannual panels over a 3-year period. This survey design permits estimation and analysis of 

wage distributions by occupational employment across all 

industries, as well as within individual industries and by detailed geographic areas. More information about the survey is 

found in appendix B of this bulletin.

The following analysis examines employment and wages 

by major occupational group across all industries, as well as 

wages for detailed occupations in selected industries. 

Employment and wages by major occupational 

group

The OES survey uses the Standard Occupational Classification system (SOC), which categorizes workers into 801 detailed occupations and aggregates these detailed occupations 

into 2 major occupational groups. Chart 1 displays tota

employment for millions of workers, the percentage of total 

employment, and the mean wage for each group. The chart 

is organized by employment, with the largest occupational 

group on the bottom and the smallest group on the top.

In terms of employment level, the 2 occupational group

can be placed into three broad categories. The first consists 

of five groups with the largest employment. They are office 

and administrative support; sales and related; food preparation and serving related; production; and transportation and 

material moving. These groups together account for more 

than half of total employment, or more than 67 million workFatemeh Hajiha

17.5%

10.7%

8.3%

7.9%

7.4%

6.2%

4.9%

4.6%

4.1%

3.3%

2.6%

2.4%

2.3%

2.3%

1.8%

1.3%

1.3%

0.9%

0.8%

0.3%

5.0%

4.2%

0 5 10 15 20 25

Office and administrative support ($14.28)

Sales and related ($15.77)

Food preparation and serving related ($8.58)

Production ($14.37)

Transportation and material moving ($13.85)

Education, training, and library ($20.89)

Healthcare practitioner and technical ($28.45)

Construction and extraction ($18.39)

Management ($42.52)

Business and financial operations ($27.85)

Installation, maintenance, and repair ($18.30)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance ($10.55)

Healthcare support ($11.47)

Personal care and service ($10.67)

Protective service ($17.19)

Computer and mathematical ($32.26)

Architecture and engineering ($30.73)

Community and social services ($18.04)

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media ($21.30)

Life, physical, and social science ($27.90)

Legal ($38.98)

Farming, fishing, and forestry ($10.10)

Employment level in millions

Chart 1. Mean hourly wage and percent total employment by major occupational group, May 2005 Occupational group (with mean hourly wage shown in parentheses)
ers. Of the five groups, the office and administrative support 

group, with about 22.8 million workers, is the largest, an

the transportation and material-moving group, with about 

9.6 million workers, is the smallest. The mean wage in each 

of these five major groups is less than the mean wage for 

all workers across occupational groups ($18.21). The food

preparation and serving related group has a mean wage of 

$8.58 per hour, the lowest among all occupational groups. 

The second category consists of six occupational groups 

with midsize employment. Accounting for about 29 percent

of total employment, or about 38 million workers, these 

groups are education, training, and library; healthcare practitioner and technical; construction and extraction; management; business and financial operations; and installation, 

maintenance, and repair. The mean wage estimates in these 

groups range from more than twice the mean wage for all 

workers to wages that are about the same as the mean for 

all workers. The management group, with about 6.0 million workers, has the fourth largest employment among the 

midsize occupational groups and the highest mean wage 

among occupational groups. The installation, maintenance, 

and repair group, with 5.3 million workers, has the smallest 

employment and the lowest mean wage among midsize occupational groups. 

The remaining 11 occupational groups account for 19.4 

percent of total employment, or 25.3 million workers. Among

these, the building and ground cleaning and maintenance 

group, with around 4.3 million workers, has the largest employment, and farming, fishing, and forestry, with fewer than 

0.5 million workers, has the smallest. Three of the 11 smallest occupational groups—legal; computer and mathematical; 

and architecture and engineering—have the second, third, and 

fourth highest mean wage, respectively, among occupational 

groups. Another three—farming, fishing, and forestry; building and grounds cleaning and maintenance; and personal care 

and service—have the second, third, and fourth lowest mean 

wage, respectively, among occupational groups. 

Percentile wages by occupational group 

In addition to total employment and mean wage by major 

occupational group, table 1 displays the 10th-, 25th-, 50th-,

75th-, and 90th-percentile wages for each of the 2 major occupational groups  A percentile wage shows the percentag

of workers in an occupation who earn less than a given wage 

and the percentage who earn more. For example, the 50thpercentile wage, or median wage, is the pay level at which 50 

percent of workers earn more and 50 percent earn less. Likewise, 10 percent of workers earn the 10th-percentile wage or 

less, and 90 percent of workers earn the 90th-percentile wage 

or less. The middle 80 percent of workers in an occupational 

group earn wages between these two endpoints.

As indicated earlier, the lowest paid occupational group 

is food preparation and serving related occupations. This is 

clearly indicated by the fact that, for each percentile wage 

shown in the table, the food preparation and serving related 

group wage is lower than that for any of the other groups. In 

Table 1. Percentile wages by major occupational group, May 2005 

Hourly earnings 

Major occupational group Employment 10th 25th 50th 75th 90th Mean 

percentile percentile percentile percentile percentile wage

 Total......................................................................... 130,307,840 7.26 9.46 14.15 22.20 33.74 18.21

Management................................................................. 5,960,560 18.17 25.67 37.32 53.73 (1) 42.52

Legal............................................................................. 986,740 14.44 19.64 30.24 52.53 (1) 38.98

Computer and mathematical ........................................ 2,952,740 16.57 22.47 30.74 40.64 51.01 32.26

Architecture and engineering........................................ 2,382,480 15.94 21.52 28.94 38.69 48.50 30.73

Healthcare practitioner and technical ........................... 6,547,350 12.34 17.30 23.83 32.69 48.63 28.45

Life, physical, and social science ................................ 1,185,730 13.31 17.71 24.78 34.77 47.33 27.90

Business and financial operations................................ 5,410,410 14.32 18.58 24.88 33.62 44.28 27.85

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media ........... 1,683,310 8.20 11.78 17.71 26.35 38.38 21.30

Education, training, and library .................................... 8,078,500 8.67 12.74 19.04 26.41 34.94 20.89

Construction and extraction ......................................... 6,370,400 9.51 12.18 16.66 23.12 30.37 18.39

Installation, maintenance, and repair ........................... 5,305,260 9.54 12.63 17.25 22.86 28.34 18.30

Community and social services ................................... 1,692,950 9.70 12.49 16.52 22.15 28.52 18.04

Protective service ......................................................... 3,056,660 7.78 10.11 15.00 22.60 30.36 17.19

Sales and related ......................................................... 13,930,320 6.62 7.84 10.64 18.48 31.24 15.77

Production ................................................................... 10,249,220 7.81 9.70 12.91 17.43 23.51 14.37

Office and administrative support ................................ 22,784,330 8.00 10.03 13.10 17.24 22.18 14.28

Transportation and material moving ............................ 9,594,920 7.06 8.74 11.90 16.70 22.24 13.85

Healthcare support ....................................................... 3,363,800 7.43 8.86 10.64 13.34 16.63 11.47

Personal care and service ........................................... 3,188,850 6.21 7.22 8.89 11.88 17.11 10.67

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance ........ 4,342,550 6.59 7.66 9.50 12.44 16.40 10.55

Farming, fishing, and forestry ...................................... 443,070 6.66 7.41 8.41 11.34 16.28 10.10

Food preparation and serving related .......................... 10,797,700 5.83 6.53 7.73 9.72 12.77 8.58
addition to being the lowest paid, the food preparation and 

serving related group has the narrowest distribution of wages 

of all occupational groups. Ten percent of the workers in 

this group, approximately 1 million, earn less than $5.83 per 

hour, while 90 percent of the workers earn less than $12.77

per hour, a difference of only $6.94 per hour. 

In addition to having the highest mean wage, management 

occupations have the highest wages in all percentile wage 

categories. Also, the group has the second widest distribution 

of wages between the 10th- and the 90th-percentile wage: 10 

percent of workers in this group earn less than $18.17 per 

hour, while at least 10 percent earn more than $70.00 per 

hour, a difference of at least $51.83 per hour. The widest distribution of wages is among legal occupations, with a difference of at least $55.56 between the 10th- and 90th-percentile 

wages. 

As shown in table 1, the mean wage in every occupational 

group is higher than the 50th-percentile, or median, wage 

for that group, suggesting that workers in the top half have a 

wider wage distribution than those in the lower half. In other 

words, the distribution of wages in each occupational group 

is skewed toward the higher end of the wage range.

Chart  uses the percentile wages from table A1 to depict the wage distribution for each major occupational group.

Combined, the portions of the bars represent the middle 80 

percent of the distribution for each group. The left endpoint 

of the bar indicates the 10th-percentile wage, and the right 

endpoint of the bar indicates the 90th-percentile wage. Similarly, the inner bar segment between the 25th and 75th percentiles shows the middle 50 percent of the distribution for

each of the occupational groups. 

As can be seen from chart 2, the width of the wage distribution for both the middle 80 percent and the middle 50

percent of workers in an occupational group declines with the 

mean wage of that group. Wages for the middle 50 percent 

of workers are skewed to varying degrees toward the lower 

end of the pay distribution for all occupational groups. Most 

noticeable in this regard are the farming, fishing, and forestry; personal care and service; and sales and related groups, 

with only 75 cents, $1.01, and $1.22, respectively, separatin

the 10th-percentile wage from the 25th-percentile wage; the

amounts separating the 75th-percentile wage from the 90thpercentile wage in those three occupational groups are, respectively, $4.94, $5.23, and $12.76—at least five times the 

Chart 2. Wage distribution by occupational group, 10th percentile to 90th percentile, May 2005

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance

Management

Legal

Computer and mathematical

Architecture and engineering

Farming, fishing, and forestry

Food preparation and serving related

Personal care and service

Healthcare support

Healthcare practitioners and technical

Life, physical, and social science

Business and financial operations

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media

Education, training, and library

Construction and extraction

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Community and social services

Protective service

Sales and related

Production

Office and administrative support

Transportation and material moving

18.17

14.44

16.57

15.94

12.34

13.31

14.32

8.20

8.67

9.51

9.54

9.70

7.78

6.62

7.81

8.00

7.06

7.43

6.21

6.59

6.66

5.83 12.77

16.28

16.40

17.11

16.63

22.24

22.18

23.51

31.24

30.36

28.52

28.34

34.94

30.37

38.38

44.28

47.33

48.63

48.05

51.01

(1)

(1)

$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70

Hourly wages

10th 25th 75th 90th

Percentile Percentile Percentile Percentile

(1) Represents a wage above $70.00 per hour
Table 2. Mean wages for selected OES occupations and 3-digit NAICS industries, May 2005

Industry

 Food 

Support Petroleum and Credit Food Personal

Occupation activities and coal bever- interme- Social services and

for Utilities products age diation assis- and laundry

agriculture manufac- stores and tance drinking services

and turing related related places

forestry activities

Chief executive ....................................................... $64.05 $74.94 $78.52 $54.90 $72.12 $48.82 $52.48 $60.18

Computer support specialists.................................. 19.35 24.12 22.51 16.24 21.26 17.45 19.30 19.78

Accountants and auditors ....................................... 27.28 28.22 30.63 23.92 26.73 22.61 22.74 27.93

Sales representatives, wholesale and ................... 

 manufacturing, except technical and scientific.....

 products ............................................................... 24.42 30.64 32.14 24.02 29.08 22.42 19.72 23.48

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and .................. 

 executive.............................................................. 10.91 14.79 14.63 11.08 14.02 12.01 11.41 11.34

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and 

 housekeeping cleaners ........................................ 9.26 12.28 11.38 9.26 9.28 8.93 8.70 8.57

Security guards ....................................................... 10.60 18.13 12.45 14.35 14.51 10.57 10.27 14.75

Receptionists and information clerks ...................... 10.15 12.32 11.50 9.73 11.06 10.27 10.77 8.85

amounts separating the 10th-percentile wage from the 25thpercentile wage

By contrast, wages for the middle 50 percent of workers in the computer and mathematical; architecture and engineering; and installation, maintenance, and repair groups 

are comparatively less skewed toward the lower end of the 

pay distribution. In these occupational groups, the amounts 

separating the 75th-percentile wage from the 90th-percentile 

wage are at most twice the amounts separating the 10th-percentile wage from the 25th-percentile wage

Major occupational groups incorporate data from as many 

as 75 specific occupations in their mean hourly wages. Each 

of these major groups includes employees working in a wide 

range of occupations, requiring different degrees of training 

and skill, or involving different work environments. For example, the legal occupations group includes occupations such 

as lawyers and law clerks. The wages and employment levels 

for both are included in the overall wage and employment 

estimates for legal occupations, even though the mean hourly 

wage of lawyers is almost three times the wage of law clerks. 

The shares of employment accounted for by these occupations affect the wages for the entire legal occupations group. 

Because of these variations, comparative wages for detailed 

occupations in different major occupational groups might not 

follow the overall pattern of wage differences noted between 

their respective major groups. Table 1 of this publication 

shows these variations.

Occupational wages by 3-digit NAICS industry 

codes

The OES program also produces detailed occupational wages 

by industry sector and at the 3-digit, 4-digit, and selected 5-

digit industry level within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Table 2 shows the mean wage 

for eight selected OES occupations in eight selected 3-digit 

industries. Wages for detailed occupations vary according 

to industry, as illustrated in the table. For example, while 

chief executives have high overall wages compared with 

those in other occupations, the mean wage for chief executives itself varies depending on the industry in which they 

are employed.

In fact, among the occupations for which data are given in 

table 2, chief executives show the largest variation in wages,

with $29.70 separating the highest paying industry from the

lowest. The mean wage for chief executives ranges from 

$48.82 per hour in the social assistance industry to $78.52 pe

hour in the petroleum and coal products manufacturing industry. Another large difference between industries, $12.42

occurs for the occupation of wholesale and manufacturing 

sales representatives, except technical and scientific products 

workers. The hourly mean wage for these workers ranges 

from $19.72 per hour in the food services and drinking places

industry to $32.14 per hour in the petroleum and coal products manufacturing industry. The occupation of receptionists

and information clerks exhibits a smaller variation among the 

selected industries, with $3.47 separating the lowest wage 

from the highest. The mean wage of this occupation across 

the eight selected industries ranges from $8.85 per hour in 

personal and laundry services to $12.32 per hour in utilities

Similarly, mean wages vary across occupations in an industry. The utilities industry has the highest wages for five 

occupations among industries shown in table 2. Because table

2 shows only a sample of industries and occupations, it may

not reflect the overall wage pattern for a given industry. 

Detailed information about occupational employment and 

wage estimates at the sector, 3-digit, and 4-digit industry levels, as well as for States and metropolitan areas, is available 

on the OES Web site at www.bls.gov/oes/.


The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Business Establishment Dynamics program indicates that there is a great deal of churning in the labor market. In fact, in 

the second quarter of 2005, gross job gains represented 7.2 

percent of private employment while gross job losses represented 6.6 percent

 Hardly surprising, there is a lot of interest 

among economists and politicians in the kinds of jobs that 

are being created and destroyed. Data from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program, which collects 

detailed occupational information from 1.2 million establishments, can be used to see how individual establishments 

change their staffing over time. 

For each establishment in its database, the OES survey collects information on the detailed occupation and the wages of 

each worker. Detailed occupational information on more than 

80 million workers is collected over a 3-year survey cycle. 

Information on the employer includes the employer’s industry, location, and size. This information is used to examine 

differences in staffing patterns between establishments that 

have experienced employment growth and establishments 

that have experienced employment decline over a 3- to 5-year 

period. Particularly of interest are changes in staffing that are 

a result of an expanding or a contracting workforce within an 

establishment. The matched data allow for a unique perspective on occupational employment—for example, by isolating 

differences in industry staffing patterns between growing and 

shrinking establishments and by showing which occupations 

are being hired in growing establishments and shed in contracting ones.

Methodology:

The study presented in this article was conducted with the 

use of microdata from the OES. Establishment records from 

the 2000–02 survey were matched to establishment records 

in the 2003–05 survey in order to identify establishments that 

responded to the instrument at two separate points in time. 

These records cover private-sector establishments from the 

Occupational Shares in 

Growing and Shrinking 

Establishments

By Zachary Warren

Zachary Warren is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, as well as State 

and local government-owned hospitals and schools. 

From this dataset, three subsets were drawn: establishments with an increase in employment of at least 5 workers 

and at least 33 percent; establishments with a decrease of at 

least 5 workers and at least 33 percent; and establishments 

whose workforce changed by fewer than 5 workers or less 

than 33 percent, or both. The weighted2 employment from 

these subsets was used to generate measures of employment 

by occupation, for expanding and contracting establishments. 

Comparisons of initial staffing patterns 

The first task carried out in the study was to use the 2000–02 

data to compare the initial staffing pattern of establishments 

that subsequently shrink with the initial staffing pattern of 

establishments that subsequently grow, over the ensuing 3- to 

5-year period. 

Table 1 shows the share of employment in each occupation 

for establishments that are about to grow and for establishments that are about to shrink, as well as the difference of the 

two shares. The final column shows the occupational share for 

all establishments, whether they grew, shrank, or remained 

unchanged. For example, registered nurses accounted for 2.9 

percent of total employment in growing establishments, but 

only 1.2 percent of employment in shrinking establishments. 

By contrast, establishments that grew employed relatively 

fewer flight attendants, who represented only 0.02 percent of 

employment in growing establishments, but 0.40 percent in 

shrinking ones.

One fact from table 1 that stands out is that many of the 

largest differences are in production worker occupations. This 

is likely an industry effect, because employment in goodsproducing industries, which accounts for 73 percent of the 

employment of production workers, has declined from 23.

million workers to 23.2 million workers over the 2000–02 

period.3 Similarly, occupations with higher concentrations in 

the establishments that are about to grow tend to be those 

1

 Data from BLS Business Employment Dynamics program.

 

2

 Employment is weighted to all establishments that existed at the 

reference date of the sample (either May 2002 or May 2005) and not to those 

establishments which existed at both times. 3

 Data from BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages 

(QCEW).
prevalent in service industries: healthcare support workers, 

retail workers, restaurant workers, and protection workers. 

The nature of these occupations makes them less likely to be 

detrimentally affected by technological improvements or offshoring, so it stands to reason that they will be less common 

in establishments that are shrinking. 

Examination over time 

Examining the occupational differences between establishments that are about to grow and establishments that are about 

to shrink, as in the previous section, is useful in establishing the staffing characteristics of the two kinds of establishments, but it does not explain what is happening when those 

establishments actually change. For this kind of analysis, a 

comparison of staffing patterns within each group at different 

points in time is necessary. Such an analysis provides information not only on the types of jobs that are being created in 

expanding establishments and eliminated in shrinking ones, 

but also on the types of jobs that are retained or expanded 

when establishments are eliminating other jobs. In addition, 

an analysis of this sort yields information on jobs that growing establishments are retaining at lower rates. 

Job changes in expanding establishments. To see which 

types of jobs are being created by growing establishments, 

it is useful to examine their staffing patterns at two different 

points in time. Table 2 shows the percentage of total employment in each occupation in expanding establishments at the 

time of the initial observation and during a period 3 to 5 years 

later. The columns in table 2, from left to right, represent the 

occupational title, the percentage of total employment in the 

2000–2002 period, the percentage in the 2003–2005 data, the 

percentage point difference between the two, and the percent difference. The last column shows the total share from 

2003–2005, which is the employment share in all establishments, shrinking, growing and unchanging. For example, in 

expanding establishments, retail salespersons represented 

2.7 percent of total employment in the 2000-02 period, but 

3.1 percent of total employment in the period from 2003 to 

2005. At the other end of the scale, the share of total employment composed of food-service-related occupations is 

smaller in the later period than it is in the earlier one, except 

for “all other cooks,” for which the situation is reversed. This 

does not necessarily mean that employment shrank in these 

occupations; it simply means that the occupation either declined or grew at a slower rate than did other occupations 

in expanding establishments. In interpreting the tables, one 

should remember that occupations whose shares increase in 

growing establishments represent new hires, and occupations 

whose shares decrease in shrinking establishments represent 

separations. However, occupations whose shares decrease in 

growing establishments or increase in shrinking ones do not 

represent absolute changes; rather, they must be interpreted 

as changes relative to employment in other occupations. 

Probably the most interesting feature of the table is that it 

shows what types of jobs were created when establishments 

expanded during the last few years. At the national cross-industry level, the most noticeable hires in growing establishments were in the material-moving occupations. For example, freight handlers, truckdrivers, packers, industrial truck 

operators, and supervisors of material-moving workers all 

saw large increases in employment. These increases likely are 

due to the fact that a growing establishment probably will be 

expanding its output and those occupations heavily involved 

in the distribution of that output would be among the occupations the establishment needs to grow. More technically, 

material-moving occupations are among those which scale 

most directly with expansion. These occupations also require 

human involvement and so are less likely to be outsourced to 

foreign locations or replaced by technology. Among growing 

establishments, another occupational group that saw growth 

was the construction occupations, especially carpenters, laborers, painters, and roofers. Although the construction occupations did not show as dramatic an increase as did other occupations, nearly all the construction occupations increased 

somewhat. It is quite possible that their growth was the result 

of industry trends, because the construction occupations are 

heavily correlated with the construction industry, which saw 

an increase in employment from 6.7 million to 7.3 million

over this period from 2000–02 to 2003–05.4 Other occupations that showed a large increase in jobs created over this 

period were market research analysts, title examiners, and 

financial analysts.

Another interesting feature of this table is that it shows 

the type of occupations that either were cut back or remained 

stagnant in a particular establishment while the establishment 

hired workers into other occupations to achieve overall employment growth. Prominent on this list of occupations that 

were cut back or that stagnated is the number of food service 

occupations. From food service managers, to cooks, to waitresses, to dishwashers, the food service occupations all represented a much smaller percent of employment during the 

later period in establishments that grew. Other occupations 

that stagnated in growing establishments included registered 

nurses, licensed nurses, lawyers, and legal secretaries.

It is possible that these occupations declined in relative 

importance because, as with production workers, the industries that primarily employ them did not grow as fast as other 

industries. However, it may be that these support occupations 

are not directly related to the number of employees in the establishment. For instance, even if an establishment grows and 

thereby increases its output, it may not need more employees 

in its cafeteria, health unit, or legal department. These occupations do not scale directly with employment growth. As 

an example, counter to the rest of the material-moving occupations, conveyor operators did not show growth between 

2000–02 and 2003–05. The reason is probably that conveyor 

operators are more like those in nursing occupations than 

they are like those in the other material-moving occupations, 

in the sense that they both grow in a stepwise fashion and 

only after large changes within the establishment, such as the 

 4 Data from QCEW.
opening of new conveyor lines or shifts or the hiring of a 

great number of new workers.

Job changes in contracting establishments. Table 3 gives 

the same information as table 2, but for contracting establishments rather than growing ones. In table 3, occupations that 

increased in relative importance were those which were retained or expanded in a given establishment while the establishment was cutting employment, and those which decreased 

in relative importance were the occupations from which 

workers were cut. Occupations that saw high rates of retention in establishments that lost employment from 2000–02 to 

2003–05 included retail salespersons, accountants, and flight 

attendants. Occupations that were cut dramatically from establishments that contracted included food service workers, 

teacher assistants, and amusement attendants. 

The occupations that exhibited sizable differences in percentage of employment in shrinking establishments were 

relatively small in terms of total employment. Private detectives, archivists, and roustabouts all saw very large increases 

in employment relative to their shares of employment, but the 

absolute increases in employment in those occupations were 

relatively small. 

The occupational groups with the two largest changes were 

food service workers and retail sales workers. Both growing 

and shrinking establishments give a low priority to employing or retaining food service workers. One possible explanation for this frame of mind is that it is due to a decrease 

in employment in the food services industry, in which the 

majority of these workers are employed; however, this explanation is clearly incorrect, because the food services industry 

actually grew by more than 600,000 workers over the period

from 2000–02 to 2003–05.5 Another possible explanation is 

that when establishments expand, they hire workers directly 

related to their core products and revenue streams—those 

which generate profits—and the hiring of support workers 

such as food service and clerical workers lags that of the 

more directly connected workers. Similarly, establishments 

that must reduce their workforce eliminate these support jobs 

before all others.

Nearly all of the retail occupations, but especially salespersons, sales representatives, cashiers, and retail managers, 

saw an increase in share between 2000–2002 and 2003–2005, 

likely reflecting the general trend toward service positions in 

the economy. The nature of retail establishments, as a service 

industry, also dictates that a minimum number of workers 

always are employed, as long as the business is in operation; and because retail workers are central to the activities 

of these establishments, they will be among the last to be 

removed. Note that all of the establishments represented in 

table 3, by definition, remained in business, but registered 

employment losses.

Industry-specific analysis

The overall effect of nationwide job churning may be a result of varying growth rates among different sectors of the 

economy. Accordingly, this section examines specific industries in order to isolate staffing pattern changes from industry 

economic shifts. Although an exhaustive list of the 290 fourdigit NAICS industries present in the data set examined in 

this analysis is beyond the scope of this article, a brief analysis of three industries is useful. These industries are typical 

of those displaying the largest changes and coming from a 

variety of sectors of the economy. 

The primary statistic for this staffing pattern analysis is the 

percent of industry employment in an occupation. Although 

unable to capture absolute changes in occupational employment, this statistic illustrates the “reshuffling” of occupations 

in the average growing or shrinking establishment. A shrinking establishment, for example, may reduce employment in 

occupations across the board when making layoffs, but it is 

likely that certain occupations will feel the reductions more 

heavily than other, “stickier” occupations. 

Tables 4 through 6 present staffing patterns for each industry in growing and in shrinking establishments. The occupations listed account for at least 1 percent of industry employment in at least one of the two periods surveyed. 

Scheduled air transportation. One interesting industry 

among those with the largest differences between growing 

and shrinking establishments is the scheduled air transportation industry (NAICS 4811). The staffing pattern of this industry is shown in the last column of table 4, which is the 

percent of industry employment in all establishments, which 

is the percent of industry employment in all establishments. 

The industry, which is composed of commercial passenger 

and cargo flight operations, has seen significant changes in 

the last few years, and the composition of its average staffing 

pattern reflects those changes. In this industry, growing establishments showed a total increase in employment of 30.7 

percent, while shrinking establishments showed a decrease 

of 24.1 percent. 

Arguably the most interesting change related by the data 

is the stability of aircraft mechanics and service technicians. 

Shrinking establishments saw a significant increase in the 

percent of industry employment in this occupation, from 6.4

percent to 10.2 percent, while growing establishments saw 

a huge decrease in share, from 23.5 percent to 12.5 percent. 

These percentages suggest that aircraft mechanics, represent 

a vital, relatively stable component of this industry across 

employment expansions and reductions.

The industry-related occupations aircraft mechanics, flight 

attendants, airline pilots, and ticket agents make up a significant portion of employment in both expanding and contracting establishments. These four occupations accounted for 

53.7 percent of current employment in the former establishments and 64.1 percent in the latter. In all establishments,

the four occupations were 61.7 percent of employment in

the scheduled air transportation industry. The percentages 

suggest that expanding air transportation establishments expand by diversifying their employment, whereas contracting 

establishments in the industry tend to retain employment in 

these core occupations. In the growing establishments, be- 5

 Data from QCEW.
cause flight service increased, employment apparently rose 

significantly among pilots and flight attendants, suggesting 

that flight service increased in these establishments.

Employment services. Another industry that is often of great 

interest to economists is employment services (NAICS 5613),

shown in table 5. This industry consists of employment agencies, temporary agencies, and professional employer organizations. In 2005, temporary agencies accounted for 70.4 

percent of employment in the industry, a fact that explains 

the unusual staffing pattern in the last column of the table. 

In the employment services industry, growing establishments 

showed an increase in employment of 126.4 percent, while

shrinking establishments exhibited a decrease of –49.7 percent. Together, the two percentages indicate that the industry 

is more volatile than most. 

One striking feature of table 5 is the large increase it shows 

in the relative employment of team assemblers in both growing and shrinking establishments, but especially the former. 

Because, by the very the nature of the occupation, the team 

assembler learns new assembly tasks quickly, it is understandable that this occupation would be popular in employment services. Also, the decline of the manufacturing sector 

has coincided with an increase in employment of production 

workers in employment services in general.

Among both growing and shrinking establishments, telemarketers were a very small percentage of employment in 

the 2000–02 period. However, in shrinking establishments, 

telemarketers were among those with the highest retention 

rate, whereupon they became one of the larger occupations 

in such establishments. This transformation indicates that, in 

employment services, the establishments whose core business is supplying telemarketing workers did not shrink as 

much as others in the industry. 

The other interesting feature the table shows about the employment services industry is the percentages of employment 

in the office and administrative support occupations in growing and shrinking establishments; these occupations are those 

most associated with the traditional role of the temporary services agency. Perhaps surprisingly, the office support occupations were more heavily concentrated in shrinking establishments, where they represented approximately one-third of 

employment in both periods studied, compared with growing 

establishments, where they were only approximately onequarter of employment. These shares suggest that relatively 

successful employment service firms have branched out into 

more diverse staffing activities than relatively unsuccessful 

ones.

Psychiatric hospitals. The healthcare sector is another large 

piece of the economy that has seen enormous changes in the 

last few years. The industry of psychiatric hospitals (NAICS 

6222) is an example of the staffing pattern changes in this 

sector. In psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, growing 

establishments showed an increase in employment of 50.1 

percent, while shrinking ones exhibited a decrease of 21.8 

percent. 

Table 6 shows the staffing patterns for both growing and 

shrinking psychiatric hospitals, and while each employs a 

variety of healthcare professions, such as nurses, in similar 

proportions, the most interesting occupations in this industry 

are the following seven directly related to psychiatry and substance abuse: psychiatrists, psychiatric technicians, psychiatric aides, mental health and substance abuse social workers, 

mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and substance abuse counselors.

During 2000–02, these seven mental-health-specific occupations represented 31.1 percent of industry employment in 

hospitals that were about to shrink and only 17.0 percent of 

employment in hospitals that were about to grow. By 2003–

05, the shares had grown to 38.6 percent and 21.3 percent,

respectively. This increase appears to confirm the hypothesis 

that shrinking establishments tend to concentrate employment in occupations most closely related to their core mission. Growing establishments also increased employment in 

these core occupations, but not at the same rate, and still have 

smaller shares of these workers, indicating that growing establishments are more likely than shrinking establishments to 

diversify their workforce. 

Among the seven occupations listed, the biggest difference in employment between growing and shrinking establishments is exhibited by psychiatric aides and psychiatric 

technicians, which together account for a full 30 percent of 

industry employment in shrinking hospitals, but only 5 percent in growing hospitals. Oddly, psychiatrists themselves 

run counter to the trend of these two support occupations: 

psychiatrists were hired in expanding hospitals and cut in 

contracting ones.

Another possible explanation of the hypothesis that contracting establishments tend to concentrate employment in 

core occupations while expanding establishments tend to diversify among occupations is that hospitals which focus on 

counseling are more likely to grow, while those which focus more on psychiatric activities are more likely to decline. 

The four mental health and substance abuse counseling occupations among the seven listed contributed 15.2 percent of 

industry employment in hospitals that grew, but only a 6.5

percent share in those which shrank. Because these shares 

are roughly reversed in the initial, 2000–02 period, there is 

no causal relationship between whether a hospital focused on 

counseling and its employment growth.Instead, it seems likely that the mix between psychiatric specialists and counselors 

can contribute to the fortunes of the hospital.

It is also possible that the difference is related to ownership: hospitals are unique in this study in that they include 

State and local government-owned hospitals along with private ones. If government-owned hospitals have been more 

likely to expand relative to private ones, the staffing pattern 

differences between government-owned and private hospitals 

would affect the findings of this article. 

Interestingly, both registered nurses and licensed nurses 

had similar employment shares in shrinking and growing hos- 

 Data from QCEW.
10

pitals, each of which saw licensed nurses double in share—an 

unusual situation in that the share of licensed nurses in all 

psychiatric hospitals did not change between 2000–02 and 

2003–05. 

Summary

The tables in the appendix show the occupational employment trends in establishments that grew, and in those which 

shrank between 2002 and 2005. The transportation and material-moving occupations had the largest average increase 

of all occupations in growing establishments, while food 

preparation and serving workers exhibited the largest average decrease of all occupations in shrinking establishments.

The idea that shrinking establishments concentrate on occupations that are most central to their core activities while 

expanding establishments have more liberty to diversify their 

employment suggests an interesting conclusion: it is likely 

that expanding establishments utilize both newer occupations and occupations that were previously unusual to that 

industry, and such dual utilization may be a factor in those 

establishments’ success. Also, as the analysis indicates, in expanding establishments support occupations tend to grow at a 

slower pace than both industry-specific occupations and occupations tied to production and distribution, each of which 

tends to scale more directly. Both of these trends appeared in 

the small selection of industries examined here; whether they 

hold for the majority of industries must remain a subject for 

future research.

Extending the findings

The analysis presented in this article creates more questions 

than it answers. Along with an examination of the core occupations mentioned in the article, two other topics ripe for 

further inquiry are occupational employment in new establishments, an examination of which would show the types 

of jobs being created when new firms begin operating, and 

the final staffing patterns of establishments that have recently 

closed. An examination of the latter topic could in turn be expanded by an investigation into the types of jobs that are destroyed when a firm cuts employment, but before it has shut 

down completely. The analysis presented here also ignores 

a major portion of OES survey data by neglecting wages, 

but the same data set could be used to examine wage differences among shrinking and growing establishments, as well 

as wage differences among workers in the same occupation 

in recently created establishments compared with long-running ones. Linked establishment data from the OES survey 

can provide a variety of unique results regarding occupations 

that are not 
11

Table 1. Cross-industry occupational share in 2000-02 

Share in Share in

Occupation growing contracting Share difference Total share

establishments establishments

 

Chief executives .................................................................................... 0.344 0.319 0.025 0.278

General and operations managers........................................................ 1.674 1.246 .428 1.397

Financial managers ............................................................................... .424 .417 .007 .342

Managers, all other................................................................................ .357 .408 -.051 .271

Management analysts ........................................................................... .179 .368 -.189 .176

All other business operations and human resources specialists........... .465 .669 -.204 .418

Accountants and auditors...................................................................... .624 .525 .099 .521

Computer programmers ........................................................................ .352 .422 -.070 .278

Computer software engineers, applications .......................................... .272 .382 -.110 .222

Computer support specialists ................................................................ .379 .461 -.082 .318

Computer systems analysts .................................................................. .214 .413 -.199 .216

Social and human service assistants .................................................... .258 .408 -.150 .212

Lawyers ................................................................................................. .381 .368 .013 .484

Postsecondary teachers, all other......................................................... .336 .343 -.007 .269

Elementary school teachers, except special education......................... 1.268 .819 .449 2.182

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education ........ .579 .276 .303 .855

Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education . .981 1.334 -.353 1.503

Teachers and instructors, all other......................................................... .337 .787 -.450 .688

Teacher assistants................................................................................. .902 .862 .040 1.638

Registered nurses ................................................................................. 2.859 1.187 1.672 2.207

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................ .684 .376 .308 .566

Home health aides................................................................................. .725 .547 .178 .467

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................................... 1.033 .532 .501 1.058

Medical assistants ................................................................................. .467 .204 .263 .358

Security guards...................................................................................... 1.383 1.035 .348 .850

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving 

 workers................................................................................................ .596 .558 .038 .654

Cooks, fast food..................................................................................... .563 .527 .036 .625

Cooks, restaurant .................................................................................. .499 .472 .027 .585

Food preparation workers...................................................................... .705 .652 .053 .789

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food... 1.635 2.304 -.669 2.067

Waiters and waitresses ......................................................................... 1.545 1.318 .227 1.759

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers ............... .265 .387 -.122 .374

Dishwashers.......................................................................................... .378 .314 .064 .430

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners ........ 1.805 1.674 .131 1.864

Maids and housekeeping cleaners........................................................ .726 .825 -.099 .819

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers........................................... .734 .496 .238 .515

Flight attendants.................................................................................... .023 .395 -.372 .137

Personal and home care aides.............................................................. 1.024 .441 .583 .479

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................... .752 .561 .191 .865

Cashiers ................................................................................................ 2.426 2.007 .419 2.771

Retail salespersons ............................................................................... 2.747 2.153 .594 3.081

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except 

 technical and scientific products.......................................................... .865 .784 .081 .884

Telemarketers........................................................................................ .369 .490 -.121 .222

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative 

 support workers................................................................................... 1.109 .996 .113 1.025

Bill and account collectors..................................................................... .424 .320 .104 .260

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators ................................. .501 .299 .202 .385

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ...................................... 1.288 1.037 .251 1.227

Customer service representatives......................................................... 1.395 1.904 -.509 1.299

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................... 1.016 .759 .257 .902

Production, planning, and expediting clerks.......................................... .183 .343 -.160 .201

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks.................................................... .654 .724 -.070 .620

Stock clerks and order fillers ................................................................. 1.265 1.203 .062 1.371

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants ............................. 1.178 .963 .215 .960

Medical secretaries................................................................................ .337 .126 .211 .394

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................. 1.323 .929 .394 1.431

Office clerks, general............................................................................. 1.895 1.903 -.008 1.960

Office and administrative support workers, all other.............................. .309 .484 -.175 .377

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse.................. .343 .425 -.082 .167

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and 

 extraction workers ............................................................................... .576 .419 .157 .361

Carpenters............................................................................................. .945 .920 .025 .732

Construction laborers ............................................................................ .835 .832 .003 .574

Electricians ............................................................................................ .590 .782 -.192 .529

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters .................................................. .463 .446 .017 .372

Automotive service technicians and mechanics.................................... .343 .283 .060 .518
12

Maintenance and repair workers, general ............................................. .809 .885 -.076 .915

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers.. .532 .720 -.188 .565

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers ................................... .130 .588 -.458 .210

Team assemblers .................................................................................. .937 1.494 -.557 1.029

Assemblers and fabricators, all other.................................................... .340 .614 -.274 .285

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and 

 tenders, metal and plastic.................................................................... .177 .376 -.199 .253

Machinists.............................................................................................. .239 .403 -.164 .291

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................... .297 .449 -.152 .305

Sewing machine operators.................................................................... .171 .355 -.184 .203

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ............................ .332 .672 -.340 .399

Helpers--production workers ................................................................. .281 .439 -.158 .336

Production workers, all other................................................................. .236 .757 -.521 .350

Bus drivers, school ................................................................................ .413 .307 .106 .573

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer.................................................. 1.554 .981 .573 1.079

Truck drivers, light or delivery services ................................................. .635 .552 .083 .686

Industrial truck and tractor operators..................................................... .459 .564 -.105 .489

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand ....................... 1.564 2.310 -.746 1.633

Packers and packagers, hand............................................................... .626 .993 -.367 .731

Table 1. Cross-industry occupational share in 2000-02—Continued 

Share in Share in 

Occupation growing contracting Share difference Total share

establishments establishments
13

Table 2. Cross-industry occupational shares in growing establishments, 2000-02 and 2003-05 

 

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total 

Occupation share share difference difference share

 

Chief executives ................................................................. .344 .246 -.098 -28 .213

General and operations managers..................................... 1.674 1.174 -.500 -30 1.172

Financial managers ............................................................ .424 .346 -.078 -18 .301

Managers, all other............................................................. .357 .280 -.077 -22 .185

All other business operations and human resources 

 specialists......................................................................... .465 .679 .214 46 .554

Accountants and auditors................................................... .624 .680 .056 9 .682

Financial analysts............................................................... .076 .122 .046 61 .099

Computer programmers ..................................................... .352 .274 -.078 -22 .228

Computer support specialists ............................................. .379 .435 .056 15 .332

Mathematicians .................................................................. .001 .007 .006 600 .003

Market research analysts ................................................... .085 .147 .062 73 .134

Environmental science and protection technicians, 

 including health................................................................. .009 .030 .021 233 .018

Lawyers .............................................................................. .381 .173 -.208 -55 .271

Court reporters ................................................................... .001 .004 .003 300 .005

Postsecondary teachers, all other...................................... .336 .483 .147 44 .310

Elementary school teachers, except special education...... 1.268 .899 -.369 -29 1.865

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational 

 education.......................................................................... .579 .413 -.166 -29 .756

Secondary school teachers, except special and 

 vocational education......................................................... .981 .580 -.401 -41 1.237

Teachers and instructors, all other...................................... .337 .727 .390 116 .663

Teacher assistants.............................................................. .902 .928 .026 3 1.403

Registered nurses .............................................................. 2.859 2.700 -.159 -6 2.297

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. .684 .581 -.103 -15 .509

Home health aides.............................................................. .725 1.022 .297 41 .587

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................ 1.033 .998 -.035 -3 1.002

Medical assistants .............................................................. .467 .349 -.118 -25 .311

Security guards................................................................... 1.383 1.391 .008 1 .866

Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective 

 service workers................................................................. .027 .095 .068 252 .059

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and 

 serving workers ................................................................ .596 .341 -.255 -43 .442

Cooks, fast food.................................................................. .563 .384 -.179 -32 .347

Cooks, restaurant ............................................................... .499 .281 -.218 -44 .438

Cooks, all other................................................................... .003 .012 .009 300 .008

Food preparation workers................................................... .705 .434 -.271 -38 .610

Combined food preparation and serving workers, 

 including fast food............................................................. 1.635 1.370 -.265 -16 1.441

Waiters and waitresses ...................................................... 1.545 .854 -.691 -45 1.223

Dishwashers....................................................................... .378 .213 -.165 -44 .295

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping 

 cleaners............................................................................ 1.805 1.686 -.119 -7 1.814

Maids and housekeeping cleaners..................................... .726 .559 -.167 -23 .734

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers........................ .734 .851 .117 16 .584

Travel guides ...................................................................... .001 .005 .004 400 .002

Flight attendants................................................................. .023 .099 .076 330 .150

Child care workers.............................................................. .306 .436 .130 42 .483

Personal and home care aides........................................... 1.024 1.068 .044 4 .484

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers...... .752 .735 -.017 -2 .976

Cashiers ............................................................................. 2.426 2.167 -.259 -11 2.963

Retail salespersons ............................................................ 2.747 3.111 .364 13 3.697

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, 

 except technical and scientific products ........................... .865 .835 -.030 -3 1.032

Telemarketers..................................................................... .369 .344 -.025 -7 .208

First-line supervisors/managers of office and 

 administrative support workers......................................... 1.109 .988 -.121 -11 .988

Bill and account collectors.................................................. .424 .423 -.001 0 .290

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators .............. .501 .449 -.052 -10 .387

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ................... 1.288 1.117 -.171 -13 1.355

Tellers ................................................................................. .327 .475 .148 45 .627

Customer service representatives...................................... 1.395 1.779 .384 28 1.483

Receptionists and information clerks.................................. 1.016 .811 -.205 -20 .806

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks................................. .654 .624 -.030 -5 .628

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.265 1.364 .099 8 1.489

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... 1.178 1.025 -.153 -13 .989

Legal secretaries ................................................................ .211 .071 -.140 -66 .161

Medical secretaries............................................................. .337 .298 -.039 -12 .357
14

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. 1.323 .935 -.388 -29 1.311

Office clerks, general.......................................................... 1.895 2.063 .168 9 2.097

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse .343 .623 .280 82 .209

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades 

 and extraction workers ..................................................... .576 .563 -.013 -2 .414

Carpenters.......................................................................... .945 1.180 .235 25 .782

Construction laborers ......................................................... .835 1.013 .178 21 .659

Operating engineers and other construction equipment 

 operators .......................................................................... .318 .365 .047 15 .262

Electricians ......................................................................... .590 .603 .013 2 .515

Painters, construction and maintenance ............................ .187 .262 .075 40 .230

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters ............................... .463 .474 .011 2 .344

Roofers............................................................................... .128 .150 .022 17 .116

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators................ .001 .006 .005 500 .006

Electronic equipment installers and repairers, 

 motor vehicles .................................................................. .002 .010 .008 400 .015

Automotive service technicians and mechanics................. .343 .266 -.077 -22 .525

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... .809 .862 .053 7 1.086

First-line supervisors/managers of production and 

 operating workers............................................................. .532 .510 -.022 -4 .641

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems 

 assemblers ....................................................................... .025 .076 .051 204 .041

Team assemblers ............................................................... .937 1.441 .504 54 1.187

Assemblers and fabricators, all other................................. .340 .340 .000 0 .284

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................ .297 .348 .051 17 .352

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, 

 and tenders....................................................................... .011 .034 .023 209 .051

Power plant operators ........................................................ .005 .017 .012 240 .027

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ......... .332 .495 .163 49 .471

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders........ .270 .365 .095 35 .329

Helpers--production workers .............................................. .281 .587 .306 109 .506

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, 

 and material movers, hand............................................... .117 .142 .025 21 .143

Commercial pilots............................................................... .012 .046 .034 283 .029

Bus drivers, school ............................................................. .413 .433 .020 5 .528

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer............................... 1.554 1.707 .153 10 1.227

Truck drivers, light or delivery services .............................. .635 .663 .028 4 .701

Conveyor operators and tenders........................................ .056 .035 -.021 -100 .044

Industrial truck and tractor operators.................................. .459 .573 .114 25 .567

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand .... 1.564 2.155 .591 38 1.745

Packers and packagers, hand............................................ .626 .757 .131 21 .721

Table 2. Cross-industry occupational shares in growing establishments, 2000-02 and 2003-05—Continued 

 

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total 

Occupation share share difference difference share
15

Table 3. Cross-industry occupational shares in shrinking establishments, 2000-02 and 2003-05 

 

General and operations managers..................................... 1.246 1.460 0.214 17 1.172

Financial managers ............................................................ .417 .394 -.023 -6 .301

Managers, all other............................................................. .408 .225 -.183 -45 .185

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, 

 and athletes...................................................................... .001 .006 .005 500 .003

Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and 

 farm products.................................................................... .226 .337 .111 49 .204

Management analysts ........................................................ .368 .299 -.069 -19 .206

All other business operations and human resources 

 specialists......................................................................... .669 .755 .086 13 .554

Accountants and auditors................................................... .525 .940 .415 79 .682

Computer programmers ..................................................... .422 .309 -.113 -27 .228

Computer software engineers, applications ....................... .382 .510 .128 34 .254

Computer software engineers, systems software............... .327 .342 .015 5 .184

Computer support specialists ............................................. .461 .463 .002 0 .332

Computer systems analysts ............................................... .413 .401 -.012 -3 .244

Industrial engineers ............................................................ .248 .336 .088 35 .169

Conservation scientists....................................................... .001 .005 .004 400 .002

Social and human service assistants ................................. .408 .194 -.214 -52 .189

Lawyers .............................................................................. .368 .236 -.132 -36 .271

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators .............................. .001 .006 .005 500 .003

Postsecondary teachers, all other...................................... .343 .307 -.036 -10 .310

Elementary school teachers, except special education...... .819 1.527 .708 86 1.865

Secondary school teachers, except special and 

 vocational education......................................................... 1.334 .766 -.568 -43 1.237

Teachers and instructors, all other...................................... .787 .265 -.522 -66 .663

Archivists, curators, and museum technicians ................... .006 .020 .014 233 .018

Teacher assistants.............................................................. .862 .456 -.406 -47 1.403

Registered nurses .............................................................. 1.187 1.308 .121 10 2.297

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. .376 .297 -.079 -21 .509

Home health aides.............................................................. .547 .509 -.038 -7 .587

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................ .532 .466 -.066 -12 1.002

Private detectives and investigators................................... .019 .074 .055 289 .029

Security guards................................................................... 1.035 .935 -.100 -10 .866

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and 

 serving workers ................................................................ .558 .412 -.146 -26 .442

Cooks, fast food.................................................................. .527 .397 -.130 -25 .347

Cooks, restaurant ............................................................... .472 .326 -.146 -31 .438

Food preparation workers................................................... .652 .436 -.216 -33 .610

Bartenders.......................................................................... .237 .206 -.031 -13 .252

Combined food preparation and serving workers, 

 including fast food............................................................. 2.304 1.339 -.965 -42 1.441

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and 

 coffee shop....................................................................... .254 .300 .046 18 .297

Waiters and waitresses ...................................................... 1.318 .884 -.434 -33 1.223

Food servers, nonrestaurant .............................................. .247 .100 -.147 -60 .151

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender 

 helpers.............................................................................. .387 .115 -.272 -70 .259

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping 

 cleaners............................................................................ 1.674 1.591 -.083 -5 1.814

Maids and housekeeping cleaners..................................... .825 .721 -.104 -13 .734

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers........................ .496 .575 .079 16 .584

Slot key persons................................................................. .002 .011 .009 450 .013

Amusement and recreation attendants............................... .267 .115 -.152 -57 .126

Flight attendants................................................................. .395 .565 .170 43 .150

Child care workers.............................................................. .286 .365 .079 28 .483

Personal and home care aides........................................... .441 .368 -.073 -17 .484

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers...... .561 .783 .222 40 .976

Cashiers ............................................................................. 2.007 2.186 .179 9 2.963

Gaming change persons and booth cashiers..................... .016 .005 -.011 -69 .027

Counter and rental clerks ................................................... .234 .316 .082 35 .355

Parts salespersons............................................................. .142 .125 -.017 -12 .211

Retail salespersons ............................................................ 2.153 3.001 .848 39 3.697

Sales representatives, services, all other........................... .209 .446 .237 113 .291

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing,

 except technical and scientific products ........................... .784 1.117 .333 42 1.032

Telemarketers..................................................................... .490 .390 -.100 -20 .208

First-line supervisors/managers of office and 

 administrative support workers......................................... .996 1.116 .120 12 .988

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total

Occupation share share difference difference share

 
1

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total

Occupation share share difference difference share

 

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators .............. .299 .348 .049 16 .387

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ................... 1.037 1.446 .409 39 1.355

Tellers ................................................................................. .317 .606 .289 91 .627

Customer service representatives...................................... 1.904 1.724 -.180 -9 1.483

Eligibility interviewers, government programs .................... .001 .008 .007 700 .004

Receptionists and information clerks.................................. .759 .738 -.021 -3 .806

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and 

 travel clerks ...................................................................... .326 .397 .071 22 .172

Production, planning, and expediting clerks....................... .343 .425 .082 24 .239

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks................................. .724 .871 .147 20 .628

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.203 1.282 .079 7 1.489

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... .963 1.271 .308 32 .989

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. .929 1.027 .098 11 1.311

Office clerks, general.......................................................... 1.903 1.893 -.010 -.1 2.097

Office and administrative support workers, all other........... .484 .137 -.347 -72 .204

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and 

 greenhouse....................................................................... .425 .222 -.203 -48 .209

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades 

 and extraction workers ..................................................... .419 .540 .121 29 .414

Carpenters.......................................................................... .920 .934 .014 2 .782

Construction laborers ......................................................... .832 .794 -.038 -5 .659

Electricians ......................................................................... .782 .822 .040 5 .515

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters ............................... .446 .326 -.120 -27 .344

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners .................. .002 .020 .018 900 .014

Roustabouts, oil and gas.................................................... .017 .056 .039 229 .021

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, 

 and repairers .................................................................... .283 .369 .086 30 .345

Telecommunications equipment installers and 

 repairers, except line installers......................................... .281 .412 .131 47 .144

Industrial machinery mechanics ......................................... .197 .345 .148 75 .237

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... .885 1.150 .265 30 1.086

First-line supervisors/managers of production and 

 operating workers............................................................. .720 .939 .219 30 .641

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers ................ .588 .518 -.070 -12 .196

Team assemblers ............................................................... 1.494 1.647 .153 10 1.187

Assemblers and fabricators, all other................................. .614 .501 -.113 -18 .284

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, 

 operators, and tenders, metal and plastic ........................ .376 .410 .034 9 .281

Machinists........................................................................... .403 .636 .233 58 .381

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................ .449 .454 .005 1 .352

Sewing machine operators................................................. .355 .437 .082 23 .213

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ......... .672 .757 .085 13 .471

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders........ .315 .352 .037 12 .329

Helpers--production workers .............................................. .439 .493 .054 12 .506

Production workers, all other.............................................. .757 .526 -.231 -31 .235

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer............................... .981 1.036 .055 6 1.227

Truck drivers, light or delivery services .............................. .552 .562 .010 2 .701

Industrial truck and tractor operators.................................. .564 .669 .105 19 .567

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand .... 2.310 1.924 -.386 -17 1.745

Packers and packagers, hand............................................ .993 .862 -.131 -13 .721

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators......... .001 .006 .005 500 .003

Table 3. Cross-industry occupational shares in shrinking establishments, 2000-02 and 2003-05—Continued
17

Table 4. Occupational shares in scheduled air transportation (NAICS 4811) 

 

 

Managers, all other............................................................. 3.246 1.014 -2.232 -69 0.348

Management analysts ........................................................ 1.173 2.146 .973 83 .701

All other business operations and human resources 

 specialists......................................................................... 4.170 1.482 -2.688 -64 1.205

Financial specialists, all other............................................. 1.257 .346 -.911 -72 .080

Computer programmers ..................................................... .086 1.033 .947 1101 .236

Computer specialists, all other ........................................... 1.587 .807 -.780 -49 .160

Baggage porters and bellhops............................................ 1.085 .305 -.780 -72 2.486

Flight attendants............................................................... 3.323 16.665 13.342 402 21.952

First-line supervisors/managers of office and 

 administrative support workers......................................... 1.769 1.451 -.318 -18 2.330

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ................... 1.166 .909 -.257 -22 .434

Customer service representatives...................................... 4.580 1.390 -3.190 -70 1.194

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and 

 travel clerks..................................................................... 16.653 12.982 -3.671 -22 17.302

Cargo and freight agents.................................................... 1.089 1.831 .742 68 2.750

Production, planning, and expediting clerks....................... .680 1.125 .445 65 .920

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.926 1.155 -.771 -40 1.132

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. 1.465 .069 -1.396 -95 .115

Office and administrative support workers, all other........... 3.588 1.307 -2.281 -64 .421

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians.................. 23.473 12.506 -10.967 -47 9.495

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... 1.281 1.413 .132 10 1.372

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ......... 1.808 .163 -1.645 -91 .035

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.................. 5.059 11.555 6.496 128 12.951

Commercial pilots............................................................... .040 2.202 2.162 5405 .508

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment .................................. 1.675 2.306 .631 38 1.083

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand .... .037 2.709 2.672 7222 1.631

Material moving workers, all other...................................... 1.511 7.289 5.778 382 2.010

All other business operations and human resources 

 specialists......................................................................... 1.295 1.015 -.280 -22 1.205

Baggage porters and bellhops............................................ 4.825 4.921 .096 2 2.486

Flight attendants............................................................... 24.521 27.477 2.956 12 21.952

First-line supervisors/managers of office and 

 administrative support workers......................................... 1.117 2.169 1.052 94 2.330

Customer service representatives...................................... 5.732 .858 -4.874 -85 1.194

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and

 travel clerks.................................................................... 15.813 15.713 -.100 -1 17.302

Cargo and freight agents.................................................... .795 1.244 .449 56 2.750

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.335 1.671 .336 25 1.132

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians.................. 6.402 10.159 3.757 59 9.495

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... 1.915 2.843 .928 48 1.372

Installation, maintenance, and repair workers, all other..... 7.984 .186 -7.798 -98 .128

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.................. 10.962 10.761 -.201 -2 12.951

Transportation workers, all other........................................ 1.264 6.255 4.991 395 4.217

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment .................................. 1.743 1.827 .084 5 1.083

Material moving workers, all other...................................... .596 2.634 2.038 342 2.010

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians........... 1.340 .000 1.340 – .095

 

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total

Occupation share share difference difference share

 

Growing establishments

Shrinking establishments

Bolded occupations are those specifically related to this industry and highlighted in the text.
18

Table 5. Occupational shares in employment services (NAICS 5613) 

 

 

General and operations managers..................................... 1.043 0.415 -0.628 -60 0.495

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists ........ 1.773 1.119 -.654 -37 1.773

Registered nurses .............................................................. 1.231 2.182 .951 77 1.941

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. .509 1.001 .492 97 1.069

Security guards................................................................... .759 1.058 .299 39 .739

Cooks, short order.............................................................. 1.085 .010 -1.075 -99 .004

Waiters and waitresses ...................................................... 1.043 .234 -.809 -78 .207

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and 

 housekeeping cleaners..................................................... 1.850 1.334 -.516 -28 1.212

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers........................ 3.570 .402 -3.168 -89 .166

Telemarketers..................................................................... .668 .346 -.322 -48 .611

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ................... 1.177 .787 -.390 -33 .873

Customer service representatives...................................... 2.628 3.255 .627 24 3.170

Receptionists and information clerks.................................. 2.388 1.559 -.829 -35 2.114

Information and record clerks, all other.............................. .347 1.345 .998 288 1.815

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks................................. .794 2.059 1.265 159 1.639

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.588 1.234 -.354 -22 1.220

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... 2.407 1.593 -.814 -34 2.370

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. 2.122 1.628 -.494 -23 1.567

Data entry keyers ............................................................... 1.643 1.544 -.099 -6 1.932

Office clerks, general.......................................................... 4.412 6.182 1.770 40 6.121

Carpenters.......................................................................... 1.587 .705 -.882 -56 .678

Construction laborers ......................................................... 1.664 1.575 -.089 -5 2.018

Team assemblers ............................................................... .796 9.214 8.418 1058 7.676

Assemblers and fabricators, all other................................. 3.267 1.122 -2.145 -66 .924

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, 

 and tenders, metal and plastic.......................................... 1.042 .150 -.892 -86 .073

Machinists........................................................................... .899 1.097 .198 22 .731

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ......... .976 1.115 .139 14 .983

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders........ 1.820 1.884 .064 4 1.645

Helpers--production workers .............................................. 1.966 5.777 3.811 194 4.415

Production workers, all other.............................................. 1.392 3.136 1.744 125 3.181

Industrial truck and tractor operators.................................. .993 1.310 .317 32 1.149

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand .... 11.643 11.258 -.385 -3 12.342

Packers and packagers, hand............................................ 7.849 5.918 -1.931 -25 5.307

 

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists ........ .643 2.604 1.961 305 1.773

All other life, physical, and social science technicians ....... 1.003 .038 -.965 -96 .069

Registered nurses .............................................................. 1.416 2.581 1.165 82 1.941

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. 1.873 1.560 -.313 -17 1.069

Home health aides.............................................................. 1.126 1.696 .570 51 .713

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................ 2.591 1.595 -.996 -38 .978

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping 

 cleaners............................................................................ 1.062 1.246 .184 17 1.212

Telemarketers..................................................................... .288 1.531 1.243 432 .611

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks ................... 1.664 .919 -.745 -45 .873

Customer service representatives...................................... 1.546 2.565 1.019 66 3.170

File clerks ........................................................................... 1.206 1.324 .118 10 .793

Receptionists and information clerks.................................. 2.331 3.188 .857 37 2.114

Information and record clerks, all other.............................. .312 2.280 1.968 631 1.815

Stock clerks and order fillers .............................................. 1.412 .865 -.547 -39 1.220

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... 2.184 4.562 2.378 109 2.370

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. 4.079 1.870 -2.209 -54 1.567

Data entry keyers ............................................................... 2.358 2.158 -.200 -8 1.932

Office clerks, general.......................................................... 7.473 6.538 -.935 -13 6.121

Office and administrative support workers, all other........... 1.047 .200 -.847 -81 .403

Construction laborers ......................................................... 2.130 2.268 .138 6 2.018

Team assemblers ............................................................... 1.142 5.460 4.318 378 7.676

Assemblers and fabricators, all other................................. 2.961 .271 -2.690 -91 .924

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, 

 operators, and tenders, metal and plastic ........................ 1.247 1.077 -.170 -14 1.220

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders........ 1.598 1.186 -.412 -26 1.645

Helpers--production workers .............................................. 1.480 2.697 1.217 82 4.415

Production workers, all other.............................................. 3.379 3.569 .190 6 3.181

Industrial truck and tractor operators.................................. .567 1.160 .593 105 1.149

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand .... 17.748 13.355 -4.393 -25 12.342

Packers and packagers, hand............................................ 5.839 3.611 -2.228 -38 5.307

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total

Occupation share share difference difference share

 

Growing establishments

Shrinking establishments
19

Table 6. Occupational shares in psychiatric hospitals (NAICS 6222) 

 

Medical and health services managers .............................. 2.538 1.456 -1.082 -43 1.753

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors 1.190 3.922 2.732 230 1.524

Mental health counselors ................................................ 2.247 5.762 3.515 156 1.635

Rehabilitation counselors................................................ 1.010 1.079 .069 7 .471

Child, family, and school social workers ............................. .526 1.088 .562 107 .793

Medical and public health social workers ........................... .568 2.341 1.773 312 1.166

Mental health and substance abuse social workers..... 4.308 4.401 .093 2 3.976

Social and human service assistants ................................. 3.513 2.115 -1.398 -40 2.632

Community and social service specialists, all other ........... .095 1.857 1.762 1855 .440

Teachers and instructors, all other...................................... 1.796 .754 -1.042 -58 .305

Psychiatrists ..................................................................... 1.160 1.033 .873 546 1.819

Registered nurses .............................................................. 1.497 11.661 .164 1 12.796

Recreational therapists....................................................... 1.302 .846 -.456 -35 1.228

Psychiatric technicians.................................................... 4.100 3.413 -.687 -17 8.943

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. 2.141 4.849 2.708 126 3.757

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................ 2.324 15.718 13.394 576 3.796

Psychiatric aides .............................................................. 3.999 1.662 -2.337 -58 12.012

Medical assistants .............................................................. .410 1.956 1.546 377 .193

Healthcare support workers, all other................................. 16.999 .249 -16.750 -99 .742

Cooks, institution and cafeteria .......................................... 1.014 .651 -.363 -36 1.096

Food servers, nonrestaurant .............................................. 4.163 .125 -4.038 -97 .850

Maids and housekeeping cleaners..................................... 4.545 2.946 -1.599 -35 1.449

First-line supervisors/managers of office and 

 administrative support workers......................................... 1.007 .633 -.374 -37 .667

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... .725 1.209 .484 67 1.058

Office clerks, general.......................................................... .623 1.025 .402 65 1.372

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... 1.118 1.085 -.033 -3 1.510

Combined food preparation and serving workers, 

 Including fast food ............................................................ .000 1.655 1.655 – .719

 

Medical and health services managers .............................. 1.643 1.599 -.044 -3 1.753

Managers, all other............................................................. 1.081 .187 -.894 -83 .264

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists................... 3.726 1.602 -2.124 -57 1.764

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors 1.162 2.169 1.007 87 1.524

Mental health counselors ................................................ 2.994 .552 -2.442 -82 1.635

Rehabilitation counselors................................................ 1.174 .277 -.897 -76 .471

Mental health and substance abuse social workers..... 6.139 3.469 -2.670 -43 3.976

Social and human service assistants ................................. 2.697 2.256 -.441 -16 2.632

Community and social service specialists, all other ........... 3.154 .455 -2.699 -86 .440

Psychiatrists ..................................................................... 2.384 1.445 -.939 -39 1.819

Registered nurses .............................................................. 11.092 10.744 -.348 -3 12.796

Recreational therapists....................................................... 1.377 1.325 -.052 -4 1.228

All other health diagnosing and treating practitioners......... 1.150 .254 -.896 -78 .298

Psychiatric technicians.................................................... 4.994 9.516 4.522 91 8.943

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses............. 2.944 4.496 1.552 53 3.757

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................ .609 1.535 .926 1522 3.796

Psychiatric aides .............................................................. 12.240 21.179 8.939 73 12.012

Healthcare support workers, all tther.................................. 2.476 .216 -2.260 -91 .742

Security guards................................................................... 5.382 1.793 -3.589 -67 2.151

Combined food preparation and serving workers,

 including fast food............................................................. .052 1.027 .975 1875 .719

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and 

 housekeeping cleaners..................................................... 2.415 2.395 -.020 -1 1.901

Recreation workers............................................................. .240 2.038 1.798 749 .407

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants .......... .412 1.506 1.094 266 1.058

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.............. 3.565 .764 -2.801 -79 1.555

Word processors and typists .............................................. 1.176 .145 -1.031 -88 .727

Office clerks, general.......................................................... .940 2.778 1.838 196 1.372

Maintenance and repair workers, general .......................... 1.096 2.135 1.039 95 1.510

Child, family, and school social workers ............................. 1.549 .000 -1.719 – .793

Protective service workers, all other................................... .000 4.561 4.651 – .262

 Bolded occupations are those specifically related to this industry and highlighted in the text.

 2000-02 2003-05 Share Percent Total

Occupation share share difference difference share

 

Shrinking establishments

Growing establishments
20

Wages and Employment of Workers in 

Automobile Manufacturing

By Jeffrey Holt

Jeffrey Holt is an economist in the Division of Occupational Employment 

Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

1

 This figure does not include company headquarters, sales, or distribution 

centers. This article was written with data collected in May 2005 by the 

Occupational Employment Statistics program. 

The 1.1 million1 workers employed in automobile manufacturing in the United States in 2005 received, on average, a wage that was 11 percent higher than the U.S. 

average. Autoworkers earned a mean hourly wage of $20.53, 

whereas the U.S. mean hourly wage for all occupations across 

all industries was $18.21. This wage premium, however, was 

not evenly distributed across all automobile manufacturing 

occupations: employees in less skilled occupations were paid 

more than their counterparts in other industries, while those 

in highly skilled occupations, such as engineers, were paid 

less than their counterparts in other industries. This article 

examines employment and wages in three groups of the automobile manufacturing industry—motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361), motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362), and motor vehicle parts manufacturing 

(NAICS 3363)—for various occupations.

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 3363), the 

largest industry group, accounted for 693,120 workers, or 

62 percent of the industry’s workforce. The mean hourly 

wage paid to these workers fell between the other two industry groups at $19.79. The 256,700 workers in motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361) were paid the highest 

mean hourly wage of $25.03. Finally, motor vehicle body 

and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) employed the fewest workers in automobile manufacturing and paid the lowest 

mean hourly wage. This industry group employed 168,840 

workers, or 15 percent of the industry’s workforce. These 

workers earned a mean hourly wage of $16.73. The variation 

in employment and wages persisted when looking at individual occupations.

Engineering managers accounted for a small percentage of 

the automobile manufacturing industry with 5,140 workers. 

Their mean hourly wage of $46.09 was very high in comparison to the rest of the industry. However, this wage was 

lower than the cross-industry mean hourly wage of $50.71. 

Engineering managers were an example of workers in higher 

skilled occupations who received a lower wage in automobile 

manufacturing than their counterparts in other industries.

The wages and employment of engineering managers 

fluctuated between the three industry groups. Motor vehicle 

manufacturing (NAICS 3361) employed a total of 610 engineering managers, earning a mean hourly wage of $50.36, 

the highest of the three industry groups. Motor vehicle parts 

manufacturing (NAICS 3363) employed the largest number 

of engineering managers with a total of 3,960. These managers earned a mean hourly wage of $46.18. Motor vehicle 

body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) employed the 

fewest engineering managers and paid the lowest wage. This 

industry group employed 570 engineering managers and paid 

a mean hourly wage of $40.90.

Another well-paying occupation in the automobile manufacturing industry in 2005 was industrial production managers. According to the Standard Occupational Classification 

Manual, 2000, industrial production managers planned, directed, or coordinated the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, 

quality, and quantity specifications. As with engineering 

managers, they represented a small percentage of employment in the automobile manufacturing industry with total 

employment of 8,270. The wages that they earned were 

high, in comparison to the rest of the automobile manufacturing industry, with a mean hourly wage of $38.29. Industrial 

production managers were another example of workers in a 

higher skilled position earning a lower wage in the automobile industry than across all industries. As mentioned, their 

mean hourly wage in automobile manufacturing was $38.29, 

whereas in other industries, their mean hourly wage was 

slightly higher at $39.41.

A more pronounced variation in wages and employment 

was present depending on which industry group employed 

industrial production managers. The industry group that paid 

the highest wages for this occupation was motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361). The 1,550 workers in this group 

earned a mean hourly wage of $41.67. Motor vehicle parts 
21

manufacturing (NAICS 3363) employed the most industrial 

production managers with a total of 5,490. These managers 

earned a mean hourly wage of $38.31. Finally, motor vehicle 

body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) employed the 

fewest industrial production managers and paid the lowest 

mean hourly wage. These 1,230 managers earned a mean 

hourly wage of $33.94.

An integral part of automobile manufacturing is the 

production of the vehicle’s engine. In 2005, the automobile manufacturing industry employed 16,570 engine and 

other machine assemblers who earned a mean hourly wage 

of $19.51. This wage surpassed the mean hourly wage of 

$17.38 earned by engine and other machine assemblers who 

worked in other industries.

Another large employer of engine and other machine assemblers was agriculture, construction, and mining machinery 

manufacturing (NAICS 333100), which paid a mean hourly 

wage of $16.11. Other general purpose machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333900) also employed a large number of engine and other machine assemblers and paid a mean hourly 

wage of $15.04. This was an example of a lower skilled, 

lower paid occupation that received higher wages in the automobile manufacturing industry than in other industries.

 In 2005, motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361) was 

the largest employer of engine and other machine assemblers 

with a total of 8,250 people employed. These workers were 

paid higher wages than their counterparts in the other two 

industry groups with a mean hourly wage of $21.36. Motor 

vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 3363) employed 7,590 

engine and other machine assemblers and paid a mean hourly 

wage of $17.98. Finally, motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) employed the fewest engine and 

other machine assemblers and, also, paid the lowest mean 

hourly wage. There were 730 engine and other machine assemblers working in this industry group who earned a mean 

hourly wage of $14.47, in this case, less than the cross-industry average.

Employment and wages for engine and other machine assemblers varied dramatically by State. Kansas paid the highest mean hourly wage of $22.61, while Nebraska paid the 

lowest mean hourly wage of $11.04. Ohio was the largest 

employer of engine and other machine assemblers with 3,360 

people employed, and Iowa employed the highest concentration of these workers with a total of 2,020.

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers made up roughly 

3 percent of the total automobile manufacturing employment 

with 36,490 workers. They earned a cross-industry group 

mean hourly wage of $15.72. As seen previously in different 

occupations, employment and wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers can vary widely across industry groups. 

Motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361) employed the 

fewest of these workers with an employment count of 3,250 

yet paid the highest mean hourly wage of $20.65. Motor 

vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) employed the highest number of welders, cutters, solderers, and 

brazers, with a total of 18,650. This industry group also paid 

the lowest mean hourly wage, $13.77. Finally, motor vehicle 

parts manufacturing (NAICS 3363) employed 14,590 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers and paid a mean hourly 

wage of $17.11.

The largest occupation by employment in the automobile manufacturing industry in 2005 was team assemblers. 

Team assemblers accounted for 211,100 workers, or roughly 

19 percent of total industry employment. Team assemblers 

working in the automobile manufacturing industry earned a 

much higher wage than their counterparts working in other 

industries. The mean hourly automobile industry wage for 

these workers was $15.31, roughly 18 percent higher than the 

cross-industry mean hourly wage of $12.50.

Motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 3361) employed 

60,530 team assemblers and paid the highest mean hourly 

wage, $19.98. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing employed 

the most team assemblers with a total of 107,740, while motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 3362) 

employed the fewest assemblers with a total of 42,830. The 

wage level for team assemblers did not vary significantly between motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing and motor vehicle parts manufacturing; however, it was significantly 

lower than motor vehicle manufacturing.

The mean hourly wage and employment counts for team 

assemblers varied widely by State. Delaware paid the highest wage with a mean hourly wage of $17.56, while Michigan placed second on the list paying a mean hourly wage of 

$14.50 and employing a total of 54,110. California employed 

the most team assemblers with 95,710 of these workers.

Some occupations had a greater dispersion of wages than 

others. For instance, the mean hourly wage for electricians 

fluctuated by as much as $11.18 between the three industry 

groups. Conversely, the mean hourly wage for helpers–production workers as well as fiberglass laminators and fabricators 

did not vary significantly between the three industry groups.

Employment concentration between industry groups varied widely by occupation in 2005. Employment for computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic, was 

heavily weighted towards one industry group, motor vehicle 

parts manufacturing, which employed 14,710 of these workers, or 91 percent of their total in the automobile manufacturing industry. Similarly, employment of electrical and electronic equipment assemblers was not equally divided between 

industry groups. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 

3363) accounted for 8,790 workers, or 88 percent of electrical and electronic equipment assemblers’ employment in the 

automobile manufacturing industry. Employment for industrial engineering technicians was also similarly distributed. 

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 3363) employed 

4,140 technicians, or 82 percent of the auto manufacturing 

workers in this occupation.

Variations existed in the employment and wages of autoworkers across the three industry groups as well as in comparison to cross-industry employment and wages. On average, 
22

workers in the automobile manufacturing industry earned a 

wage 11 percent higher than workers doing the same job in 

other industries. However, this increase did not extend to all 

occupations in the industry. Higher skilled occupations were 

often paid less than their cross-industry counterparts, while 

lower skilled occupations received a higher wage than their 

counterparts in other industries. Mean wages also varied, 

sometimes dramatically, in the same occupation across different industry groups. Likewise, employment fluctuations 

were very common within the three industry groups. 
23

Wage and Employment Patterns in 

the Mining Sector

By Dina Itkin

Dina Itkin is an economist in the Division of Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics

The mining sector plays an important role in different 

areas of today’s U.S. labor market, as it did historically during the Nation’s development. As of May 2005, 

the mining sector employed a total of 539,960 people nationwide. The average hourly wage for all occupations, ranging 

from civil engineers to food preparation workers, is $21.73, 

but varies by occupation. This average places the mining sector in the top third of all 20 sectors of the economy. Occupational wages within the mining sector vary by location and 

industry. Wages for the highest-paying occupations in mining 

are higher than average, while wages for the lowest-paying 

occupations in mining are lower than average. Wages for occupations such as mining laborers are generally higher than 

wages of laborers with similar skill levels who work in other 

industries. 

Occupations in the mining sector

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey reports data for 245 occupations in the mining sector, ranging 

from management and legal occupations to production and 

transportation occupations. Among the most important occupations in the sector are mining laborers. Fifteen occupations 

in particular perform the labor-intensive tasks that are vital 

to the structure of the mining industry and account for onequarter of mining employment. One of them, roustabouts—

found mainly in the oil and gas extraction industry—is the 

largest occupation in the mining sector. These workers, who 

assemble or repair oil field equipment, number 29,170 in 

the mining sector and slightly more than 4,000 in all other 

industries. The 15 mining laborer occupations consist of 13 

occupations employing extraction workers and two occupations employing transportation and material moving workers. Mining laborers must be able to perform physical labor 

in dangerous conditions and are usually not required to possess a high school diploma. Most skills are learned on the 

job and are supplemented by a requisite 40 hours of formal 

safety training.1 The mining laborer occupations are listed in 

table 1 and include rotary drill operators, who have the highest laborer average hourly wage, $19.34; continuous mining 

machine operators, who rip materials from the mine face 

and load it onto conveyors or into shuttle cars; mining roof 

bolters, who install roof support bolts in underground mines; 

explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters, 

who detonate explosives to demolish structures or to displace 

earth; mine cutting and channeling machine operators, who 

cut or channel along the faces or seams of mines or quarries to facilitate the blasting of materials from the mines; all 

other mining machine operators; earth drillers, except those 

drilling for oil or gas; all other extraction workers; oil and 

gas derrick operators, who rig derrick equipment and operate 

pumps to circulate mud through drill holes; oil, gas, and mining service unit operators; helpers of extraction workers, who 

help extraction craft workers by performing duties of lesser 

skill; quarry rock splitters; oil and gas roustabouts; shuttle 

car operators, who operate shuttle cars in underground mines 

to transport materials from working faces to mine cars or a 

conveyor; and loading machine operators in underground 

mining, who load coal, ore, or rock into cars or onto conveyors. The weighted mean wage for these 15 mining laborer 

occupations is $16.21.

Wages for mining laborers vary by industry within the 

mining sector, which consists of three subsectors: oil and gas 

extraction (NAICS industry code 211000), mining, except 

oil and gas (NAICS code 212000), and support activities for 

mining (NAICS code 213000). Of these three subsectors, the 

largest is mining, except oil and gas, employing 39 percent 

of the mining sectors’ workers. This subsector comprises the 

coal mining, metal ore mining, and nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying industries. The oil and gas extraction subsector has the highest mean hourly wage: $30.34. Average 

wages in mining, except oil and gas, and in support activities for mining are $19.29 and $19.13, respectively. Table 1 

breaks down mining laborer wages by subsector. 

1

 “Mining,” Career Guide to Industries (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

2006–07); on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs004.htm#training. 

(Visited on September 5, 2006.)
24

Comparison of wages in mining sector with wages 

across all industries

Although mining laborers are employed primarily by the mining industries, many other important mining occupations are 

found across numerous industries. Overall, more than half of 

all occupations in mining have average wages that exceed 

their national cross-industry averages. Separately examining 

the highest- and lowest-paid mining occupations produces 

interesting results.

Not surprisingly, the top-paying occupations in the industry are not labor intensive, but professional: lawyers, several 

types of managers, physicists, engineers, and geoscientists, 

among others. As an example, lawyers in mining establishments are among the highest-paid workers in mining occupations and earn more than the average in other industries. 

In the mining sector, they make an average of $134,630 

annually (among the highest they are paid by any industry), whereas the cross-industrial average annual salary for 

lawyers is $110,520. The high wages paid by mining firms 

might result from a greater demand for lawyers, as reflected 

in the occupation’s employment levels. Mining has one of 

the five highest employment concentrations of lawyers, behind the professional services, public administration, and two 

business industries, as shown in table 2. In comparison with 

other laborer-intensive industries, mining employs the greatest proportion of lawyers. Almost 0.2 percent of the mining 

industry is composed of lawyers, while manufacturing employs only 0.03 percent, transportation and warehousing 0.02 

percent, construction 0.01 percent, and agriculture less than 

0.01 percent. 

Besides lawyers, many mining occupations with the highest mean wages are paid more than they receive in any other 

industry. Among these occupations are geoscientists, natural 

sciences managers, public relations managers, and other managers. The higher wages could represent a higher demand for 

these workers, as is the case with lawyers; an incentive to 

attract higher quality professional workers; or the sharing of 

relatively high mining industry profits.2

Measuring the absolute wage differences among the diverse set of mining occupations, however, does not take into 

account differences in earning levels. For a manager or engineer earning a high annual salary, a few cents or dollars 

deviating from the cross-industry hourly average might not 

seem substantial. On the other hand, for occupations earning 

close to the minimum wage, a difference of a few cents or 

$1.00 per hour might be important. Therefore, a better measure of the wage difference is the percentage difference, or 

premium, between the mining industry wage and the crossindustry average. The occupations with the highest percent 

wage premiums are hazardous materials removal workers 

(with an 80% wage premium); sales workers; vehicle and 

equipment cleaners; stock clerks and order fillers; real estate 

sales agents; managers of property, real estate, and community associations; and geoscientists. 

At the other end of the spectrum, many of the lowest-paid 

mining occupations are paid lower mean wages than their 

national cross-industry counterparts. Among the lowest-paying mining occupations—those earning under $10 hourly, on 

average—are office machine workers; nursing aides; farm 

workers and laborers of crops or nurseries; tool grinders and 

filers; landscaping and groundskeeping workers; recreational 

Table 1. Average hourly wages in mining subsectors 

“--” indicates no employment or data not available. 

Occupation Average hourly wage 

Mining sector Oil and gas Coal Metal ore Nonmetal Support

Roustabouts, oil and gas...................................... $12.83 $14.03 — — — $12.63

Helpers, extraction workers.................................. 14.21 12.31 16.93 15.24 12.33 13.46

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining.......... 16.53 18.53 — — — 16.28

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas......................... 19.34 20.89 — — — 19.15

Derrick operators, oil and gas............................... 17.17 17.82 — — — 17.10

Continuous mining machine operators................. 18.89 — 19.03 21.73 16.52 16.02

Extraction workers, all other................................. 17.62 20.47 15.21 20.67 15.88 17.89

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators.. 18.31 — 19.80 20.90 16.03 15.45

Earth drillers, except oil and gas .......................... 17.64 — 17.26 21.44 16.25 17.49

Roof bolters, mining.............................................. 18.85 — 18.69 23.70 22.79 18.49

Shuttle car operators ............................................ 18.58 — 18.45 — 23.70 —

Rock splitters, quarry............................................ 13.59 — 16.29 — 13.50 —

Mining machine operators, all other ..................... 18.10 — 20.03 20.03 16.76 12.80

Loading machine operators in underground 

 mining................................................................. 17.44 — 17.65 — 16.88 —

Explosives workers, ordnance handling workers, 

 and blasters........................................................ 18.70 — 19.77 21.95 16.38 17.89

2

 Quarterly Financial Report for Manufacturing, Mining, and Trade 

Corporations: 2006, “Table D. Annual Rates of Profit on Stockholders’ 

Equity for Corporations in NAICS Manufacturing, Mining, and Trade, by 

Sector, Select Subsectors, and Select Industry Groups (U.S. Census Bureau, 

June 2006), p. 19; on the Internet at http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/

qfr06q1.pdf. (Visited on September 5, 2006.)
25

workers; and protective service workers. There is an overlap between these occupations and the occupations with the 

greatest negative wage premiums: office machine operators, 

medical assistants, nursing aides, assemblers and fabricators, 

and landscaping and groundskeeping workers. Notwithstanding this phenomenon, some relatively low-paying mining 

occupations have the highest percent wage premiums. For 

cleaners and stock clerks, for example, whose wages in mining are otherwise low, the positive deviation from the crossindustry mean wage is valuable. 

In between the high- and low-paying occupations lie the 

mining laborer occupations, with average wages as shown 

in table 1. Because mining laborers are rarely found in other 

industries, it is difficult to compare their wages with those 

of people doing the same work in other industries. Table 3 

shows that, with the exception of two occupations (earth 

drillers; and explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, 

Table 3. Mining laborer employment, mean wage of sector, and cross-industry mean wage 

Employment Mean wage

Mining laborer occupation Mining Cross- Percent in Mining Crosssector industry mining sector sector industry

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas................................... 14,680 15,500 94.71 $19.34 $19.81 

Continuous mining machine operators .......................... 8,490 9,000 94.33 18.89 18.67

Roof bolters, mining........................................................ 4,130 4,140 99.76 18.85 18.84

Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and 

 blasters......................................................................... 1,510 4,800 31.46 18.70 19.33

Shuttle car operators. ..................................................... 2,920 3,100 94.19 18.58 18.28

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators............ 5,740 6,080 94.41 18.31 18.12

Mining machine operators, all other .............................. 2,160 2,450 88.16 18.10 18.26

Earth drillers, except oil and gas ................................... 5,090 18,800 27.07 17.64 17.20

Extraction workers, all other .......................................... 6,810 9,060 75.17 17.62 17.32

Loading machine operators, underground mining ......... 2,050 2,390 85.77 17.44 17.47

Derrick operators, oil and gas ........................................ 12,960 13,270 97.66 17.17 17.16

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining ................... 18,200 19,530 93.19 16.53 16.61

Helpers—extraction workers ......................................... 19,670 25,550 76.99 14.21 13.76

Rock splitters, quarry ..................................................... 2,370 3,600 65.83 13.59 13.56

Roustabouts, oil and gas ............................................... 29,170 33,570 86.89 12.83 12.71 

Table 2. Employment and mean wages of lawyers 

Total employed Percentage Hourly mean 

Industry sector* employed in employed as wage of 

sector lawyers lawyers

54 - Professional, scientific, and technical services .............................................. 6,928,030 5.23292% $55.99

92 - Public administration ...................................................................................... 9,439,900 1.11419% 41.30

55 - Management of companies and enterprises .................................................. 1,739,370 0.68530% 62.22

52 - Finance and insurance .................................................................................. 5,863,340 0.35578% 55.40

21 - Mining............................................................................................................ 539,960 0.19533% 64.73

22 - Utilities............................................................................................................ 552,440 0.12552% 62.08

81 - Other services (except public administration) ................................................ 3,811,110 0.11281% 45.75

51 - Information .................................................................................................... 3,081,510 0.10971% 65.24

53 - Real estate and rental and leasing ................................................................ 2,108,600 0.08102% 62.28

56- Administrative and support, and waste management and 

 remediation services ..................................................................................... 8,102,250 0.05929% 51.50

31 - 33 Manufacturing.......................................................................................... 14,262,510 0.02691% 65.32

42 - Wholesale trade ............................................................................................ 5,736,020 0.02447% 65.78

48 and 49 - Transportation and warehousing .................................................. 5,131,180 0.02325% 57.21

62 - Healthcare and social assistance .................................................................. 15,233,920 0.02073% 39.25

71 - Arts, entertainment, and recreation ............................................................... 1,843,720 0.01560% 56.19

61 - Educational services ..................................................................................... 12,137,420 0.01506% 47.44

23 - Construction................................................................................................. 7,215,240 0.00969% 57.19

44 and 45 - Retail trade......................................................................................... 15,369,450 0.00182% 55.18

11 - Agricultural ................................................................................................... 369,310 0.00171% 51.62 

72 - Accommodation and food services ................................................................ 10,842,570 0.00055% 61.23

* Boldface type indicates similar industries
26

and blasters), mining laborers are employed primarily by 

the mining sector and therefore have cross-industry wages 

similar to their wages in the mining industry. The two exceptions have average wages that exceed the cross-industry 

averages by almost $0.50 per hour. Although it is relatively 

easy to compare the wages of the highest- and lowest-paid 

occupations in mining with the wages of their counterparts 

in other industries, it remains difficult to do so for mining 

laborers because of their absence in other industries. Instead, 

a comparison with the wages of workers in similar laborer 

occupations is instructive. Also, an analysis at the national, 

State, and area levels indicates whether wage differences are 

a result of geographic location. 

Because it is difficult to perform a cross-industry analysis of mining laborers, it is useful to compare mining laborer 

wages with wages of occupations with similar background 

training or education requirements or with similar physical 

demands. Although the nature of mining labor is unique to the 

mining industry in terms of the tasks performed and the work 

environment, many other occupations require comparable 

levels of training. Among these occupations are production 

workers (mean wage, $14.37); transportation and material 

moving workers (mean wage, $13.85); farming, fishing, and 

forestry occupations (mean wage, $10.10); personal care and 

service workers (mean wage, $10.67); building and grounds 

cleaning and maintenance workers (mean wage, $10.55); and 

food preparation and serving workers (mean wage, $8.58). 

Occupations that require similar physical exertion include 

construction laborers (an occupation that requires more train3

 Data from the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages 

(QCEW).

Table 4. Employment and wages of mining laborers, by State

Statewide Mining Percentage of Cross-industry Mean wage Percent 

State employment laborer mining laborers mean paid to mining wage 

employment employed wage laborers difference

Wyoming................................................ 251,590 6,980 2.78 15.84 17.75 12.06

West Virginia ......................................... 697,390 7,810 1.12 14.69 17.90 21.85

New Mexico........................................... 763,430 6,290 .82 15.95 15.95 .00

Oklahoma .............................................. 1,455,940 8,160 .56 15.12 15.68 3.70

Louisiana ............................................... 1,877,160 10,080 .54 15.11 17.16 13.57

Alaska.................................................... 300,150 1,420 .47 20.55 23.35 13.63

Texas ..................................................... 9,424,510 40,060 .43 17.05 14.64 –14.13

North Dakota ......................................... 328,520 1,320 .40 14.83 18.48 24.61

Montana................................................. 414,650 1,520 .37 14.53 18.46 27.05

Kentucky................................................ 1,754,590 6,180 .35 15.65 16.34 4.41

Utah....................................................... 1,099,230 2,940 .27 16.48 17.87 8.43

Nevada .................................................. 1,191,640 3,000 .25 16.71 21.04 25.91

Kansas................................................... 1,315,640 2,660 .20 16.33 13.31 –18.49

Colorado................................................ 2,151,520 3,910 .18 19.36 17.93 –7.39

Mississippi ............................................. 1,108,540 1,980 .18 13.99 12.94 –7.51

Arkansas................................................ 1,142,370 1,330 .12 14.31 13.81 –3.49

Pennsylvania ......................................... 5,569,310 6,270 .11 17.46 15.60 –10.65

Alabama ................................................ 1,872,600 1,990 .11 15.54 17.73 14.09

Virginia................................................... 3,535,500 2,830 .08 19.11 16.02 –16.17

Idaho...................................................... 597,490 440 .07 15.89 18.84 18.57

Vermont ................................................. 297,650 190 .07 16.86 18.96 12.46

Illinois..................................................... 5,767,100 3,120 .05 18.89 16.71 –11.54

Ohio....................................................... 5,340,280 2,260 .04 17.44 14.64 –16.06

California ............................................... 14,723,900 5,270 .04 20.44 19.03 –6.90

Michigan ................................................ 4,334,870 1,190 .03 19.25 14.89 –22.65

Tennessee ............................................. 2,686,580 570 .02 15.99 14.59 –8.76

New York ............................................... 8,333,460 710 .01 21.18 15.43 –27.15

ing); hazardous material removal workers; heavy truck and 

tractor trailer drivers; helpers of construction trades; and hand 

laborers and movers of freight, stock, and materials. Wages 

for these occupations range from $17.90 for hazardous material movers to $10.80 for hand laborers and movers of freight, 

stock, and materials. With an average wage of $16.21, mining 

laborers are near the top. Although this comparison takes into 

account training and physical exertion, it does not account for 

differences in wages due to geographic location. 

Mining laborer wages at the State level

Wage disparities among mining laborer occupations may 

exist because the occupations are in different areas. Mining 

employment is found only in specific geographic locations. 

In 2005, the States employing the greatest number of workers in the overall privately owned mining sector were Texas 

(164,181), Louisiana (42,521), Oklahoma (36,060), West 

Virginia (24,862), California (22,077), Kentucky (20,911), 

Pennsylvania (18,843), New Mexico (16,860), Ohio (10,782), 

Nevada (10,559), Alaska (10,518), and Virginia (8,754).3 The 

relative importance of mining and mining laborers is not reflected in the absolute numbers. For example, 22,000 workers 

in West Virginia may have a larger impact on the local economy than do 22,000 in California. The proportion of mining 

laborers employed in each State is a better indicator of the 
27

Table 5. States with highest employment and mean hourly wages for mining laborers

States with highest—

Mining laborer occupation

Employment Mean cross-industry wages 

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas Texas, 6,010 Alaska, $28.23

Louisiana, 1,990 California, 23.69

Oklahoma, 1,300 Washington, 21.96

Pennsylvania, 700 Utah, 21.60

Continuous mining machine operators West Virginia, 1,750 Illinois, 22.33

Nevada, 1,370 Nevada, 22.25

Pennsylvania, 910 Wyoming, 21.59

Virginia, 630 California, 20.04

Roof bolters, mining West Virginia, 1,200 Wyoming, 26.51

Kentucky, 1,170 Colorado, 22.54

Pennsylvania, 510 Pennsylvania, 20.11 

Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, blasters Kentucky, 450 Connecticut, 24.37

Indiana, 390 Idaho, 23.96

Oklahoma, 380 Wyoming, 22.80

Virginia, 310 New Mexico, 22.55 

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators Virginia, 750 Pennsylvania, 21.16

West Virginia, 620 Kentucky, 19.58

Pennsylvania, 560 West Virginia, 18.98

New Mexico, 390 Indiana, 18.41

Mining machine operators, all other California, 320 Nevada, 22.12

Alabama, 310 California, 21.17

Nevada, 100 Arkansas, 20.38

Virginia, 80 Alabama, 19.50

Earth drillers, except oil and gas Texas, 1,430

California, 910 Rhode Island, 25.99

Illinois, 890 Alaska, 24.62

Pennsylvania, 730 California, 24.61

Extraction workers, all other Texas, 1,790 Alaska, 27.42

Wyoming, 1,690 Idaho, 22.68

Louisiana, 1,130 California, 21.78 

Derrick operators, oil and gas Texas, 5,390 Alaska, 21.68

Louisiana, 1,160 North Dakota, 20.93

Wyoming, 1,140 Louisiana, 19.76

Oklahoma, 1,050 California, 19.61

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining Texas, 7,870 New Mexico, 22.35

Louisiana, 2,120 Alaska, 20.80

Oklahoma, 1,950 California, 19.65

Wyoming, 970 Colorado, 19.44

Helpers—extraction workers Texas, 5,640 Alaska, 25.31

West Virginia, 1,900 West Virginia, 17.29

California, 1,790 Illinois, 16.79

Pennsylvania, 1,690 California, 16.29

Rock splitters, quarry Pennsylvania, 410 New York, 16.67

Ohio, 300 Virginia, 16.16

New York, 250 Missouri, 14.79 

Roustabouts, oil and gas Texas, 16,820 Alabama, 19.38

New Mexico, 3,290 Alaska, 18.55

Louisiana, 3,020 California, 16.38

Oklahoma, 2,220 Wyoming, 16.01
28

Table 5. States with highest employment and mean hourly wages for mining laborers—Continued

States with highest—

Mining laborer occupation

Employment Mean cross-industry wages 

Loading machine operators, underground Kentucky, 380

North Carolina, 170 California, 21.46

Illinois, 140 Indiana, 20.38

Shuttle car operators West Virginia, 960 Wyoming, 26.60

Kentucky, 680 Colorado, 21.87

prevalence and importance of the mining industry in those 

geographic areas. The States employing the largest proportion of mining laborers are shown in table 4. 

The average wage for mining laborers is influenced by the 

average wage for all workers in the State, the proportion of 

the workforce they constitute, and the types of mining laborers in the area. Table 4 shows the relative wages in each State. 

In addition, as the mining laborers’ share of employment increases, their wage, relative to other workers in the State, 

tends to increase. One exception to this trend is Texas. 

The relatively low wages in Texas may be explained by 

the types of mining laborers in the State. Texas has the largest proportion of relatively low paid roustabouts, a situation 

that tends to bring down the mining laborer group’s average 

wage. Table 5 shows the States with the highest employment 

and wages for each of the detailed mining laborer occupations. Contrary to the employment proportions, employment 

levels are not necessarily reflected in the States with the highest wages. 

The 18 States that pay high wages to certain mining laborers, as shown in table 5, are Alabama, Alaska, California, 

Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 

Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. 

Alaska pays the highest mean wages for 4 of the 15 occupations, each in the oil and gas extraction industry. In accordance with the earlier example, 13 of the high-paying States 

employ a large percentage of mining laborers relative to the 

percentage employed by the remaining States. The other 

States with high wages for miners—California, Connecticut, 

Indiana, New York, and Rhode Island—have relatively high 

wages for all occupations. 

Although State-level evaluations provide valuable information, it may be useful to look at smaller areas because 

labor markets vary within a given State. The State of New 

York, for instance, includes New York City as well as rural 

areas, and wage and employment patterns might be different 

in each. Individual statewide mean wages also are influenced 

by the types of workers within the State. The analysis that 

follows includes a comparison of mining laborer occupations 

with similar laborer occupations in other industries, by specific geographic area.

Comparison of mining laborers with laborers in 

similar occupations

In order to address variations within local labor markets and 

see how occupational composition affects average wages, a 

comparison of wages of particular occupations employed in 

specific geographic areas is useful. The laborer occupations 

selected for comparison are construction laborers; helpers of 

construction trades; heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers; 

laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand; and 

cashiers. All of these occupations require physical exertion, 

except perhaps cashiers, and all require minimal training, except construction laborers. Table 6 lists the 89 metropolitan 

areas for which the OES program publishes employment for 

all six occupations. Most often, truck drivers have the highest 

mean wages of the six. Slightly fewer than half of the areas 

pay higher mean wages to mining laborers than to the other 

occupations. Only 6 areas pay construction laborers the highest mean wages. A logical conclusion to draw is that mining 

laborers are paid higher wages than other, lesser skilled occupations, in part because physical exertion demands higher 

wages, but also because mine workers may be compensated 

for their unpleasant working conditions. 

Summary 

Overall, mining is a relatively high wage sector. With the exception of the lowest-paid workers in the mining industry, 

most occupations are paid higher wages than their counterparts in other industries. The highest-paid workers, such as 

lawyers, managers, and engineers, are paid higher wages than 

people in the same occupations in other industries. Mining 

laborers are paid higher wages than workers in similar occupations in the same geographic area. Even States with low 

wages overall tend to pay higher wages to mining laborers 

if those States have a high concentration of such workers. 

The higher wages may serve as compensation for relatively 

adverse working conditions. 

More information on jobs in the mining sector can be found 

at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_21.htm. Detailed 

information about occupational employment and wage estimates at the sector, three-digit, and four-digit industry levels, 

as well as for States and metropolitan areas, is available on 

the OES website at www.bls.gov/oes/. 
29

Table 6. Mean wages of occupations similar to mining laborers, by area 

Mean hourly wage

 Hand 

construction

Metropolitan Statistical Area Mining Construction Truck and movers Cashiers Helpers of 

laborers laborers drivers of freight, construction

stock, and

material

Abilene, TX........................................................................... $17.60 $9.56 $15.62 $8.11 $7.08 $11.46 

Albuquerque, NM.................................................................. 12.36 10.19 17.53 9.34 8.30 10.29

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ ................................... 16.35 13.31 17.55 11.46 7.90 8.35

Amarillo, TX.......................................................................... 14.44 9.56 15.70 8.53 7.32 9.82

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA..................................... 14.70 11.85 18.12 10.67 8.18 8.69

Austin-Round Rock, TX........................................................ 11.85 10.17 15.08 10.97 8.35 9.69

Baltimore-Towson, MD ......................................................... 15.08 13.35 17.72 11.54 8.79 12.90

Baton Rouge, LA. ................................................................. 15.34 10.93 14.93 9.73 7.10 11.22

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX. ................................................... 11.42 10.19 14.25 10.34 6.90 10.88

Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan 

 Division............................................................................... 8.11 13.62 17.17 11.36 9.34 13.50

Birmingham-Hoover, AL........................................................ 17.03 10.37 16.45 10.05 7.44 13.30

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA............................... 17.41 10.78 15.80 11.54 7.42 10.04

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY..................................................... 22.55 16.59 16.64 11.07 7.75 14.04

Casper, WY .......................................................................... 15.62 12.12 18.44 10.50 7.88 11.22

Charleston, WV .................................................................... 18.16 14.96 14.23 10.51 6.61 16.07

Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC ................................... 15.79 11.47 17.86 11.01 8.07 10.50

Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL Metropolitan Division .............. 17.05 22.78 20.01 10.46 8.63 17.71

Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN ........................................ 16.39 14.96 17.67 10.63 8.32 11.21

College Station-Bryan, TX.................................................... 16.63 10.04 14.26 7.80 7.33 10.19

Columbia, SC ....................................................................... 12.63 11.10 17.39 9.67 7.29 9.35

Columbus, OH...................................................................... 15.05 15.78 17.92 11.14 8.34 11.15

Corpus Christi, TX ................................................................ 14.11 9.03 12.83 9.49 7.42 8.26

Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division ...................... 13.98 10.58 18.70 9.82 8.15 9.82

Denver-Aurora, CO............................................................... 19.09 13.04 18.47 11.29 9.85 11.02

Evansville, IN-KY.................................................................. 16.00 13.96 15.46 10.53 7.24 8.67

Farmington, NM.................................................................... 17.39 10.42 14.80 9.07 8.41 10.32

Fort Smith, AR-OK................................................................ 13.89 10.82 18.22 9.39 7.18 9.82

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division .................... 14.19 10.04 16.84 10.01 8.07 11.07

Gary, IN Metropolitan Division.............................................. 25.01 20.63 19.34 11.65 7.79 13.43

Grand Forks, ND-MN............................................................ 11.42 12.23 14.17 10.23 7.41 8.86

Grand Junction, CO.............................................................. 17.25 11.70 15.22 10.58 9.15 16.64

Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV........................................ 14.86 11.68 18.09 11.83 7.85 10.75

Harrisonburg, VA .................................................................. 13.51 11.00 17.39 10.57 7.54 11.79

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT............................ 21.75 17.43 19.62 12.52 9.35 11.14

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA..................................... 18.62 11.35 13.10 8.85 6.86 9.70

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX....................................... 15.50 9.73 16.25 10.97 7.79 10.79

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH.......................................... 17.27 12.58 14.76 9.56 6.87 11.06

Indianapolis-Carmel, IN........................................................ 17.29 15.88 18.86 11.37 8.11 8.52

Jackson, MS......................................................................... 14.96 9.45 17.76 11.69 7.21 7.74

Jacksonville, FL.................................................................... 15.76 11.16 18.20 10.95 8.05 8.74

Kansas City, MO-KS............................................................. 15.86 16.75 18.71 11.60 8.32 11.13

Knoxville, TN ........................................................................ 14.95 12.06 15.63 10.53 7.67 8.93

Lafayette, LA......................................................................... 16.83 10.40 14.05 9.31 6.67 9.53

Lake Charles, LA.................................................................. 15.85 10.42 14.00 9.73 6.66 12.20

Lakeland, FL......................................................................... 18.12 9.66 16.22 9.29 7.59 8.83

Lexington-Fayette, KY.......................................................... 14.70 11.20 17.51 10.66 8.29 12.12

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan 

 Division............................................................................... 18.58 14.97 17.08 10.66 9.61 12.00

Lubbock, TX ......................................................................... 9.28 9.01 16.19 8.68 7.21 12.28

Memphis, TN-MS-AR ........................................................... 15.21 10.84 17.24 11.31 7.96 9.17

Midland, TX .......................................................................... 13.61 9.51 13.57 8.56 8.45 9.88

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI .......................... 17.54 22.04 18.97 13.69 8.94 12.73

Nashua, NH-MA NECTA1 Division....................................... 17.33 12.80 19.22 14.15 8.69 11.28

Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro, TN................................. 13.86 12.34 17.52 10.40 8.36 6.75

Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division............................ 17.61 20.72 21.01 11.46 8.69 9.64

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA........................................ 16.81 11.01 13.72 9.64 7.04 10.07

New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan 

 Division .............................................................................. 17.88 21.35 19.84 11.48 8.96 17.44

Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division ........................ 20.58 20.49 18.82 11.21 8.56 11.36

See footnote at end of table.
30

Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division......... 20.32 19.35 19.67 12.68 10.78 10.77

Odessa, TX........................................................................... 74.10 8.81 15.28 9.90 6.94 9.47

Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA............................................... 17.37 12.67 17.00 10.64 8.36 10.64

Orlando-Kissimmee, FL........................................................ 15.26 10.51 15.51 9.96 8.13 14.63

Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division ................................. 18.10 17.40 18.42 12.38 8.36 9.93

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ .............................................. 15.52 13.07 18.29 10.60 9.12 10.90

Pittsburgh, PA....................................................................... 16.24 16.49 16.27 11.22 7.21 13.26

Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA.............................. 17.12 16.74 17.39 11.59 10.07 11.20

Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA ................................ 19.74 17.24 17.99 11.13 8.73 10.58

Raleigh-Cary, NC.................................................................. 13.75 11.03 15.91 10.32 8.05 11.30

Richmond, VA....................................................................... 15.78 10.50 17.51 11.54 8.01 11.54

Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA........................... 17.88 15.55 18.09 11.19 10.09 15.03

Salem, OR............................................................................ 13.55 16.05 15.52 10.84 9.72 10.32

Salt Lake City, UT................................................................. 20.19 11.85 18.74 10.40 8.65 9.79

San Antonio, TX.................................................................... 12.94 8.77 14.57 8.94 7.68 10.20

San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA.................................. 20.71 16.50 18.31 10.39 9.69 12.63

San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo, PR........................................ 8.58 6.51 7.43 7.33 6.13 7.92

Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division .......... 18.93 14.65 18.16 10.17 9.67 13.35

Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA.................................................. 15.44 14.05 17.09 11.23 7.46 10.00

Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division............. 27.32 16.31 18.91 12.17 11.43 13.69

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA.................................................. 17.20 9.80 16.10 8.85 6.98 9.34

Springfield, MA-CT ............................................................... 17.60 17.33 18.29 12.09 8.92 9.84

St. Louis, MO-IL.................................................................... 16.84 19.03 18.04 11.62 8.66 14.25

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL.................................. 15.09 11.33 15.27 9.09 7.94 8.90

Tucson, AZ ........................................................................... 16.98 11.39 17.63 9.75 8.94 12.52

Tulsa, OK.............................................................................. 15.42 10.67 16.85 9.95 7.64 8.57

Tyler, TX ............................................................................... 15.79 9.38 16.52 10.23 7.25 10.58

Vallejo-Fairfield, CA.............................................................. 21.47 17.61 18.52 11.18 10.29 10.30

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC .................... 18.11 10.42 15.36 9.94 7.41 10.53

Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division...... 17.22 17.33 19.41 14.74 9.06 16.16

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 

 Metropolitan Division .......................................................... 17.23 13.07 17.55 11.54 9.03 15.54

Wheeling, WV-OH ................................................................ 17.64 17.36 16.54 8.75 7.31 11.77

Wichita, KS........................................................................... 14.29 10.30 15.83 9.55 7.70 7.05

1 NECTA = New England City and Town Area.

Table 6. Mean wages of occupations similar to mining laborers, by area—Continued 

Mean hourly wage

 Hand 

construction

Metropolitan Statistical Area Mining Construction Truck and movers Cashiers Helpers of 

laborers laborers drivers of freight, construction

stock, and

material
31

Examining Social Science 

Occupations 

By Ben Cover

Benjamin Cover is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

According to The Princeton Review, the most popular 

college major is psychology, with three other social 

sciences—history, political science, and sociology—

included in the top 10. However, employment in occupations 

such as psychology, history, political science, and other social 

science occupations together account for less than 1 percent 

of U.S. employment. This article examines employment and 

wages for workers in these and other social science occupations, pointing out where people in these occupations work 

and how their wages vary with the area, industry, and occupation in which they are employed.

Employment

Social science occupations account for 416,980 of the more 

than 130 million workers in the United States. Almost half 

of the workers in those occupations (195,710) are market research analysts. All of the other social science occupations 

account for fewer than 100,000 employees each. Table 1 lists 

the national distribution of employment in social science occupations. 

State-level estimates show that there are large differences 

in numbers employed in social science occupations across 

States (including the District of Columbia). Indeed, numbers 

employed ranged from a low of 520 in North Dakota to a 

high of 52,830 in California. Chart 1 shows States with high 

social science employment. 

As one might expect, in many cases the largest States have 

the most employment in social science occupations. Another way to look at social science occupational employment 

across States is to examine the employment shares, or concentrations, within each State. This approach renders the size 

of the State unimportant as a factor in the analysis of social 

science occupations. Nationally, social science workers account for 0.32 percent of all employees. However, the percent 

varies from State to State. For instance, in the District of Columbia, social science employees make up almost 3 percent 

of total employment, whereas in Mississippi, social science 

employees account for only one-tenth of 1 percent of total 

employment. Table 2 lists States with a high concentration of 

employment in social science occupations. 

Because the District of Columbia has such a high concentration of social science workers, it is worthwhile to look into 

those occupations in the District that have a large percentage of social science employment. Although market research 

analysts are the largest social science occupation nationally, 

more notable in the District of Columbia is the large number 

of economists and political scientists. (See chart 2.) 

Like the District of Columbia, many States show a differTable 1. National employment in social science occupations

Occupation Employment

Market research analysts ................................... 195,710

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists... 98,820

Social scientists and related workers, all other... 31,900

Urban and regional planners .............................. 31,650

Survey researchers ............................................ 21,650

Economists......................................................... 12,470

Psychologists, all other....................................... 6,750

Political scientists ............................................... 5,010

Anthropologists and archeologists...................... 4,790

Sociologists ........................................................ 3,500

Historians............................................................ 2,850

Industrial-organizational psychologists............... 1,070

Geographers....................................................... 810

Table 2. States with a high concentration of employment in 

social science occupations 

Area Percent 

District of Columbia ........................................ 2.58

Washington..................................................... .52

Virginia............................................................ .52

Massachusetts................................................ .50

Vermont .......................................................... .48

New York ........................................................ .47

Minnesota....................................................... .47

Maryland......................................................... .43

Connecticut..................................................... .42

New Jersey..................................................... .38
32

Chart 1. States with high social science employment

California

Employment

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

Employment

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

New York

Texas

Virginia

Illinois

Massachusetts

Florida

Pennsylvania

District of Columbia

New Jersey

State

Employment

Economist

Occupation

Chart 2. Social science occupational employment in the District of Columbia

Employment

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

0

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

0

1,000 1,000

500 500

Pollitical scientists

Market research analysts

Sociologists

Survey researchers

Historians

Urban and regional planners

Psychologists, all other

Anthropologists and 

archeologists

Clinical, counseling, 

and school psychologist

Social scientists and 

related workers, all other
33

ent employment distribution than that of the Nation. Some 

States have a large number of clinical, counseling, and school 

psychologists, while others have a large number of urban and 

regional planners or social scientists and related workers. 

Most States do, however, follow the national trend, with a 

large number of market research analysts. 

The variation in social science occupations may be partially explained by the distribution of industries that employ 

social scientists. Elementary and secondary schools have 

high social science employment, with 41,920 workers. Federal, State, and local governments also have large numbers of 

social science employees. (See table 3.) 

The industries with high social science employment get 

their large totals from different occupations. For instance, 

41,720 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists account for almost the entire elementary and secondary school 

total. On the other hand, 22,310 urban and regional planners 

make up the majority of social science occupations in local 

government. Chart 3 shows each of the social science occupations and its share of employment in different industries. 

For example, 27 percent of anthropologists are employed by 

scientific research-and-development firms, while the Federal 

Government accounts for more than half of the employment 

of geographers. 

Wages

Wages for social science occupations tend to be high, averaging $30.34 across the Nation, compared with the national 

average wage of $18.21 for all occupations. Social science 

wages range from $43.26 for industrial-organizational psychologists to $18.13 for survey researchers. The national 

mean wage for each of the social science occupations is depicted in table 7.

Across States, mean wages for all social scientists combined vary from $19.38 in South Dakota to $38.71 in the District of Columbia. (See table 4.) Because overall wages vary 

by State, it is useful to look at wage premiums in comparing 

occupational wages across States. This approach enables the 

comparison of State social science wages relative to State average wages. The State wage premium is calculated by subtracting the average State wage from the occupational wage. 

For example, social scientists have a mean wage of $35.21 in 

Virginia. The average mean wage in Virginia is $19.11, making the State wage premium for social scientists in Virginia 

$16.10. In addition to listing State wages for social science 

occupations, table 4 shows the wage premium and the percent 

wage premium for social science occupations in each State.

Wage premiums vary with the specific occupation and 

State. Each of the 13 social science occupations has a large 

wage premium in some States. A glance at the high-paying 

Table 3. Industries with high social science employment

Social 

Industry science

employment

Elementary and secondary schools........................ 41,920

Local government (OES designation)..................... 30,750

Federal executive branch (OES designation)......... 27,900

Management, scientific, and technical 

 consulting services ............................................... 22,510

Other professional, scientific, and technical 

 services ................................................................ 20,230

Management of companies and enterprises .......... 19,360

Scientific research and development services ....... 17,110

State government (OES designation)..................... 14,650

Offices of other health practitioners........................ 12,390

Colleges, universities, and professional schools.... 11,100

Table 4. Mean wages and wage premiums for all social science 

occupations combined

State 

Area Mean wage wage Percent 

premium

Virginia........................... $35.21 $16.10 46

New Jersey.................... 35.09 14.00 40

Rhode Island ................. 32.62 13.88 43

Washington.................... 33.62 13.69 41

North Carolina ............... 29.80 13.23 44

Hawaii............................ 30.95 13.14 42

Texas ............................. 30.14 13.09 43

Arkansas........................ 27.22 12.91 47

California ....................... 33.09 12.65 38

Delaware ....................... 31.23 12.39 40

Connecticut.................... 33.79 12.22 36

Michigan ........................ 31.43 12.18 39

Ohio............................... 29.44 12.00 41

Wisconsin ...................... 29.07 11.92 41

Colorado........................ 31.03 11.67 38

Georgia.......................... 29.11 11.66 40

Oregon........................... 29.28 11.36 39

Alabama ........................ 26.79 11.25 42

Kansas........................... 27.32 10.99 40

New York ....................... 31.91 10.73 34

Florida............................ 27.09 10.54 39

District of Columbia ....... 38.71 10.29 27

Minnesota...................... 29.66 10.27 35

Tennessee ..................... 26.16 10.17 39

Pennsylvania ................. 27.43 9.97 36

Missouri ......................... 26.60 9.94 37

North Dakota ................. 24.68 9.85 40

New Hampshire............. 27.92 9.66 35

Nebraska ....................... 25.57 9.56 37

Kentucky........................ 25.12 9.47 38

Illinois............................. 28.30 9.41 33

Louisiana ....................... 24.47 9.36 38

Maryland........................ 29.50 9.27 31

Iowa............................... 24.81 9.26 37

New Mexico................... 25.10 9.15 36

Nevada .......................... 25.82 9.11 35

Maine............................. 25.16 8.85 35

Vermont ......................... 25.60 8.74 34

South Carolina............... 23.84 8.34 35

Arizona .......................... 24.99 8.19 33

West Virginia ................. 22.69 8.00 35

Oklahoma ...................... 22.93 7.81 34

Indiana........................... 24.07 7.69 32

Mississippi ..................... 21.00 7.01 33

Massachusetts............... 29.02 6.92 24

South Dakota................. 20.33 6.31 31

Wyoming........................ 22.01 6.17 28

Utah............................... 22.61 6.13 27

Alaska............................ 26.54 5.99 23

Idaho.............................. 21.80 5.91 27

Montana......................... 19.38 4.85 25
34

Economista

Occupation

Chart 3. National mean wages for social occupations

Mean wage

$50.00

45.00

35.00

30.00

25.00

15.00

0

$50.00

45.00

35.00

30.00

25.00

15.00

0

10.00 10.00

5.00 5.00

Pollitical scientists

Sociologists

Survey researchers

Historians

Urban and regional planners

Market research analysts

Anthropologists and 

archeologists

Clinical, counseling, 

and school psychologist

Social scientists and 

related workers, all other

Mean wage

20.00 20.00

Industrial-organizational 

psychologists

Psychologists, all other

Geographers

40.00 40.00

States for each occupation (see table 5) reveals that Virginia is near the top for a good number of the social science 

occupations. This observation goes along with the fact that 

Virginia has the largest wage premium for all the social science occupations combined.

As with employment, State wage trends for social science 

occupations may be explained in part by industry concentrations. Table 6 lists each social science occupation and some 

of the highest-paying industries in that occupation. The table illustrates the fact that industries which pay high wages 

are different for each of the social science occupations. In 

addition, table 6 shows the industry wage premium, which 

compares the wage of one occupation with that of other occupations within the same industry. This wage premium is 

calculated by subtracting the average wage for the occupation 

in the industry from the average industry wage. For example, 

anthropologists have a mean wage of $24.52 in the local government industry. The average mean wage for the entire local 

government industry is $18.79, making the wage premium 

for anthropologists in the local government industry $5.73. 

Summary 

In spite of the large number of people with college majors 

in the social sciences, employment in specific social science 

fields is limited. This constraint suggests that people studying 

the subjects that offer entry into those fields tend to go into 

other, but perhaps related, fields. In addition, employment in 

most social science occupations tends to be concentrated in 

just a few industries. The exceptions, market research analysts and industrial-organizational psychologists, are found 

in many different industries.

Despite the large supply of college graduates who majored 

in the social sciences, the wages for these workers remain 

relatively high. Like employment, wages vary by industry, 

and although the largest employers sometimes pay the highest wages, that is not always the case. As regards particular 

jurisdictions, the District of Columbia had a high concentration of employment, while Virginia had high wages, for all 

social science occupations combined. Other States had a high 

concentration of employment or high wages for a particular 

social science occupation. 
35

Table 5. States with a high wage premium, by social science occupation

State

Occupation State Mean wage wage Percent

premium

Anthropologists and archeologists............................... Montana $27.03 $12.50 46

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists............ New Jersey 45.03 23.94 53

Economists.................................................................. Delaware 45.64 26.80 59

Geographers................................................................ Virginia 39.24 20.13 51

Historians..................................................................... Virginia 33.59 14.48 43

Industrial-organizational psychologists........................ Colorado 51.03 31.67 62

Market research analysts ............................................ Washington 37.22 17.29 46

Political scientists ........................................................ Virginia 48.97 29.86 61

Psychologists, all other................................................ Alabama 40.69 25.15 62

Social scientists and related workers, all other............ Virginia 40.99 21.88 53

Sociologists ................................................................. Florida 38.19 21.64 57

Survey researchers ..................................................... Michigan 24.90 5.65 23

Urban and regional planners ....................................... Nevada 31.84 15.13 48

Table 6. Industries with high wages, by social science occupation

Industry

Industry Mean wage wage Employment

premium

Anthropologists and archeologists

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $30.14 $0.32 1,280

Local government (OES designation)................................................ 24.52 5.73 40

Architectural, engineering, and related services................................ 23.80 -4.04 390

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 22.52 -6.33 1,120

Scientific research and development services .................................. 21.30 -11.55 1,280

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... $64.79 $35.94 n/a

Other ambulatory healthcare services............................................... 49.03 32.97 50

Offices of physicians.......................................................................... 40.95 14.07 5,160

Offices of other health practitioners................................................... 39.21 18.71 10,920

Religious organizations ..................................................................... 35.79 20.88 n/a

Economists

Depository credit intermediation........................................................ $51.21 $32.17 50

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 48.39 19.54 1,310

Scientific research and development services .................................. 47.15 14.30 1,620

Other financial investment activities .................................................. 46.19 10.91 50

Monetary authorities, central bank .................................................... 46.05 21.08 250

Geographers

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $32.12 $2.30 580

Architectural, engineering, and related services................................ 26.77 -1.07 80

Historians

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $35.07 $5.25 560

Architectural, engineering, and related services................................ 33.04 5.20 n/a

Museums, historical sites, and similar institutions............................. 25.20 10.12 150

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 24.62 –4.23 240

Scientific research and development services .................................. 24.21 –8.64 520
36

Industrial-organizational psychologists

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... $52.52 $23.67 270

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing ....... 40.67 15.81 n/a

Management of companies and enterprises ..................................... 39.41 12.28 40

Scientific research and development services .................................. 37.65 4.80 190

Colleges, universities, and professional schools............................... 29.96 6.41 50

Market research analysts

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water.................................... $62.29 $47.99 30

Chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers ........................ 43.77 21.02 290

Software publishers........................................................................... 41.42 4.84 4,780

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing ......................... 41.41 6.18 3,190

Metal and mineral (except petroleum) merchant wholesalers........... 40.50 20.06 120

Political scientists

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $46.56 $16.74 3,150

Scientific research and development services .................................. 37.97 5.12 550

Business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations..... 31.95 10.71 560

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 23.95 -4.90 n/a

Psychologists, all other

Offices of physicians.......................................................................... $45.88 $19.00 440

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... 37.66 7.84 3,600

Offices of other health practitioners................................................... 37.18 16.68 580

Management of companies and enterprises ..................................... 35.46 8.33 120

Local government (OES designation)................................................ 33.90 15.11 150

Social scientists and related workers, all other

Business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations..... $40.63 $19.39 n/a

Wired telecommunications carriers ................................................... 35.62 8.96 n/a

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... 33.85 4.03 12,850

Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers ..................... 33.40 13.07 n/a

Offices of other health practitioners................................................... 32.40 11.90 680

Sociologists

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $44.17 $14.35 30

Social advocacy organizations .......................................................... 36.86 19.87 430

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 33.71 4.86 110

Scientific research and development services .................................. 33.22 0.37 1,380

Local government (OES designation)................................................ 25.59 6.80 240

Survey Researchers

Colleges, universities, and professional schools............................... $24.37 $0.82 1,280

Educational support services............................................................. 24.09 4.08 100

State government (OES designation)................................................ 24.08 3.69 800

Employment services ........................................................................ 22.24 8.32 120

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 20.89 -7.96 1,100

Urban and regional planners

Federal executive branch (OES designation).................................... $37.50 $7.68 520

Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution ................. 34.77 8.02 50

Residential building construction....................................................... 32.03 12.21 30

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ............... 31.47 2.62 840

Architectural, engineering, and related services................................ 31.35 3.51 4,190

Table 6. Industries with high wages, by social science occupation—Continued 

Industry

Industry Mean wage wage Employment

premium
37

Table 7. Occupational employment of social science occupations, by industry

[In percent]

Anthropologists and archeologists............... 26.8 26.8 23.4 0.8 .7 – –

Clinical, counseling, and school

 psychologists............................................. .4 – .3 4.5 – 41.8 .6

Economists.................................................. 13.0 32.0 10.5 6.7 .2 – 2.2

Geographers................................................ 1.9 71.4 1.3 1.5 – – .1

Historians..................................................... 18.4 19.7 8.4 22.9 .4 .1 .1

Industrial-organizational psychologists........ 17.3 – 25.2 1.1 .1 1.8 3.8

Market research analysts ............................ 1.7 .7 8.3 .5 3.9 .1 9.0

Political scientists ........................................ 10.9 62.8 9.2 1.1 .4 – .1

Psychologists, all other................................ 1.9 53.3 .1 2.3 – 3.2 1.8

Social scientists and related workers, 

 all other...................................................... 14.7 40.3 1.7 3.0 .8 .2 .7

Sociologists ................................................. 39.4 .9 3.1 7.0 .7 2.9 –

Survey researchers ..................................... 13.0 – 5.1 .2 56.9 – 2.1

Urban and regional planners ....................... .4 1.6 2.7 70.5 – – .3

Scientific 

research 

and 

development 

services

Federal 

executive 

branch (OES 

designation)

Management, 

scientific,

and

technical 

consulting 

services

Local 

government 

(OES 

designation)

Other 

professional, 

scientific, 

and

technical 

services

Elementary 

and 

secondary 

schools

Management of 

companies 

and 

enterprises

Occupation

NOTE: Dash indicates less than 0.1 percent.
38

A Concise Look at Occupations in the 

Life and Physical Sciences

By John I. Jones

John I. Jones is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some of the most exciting discoveries in recent years 

have come out of research in the life and physical sciences. From bioengineered crops to new medical treatments, a plethora of new products and technologies have been 

spawned by people working in these fields. This article uses 

Occupational Employment Statistics data to examine employment and wages of life and physical scientists. Following 

a national overview of these occupations, the paper looks at 

the distribution of employment for all life and physical science occupations across industries, as well as inter-industry 

wage differentials for these occupations. Finally, the last section examines state-level employment and wage information 

for selected life and physical science occupations.

National Overview of the Life and Physical Science 

Occupations

The life sciences are those branches of science, such as biology, medicine, and ecology that focus on living organisms 

and their organization, life processes, and relationships to 

each other and their environment. The physical sciences, on 

the other hand, focus on energy and non-living matter, and include such scientific fields as physics, chemistry, astronomy, 

and geology. Occupations in these fields are listed in table 

1, along with their employment and mean wages. Among 

the life sciences occupations, medical scientists, except epidemiologists, is the largest occupation, with employment of 

73,670, followed by biochemists and biophysicists, with employment of 17,690. At the other end of the scale, the smallest 

occupations are animal scientists with employment of 3,000 

and epidemiologists with employment of 3,630. The physical 

science occupations with the most employment are chemists, 

with employment of 76,540, and environmental scientists 

and specialists, including health, with employment of 72,000. 

Some of the smallest occupations in the physical science are 

astronomers with employment of 970 and atmospheric and 

space scientists with employment of 7,050.

Average wages for all of the life and physical science occupations are above average. These high wages reflect the 

high educational requirements for these occupations. The 

highest average hourly mean wage in the life sciences group 

is $36.21 ($75,320 annually) for biochemists and biophysicists. This is nearly twice the national average. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists, have the next highest wage, 

with an hourly mean of $33.24 ($69,140 annually). In the 

physical sciences group, the leading average hourly wage of 

$48.64 ($101,120 annually) belongs to astronomers. This is 

over two and half times the national average. The next highest average hourly wage belongs to physicists, whose wage 

is $43.98 ($91,480 annually). Conversely, the lowest average wage in the life sciences group is that of animal scientists, with an hourly wage of $22.88 ($47,590 annually). The 

lowest average hourly wage for the physical sciences group 

is that of environmental scientists and specialists, including 

health, with a wage of $27.63 ($57,470 annually).

Employment and wages by industry

Employment of these occupations is concentrated in a few 

industries. Table 2 shows the industries with the highest 

employment for both groups. Tables 3 through 8 show the 

employment and wages for the life and physical science occupations for six selected industries. Scientific research and 

development services is the industry that employs the highest 

numbers of both types of scientists. Federal government, colleges and universities, state government, and pharmaceutical 

and medicine manufacturing also employ large numbers of 

both types of scientists. All of these industries employ several 

different types of scientists, although employment tends to 

be concentrated in a few occupations. Every occupation in 

the life and physical sciences has employment in the government, and almost all are found in scientific research and 

development services. Government is the largest employer of 

over half of the occupations, including: soil and plant scientists; zoologists and wildlife biologists; all other biological 

scientists; conservation scientists; foresters; epidemiologists; 

astronomers; atmospheric and space scientists; environmental scientists and specialists, including health; hydrologists, 
39

and all other physical scientists. Science employment in state 

and local government is concentrated in environmental scientists and specialists, including health.

The three largest employers of environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health, are state government (18,300), 

management and technical consulting services (14,510), and 

architectural and engineering services (10,790). Different 

levels of government represent 3 of the 5 largest employers 

of this occupation. Local government (10,230) ranks fourth 

in employment, while federal government (5,170) ranks fifth. 

These rankings may reflect the rise in safety and environmental awareness and regulation in American society, as well 

as government’s central role in regulatory issues.1 Similarly, 

government is also the largest employer of conservation scientists, zoologists and wildlife biologists, and foresters accounting for 86, 63, and 60 percent of the occupation’s employment respectively. 

The occupations that aren’t concentrated in government 

tend to be concentrated in three industries: scientific research 

and development services, colleges and universities, and 

pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. For example, 

over three-quarters of biochemists and biophysicists are employed in three industries: scientific research and development services (8,110 workers), pharmaceutical and medicine 

manufacturing (4,260 workers), and colleges and universities 

(1,140 workers). No other industry has employment of more 

than 1,000 in this occupation. High employment does not always translate into high pay, however, given that colleges and 

universities have one of the lowest average wages for this 

occupation out of all industries, at $23.22 per hour. Scientific 

research and development services have a much higher mean 

wage of $37.34 per hour, while of the three industries, the 

highest average wage is found in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, with an hourly mean of $39.06. This may 

reflect the high potential profit levels in this industry, which 

have been shown to be correlated with high wages.2

Scientific research and development services, colleges and 

universities, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing are also the three largest employers of medical scientists, 

except epidemiologists, reflecting the research orientation of 

these industries. Occupational employment is 21,600 in scientific research and development services, 20,290 in colleges 

and universities, and 10,350 in pharmaceutical and medicine 

manufacturing. There are six other industries that have an 

employment of greater than 1,000 in this occupation. Mean 

hourly wages for medical scientists, except epidemiologists, 

show considerable inter-industry variation, ranging from $26 

to $48. Hourly means for the leading three industries are 

$36.15 (scientific research and development services), $26.04 

(colleges and universities), and $39.06 (pharmaceutical and 

medicine manufacturing). As with biochemists and biophysicists, higher wages appear to be correlated with higher profits, while colleges and universities rank last in terms of wages 

among the 25 industries employing this occupation.

Physicists are primarily employed in three industries: scientific research and development services (5,320), federal 

government (3,210), and colleges and universities (2,030). 

No other 4-digit NAICS industry has employment over 1,000 

for this occupation. The average hourly wages for the leading three industries are $44.18 (scientific research and development services), $48.69 (federal government), and $31.35 

(colleges and universities).

The leading three industries for chemists are similar to 

other scientists, however they may be found in a greater 

number of 4-digit NAICS industries than all other life and 

physical science occupations. The leading three industries in 

employment are pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing (12,920), scientific research and development services 

(12,890), and architectural and engineering services (9,890). 

These industries account for less than 47 percent of employment in this occupation. The average hourly wages for the 

leading three industries are $29.93 (pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing), $34.14 (scientific research and development services), and $24.80 (architectural and engineering 

services). One of the highest paid industries for chemists is 

the federal government, which employs 5,560 workers with 

an average hourly wage of $41.29. 

State Employment and Wage Estimates

Employment and wages for life and physical scientists vary 

considerably across states. States with the highest shares 

of employment in life science occupations include Alaska, 

Maryland, the District of Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming. States with the highest concentrations 

of physical scientists include New Mexico, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado, and Maryland. The employment can largely be explained by looking 

at the shares of the science specialties in each state. For example, Delaware has the highest concentration of chemists, 

and Alaska has the highest concentration of environmental 

scientists. Tables 9 through 12 show state-level employment 

and wage information for the 2 largest life and physical science occupations. Wages for environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health, range from $18.91 in Mississippi to nearly $39 in the District of Columbia. California, with 

an employment of 8,970, is the state with the highest employment for this occupation. However, relative to total state 

employment it is the less populated states that have a larger 

share of employment, with Alaska, the District of Columbia, 

Montana, and Washington having the highest employment 

shares in this occupation. 

Average wages for chemists range from $20.47 in South 

Dakota to $38.77 in Maryland. The states with the highest 

1

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

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Environmental Scientists 

and Hydrologists , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos050.htm 

(visited September 05, 2006). 2

 “The Fortune 500,” Fortune, April 15, 2002, p. F26.
40

paid chemists, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, 

Indiana, Massachusetts, and Delaware are also among the 

states with the highest concentration of this occupation.

California, New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina 

have the highest employment of biochemists and biophysicists, while Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey have 

the highest concentrations. Average hourly wages vary from 

$20.63 in Louisiana to $50.42 in Indiana. 

Finally, medical scientists, except epidemiologists, have a 

state average hourly wage range of $20.45 in Mississippi to 

$46.91 in Nevada; of the highest-paying states, New Jersey is 

the largest employer, with 3,680 workers.

It is interesting to note that the District of Columbia has 

one of the highest employment concentrations for each of the 

four occupations listed. Another interesting finding is that 

Alaska is ranked first in percent employment for environmental scientists and specialists, including health, although 

it is not among the states with the highest concentrations of 

the other occupations. This is due to strong employment of 

this occupation by federal, state, and local governments in 

Alaska.

Conclusion 

In summary, the life and physical science occupations are 

generally higher paid than the average of all occupations, 

due to the education and skill required to work in these professions. All of the occupations have employment in government with some having the majority of their respective 

employment from government. For other occupations, the 

dominant employers were scientific research and development services, colleges and universities, and pharmaceutical 

and medicine manufacturing, reflecting the focus of these 

industries and occupations on innovation and research. The 

geographic distribution of employment for these occupations 

is determined by the industries that employ them. For more 

information about other occupations in the life and physical 

sciences, please visit the OES homepage at http://www.bls.

gov/oes/home.htm.

Table 1. National Employment and Wages for the Life and Physical Sciences

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Life Scientists 

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists....................................... 73,670 $33.24

Biological scientists, all other........................................................... 26,200 30.61

Biochemists and biophysicists ......................................................... 17,690 36.21

Zoologists and wildlife biologists...................................................... 16,440 26.58

Conservation scientists .................................................................... 15,540 26.27

Microbiologists ................................................................................. 15,250 30.46

Life scientists, all other..................................................................... 12,790 31.04

Foresters.......................................................................................... 10,750 24.53

Soil and plant scientists.................................................................... 10,100 27.90

Food scientists and technologists .................................................... 7,570 27.33

Epidemiologists................................................................................ 3,630 27.09

Animal scientists .............................................................................. 3,000 22.88

Physical Scientists 

Chemists .......................................................................................... 76,540 30.51

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health............... 72,000 27.63

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers....................... 27,430 38.46

Physical scientists, all other............................................................. 23,800 40.57

Physicists ......................................................................................... 15,160 43.98

Hydrologists ..................................................................................... 8,360 32.33

Materials scientists........................................................................... 7,880 35.74

Atmospheric and space scientists.................................................... 7,050 35.11

Astronomers..................................................................................... 970 48.73
41

Table 2. Employment by Industry for the Life and Physical Science Groups

Industry Employment 

Life Scientists 

Scientific research and development services.............. 45,530

Federal government...................................................... 37,200

Colleges and universities .............................................. 32,530

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ............... 21,480

State government.......................................................... 18,330

General medical and surgical hospitals ........................ 8,610

Local government.......................................................... 6,950

Management and technical consulting services............ 4,540

Management of companies and enterprises................. 3,300

Architectural and engineering services ......................... 3,270

Physical Scientists

Scientific research and development services.............. 32,220

Architectural and engineering services ......................... 31,890

Federal government...................................................... 28,900

State government.......................................................... 26,680

Management and technical consulting services............ 22,550

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ............... 14,480

Local government.......................................................... 13,030

Colleges and universities .............................................. 12,750

Oil and gas extraction ................................................... 6,000

Table 3. Scientific research and development services, Life and Physical Science Occupations 

by Employment 

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists ........................................... 21,600 $36.15

Chemists ............................................................................................... 12,890 34.14

Biochemists and biophysicists .............................................................. 8,110 37.34

Physical scientists, all other.................................................................. 6,360 45.45

Physicists .............................................................................................. 5,320 44.18

Microbiologists ...................................................................................... 4,130 32.53

Zoologists and wildlife biologists........................................................... 3,040 28.46

Biological scientists, all other................................................................ 2,860 32.45

Life scientists, all other.......................................................................... 2,810 35.83

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health.................... 2,800 32.45

Materials scientists................................................................................ 2,680 36.55

Soil and plant scientists ........................................................................ 1,360 27.45

Atmospheric and space scientists......................................................... 1,240 37.44

Food scientists and technologists ......................................................... 930 32.75

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers ........................... 590 33.75

Epidemiologists..................................................................................... 290 36.57

Conservation scientists ......................................................................... 200 29.75

Animal scientists ................................................................................... 190 26.46
42

Table 4. Federal government (OES designation), Life and Physical Science Occupations by 

Employment

Biological scientists, all other................................................................. 15,760 $32.00

Conservation scientists.......................................................................... 7,630 29.66

Physical scientists, all other................................................................... 6,930 43.73

Chemists................................................................................................ 5,560 41.29

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................... 5,170 36.62

Zoologists and wildlife biologists ........................................................... 4,100 33.03

Physicists............................................................................................... 3,210 48.69

Atmospheric and space scientists ......................................................... 2,660 38.78

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers............................ 2,630 41.40

Soil and plant scientists......................................................................... 2,510 33.75

Foresters ............................................................................................... 2,410 29.80

Hydrologists........................................................................................... 2,250 36.08

Microbiologists....................................................................................... 2,210 39.96

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................ 2,040 45.99

Astronomers .......................................................................................... 420 55.43

Biochemists and biophysicists............................................................... 400 41.11

Food scientists and technologists.......................................................... 150 39.28

Materials scientists ................................................................................ 80 51.61

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................ 20,290 $26.04

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................... 3,500 22.35

Physical scientists, all other................................................................... 2,990 28.31

Biological scientists, all other................................................................. 2,650 21.95

Animal scientists.................................................................................... 2,150 20.97

Life scientists, all other.......................................................................... 2,120 25.48

Physicists............................................................................................... 2,030 31.35

Chemists................................................................................................ 1,820 21.86

Soil and plant scientists......................................................................... 1,510 24.70

Biochemists and biophysicists............................................................... 1,140 23.22

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers............................ 1,140 28.26

Microbiologists....................................................................................... 1,030 23.77

Zoologists and wildlife biologists ........................................................... 600 23.11

Atmospheric and space scientists ......................................................... 480 31.13

Materials scientists ................................................................................ 440 25.79

Food scientists and technologists.......................................................... 370 24.05

Epidemiologists ..................................................................................... 320 24.07

Astronomers .......................................................................................... 290 40.30

Conservation scientists.......................................................................... 180 23.49

Hydrologists........................................................................................... 60 27.39

Table 5. Colleges and Universities, Life and Physical Science Occupations by Employment
43

Table 6. State government (OES designation), Life and Physical Science Occupations by 

Employment

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................... 18,300 $23.69

Zoologists and wildlife biologists ........................................................... 5,930 22.45

Foresters ............................................................................................... 2,980 21.50

Conservation scientists.......................................................................... 2,930 23.72

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers............................ 2,630 24.67

Chemists................................................................................................ 2,170 23.05

Physical scientists, all other................................................................... 1,650 32.15

Life scientists, all other.......................................................................... 1,430 27.83

Hydrologists........................................................................................... 1,400 25.09

Microbiologists....................................................................................... 1,370 21.93

Epidemiologists ..................................................................................... 1,320 24.24

Biological scientists, all other................................................................. 740 25.56

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................ 600 26.65

Soil and plant scientists......................................................................... 430 24.73

Biochemists and biophysicists............................................................... 300 20.68

Physicists............................................................................................... 280 28.04

Food scientists and technologists.......................................................... 160 23.68

Animal scientists.................................................................................... 130 27.23

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Table 7. Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing, Life and Physical Science Occupations by 

Employment

 Chemists................................................................................................ 12,920 $29.93

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................ 10,350 39.06

Biochemists and biophysicists............................................................... 4,260 39.06

Microbiologists....................................................................................... 3,390 29.59

Biological scientists, all other................................................................. 1,700 32.88

Life scientists, all other.......................................................................... 1,680 36.74

Materials scientists ................................................................................ 950 31.78

Physical scientists, all other................................................................... 140 31.81

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................... 110 36.49

Food scientists and technologists.......................................................... 40 21.61

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage
44

Table 8. Local government (OES designation), Life and Physical Science Occupations by 

Employment

 

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................... 10,230 $25.35

Conservation scientists.......................................................................... 2,760 20.21

Chemists................................................................................................ 1,880 26.43

Foresters ............................................................................................... 1,110 23.36

Epidemiologists ..................................................................................... 870 24.93

Hydrologists........................................................................................... 520 30.52

Soil and plant scientists......................................................................... 510 22.72

Microbiologists....................................................................................... 500 27.14

Zoologists and wildlife biologists ........................................................... 340 25.27

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................ 310 35.38

Biological scientists, all other................................................................. 240 27.32

Physical scientists, all other................................................................... 240 29.00

Life scientists, all other.......................................................................... 190 24.16

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers............................ 110 29.86

Animal scientists.................................................................................... 60 22.14

Food scientists and technologists.......................................................... 50 22.54

Physicists............................................................................................... 40 27.99

Biochemists and biophysicists............................................................... 30 32.18

Average 

Occupation Employment hourly

wage

Table 9. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, including Health by State Percent Employment

Average Annual Percent State hourly mean Employment employment

wage wage

Alaska................................................ $28.19 $58,630 630 0.210

District of Columbia ........................... 38.81 80,730 1,210 0.199

Montana............................................. 20.10 41,810 630 0.152

Washington........................................ 30.20 62,810 3,330 0.125

Idaho.................................................. 27.02 56,210 700 0.118

Maine................................................. 22.51 46,820 600 0.101

Hawaii................................................ 26.52 55,150 560 0.095

Vermont ............................................. 25.42 52,870 270 0.092

Virginia............................................... 31.90 66,360 3,160 0.089

Wyoming............................................ 22.84 47,510 220 0.088

Massachusetts................................... 34.72 72,210 2,360 0.075

Colorado............................................ 33.29 69,230 1,560 0.073

California ........................................... 31.39 65,290 8,970 0.06

Nevada .............................................. 34.28 71,310 520 0.044

National....................................... 27.63 57,470 72,000 1.000

Table 10. Chemists by State Percent Employment

Delaware ........................................... $35.15 $73,120 1,360 0.327

New Jersey........................................ 31.49 65,490 4,970 0.127

Maryland............................................ 38.77 80,640 3,140 0.126

Maryland............................................ 38.77 80,640 3,140 0.126

Massachusetts................................... 35.17 73,160 2,850 0.091

District of Columbia ........................... 37.03 77,020 540 0.089

Indiana............................................... 36.46 75,840 2,410 0.083

National....................................... 30.51 63,470 76,540 1.000

Average Annual Percent State hourly mean Employment employment

wage wage
45

Table 12. Medical Scientists, except Epidemiologists by State Percent Employment

Massachusetts................................... $35.93 $74,740 4,800 0.153

District of Columbia ........................... 34.47 71,690 880 0.144

Connecticut........................................ 39.77 82,710 2,270 0.138

Washington........................................ 33.45 69,580 3,300 0.124

Pennsylvania ..................................... 31.58 65,680 6,480 0.116

Maryland............................................ 35.37 73,560 2,820 0.113

California ........................................... 36.02 74,920 15,470 0.105

New Jersey........................................ 40.08 83,370 3,680 0.094

Oklahoma .......................................... 21.70 45,140 1,170 0.080

Missouri ............................................. 28.80 59,910 1,940 0.073

National....................................... 33.24 69,140 73,670 1.000

*does not include non-releasable states 

Average Annual Percent State hourly mean Employment employment

wage wage

Table 11. Biochemists and Biophysicists by State Percent Employment

Connecticut........................................ $44.37 $92,290 830 0.050

Massachusetts................................... 44.15 91,840 1,520 0.048

New Jersey........................................ 40.16 83,520 1,140 0.029

District of Columbia ........................... 27.19 56,560 140 0.023

California ........................................... 36.72 76,380 3,390 0.023

Indiana............................................... 50.42 104,870 660 0.023

National....................................... 36.21 75,320 17,690 1.000

*does not include non-releasable states 

Average Annual Percent State hourly mean Employment employment

wage wage
46

Crime Fighters

Lock your doors. Be aware of your surroundings. Shoplifters will be prosecuted. Reminders of crime seem to surround Americans as they go about their everyday lives. Most of the crimes people hear about in the news 

tend to be the more serious violent crimes, such as assault, 

rape, and murder, because those crimes tend to be thought 

of as the most newsworthy. However, according to statistics 

from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, most crimes committed 

are actually property crimes. In 2005, U.S. residents 12 and 

older experienced 23 million crimes, according to findings 

from the National Crime Victimization Survey. Of these 

23 million crimes, approximately 77 percent were property 

crimes, while 22 percent were violent crimes. The remaining 

one percent were personal thefts. With the U.S. population 

aged 12 and older in 2005 at about 240 million, this amounts 

to almost one crime per every ten people on average. 

It is no surprise that many workers are employed in occupations directly related to fighting crime. These occupations 

range from those associated with crime prevention, such as 

security and fire alarm systems installers, to those related to 

punishing the offender, such as judges and correctional officers and jailers. This article uses May 2005 Occupational 

Employment Statistics (OES) estimates to examine the occupations directly related to fighting crime.

Overview of the crime-related occupations

Almost any occupation can be involved with crime prevention and enforcement if the profession is in a crime-related 

industry. For example, an accountant working in the security 

systems monitoring services industry would be involved in 

the crime prevention process. However, this article focuses on those occupations that are directly related to fighting 

crime, such that most workers in the given occupation would 

be forced to work in a different occupation if crime were to 

disappear completely. The 27 occupations selected as being 

directly related to crime are shown in table 1 and will be referred as crime-related occupations for this article. This table 

By Michael Soloy

Michael Soloy is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

also shows the national employment and annual mean wage 

for these occupations, along with their corresponding relative standard error. In addition, table 1 has a column called 

Group which contains M&C if the given occupation is mostly 

related to monitoring for crime or catching the criminal and 

T&P if the occupation is mostly related to trying the criminals or enforcing the punishment. These two group breakdowns will be used in analysis presented later in this article. 

It should be noted that not all workers in the 27 selected occupations are directly related to fighting crime. Many lawyers 

and other legal workers are involved in activities, such as tax 

or contract law, that are not directly related to crime. However, because the OES program does not classify each type 

of lawyer separately, all lawyers are included together as a 

crime-related occupation.

The 27 crime-related occupations collectively employ 

about 3.9 million workers nationally, with an average wage 

of $22.94 per hour. The national average wage for all other 

occupations—other than these crime-related occupations—is 

$18.11 per hour. The smallest of the 27 occupations, in terms 

of employment, is transit and railroad police with a little over 

5,000 workers. The largest occupation, in terms of employment, is security guards with close to 1 million workers. The 

range of wages is also quite large, with lawyers earning the 

most—on average at slightly over $53 per hour—and security guards earning the least—on average at slightly under 

$11 per hour. These 3.9 million workers account for approximately 3 percent of the total U.S. employment. 

Private versus public industry

Fighting crime is generally considered the job of the federal, 

State, and local government.1 Ultimately, only the government can arrest people, convict them of a crime, and jail or 

fine them. However, private industry still employs many 

workers in crime-related occupations. Approximately 51 

percent of the employment in crime-related occupations is 

in private industry. Table 2 shows the private industry versus public industry percentage break-down for each of the 27 

1

 The OES estimates do not include data from the Federal Judicial 

Branch.
47

occupations, along with the respective annual mean wages. 

The public industry estimates presented in this article include 

government-owned schools and hospitals unless otherwise 

noted. 

Some occupations, such as police and sheriff’s officers, 

bailiffs, and judges, are almost exclusively found in the public sector. Only nine of the 27 crime-related occupations 

have a higher percentage of workers in private industry than 

in the public sector. One of the occupations with a higher 

percentage of workers in private industry is lawyers, with 80 

percent of lawyers employed in private industry. Perhaps it 

is the approximately $30,000 extra that the average lawyer 

in private industry earns per year, compared to their public 

sector counterpart, that encourages more lawyers to choose a 

career in private industry.

The crime-related occupation with the highest employment in private industry is security guards, with almost 

900,000 employed by private industry to go along with the 

nearly 100,000 security guards found in the public sector. 

The main role of security guards is to prevent crime through 

patrol and monitoring. Security guards are employed in a 

variety of industries and are found in more than three quarters 

of the industries identified by the North American Industrial 

Classification System (NAICS). The investigation and security services industry, which contracts out security services, 

employs over half of all security guards. Security guards 

themselves cannot make official arrests, but must turn suspected criminals over to the police and other workers in the 

public sector for official arrests and possible punishment.

The two largest crime-related occupations in the public 

sector are police and sheriff’s patrol officers, with employment of about 620,000, and correctional officers and jailers, 

with an employment of about 395,000. These two occupations are almost entirely confined to the public sector. The 

small percentage of police and sheriff’s patrol officers in 

private industry work for private colleges and universities, 

and the small percentage of correctional officers and jailers in private industry work for private prisons that contract 

out their services to the government. Police and sheriff’s 

patrol officers is the largest occupation in local government 

(not including schools or hospitals) with an employment of 

532,370—about twice as high as the next largest occupation 

in local government—firefighters. Police and sheriff’s patrol 

officers make up almost 10 percent of the total local governTable 1. Employment and wage estimates for the 27 crime-related occupations

Mean wage Employment

Total Hourly Annual percent percent

Occupation Group1 occupational mean mean relative relative

employment wage wage standard standard

error error

Security guards.................................................................... M&C 994,220 $10.91 $22,690 0.3 0.6

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators ...... M&C 8,730 13.82 28,740 3.2 4.5

Parking enforcement workers.............................................. M&C 10,140 14.72 30,620 1.5 4.6

Locksmiths and safe repairers............................................. M&C 16,080 15.67 32,600 .8 2.7

Protective service workers, all other.................................... M&C 141,480 15.90 33,070 .6 1.3

Security and fire alarm systems installers ........................... M&C 49,470 17.06 35,480 1.1 3.7

Private detectives and investigators.................................... M&C 33,720 17.78 36,980 1.9 3.9

First-line supervisors/managers, protective 

 service workers, all other................................................... M&C 49,330 21.95 45,650 .7 1.1

Police and sheriff’s patrol officers........................................ M&C 624,130 22.73 47,270 .9 1.0

Forensic science technicians............................................... M&C 11,030 22.79 47,390 1.5 4.7

Transit and railroad police ................................................... M&C 5,090 24.20 50,330 3.1 11.0

Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, 

 postsecondary ................................................................... M&C 9,880 n/a 52,930 1.1 3.2

Detectives and criminal investigators .................................. M&C 85,270 28.24 58,750 1.0 1.2

First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives.... M&C 91,320 32.33 67,240 .8 .9

Bailiffs .................................................................................. T&P 17,160 16.90 35,160 1.3 1.9

Correctional officers and jailers ........................................... T&P 411,080 17.60 36,600 .5 .7

Law clerks............................................................................ T&P 40,620 17.78 36,980 1.1 4.0

Legal secretaries ................................................................. T&P 265,000 18.78 39,070 .6 1.6

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists .... T&P 90,600 20.92 43,510 .7 1.1

Paralegals and legal assistants........................................... T&P 217,700 20.92 43,510 .5 1.7

Court reporters .................................................................... T&P 17,130 21.84 45,420 2.8 7.2

Legal support workers, all other .......................................... T&P 71,060 22.54 46,890 .6 1.0

First-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers ...... T&P 37,530 24.37 50,700 1.0 .7

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and 

 hearing officers.................................................................. T&P 15,350 36.89 76,730 1.5 .7

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates....................... T&P 25,330 43.99 91,500 1.3 1.6

Law teachers, postsecondary.............................................. T&P 13,560 n/a 95,570 1.9 6.7

Lawyers ............................................................................... T&P 529,190 53.13 110,520 .9 .9

 1 M&C stands for monitoring for crime and catching the criminal. T&P stands for trying the criminals or enforcing the punishment. 

 
48

ment employment (not including schools or hospitals). Similarly, correctional officer and jailer is the largest occupation 

in state government (not including schools or hospitals), with 

an employment of 240,760. This is more than twice as high as 

the next largest employing occupation in State government: 

general office clerks. Correctional officers and jailers make 

up more than 10 percent of the total State government employment (not including schools or hospitals). 

Two occupation groups

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the 27 crimerelated occupations can be broken down into two groups: the 

M&C group of occupations involved in monitoring for crime 

and catching the criminals and the T&P group of occupations 

involved in trying the criminals and enforcing the punishment. It is likely that some of the duties of occupations in 

one group cross over to the other group. For example, police officers often also testify at trial or help in trial security. 

However, occupations are assigned to each group based on 

where a majority of work for the given occupation is normally done. 

The groups where each of the 27 crime-related occupations 

are assigned are shown in table 1. The M&C group contains 

14 occupations, with the T&P group containing the other 13 

occupations. The M&C group contains approximately 55 

percent of the total crime-related occupational employment, 

and as a group has an average wage of slightly more than $17 

per hour. The T&P group has a mean wage of slightly more 

than $30 per hour—about 75 percent higher than the M&C 

group. However, as with the full crime-related occupational 

group as a whole, each of the two subgroups have a wide 

range of mean wages, when looking at the detail occupations 

making up each of the two groups. Detail occupations in the 

M&C group have mean hourly wages that range from a low 

of $10.91 per hour for security guards to a high of $32.33 per 

hour for first-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives—a difference of a little more than $21 per hour. The 

P&E group has mean hourly wages that range from a low of 

$16.90 per hour for bailiffs to a high of $53.13 per hour for 

lawyers—a difference of a little more than $36 per hour. 

MSA employment size

Crime is usually thought to be a larger problem in the big 

cities than in the suburbs or rural areas. The most detailed 

estimates that the OES program produces are at the metropolitan statistical (MSA) level, which often includes larger 

cities, plus their surrounding suburbs. For this examination, 

MSAs were grouped into six size classes based on their total 

Table 2. Private industry and public industry employment and wages for the 27 crime related occupations

 Percent of Percent of Private Public

Private Public occupational occupational industry industry

Occupation industry industry employment employment mean mean

employment employment in private in public annual annual

 industry industry wage wage

Forensic science technicians............................................... 1,720 9,310 16 84 49,520 47,000

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists .... 2,660 87,940 3 97 30,410 43,910

Lawyers ............................................................................... 422,340 106,850 80 20 116,710 86,040

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and 

 hearing officers.................................................................. 0 15,350 0 100 n/a 76,730

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates....................... 0 25,330 0 100 n/a 91,500

Paralegals and legal assistants........................................... 191,760 25,940 88 12 43,240 45,550

Court reporters .................................................................... 7,050 10,080 41 59 39,440 49,600

Law clerks............................................................................ 20,430 20,190 50 50 34,970 39,020

Legal support workers, all other .......................................... 12,320 58,740 17 83 44,070 47,480

Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, 

 postsecondary ................................................................... 2,140 7,740 22 78 51,460 53,330

Law teachers, postsecondary.............................................. 8,130 5,430 60 40 97,830 92,200

First-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers ...... 1,220 36,310 3 97 42,260 50,980

First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives.... 620 90,690 1 99 61,290 67,280

First-line supervisors/managers, protective service 

 workers, all other............................................................... 35,560 13,780 72 28 41,050 57,530

Bailiffs .................................................................................. 0 17,160 0 100 n/a 35,160

Correctional officers and jailers ........................................... 16,290 394,780 4 96 27,510 36,980

Detectives and criminal investigators .................................. 70 85,200 0 100 55,960 58,750

Parking enforcement workers.............................................. 430 9,700 4 96 29,790 30,650

Police and sheriff’s patrol officers........................................ 3,790 620,340 1 99 42,730 47,300

Transit and railroad police ................................................... 1,350 3,740 27 74 50,270 50,350

Private detectives and investigators.................................... 29,690 4,030 88 12 35,890 45,040

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators ...... 4,140 4,590 47 53 27,900 29,510

Security guards.................................................................... 894,430 99,790 90 10 22,200 27,110

Protective service workers, all other.................................... 27,340 114,140 19 81 25,660 34,840

Legal secretaries ................................................................. 243,540 21,450 92 8 39,360 35,770

Security and fire alarm systems installers ........................... 49,030 440 99 1 35,440 40,100

Locksmiths and safe repairers............................................. 13,920 2,170 87 14 31,300 40,980
49

Chart 1. Percent of employment in each crime-related occupation group by MSA size

1,000,000

and greater

500,000-

999,999

250,000-

499,999

100,000-

249,999

50,000-

99,999

Less than

50,000

All BOS

areas

Percent

MSA employment size group

2

1.8 Monitoring for crime and catching the criminals (M&C) group

Trying the criminals or enforcing the punishment (T&P) group

1.6

1.4

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

employment: MSA size group 1: 1,000,000 and greater; MSA 

size group 2: 500,000 – 999,999; MSA size group 3: 250,000 

– 499,999; MSA size group 4: 100,000 – 249,999; MSA size 

group 5: 50,000 – 99,999; MSA size group 6: Less than 50,000 

workers. In addition, data for all counties that are not part of 

a MSA, regardless of employment size, were put in their own 

group called the balance of state (BOS), or non-metropolitan 

areas. Chart 1 shows the percent of employment in each of 

the two crime-related occupation groups for each of the MSA 

size groups and the BOS. Generally, the percent of workers 

in each of the two occupation groups tends to increase as the 

size of the MSA increases. It is interesting to note, however, 

that the percent of workers in both groups is slightly higher in 

the smallest metropolitan areas and in non-metropolitan areas 

than in the second smallest areas. This increase might be due 

to the idea that a minimum number of crime-related workers 

might be needed, regardless of the area size. 

Wages for the two crime-related occupation groups also 

vary for the different MSA size groups. For most occupations overall--not just the crime-related occupations—wages 

tend to be higher in MSAs with larger total employment than 

in MSAs with smaller employment, as shown in a previous 

published in the 1999 OES bulletin entitled An analysis of the 

correlation between occupational mean wage levels and the 

employment of a MSA. Chart 2 shows the mean hourly wages 

for the two crime-related occupation groups for each of the 

six MSA size groups and the BOS. The T&P group average 

wages generally tend to decrease as the employment size of 

the MSA decrease, as would be expected. Average wages 

for the M&C group did not show this same type of relation, 

however. Although the largest MSA group—those with more 

than 1,000,000 workers—has the highest mean hourly wage 

for the M&C group; and the BOS group has the lowest mean 

hourly wage, there is no statistically significant wage difference between the other five MSA size groups. 

One problem with looking at wages by occupational group 

is that the average wage can be influenced more by the share 

of each detailed occupation in the group than by the mean 

wages of individual detailed occupations. For example, if 

one MSA group has many more bailiffs relative to lawyers, 

this MSA group might have a lower average wage for this occupational group than another MSA group with a relatively 

high proportion of lawyers, even if the occupational wages for 

both bailiffs and lawyers are higher in the first set of MSAs. 
50

Chart 2. Hourly mean wages for each crime-related occupation group by MSA size

1,000,000

and greater

500,000-

999,999

250,000-

499,999

100,000-

249,999

50,000-

99,999

Less than

50,000

All BOS

areas

Dollars

MSA employment size group

40

35

Monitoring for crime and catching the criminals (M&C) group

Trying the criminals or enforcing the punishment (T&P) group

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Therefore, it might be more interesting to examine some 

of the larger occupations at the detailed occupational level 

to see how they vary by MSA size group. Hence, the two 

occupations with the largest employment from each of the 

two crime-related occupation groups were selected for further examination. The occupations are police and sheriff’s 

patrol officers and security guards from the M&C group, 

and lawyers and correctional officers and jailers from the 

T&P group. 

Chart 3 shows the percent of MSA size group employment 

for each of the four detailed occupations. Lawyers and security guards generally increase as a percentage of the total area 

employment as the employment size of the MSA increases. 

Conversely, the percentage of correctional officers and jailers tend to decrease as the size of the MSA increases. The 

percent of employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers 

does not seem to correspond to MSA size as do the other 

three occupations. The differences in the employment percentage among the different MSA sizes for this occupation 

are not statistically significant. 

The mean hourly wages for each of the four detailed occupations are shown in chart 4. Wages for lawyers tend to 

increase as the size of the MSA increases, although the wage 

difference between the smallest MSA size group and the BOS 

group is not statistically significant. Mean wages for police 

and sheriff’s patrol officers also generally tend to increase as 

the size of the MSA increases, although the relationship is 

not as strong as seen with lawyers. Other than the two largest 

MSA size groups, the wages are fairly similar for police and 

sheriff’s patrol officers across the other MSA size groups. 

The wages for correctional officers and jailers and security 

guards do not vary in a consistent manner according to the 

MSA size. This examination of the four detailed occupations 

shows that the characteristics seen in the two crime-related 

occupation groups as a whole do not always carry over to 

every detailed occupation in the group.

Conclusion

Crime prevention, prosecution, and punishment provides 

millions of jobs for Americans. The 27 crime-related occupations examined in this article together employ about 3 percent of U.S. workers. With a mean hourly wage of more than 

$23 per hour, these crime-related jobs are also higher paying, 

on average, than other occupations. 
51

1,000,000 and greater

500,000 - 999,999

250,000 - 499,999

100,000 - 249,999

50,000 - 99,999

Less than 50,000

BOS area

Lawyers Correctional officers and

jailers

Police and sheriff’s patrol

officers

Security guards

Chart 3. Percent of MSA employment-size group for four detailed SOC occupations

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

Occupation

Percent

The Occupation Outlook Handbook 2006-07 Edition estimates that most of the 27 crime-related occupations examined in this article will grow about as fast as average. The 

reason that most of these occupations will not grow faster 

than average is not because crime is expected to decrease dramatically, but instead, is because of taxes. Although the total 

employment for these 27 occupations as a group is similar 

between private industry and the public sector, a strong majority of individual crime-related occupations are primarily 

employed in the public sector, and public sector wages must 

be paid by taxes. One thing that people perhaps hate more 

than crime is higher taxes. 

Most of this article centered on summary examination of 

the 27 crime-related occupations at aggregate group levels. 

For more detailed information about these occupations, the 

OES program offers detailed wage and employment statistics at the national, 3-, 4-, and select 5-digit NAICS industry 

level, as well as at the State and MSA cross-industry. This 

detailed data can be found on the OES Web site at http://

www.bls.gov/oes/. 
52

1,000,000 and greater

500,000 - 999,999

250,000 - 499,999

100,000 - 249,999

50,000 - 99,999

Less than 50,000

BOS area

Chart 4. Hourly mean wages for each crime-related occupation group by MSA size

Lawyers Correctional officers and

jailers

Police and sheriff’s patrol

officers

Security guards

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

Occupation

Dollars

0
53

Occupational Composition of the 

Elder Care Industries, May 2005

By Audrey Watson

Audrey Watson is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As the first of the baby boomers turned 60 this year, 

the United States is in the midst of one of the most 

notable demographic trends of the past century: the 

aging of the U.S. population. The growth of the elderly population has significant economic implications for the coming 

decades. Among these implications are effects on the Nation’s industrial and occupational structure, as the economy 

adapts to accommodate the special needs of the aged. This 

article looks at four industries: home health care services, 

nursing care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly, and services for the elderly and disabled—here collectively called the elder care industries. Due to their focus 

on a primarily elderly clientele, these industries are likely to 

be highly affected by this demographic trend. In particular, 

the article focuses on the occupational composition of these 

industries, examining both the general occupational structure 

and selected detailed occupations.

The elderly population

The share of the U.S. population that is elderly has risen 

steadily throughout the last 100 years. In 1900, 4.1 percent 

of the U.S. population was age 65 or older. By 1950, the elderly made up 8.1 percent of the population, and by 2000, 

this share had risen to 12.4 percent. This demographic trend 

is expected to continue well into this century. By 2030, 19.7 

percent of the population is projected to be 65 or older, and 

by 2050, nearly 21 percent of the population is projected to 

be in this age group. Within the older population, there has 

been an especially sharp rise in the share of the very old, 

those 85 or older. While this group made up only about 0.2 

percent of the population in 1900 and 0.4 percent in 1950, the 

2000 census showed 1.5 percent of the population to be in 

this age group, a figure that is expected to rise to 2.6 percent 

in 2030 and to nearly 5 percent in 2050.1 

The needs of this growing elderly population differ from 

those of the population at large, particularly with respect to 

health status and physical and mental impairment. Illness and 

disability are especially prevalent among the very old, who 

are also more likely than younger seniors to live in nontraditional residential settings, such as nursing care facilities.2

Older Americans—and in particular the very old, with their 

more specialized needs—constitute the primary clientele for 

the four elder care industries: home health care services, nursing care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly, 

and services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

While companies in many industries will need to take the 

expanding elderly population into account as part of a successful business strategy, for these elder care industries the 

number and needs of older Americans serve as fundamental 

determinants of the industries’ size, structure, and future.

Overview of the elder care industries

The four elder care industries provide a variety of residential, health care, and other services to the elderly population. 

The first of these industries, home health care services, specializes in providing skilled nursing services in the patient’s 

own home. In addition, establishments in this industry may 

provide personal care; homemaker and companion services; 

counseling; or physical, occupational, and vocational therapy. Home health care agencies, in-home hospice care, and 

visiting nurse associations are examples of establishments 

found in this industry. Nursing care facilities provide inpatient nursing and rehabilitative services, generally for an 

extended period of time. Nursing homes, homes for the elderly with nursing care, inpatient hospices, and convalescent 

homes or hospitals (except psychiatric) are classified in this 

industry. Community care facilities for the elderly provide 

residential and personal care services, including room, board, 

supervision, and assistance in activities of daily living, for 

1

 Historical census data are from Frank Hobbs and Nicole Stoops, 

Demographic Trends in the 20th Century (U.S. Census Bureau, Census 

2000 Special Reports, Series CENSR-4, 2002), p. 56, figure 2–4. Population 

projections data are from U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Interim Projections by 

Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin, table 2a, Projected Population of the 

United States, by Age and Sex: 2000 to 2050. [Online, 2004]. Available at 

http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/usinterimproj/. 2 Older Americans Update 2006: Key Indicators of Well-Being 

(Washington, Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 

2006), p. 54.
54

the elderly and other persons who either are unable or prefer 

not to live independently. Establishments in this industry may 

also provide nursing care in separate onsite facilities. Assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, 

and rest homes or homes for the elderly without nursing care 

are found in this industry. Finally, services for the elderly 

and persons with disabilities provide a variety of nonresidential social assistance services to the elderly and disabled. 

These services include adult day care, nonmedical home care 

or homemaker services, social activities, group support, and 

companionship.

With over 1.6 million employees in 2005, nursing care facilities have the highest employment among the elder care 

industries, nearly twice as high as employment in the next 

largest industry, home health care services. Nursing care facilities represent approximately 10 percent of healthcare and 

social assistance sector employment, and home health care 

services represent an additional 5 percent. Community care 

facilities for the elderly employed over 600,000 workers in 

2005, or about 4 percent of total healthcare and social assistance employment. Services for the elderly and persons with 

disabilities has the smallest employment of the four industries; with just under 500,000 workers, this industry employs 

about 3 percent of all workers in the healthcare and social 

assistance sector.3

Employment growth

With the exception of nursing care facilities, the elder care industries have experienced phenomenal employment growth 

over the last decade and a half. Total nonfarm employment grew by 22 percent between 1990 and 2005, and by 

only slightly more than 1 percent between 2000 and 2005.4

In contrast, employment in home health care services grew 

by 183 percent between 1990 and 2005, and 29 percent between 2000 and 2005. Services for the elderly and disabled 

experienced a comparable employment growth rate of 173 

percent over the 1990–2005 period, and in recent years has 

grown even more rapidly than home health care services: 56 

percent between 2000 and 2005. While below the extraordinary growth rates of these two industries, the growth rate for 

community care facilities for the elderly has also been much 

higher than average: 85 percent between 1990 and 2005, and 

28 percent between 2000 and 2005. Nursing care facilities, 

however, have grown at a rate much more comparable to that 

of total nonfarm employment. Between 1990 and 2005, employment in nursing care facilities grew by 35 percent, but 

between 2000 and 2005, it grew by only about 4 percent. The 

relatively slow growth rate of this industry may reflect the 

increased availability of alternative forms of care, such as 

home health care or community care facilities, which may be 

preferred to nursing care facilities by the elderly population. 

Trend data show that nursing home residents have become 

older and less independent since the 1970s, consistent with 

this interpretation of nursing homes as a “last resort” for the 

oldest and frailest of seniors.5

Building on this history of fast employment growth, several of the elder care industries are expected to continue to 

grow rapidly in the near future. While overall nonfarm employment is projected to grow 13 percent between 2004 and 

2014, employment in the home health care services industry 

is projected to grow by nearly 70 percent, or over 537,000 

workers, over this same period. Based on this projection, 

home health care services is expected to be the second-fastest-growing industry in percentage terms over this period, 

and the eighth largest in terms of absolute job growth. Similarly, community care facilities for the elderly are projected 

to grow by over 319,000 workers between 2004 and 2014; 

this projected 55-percent employment increase is sufficient 

to make it the fifth-fastest-growing industry in percentage 

terms. Services for the elderly and disabled are projected to 

grow by over 150,000 workers, or nearly 39 percent. Nursing care facilities are the exception: with projected employment growth of less than 12 percent (181,300 workers), this 

industry is expected to grow more slowly than employment 

as a whole.6

Aging of the elderly

The elder care industries—at least those for which supplemental data are available—appear to serve a particularly vulnerable segment of the elderly population. According to data 

from the 2000 census, of the population 65 and older, approximately 53 percent were 65 to 74, 35 percent were 75 to 84, 

and the rest were 85 or older.7 However, of the 71 percent of 

3

 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and 

Wages. [Online]. Available at http://www.bls.gov/cew/home.htm/. The 

Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program publishes a 

quarterly count of employment and wages reported by employers covering 

98 percent of U.S. jobs, available at the county, MSA, state, and national 

levels by industry. Data are preliminary 2005 annual averages for all 

employees. Data represent all types of ownership, although 92 percent or 

more of employment in these industries is in the private sector. 4

 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics. [Online]. 

Available at http://www.bls.gov/ces/home.htm/. The Current Employment 

Statistics (CES) program conducts a monthly survey of about 160,000 

businesses and government agencies, representing approximately 400,000 

individual worksites, in order to provide detailed industry data on 

employment, hours, and earnings of workers on nonfarm payrolls.

5

 Decker, F. H. Nursing homes, 1977–99: What has changed, what has 

not? (Hyattsville, MD, National Center for Health Statistics, 2005), p. 5. 

For example, less than 6 percent of nursing home residents could bathe 

independently and less than 13 percent could dress independently in 1999, 

down from 13 percent and 30 percent, respectively, in 1977. However, 

disability rates in the general elderly population have fallen in recent years: 

an age-adjusted 20 percent of Medicare enrollees 65 and older were disabled 

in 1999, down from 25 percent in 1984 (Older Americans Update 2006, p. 

28).

6

 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004–2014 employment projections. 

[Online]. Available at http://www.bls.gov/emp/home.htm/. Data on 

industries with the largest projected employment increases are from 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004–2014 employment projections, ”Fastest 

Growing Industries.” [Online, 2005]. Available at http://www.bls.gov/

emp/empfastestind1.htm/. The Office of Occupational Statistics and 

Employment Projections develops information about the labor market for 

the Nation as a whole for 10 years in the future. 7

 Hetzel, Lisa, and Annetta Smith, The 65 Years and Older Population: 

2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Brief, C2KBR/01-10, 2001), table 1. 
55

home health care patients who are 65 or older, about 25 percent are in the 65 to 74 age group, 44 percent are 75 to 84, and 

31 percent are 85 or older.8 The nursing home population is 

skewed even more heavily towards the oldest seniors. Ninety 

percent of nursing home residents are 65 or over; of these, 

only 13 percent are 65 to 74, 35 percent are 75 to 84, and the 

majority―nearly 52 percent―are 85 or older.9 Community 

care facilities are also disproportionately utilized by older seniors. While only about 1 percent of those 65 through 74 live 

in community housing with services, 8 percent of those 85 

and older live in this type of residential setting.10

Users of these services are older than the general senior 

population and are more likely to have functional limitations. 

Of the population 65 and older who live in a traditional community, 27 percent have limitations in one or more activities 

of daily living (ADLs). However, about 47 percent of residents of community housing with services and 82 percent of 

residents of long term care facilities have ADL limitations.11

Similarly, of users of home health care services 65 and over, 

59 percent received help with one or more ADLs.12 For 

both nursing home residents and clients of home health care 

services, bathing and dressing were the two activities most 

likely to require assistance.13 In addition to assistance with 

ADLs, elderly clients also received a range of medical and 

other services. Of home health care patients 65 and older, 74 

percent received skilled nursing services; 51 percent received 

personal care; and 36 percent received therapeutic services, 

such as occupational or physical therapy.14 In nursing homes, 

nearly all patients 65 and older—over 96 percent—had received nursing services in the last 30 days. Nearly 91 percent 

had received personal care, 71 percent had received social 

services, 26 percent had received physical therapy, and 18 

percent had received occupational therapy. 

The needs of this population, coupled with the types of 

services provided by these establishments, offer clues to the 

occupational composition of these industries. Because of the 

high levels of nursing and other health care services provided, 

healthcare workers are clearly a vital component of these industries. Social service and personal care occupations are also 

important, while nursing care and community care facilities 

must provide additional services associated with a residential 

setting, such as food service and housekeeping. The next section provides a broad overview of the staffing patterns in the 

four elder care industries, focusing on the breakdown among 

major occupational groups.

General occupational composition

Because they serve the same general population and provide some overlap in services, the four elder care industries 

share some basic features of occupational composition. For 

example, health care workers make up a large percentage of 

employment in all four industries, while personal care and 

service occupations are also important in several of the industries. Similarly, employment of certain other occupational 

groups, such as computer and mathematical occupations and 

construction and extraction occupations, is negligible in all 

four industries. However, the four industries also exhibit 

some variation in occupational composition, with the industries providing the narrowest range of services or focusing 

strongly on a particular subset of the elderly population generally showing the least occupational diversity. This section 

provides a broad overview of occupational composition in the 

four elder care industries. Although the focus is on the distribution of employment across major occupational groups, key 

detailed occupations will also be highlighted, some of which 

will be discussed later in more detail.

Home health care, which provides the narrowest range of 

services—primarily health care and personal care services 

in the client’s own home—appears to have the least varied 

occupational composition of the four industries. Nearly 84 

percent of employment is concentrated in just three occupational groups: healthcare support occupations, healthcare 

practitioner and technical occupations, and personal care and 

service occupations. These occupations make up 33 percent, 

26 percent, and 25 percent of industry employment, respectively. (See table 1 and chart 1.) 

Employment also tends to be concentrated in only a few 

occupations within each of these groups. In the healthcare 

support occupational group, 84 percent of employment is 

in a single occupation, home health aides. Because of this 

occupation’s close association with the home health care services industry, home health aides is also the industry’s largest occupation, employing over 224,000 workers and making 

up nearly 28 percent of total industry employment. Almost 

all of the remaining employment in the healthcare support 

8

 National Center for Health Statistics, National Home and Hospice 

Care Survey, current home health care patients, p. 1, table 1, and author’s 

calculations. [Online, 2004]. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

nhhcsd/curhomecare00.pdf/. NCHS surveys hospice care separately from 

nursing homes and home health care, although under the North American 

Industry Classification System, inpatient hospice care is classified in nursing 

care facilities and home hospice care is classified in home health care 

services. 9 The National Nursing Home Survey, 1999 Summary [Hyattsville, MD, 

National Center for Health Statistics, DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2002–

1723, 2002], p. 12, table 7, and author’s calculations. 10 Older Americans Update 2006, p. 54. 11 Older Americans Update 2006, p. 56. Persons with ADL limitations 

have difficulty performing or are unable to perform for health reasons 

one or more of the following: bathing, dressing, eating, getting in/out of 

chairs, walking, or using the toilet. Persons without ADL limitations may 

still require assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, such as 

using the telephone, light or heavy housework, meal preparation, shopping, 

or managing money. 12 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, 2004, p. 10, table 9, and 

author’s calculations. Note that these data measure the percentage of 

patients for whom home health care agencies provide help with a functional 

limitation; this may not be the same as the percentage who possess a 

functional limitation, since some patients may receive help from other 

sources, such as friends or relatives. 13 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, 2004, p. 10, table 9; National 

Nursing Home Survey, 1999 Summary, 2002, p. 24, table 19; and author’s 

calculations. 14 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, 2004, p. 7, table 7; National 

Nursing Home Survey, 1999 Summary, 2002, p. 26, table 21; and author’s 

calculations.
56

group is composed of nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. 

Employment in the personal care and services occupational 

group is even more concentrated, with over 98 percent of 

workers in this group employed as personal and home care 

aides. With over 198,000 workers, this is the second largest 

occupation in the industry. 

Employment in the healthcare practitioner and technical 

occupations is slightly more diversified. About 56 percent of 

employees in this occupational group are registered nurses 

(117,050 workers), and an additional 25 percent are licensed 

practical and licensed vocational nurses (52,700 workers). 

In addition to nursing care, general home health care, and 

personal care, establishments in this industry may also provide more specialized services, including various types of 

therapy, nutrition services, and medications. Consequently, 

an additional 8 percent of employment in this group is made 

up of physical therapists (16,360 workers), and the industry 

also employs smaller but still significant numbers of occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech language 

pathologists, dietitians and nutritionists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and medical records and health information technicians.

Outside of these healthcare and personal care occupations, 

only three other occupational groups make up more than 1 

percent of employment in home health care services. Office and administrative support occupations make up about 

8 percent of industry employment, with employment split 

across a variety of occupations in this group. Management 

occupations account for an additional 3 percent of industry 

employment. Within this occupational group, medical and 

health services managers make up about 42 percent of employment, and general and operations managers account for 

about another 32 percent. Finally, community and social service occupations make up 2 percent of industry employment. 

Medical and public health social workers, social and human 

service assistants, and clergy are the three largest occupations 

in this group.

Healthcare support and healthcare practitioner and technical workers are the two largest occupational groups in nursing care facilities. (See table 1 and chart 2.) Because nursing homes generally serve the oldest and most ill segment 

of the elderly population, healthcare occupations make up 

an even larger percentage of employment in this industry 

than in home health care services. Although healthcare practitioner and technical occupations make up only 23 percent 

of this industry, as compared with nearly 26 percent of the 

home health care industry, this is more than offset by a higher 

percentage of healthcare support workers, who make up 42 

Table 1. Employment in elder care industries by major occupational group, May 2005 

Services for the

Home health Nursing care Community care elderly and 

care services facilities facilities persons with 

for the elderly disabilities

Major occupational group

Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Employ- of Employ- of Employ- of Employ- of

ment industry ment industry ment industry ment industry

total total total total 

Total.................................................................................. 806,460 1,576,680 602,640 438,210

Management occupations ................................................... 24,890 3.1% 43,470 2.8% 20,540 3.4% 15,610 3.6%

Business and financial operations occupations................... 7,160 0.9 9,180 0.6 4,000 0.7 5,450 1.2

Computer and mathematical occupations ........................... 1,720 .2 640 .0 330 .1 660 0.2

Life, physical, and social science occupations .................... 870 .1 1,080 .1 740 .1 1,200 .3

Community and social services occupations....................... 19,260 2.4 24,700 1.6 10,260 1.7 48,300 11.0

Legal occupations................................................................ 30 .0 110 .0 NA NA 140 .0

Education, training, and library occupations........................ 220 .0 470 .0 200 .0 10,810 2.5

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media 

 occupations ....................................................................... 880 .1 890 .1 610 .1 1,270 .3

Healthcare practitioner and technical occupations.............. 208,330 25.8 363,640 23.1 70,180 11.6 15,300 3.5

Healthcare support occupations.......................................... 266,060 33.0 666,940 42.3 227,230 37.7 88,420 20.2

Protective service occupations............................................ 170 .0 3,020 .2 4,650 .8 430 .1

Food preparation and serving related occupations ............. 1,430 .2 176,950 11.2 110,450 18.3 10,060 2.3

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance

 occupations ....................................................................... 3,330 .4 108,170 6.9 47,720 7.9 8,810 2.0

Personal care and service occupations............................... 201,410 25.0 44,610 2.8 44,260 7.3 179,100 40.9

Sales and related occupations ............................................ 2,460 .3 1,570 .1 1,690 .3 1,060 .2

Office and administrative support occupations.................... 64,710 8.0 71,440 4.5 35,300 5.9 33,440 7.6

Construction and extraction occupations............................. NA NA 190 .0 320 .1 NA NA

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations .............. 880 .1 21,100 1.3 12,830 2.1 1,660 .4

Production occupations ....................................................... 320 .0 34,950 2.2 6,470 1.1 NA NA

Transportation and material moving occupations................ 2,310 .3 3,540 .2 4,810 .8 15,340 3.5

NOTE: Data may not add to 100 percent due to rounding. 

NA indicates data not available. 
57

Chart 1. Percent distribution of employment in home health care services by major occupational group, 

May 2005

Healthcare support

occupations (33.0%)

Personal care and service

occupations (25.0%)

Healthcare practitioner and

technical occupations (25.8%)

Community and social

services occupations (2.4%)

Management occupations

(3.1%) All other occupational groups 

(2.7%)

Office and administrative

support occupations (8.0%)

percent of nursing home employment, versus 33 percent in 

home health care services. In addition, the greater size of this 

industry means that it employs a larger absolute number of 

healthcare workers than do the other elder care industries. 

Nursing care facilities employ over 363,000 healthcare practitioner and technical workers and nearly 667,000 healthcare 

support workers, while home health care services, the second 

largest employer of both types of workers among the elder 

care industries, employs about 208,000 and 266,000 workers, 

respectively.

While home health aides constitute the largest occupation 

in the home health care services industry, nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants are the backbone of the nursing home 

workforce. This occupation makes up nearly 90 percent of 

healthcare support workers in nursing homes and, with over 

599,000 workers, is the largest single occupation in this industry. Home health aides, who made up nearly the entire 

healthcare support occupational group in the home health 

care services industry, account for less than 7 percent of 

healthcare support employment in this industry. As in the 

home health care services industry, registered nurses and licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are the two 

largest healthcare practitioner and technical occupations by a 

large margin, together making up about 84 percent of this occupational group. However, the relative importance of these 

two occupations differs between the two industries. Nursing 

homes employ about 120,000 registered nurses and nearly 

187,000 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, or 

about 1.6 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses 

per registered nurse. This differs noticeably from the ratio of 

approximately 0.5 licensed practical and licensed vocational 

nurses per registered nurse found in home health care services. The third largest occupation in this group, medical records 

and health information technicians, employs 12,660 workers. 

Nursing homes also employ significant numbers of dieticians 

and nutritionists, dietetic technicians, physical therapists, 

occupational therapists, recreational therapists, respiratory 

therapists, and speech language pathologists.

Although personal care and service occupations, and in 

particular personal and home care aides, made up a large 

proportion of home health care services employment, this 

occupational group makes up less than 3 percent of employ-
58

ment in nursing care facilities. Recreation workers make up 

about 69 percent of employment in this group, with personal 

and home care aides making up most of the remainder. The 

tasks carried out by personal and home care aides in a home 

care setting—such as cleaning, doing laundry, and preparing 

meals— are generally carried out by other staff in nursing 

homes. For example, over 11 percent of workers in nursing 

care facilities are in food preparation and serving related occupations, while nearly 7 percent are in building and grounds 

cleaning and maintenance occupations, primarily maids and 

housekeeping cleaners and janitors. Similarly, slightly over 

2 percent of employment is made up of production workers, 

almost all of whom are laundry and dry-cleaning workers.

At nearly 3 percent of total employment, the proportion 

of management occupations in nursing homes is similar to 

that in home health care services, with medical and health 

services managers and general and operations managers the 

two largest occupations in this group. Office and administrative support workers make up about 4.5 percent of employment. Finally, community and social services occupations 

make up about 1.6 percent of industry employment. About 

44 percent of these employees are medical and public health 

social workers, with social and human service assistants, rehabilitation counselors, and clergy making up most of the 

remaining employment in this group. Each of the remaining 

occupational groups makes up less than 1 percent of employment in this industry.

Like nursing care facilities, community care facilities provide the fuller variety of services associated with a residential 

environment, and therefore have a more diversified staffing 

pattern than found in home health care services. (See table 1 

and chart 3.) The two healthcare occupational groups make up 

nearly half (49 percent) of employment; however, this is less 

than the corresponding shares of 59 percent in home health 

care services and 65 percent in nursing care facilities. Within 

the healthcare practitioner and healthcare support group, registered nurses and licensed practical and licensed vocational 

nurses are once again the two largest occupations, making 

up about 85 percent of employment in this group. The ratio 

of 1.5 licensed practical and vocational nurses to registered 

nurses is about the same as the ratio of 1.6 found in nursing 

homes. This is perhaps not surprising, since establishments in 

Installation, maintenance, and

repair occupations (1.3%)

Management occupations

(2.8%)

Food preparation and serving

related occupations (11.2%)

Building and grounds

cleaning and maintenance

occupations (6.9%)

Office and administrative

support occupations (4.5%)

Community and social 

services occupations (1.6%)

All other occupational groups

(3.5%)

Personal care and service

occupations (2.8%)

Healthcare practitioner and

technical occupations

(23.1%)

Chart 2. Percent distribution of employment in nursing care facilities by major occupational group,

May 2005

Healthcare support

occupations (42.3%)
59

this industry may provide skilled nursing care in separate onsite facilities, which presumably use a staffing pattern similar 

to that found in stand-alone nursing homes. Dieticians and 

nutritionists, dietetic technicians, medical records and health 

information technicians, occupational therapists, physical 

therapists, and recreational therapists are among the other occupations with significant employment in this group, though 

at levels far below those for the nursing occupations. 

Home health aides and nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants make up nearly 97 percent of the healthcare support 

group. While one or the other of these occupations dominated in the home health care and nursing care industries, both 

occupations are prevalent in this industry: community care 

facilities employ approximately 92,000 home health aides 

and 128,000 nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. The two 

occupations may be relatively similar in importance because 

these facilities can provide healthcare services both in home 

and in nursing facilities, with residents moving between the 

two settings as their needs dictate.

With over 18 percent of total employment, food preparation and serving related occupations are the second largest 

occupational group in this industry, after healthcare support 

occupations (38 percent of employment) and ahead of healthcare practitioner and technical occupations (12 percent of 

employment). Institutional and cafeteria cooks are the largest 

occupation in this group, followed by waiters and waitresses; 

nonrestaurant food servers; food preparation workers; and 

combined food preparation and serving workers, including 

fast food. Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance 

occupations, primarily maids and housekeeping cleaners, 

make up nearly 8 percent of industry employment. Personal care and service occupations make up over 7 percent of 

employment, with two occupations, personal and home care 

aides and recreation workers, making up about 84 percent 

of employment in this group. Office and administrative support occupations make up a further 6 percent of industry 

employment. At around 3 percent of industry employment, 

the proportion of management occupations in this industry is 

Chart 3. Percent distribution of employment in community care facilities for the elderly by major 

occupational group, May 2005

Management occupations

(3.4%) All other occupational groups

(4.0%)

Installation, maintenance, and

repair occupations (2.1%)

Healthcare support

occupations (37.7%)

Community and social 

services occupations (1.7%)

Healthcare practitioner and

technical occupations

(11.6%)

Personal care and service

occupations (7.3%)

Office and administrative

support occupations (5.9%)

Building and grounds

cleaning and maintenance

occupations (7.9%)

Food preparation and serving

related occupations (18.3%)

Note: Data may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.
60

roughly comparable to that in both nursing care facilities and 

home health care services. General and operations managers 

and medical and health services managers are the two largest 

occupations in this group, with about 6,000 workers each. 

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations account 

for about 2 percent of industry employment, with about 92 

percent of workers in this group classified as general maintenance and repair workers. Community and social service 

occupations also make up about 2 percent of industry employment. As in the nursing home industry, social and human 

service assistants, medical and public health social workers, 

rehabilitation counselors, and clergy are among the largest 

occupations in this group. Production workers are the only 

remaining group making up at least 1 percent of employment; 

this industry is similar to nursing care facilities in that almost 

all of the employees in this group are laundry and dry-cleaning workers.

The final industry, services for the elderly and persons with 

disabilities, provides a variety of primarily nonmedical services, including day care, homemaking, and social activities. 

Consequently, this industry has a much lower concentration 

of employment in healthcare occupations than do the other 

elder care industries. Less than 25 percent of workers are employed in the two healthcare occupational groups, compared 

with nearly half or more in the other elder care industries. 

(See table 1 and chart 4.) With slightly over 20 percent of 

industry employment, healthcare support occupations remain 

a major source of employment, representing the second largest occupational group in this industry. However, healthcare 

practitioner and technical occupations make up less than 4 

percent of industry employment, roughly comparable to the 

employment share of management occupations. Within the 

healthcare support group, home health aides make up about 

90 percent of employment; nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants comprise most of the remainder. About 49 percent of 

healthcare practitioner and technical workers are registered 

nurses. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses 

make up an additional 23 percent of employment in this 

group. Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are the third- and fourth-largest occupations, although 

the employment difference between these two occupations is 

not statistically significant.

Although healthcare support workers represent the largest occupational group in the other three eldercare industries, 

Personal care and service

occupations (40.9%)

Office and administrative

support occupations (7.6%)

Transportation and material

moving occupations (3.5%)

All other occupational groups

(3.0%)

Management occupations

(3.6%)

Community and social

services occupations (11.0%)

Education, training, and

library occupations (2.5%)

Healthcare practitioner and

technical occupations (3.5%)

Healthcare support

occupations (20.2%)

Food preparation and serving

related occupations (2.3%)

Building and grounds

cleaning and maintenance

Note: Data may not add to 100 due to rounding. occupations (2.0%)

Chart 4. Percent distribution of employment in services for the elderly and persons with disabilities

by major occupational group, May 2005
61

personal care and service occupations have by far the largest employment share in services for the elderly and persons 

with disabilities. At nearly 41 percent of total employment, 

these occupations have more than twice the employment 

share of healthcare support workers. This employment share 

is also much higher than the 25 percent share of personal care 

and service occupations in the home health care industry. 

However, because of its larger size, the latter industry employs a larger absolute number of these workers. As in the 

home health care industry, the vast majority of workers in 

this group are personal and home care aides, who make up 

about 89 percent of occupational group employment. Recreation workers, child care workers, and first-line supervisors/

managers of personal care and service workers are the next 

largest occupations in this group, each making up between 3 

and 4 percent of occupational group employment.

Community and social service occupations represent the 

third largest occupational group in this industry, with 11 percent of industry employment. By comparison, this occupational group has an employment share of about 2 percent or 

less in the other elder care industries. No single occupation 

dominates in this major group. While social and human service assistants represent the largest occupation, with about 

35 percent of group employment, the remaining employment 

is split among rehabilitation counselors, medical and public 

health social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and several other occupations.

Office and administrative support occupations make up 

nearly 8 percent of industry employment, and transportation and material moving occupations account for nearly 4 

percent. Of the four elder care industries, services for the 

elderly and persons with disabilities is the only industry to 

have an employment share of more than 1 percent in this occupational group. Bus drivers, school (including drivers of 

disabled and elderly clients); taxi drivers and chauffeurs; 

and truck drivers, light or delivery services make up about 

83 percent of these workers. This industry is also the only 

one of the four to employ a significant number of education, 

training, and library workers. However, with the exception 

of self-enrichment education teachers, most of the workers 

in this group appear to be more likely to serve the industry’s 

other constituency, persons with disabilities, than to serve the 

elderly. Within this group, teacher assistants are the largest 

occupation, representing about 43 percent of group employment; special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, 

and elementary school; self-enrichment education teachers; 

and preschool teachers, except special education, make up 

most of the remaining employment. 

Food preparation and serving related occupations and 

building and grounds maintenance and cleaning occupations 

each represent about 2 percent of industry employment. Reflecting the nonresidential nature of these establishments, 

these employment shares are lower than the corresponding 

shares in nursing care facilities and community care facilities for the elderly, although slightly higher than the shares in 

home health care services. The remaining occupational groups 

each make up roughly 1 percent or less of this industry.

Selected detailed occupations in the elder care 

industries

The preceding discussion illustrates the consistent importance 

of several occupations across the elder care industries, such 

as registered nurses and personal and home care aides. This 

section takes a closer look at these two occupations as well 

as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses; nursing 

aides, orderlies, and attendants; home health aides; medical 

and public health social workers; occupational therapists; 

physical therapists; speech-language pathologists; physical 

therapist assistants; and physical therapist aides. These occupations were chosen either because they make up a large 

proportion of employment in the elder care industries, or 

because one or more of the elder care industries represent 

major employers of workers in the occupation. In addition, 

all are occupations having direct contact with elderly patients 

or clientele. Finally, these occupations represent a wide spectrum of skill and education requirements, ranging from jobs 

requiring a bachelor’s or master’s degree, such as registered 

nurses and the therapist professions, to those requiring only 

a short period of on-the-job training, such as personal and 

home care aides. 

As a group, these occupations share some common features that are worth noting. First, they are highly female 

dominated. According to the 2005 Current Population Survey (CPS), with about 69 percent, physical therapists have 

the lowest proportion of women among the selected occupations15 (By comparison, women make up about 46 percent 

of the overall labor force.) The remaining occupations have 

even higher percentages of women, with the two nursing occupations, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, each employing over 90 percent.

Second, with some exceptions, black and Hispanic workers appear to be concentrated in the less skilled and lower 

paying of these occupations. CPS data show that about 13 

percent of the overall labor force is Hispanic or Latino. 

However, the percentage of Hispanic workers is well below 

the labor force average in nearly all of the selected occupations. Of the 11 occupations under review, only personal and 

home care aides, nursing aides, and home health aides have 

higher-than-average percentages of Hispanic workers. For 

example, nearly 16 percent of personal and home care aides 

are Hispanic, and although no separate data are available for 

the other two occupations, the combination of nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides is 15 percent Hispanic. Similarly, these lower skilled occupations have a relatively high 

15 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment and Earnings, table 11, 

Employed persons by detailed occupation, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino 

ethnicity. [Online, 2006]. Available at http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.

pdf/. The Current Population Survey is a monthly survey of households 

conducted by the Bureau of Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It 

provides a comprehensive body of data on the labor force, employment, 

unemployment, and persons not in the labor force.
62

proportion of black or African American workers. Over 24 

percent of personal and home care aides and nearly 33 percent of nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides are black 

or African American, compared with nearly 11 percent of the 

overall labor force. However, unlike Hispanic workers, black 

or African American workers appear to be well represented in 

the highly skilled nursing professions. Nearly 22 percent of 

licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are black or 

African American, while the percentage of registered nurses 

who are black or African American is, at 10 percent, close 

to the labor force average. Although separate data are not 

available for medical and public health social workers, social 

workers as a whole have relatively high minority representation: 19 percent of them are black or African American and 

nearly 10 percent are Hispanic or Latino. This stands in sharp 

contrast to the similarly highly skilled therapist professions, 

which have low percentages of both black and Hispanic 

workers. The percentage of Asian workers in these selected 

occupations ranges from less than 1 percent for speech-language pathologists to 12 percent for occupational therapists, 

but most occupations are within 1 or 2 percentage points of 

the 4.4-percent labor force average.

Third, because of their association with the fast growing elder care industries, and with the health care sector in 

general, employment growth in several of the occupations is 

predicted to be extremely strong over the next few years. For 

example, home health aides have the fastest projected growth 

rate of any occupation, with an expected 56 percent employment increase between 2004 and 2014.16 This occupation is 

also eighth in terms of projected employment increase, with 

an expected increase of 350,000 jobs over the same period.17

Similarly, registered nurses are projected to add the second 

largest number of jobs between 2004 and 2014, approximately 703,000 workers. For some of these occupations, 

strong projected growth is compounded by high replacement 

needs due to the aging of the current workforce. In particular, 

the average age of registered nurses was nearly 47 in 2004, 

higher than the workforce average, and has been increasing 

steadily over the past two decades.18 

The remainder of this section focuses on industry employment and wage information for these selected occupations, 

along with brief descriptions of the occupations’ duties and 

education and training requirements.

Registered nurses. These workers provide direct patient care, 

but may also have supervisory and administrative duties. For 

example, in nursing homes, registered nurses may develop 

treatment plans and supervise licensed practical and licensed 

vocational nurses and nursing aides. In home health care, on 

the other hand, they may supervise home health aides and 

instruct family members in patient care.19 Registered nurses 

are employed in all four of the elder care industries, but are 

particularly important in nursing care facilities and home 

health care services. Registered nurses make up about 8 percent of total employment in the former industry, and about 15 

percent of employment in the latter. 

Approximately 57 percent of registered nurses are employed in a single industry, general medical and surgical hospitals, making this industry by far the largest employer of 

workers in this occupation. Other large employers are offices 

of physicians, which employ about 9 percent of registered 

nurses; nursing care facilities and home health care services, 

which each employ about 5 percent of registered nurses; and 

employment services, which employ about 4 percent. (See 

table 2.) By comparison, community care facilities for the 

elderly and services for the elderly and persons with disabilities are relatively small employers of registered nurses. 

This occupation makes up about 4 percent of employment 

in community care facilities and 1 percent of employment 

in services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and 

each of these industries employs 1 percent or less of the total 

registered nurse workforce.

Registered nurses are the most skilled of the nursing and 

related healthcare support occupations. According to the 

2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the 

highest level of preparation was a diploma from a hospitaladministered nursing program for 17.5 percent of registered 

nurses, an associate degree for 33.7 percent, a baccalaureate 

degree for 34.2 percent, and a master’s or doctoral degree 

for 13.0 percent. Over the past 20 years, educational preparation has shifted away from diploma programs towards associate, baccalaureate, and higher degrees, with the highest 

percentage increase (339 percent from 1980 to 2004) occurring among those for whom the highest level of preparation 

was a master’s or doctoral degree.20 This trend reflects the 

greater professional opportunities for those with higher levels of education. A bachelor’s degree is considered a prerequisite for many administrative positions and for admission 

into graduate nursing programs. Advanced practice nurses, 

such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse 

specialists, and nurse midwives, require at least a master’s 

degree. These nurses often function as primary care specialists, especially in underserved areas.21

The mean wage across all industries for registered nurses 

was $27.35 per hour, or $56,880 annually. However, pay in 

all four of the elder care industries is below this average, 16 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004–2014 employment projections, 

”Fastest growing occupations, 2004–2014.” [Online, 2005]. Available at 

http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm/. 17 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004–2014 employment projections, 

”Occupations with the largest job growth, 2004–2014.” [Online, 2005]. 

Available at http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab3.htm/. 18 The Registered Nurse Population: National Sample Survey of Registered 

Nurses, March 2004, Preliminary Findings (U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Bureau of Health Professions, 2005), p. 5.

19 The Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the 

United States (Albany, NY, Center for Workforce Studies, School of Public 

Health, University at Albany, 2005), p. 109. 20 The Registered Nurse Population, 2005, pp. 3–4. 21 Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–2007 Edition (Bureau of 

Labor Statistics, 2006). [Online]. Available at http://www.bls.gov/oco/

home.htm/. 
63

Table 2. Occupational employment in elder care industries by selected detailed occupation, May 2005 

 

Percent Percent Community Percent Services Percent

Home of total Nursing of total care of total for the of total

Selected occupation health occupa- care occupa- facilities occupa- elderly and occupacare tional facilities tional for tional persons tional

services employ- employ- the employ- with employment ment elderly ment disabilities ment

Medical and public health social workers ....... 10,720 9.6% 10,890 9.7% 2,190 2.0% 5,690 5.1%

Registered nurses ................................ 117,050 4.9 120,200 5.1 24,320 1.0 7,540 0.3

Occupational therapists ................................ 5,920 6.8 7,980 9.1 1,050 1.2 1,150 1.3

Physical therapists ................................ 16,360 10.8 9,870 6.5 1,350 0.9 590 .4

Speech-language pathologists ....................... 2,910 3.1 3,840 4.1 540 .6 940 1.0

Licensed practical and licensed vocational 

 nurses ................................ 52,700 7.4 186,560 26.3 35,320 5.0 3,500 .5

Home health aides ................................ 224,410 33.8 44,010 6.6 92,170 13.9 80,020 12.1

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants........ 35,170 2.5 599,310 43.1 128,150 9.2 6,180 .4

Physical therapist assistants .......................... 2,750 4.7 5,930 10.1 830 1.4 120 .2

Physical therapist aides ................................ 280 0.7 4,130 9.8 590 1.4 50 .1

Personal and home care aides....................... 198,120 35.0 8,570 1.5 25,560 4.5 159,350 28.1

ranging from $23.87 per hour in community care facilities 

for the elderly to $26.23 in home health care services. (See 

table 3.) Of the five industries with the highest employment 

of registered nurses, employment services, which include 

temporary help services, has the highest pay, with a mean 

hourly wage of $31.12. The two largest employers, general 

medical and surgical hospitals and offices of physicians, pay 

$27.80 and $27.03, respectively, near the cross-industry average and higher than all of the elder care industries. 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. Providing basic patient care, these workers take vital signs, change 

dressings, take blood or other samples, give injections, and 

attend to patients’ comfort by assisting with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. Depending on State law, they may 

also start intravenous fluids or give medications. To qualify 

as a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse, workers 

must pass a state licensing exam after completing an approved 

training program, usually a 1-year program at a vocational or 

technical school.22

Nursing care facilities are the largest employer of licensed 

practical and licensed vocational nurses, employing over 

186,000 workers, or 26 percent of this occupation. General 

medical and surgical hospitals are the second largest employer, employing an additional 24 percent of these workers. 

Of the other elder care industries, home health care services 

employ about 7 percent of the workers in this occupation. 

Community care facilities for the elderly employ another 5 

percent, while services for the elderly and persons with disabilities employs less than 1 percent of these workers.

The mean hourly wage for licensed practical and licensed 

vocational nurses is $17.41, or $36,210 annually. Among the 

five largest employers of these workers, employment services 

is again the highest paying, with an average wage of $20.31. 

Although registered nurses received lower-than-average pay 

in all of the elder care industries, this is not the case for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, where only 

services for the elderly and persons with disabilities pays below the cross-industry average. The mean hourly wage for 

nursing care facilities is $18.06, and for home health care 

services it is $18.18. Community care facilities for the elderly 

pay slightly above the cross-industry average, with a mean 

hourly wage of $17.81.

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. The core of the 

healthcare paraprofessional workforce is nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. Workers in these entry level jobs 

generally have a high school diploma or equivalent, although 

approximately 17 percent do not meet this requirement. 

Completing 75 hours of training offered by high schools, vocational and technical schools, and some community colleges 

and nursing care facilities and passing a state competency 

exam, qualifies workers as certified nurse assistants (CNAs). 

This certification is required by the Centers for Medicare and 

Medicaid Services for work in nursing care facilities.23 Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants carry out basic patient 

care tasks under the supervision of nursing and other medical 

staff. These duties may include taking vital signs; helping patients bathe, eat, or dress; serving meals; and helping patients 

in and out of bed.

As with licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, nursing care facilities are the largest employer of nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants, employing over 599,000 

workers or 43 percent of this occupation. General medical 

and surgical hospitals are again the second largest employer, 

employing an additional 27 percent of these workers. Community care facilities for the elderly employ approximately 

22 Unless otherwise indicated, this and subsequent descriptions of 

occupational duties and qualifications are from Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–2007 Edition, 2006.

23 The Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the 

United States, p. 113. 
64

9 percent of nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants, making 

this industry the third largest employer of this occupation. 

Home health care services employ about 2.5 percent of these 

workers, reflecting the fact that most of the routine health 

care tasks in this industry are instead performed by home 

health aides, while services for the elderly and disabled employs less than 1 percent of this occupation. 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants is a relatively 

low paid occupation, with a mean hourly wage of $10.67. 

Wages for all four elder care industries pay below this average, while of the five largest employers of these workers, the 

highest paying are local government ($11.78) and employment services ($11.56). Of the four elder care industries, the 

largest employer, nursing care facilities, also has the highest 

mean hourly wage, $10.33. Community care facilities for the 

elderly pay an average of $9.91 per hour, home health care 

services average $10.00 per hour, and services for the elderly 

and persons with disabilities average $9.36 per hour.

Home health aides. Like nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants, home health aides are considered paraprofessional 

workers. These workers perform tasks similar to those performed by nursing aides, except they do so in the patient’s 

own home rather than in an institutional setting. Home health 

aides whose employers receive reimbursement from Medicare must pass a competency exam, and some States require a 

license. However, educational requirements for home health 

aides are generally low, and a high school diploma is not usually required.

Home health care services are the largest employer of 

home health aides, employing approximately 34 percent of 

workers in this occupation. Residential mental health facilities are the second largest employer, with about 16 percent 

of occupational employment. In addition to home health care 

services, the other elder care industries are also significant 

employers of these workers: community care facilities employ nearly 14 percent of this occupation, services for the elderly and persons with disabilities employ about 12 percent, 

and nursing care facilities employ nearly 7 percent. 

Pay for home health aides is somewhat lower than for 

nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants, with a mean hourly 

wage of $9.34. With the exception of nursing care facilities, 

which pay a wage similar to the cross-industry average, the 

elder care industries have below average pay for this occupation. Mean hourly wages are $9.12 in services for the elderly 

and persons with disabilities, $9.06 in home health care services, and $8.89 in community care facilities for the elderly. 

However, none of the largest employers of this occupation 

pays a wage higher than that of nursing care facilities, and 

of these highest paid industries for this occupation, only one, 

State government, with a mean hourly wage of $14.24, employs a significant number of workers (17,100).

Personal and home care aides. These workers provide a variety of services to clients to enable them to live outside of an 

institutional setting. These services may include doing laundry, shopping, housecleaning, planning and preparing meals, 

and assisting with bathing and dressing. Explicitly excluded 

are health care related services. While some States require 

formal training, in others, only on-the-job training is necessary. Voluntary certification is available through the National 

Association for Home Care and Hospice.

Of the four elder care industries, employment of personal and home care aides is highest in the industries that 

are associated with nonresidential settings: home health care 

services and services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Over 198,000 personal and home care aides, or 35 

percent of total occupational employment, are in home health 

Table 3. Mean hourly wages in elder care industries by selected detailed occupations, May 2005

Mean hourly wages 

Selected occupation Community Services for

All Home health Nusing care facilities the elderly and

industries care services care facilities for the persons with

elderly disabilities

Medical and public health social workers ........................ $20.52 $23.01 $18.57 $18.04 $16.43

Registered nurses ........................................................... 27.35 26.23 24.76 23.87 24.42

Occupational therapists................................................... 28.41 32.85 29.08 27.45 23.51

Physical therapists........................................................... 31.42 34.65 31.12 31.40 26.84

Respiratory therapists...................................................... 22.24 22.99 22.51 21.30 NA

Speech-language pathologists ........................................ 27.89 31.82 32.57 32.63 27.50

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.......... 17.41 18.18 18.06 17.81 16.28

Home health aides........................................................... 9.34 9.06 9.40 8.89 9.12

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants......................... 10.67 10.00 10.33 9.91 9.36

Occupational therapist assistants.................................... 19.13 21.52 19.53 20.88 16.52

Occupational therapist aides ........................................... 13.20 14.03 13.16 11.39 11.43

Physical therapist assistants ........................................... 18.98 21.61 20.18 20.09 16.30

Physical therapist aides................................................... 11.01 10.70 11.84 11.60 12.01

Personal and home care aides........................................ 8.52 7.52 9.08 8.87 8.81

NA indicates data not available.
65

care services, making it the largest employer of this occupation. An additional 28 percent of these workers are employed 

in services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. In 

residential settings, many of these services, such as cleaning 

and laundry, are performed by workers specializing in these 

tasks. Consequently, community care facilities for the elderly 

employ less than 5 percent of personal and home care aides, 

and nursing care facilities employ less than 2 percent.

Of the occupations surveyed here, personal and home care 

aides are the lowest paid, with a mean hourly wage of $8.52. 

Home health care services, the largest employer of these 

workers, pay $7.52 per hour. The other elder care industries, 

however, pay somewhat above the cross-industry average, 

ranging from a mean hourly wage of $8.81 in services for 

the elderly and persons with disabilities to $9.08 in nursing 

care facilities. Of the five largest employers of personal and 

home care aides, residential mental health facilities and vocational rehabilitation services are the highest paying, with 

mean hourly wages of $9.41 and $9.35, respectively. 

Medical and public health social workers. These professionals provide services for individuals, families, or populations 

faced with illness. Their services may include counseling, advising family members or caregivers, and arranging for services, such as physical therapy or home care, after discharge 

from a hospital or other facility. In a nursing care or home 

care setting, social workers may also supervise paraprofessional workers, such as nursing aides or home health aides. 

Medical and public health social workers are highly skilled. 

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for 

most entry level jobs, many jobs, including those in health 

care settings, typically require a master’s degree in social 

work. In addition, licensing, certification, or registration is 

required in all States and the District of Columbia, although 

the exact requirements vary by State.

With total employment of around 112,000 workers, this 

occupation is numerically less important than those discussed 

above. However, the elder care industries are major employers of these workers. General medical and surgical hospitals 

are the largest employers of medical and public health social 

workers, with about 29 percent of occupational employment. 

Nursing care facilities and home health care services each 

employ about 10 percent of the occupation. Services for the 

elderly and persons with disabilities employ about 5 percent 

of this occupation, while community care facilities for the 

elderly employ about 2 percent.

Wages for medical and public health social workers, 

though below those for registered nurses and the therapy professions, are well above those for nursing aides, home care 

aides, and similar occupations. The mean hourly wage for 

this occupation is $20.52, or $42,690 annually. Of the largest 

employers of these workers, only home health care services 

and general medical and surgical hospitals pay above average wages. The remaining three elder care industries all pay 

below average wages; at only $16.43, services for the elderly 

and persons with disabilities has the lowest wage of the four 

industries. 

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speechlanguage pathologists. The therapy professions help patients 

restore functions lost through disease, injury, or aging, and 

assist patients in finding ways of dealing with the loss of these 

functions. Physical therapists focus specifically on improving 

physical functioning, by increasing mobility, reducing pain, 

and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities. 

Treatment often includes exercise to restore strength, flexibility, balance, or coordination. Physical therapists may also 

use massage or other techniques to reduce pain, and instruct 

patients in the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs 

or prostheses. 

Occupational therapists, on the other hand, focus on helping patients improve their ability to carry out tasks associated 

with daily living, such as dressing, preparing food, or bathing. Occupational therapy may include exercises to improve 

physical proficiency at these tasks, instruction in the use of 

assistive devices to replace lost physical abilities, and exercises and techniques to improve decision making, problem 

solving, and other mental skills. With respect to the elderly 

population, the goal of occupational therapy is to allow patients to maintain or recover the ability to live independently. 

Both physical and occupational therapists may work with assistants and aides; physical therapist assistants and physical 

therapist aides are profiled below. Although speech-language 

pathologists are often associated with helping young children 

overcome speech difficulties, in the older population, they may 

assist patients in reacquiring speech, language, or swallowing 

skills lost because of strokes or other medical conditions.

Like medical and public health social workers, the three 

therapy professions are not numerically as large as nursing 

or health care paraprofessional occupations. However, two 

of the elder care industries, home health care services and 

nursing care facilities, are among the largest employers of 

all three professions. Physical therapists are the largest of the 

three occupations, with total employment of approximately 

151,000 workers. While offices of other health practitioners 

and general medical and surgical hospitals are the two largest 

employers of physical therapists, home health care services 

employ nearly 11 percent and nursing care facilities employ 

nearly 7 percent of physical therapists, making them the 

third- and fourth-largest employers of these workers. Total 

employment of speech-language pathologists is approximately 95,000, with over half of them working in elementary and 

secondary schools. Offices of other health practitioners employ about 14 percent of speech-language pathologists, and 

general medical and surgical hospitals employ an additional 

11 percent. Nursing care facilities make up approximately 4 

percent of occupational employment, and home health care 

services make up 3 percent of employment. 

Finally, there are over 87,000 occupational therapists in 

the workforce. General medical and surgical hospitals em-
66

24 Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006. Although the current 

minimum education requirement for physical therapists is a bachelor’s 

degree, a master’s degree will be required beginning in 2007.

ploy about 26 percent of this occupation. Other significant 

employers are offices of other health practitioners, with 20 

percent of occupational employment; and elementary and 

secondary schools, with 14 percent of occupational employment. Nursing care facilities employ about 9 percent of occupational therapists, and home health care services employ an 

additional 7 percent. The two remaining elder care industries 

each employ slightly over 1 percent of occupational therapists, and 1 percent or less of speech-language pathologists 

and physical therapists.

The therapy professions require high levels of education. 

All three of these occupations generally require at least a 

master’s degree, and all States have some type of licensing 

or certification requirement for these occupations.24 Reflecting their high educational requirements, these professions 

are relatively high paying. Physical therapists have the highest average wage of the three, with a mean hourly wage of 

$31.42 or $65,350 annually. Occupational therapists have 

a mean hourly wage of $28.41 or $59,100 annually. Wages 

for speech-language pathologists are slightly above those for 

registered nurses, at $27.89 an hour or $58,000 annually. 

Although wages in the elder care industries have not been 

high for many of the occupations examined, these industries 

appear to have better relative wage levels for the therapy professions. Home health care services pay above average wages 

for all three occupations, and is one of the highest paying 

industries for both occupational therapists and physical therapists. Nursing care facilities pay above average wages for two 

of the three occupations (physical therapists are the exception). Community care facilities for the elderly have above 

average wages for speech language pathologists, although 

wages are near the cross-industry average for the other two 

occupations. Only in services for the elderly and persons with 

disabilities are wages for these workers consistently near or 

below the occupational averages.

Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides. 

Workers in these occupations assist physical therapists in providing services to clients. Of the two occupations, physical 

therapist assistants are the more skilled; this occupation, like 

licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, represents 

an intermediate point between the highly skilled registered 

nurse and therapist occupations and lower skilled occupations like nursing aides. Physical therapist assistants typically have an associate degree, and may need to be licensed 

or registered in some States. Under supervision of a physical 

therapist, these workers perform treatment procedures with 

patients, such as exercises, massage, and ultrasound. Physical therapist aides, on the other hand, do not perform clinical 

tasks. Instead, they work under the supervision of a physical 

therapist or physical therapist assistant to keep the treatment 

area organized, prepare for upcoming therapy sessions, and 

assist patients in moving to and from treatment areas. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma, and 

learn their skills through on-the-job training. 

Numerically, both occupations are relatively small: estimated employment for May 2005 was 58,670 for physical 

therapist assistants and 41,930 for physical therapist aides. 

Offices of other health practitioners and general medical and 

surgical hospitals are the largest employers for both occupations. However, nursing care facilities employ approximately 

10 percent of each occupation, making them among the largest employers for both occupations. Home health care services are among the largest employers of physical therapist 

assistants, with nearly 5 percent of occupational employment, 

although this industry is not a significant employer of physical therapist aides. Community care facilities for the elderly 

and services for the elderly and persons with disabilities are 

not major employers of these workers. 

Physical therapist assistants earn a mean hourly wage of 

$18.98, roughly comparable to the $17.41 earned by licensed 

practical and licensed vocational nurses, who have similar 

skill requirements. With the exception of services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, the elder care industries 

have above average wages for physical therapist assistants. 

In fact, home health care services, nursing care facilities, and 

community care facilities for the elderly are among the highest paying industries for this occupation. Wages for physical therapist aides are comparable with, although somewhat 

above, those for the paraprofessional healthcare occupations such as home health aides and nursing aides, orderlies, 

and attendants. The average hourly wage in this occupation 

is $11.01. Although none of the elder care industries ranks 

among the highest paying industries for this occupation, 

home health care, with a mean hourly wage of $10.70, is the 

only one of the four industries that does not have an above 

average wage.

Summary

The growth of the elderly population has significant implications for the U.S. economy, particularly for those industries 

that primarily serve an elderly clientele. This article examines four such industries: home health care services, nursing 

care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly, and 

services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. In line 

with the expected growth in their client population, these industries are projected to be some of the Nation’s fastest growing over the next several years. The exception is nursing care 

facilities, which are affected by consumer preference shifts 

towards other models of care.

For those industries for which data are available, evidence 

suggests that establishments in these industries serve a particularly aged and vulnerable subset of the elderly population. This is reflected in their staffing patterns, which contain 

a high proportion of healthcare practitioner and technical and 

healthcare support occupations. Personal care and service occupations, primarily personal and home care aides, are also a 
67

significant source of employment in several of the industries. 

Overall, BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data suggest that among the four industries, home health care services 

has the least diversified staffing pattern, perhaps because it 

provides the narrowest range of services. Nursing care facilities and community care facilities for the elderly are the 

most similar in terms of staffing patterns of the four industries, despite the smaller number of healthcare practitioner 

and technical occupations in community care facilities. Both 

industries have heavy concentrations of healthcare workers, 

but also have workers associated with the demands of a residential setting, such as food service. Finally, services for the 

elderly and persons with disabilities appears to be least like 

the other industries in terms in its relatively low proportion of 

healthcare workers, though personal care and service occupations and community and social services occupations make 

up a large percentage of this industry.

Finally, the article examines selected detailed occupations 

that either make up a significant proportion of employment 

in one or more elder care industries, or for which the elder 

care industries are important employers. In keeping with the 

overall staffing patterns of these industries, most are healthcare occupations, although medical and public health social 

workers and personal and home care aides are also included. 

Occupational Employment Statistics data are used to look at 

the distribution of these occupations across industries and to 

compare occupational wages in the elder care industries to 

those of other industries. 

The high projected growth rate of the elder care industries and of the health care sector in general, implies correspondingly high growth for key occupations in these industries. Many of the selected occupations are predicted to be 

among the fastest growing occupations in terms of growth 

rates, number of jobs added, or both, over the next several 

years. At the same time, some of these occupations are experiencing the aging of their own workforces, with high 

percentages of workers expected to retire in the near future. 

Most of these occupations are heavily dominated by women; 

for some occupations, such as registered nurses, changing 

employment opportunities for young women may present a 

barrier to recruiting new entrants. In other occupations—particularly lower skilled occupations such as home health aides 

and nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants—low pay and 

benefits, the unpleasant nature of some duties, and the lack 

of opportunity for advancement may create difficulties in recruiting and retaining employees. 

Finally, although there are some exceptions—particularly in home health care services, which pays relatively high 

wages for several occupations—the elder care industries are 

generally not among the highest paid industries for these occupations. This suggests that these industries may have some 

difficulty recruiting scarce workers to these occupations from 

competing industries. Maintaining a sufficiently large workforce to care for the growing elderly population represents a 

potential challenge facing the U.S. economy over the next 

several decades.
68

Employment Changes from 2001 to 

2005 for Occupations Concentrated in 

the Finance Industries

By Fatemeh Hajiha

Fatemeh Hajiha is an economist in the Division of Occupation Employment 

Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A	healthy and vibrant economy requires a fi

	system that promotes economic efficiency. The 

	nance industries provide a wide variety of financial

services that facilitate aggregate economic performance and 

economic growth, such as channeling funds from lenders to 

borrowers; performing central banking functions; underwriting securities issues and/or making markets for securities and 

commodities; and pooling securities, or other assets, on behalf of shareholders or beneficiaries of employee benefit or

other trust funds.

This article describes employment changes between 2001

and 2005 in occupations found primarily in the finance industries and the possible factors contributing to these trends. 

While finance industries added more than 200,000 jobs from

2001 to 2005—an increase of 6.1 percent—the employment

for occupations in these industries changed disproportionately 

and/or in the opposite direction. For example, the number of 

loan officers grew 56 percent during the period, and employment of tellers increased 12.5 percent. On the other han

employment of brokerage clerks and new accounts clerks 

showed declines of 15 and 17 percent, respectively (table1).

The 2005 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) data

show that more than 80 percent of workers in the occupations

discussed in this article are found in the finance industries.

In recent years, online banks that provide services entirely 

over the Internet have entered the market. The wonders of

modern computer technology have enabled banks to lower 

transactions costs by having the customer interact with an 

electronic banking (e-banking)service, rather than with a person. With the drop in telecommunications costs, banks have 

developed another financial innovation—home banking. It 

now cost-efficient for a bank to set up an electronic banking

facility that links the bank’s customer with the bank’s computer to carry out transactions using either a telephone or a 

personal computer. 

During the 2001-2005 period, low interest rates and greater personal income drove employment gains in some components of the finance industries. Mortgage rates also fell,

leading to a surge in both home purchases and refinancing

activity. 

Finance Industries

The finance industries described in this article, consist of

four 3–digit North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) subsector industries. Table 2 shows the distribution

of employment across these subsector industries and some 

subgroups for the subsector 522, credit intermediation and

related activities. As this table shows, in 2005, more th

76 percent of employment in the finance industries was concentrated in credit intermediation and related activities. Th

sub-sector industry is composed of three 4-digit industry

groups. Of these, the subgroup depository credit intermediation is the leading industry group, with close to 62 percent of

employment in the credit intermediation and related activities 

group industry. Commercial banking is the largest industry 

within depository credit intermediation, accounting for more 

than 71 percent of that industry group’s 2005 employment

and more than one-third of employment in the finance industries, as a whole.

According to Current Employment Statistics data, employment in finance increased from 3,539,400 in 2001 to

3,756,600 in 2005—an increase of 6.1 percent. This growth

was faster than the overall employment growth of 3.1 percent

for all private-service providing industries. Much of the employment gains came from credit intermediation and relate

activities (NAICS 522). Credit intermediation and related activities involve lending funds or facilitating lending. Mo

mortgage and refinance activity is classified in this industry

group. 

Mergers and Acquisitions

A merger between two firms is an exercise in cost cutting.

Duplicate job positions, departments, and even physical locations may be eliminated, in an effort to cut costs and take 

advantage of economies of scale. The Web and improv

computer technology are major factors driving bank consolidation because large upfront investments are required to set 
69

up many information technology platforms for financial institutions. To take advantage of these economies of scal

banks have gotten bigger, and this development has led to additional consolidation. Information technology has also increased economies of scope—the ability to use one resource

to provide many different products and services. The resu

is that consolidation is taking place not only to make financial institutions larger, but also to increase the combination of 

products and services that financial institutions can provide.

Between 2001 and 2005 there were a total of 2,421 mergers

and acquisitions.1 

In 2001, there were 8,080 banks with 65,564 branches.

By 2005, there were 7,527 banks with 71,716 branches—a

drop of 7 percent for banks and an increase of 9 percent for

branches.2Mergers and acquisitions typically result in a decline in the number of banks and other financial firms. However, this decline is usually consistent with an increase in 

number of branches. Financial firms maintain branches 

obtain a competitive edge, as branches allow firms to provide

a variety of personal services to customers and to maintain 

customer loyalty. Branches generally are located near where 

people live or work, and most consumers use them as the 

primary locations for their financial activities.

Economic developments

The benchmark federal funds rate, which is charged on overnight loans between banks, was 6.5 percent in 2000, at the

peak of the stock-market boom. By early 2001, with sto

prices falling and the economy losing momentum, the Federal Reserve began lowering the federal funds rate. The ra

Table 1. Employment, 2001-2005 

Occupation 2001 2005 Percent change

All occupations ............................................................ 127,980,410 130,307,840 1.8

Business and financial operations occupations........... 4,676,680 5,410,410 15.7

Personal financial advisors .................................... 83,820 108,640 29.6

Loan officers........................................................... 213,450 332,690 55.9

Sales and related occupations .................................... 13,418,240 13,930,320 3.8

Securities, commodities, and financial services

 sales agents......................................................... 270,730 251,710 -7.0

Office and administrative support occupations............ 22,798,590 22,784,330 -0.1

 Bill and account collectors...................................... 385,800 431,280 11.8

 Tellers..................................................................... 532,740 599,220 12.5

 Brokerage clerks .................................................... 82,730 70,110 -15.3

Loan Interviewers and clerks ................................. 157,680 231,700 46.9

New accounts clerks .............................................. 99,760 82,450 -17.4

Source: Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey

Table 2. Employment in the finance industry, 2001-2005

 Percent of Percent

NAICS Industry 2001 2005 employment change

 (2005) 2001-2005

521 Monetary authorities-central bank................... 23,000 20,800 0.6 -9.6

522 Credit intermediation and related activities ..... 2,597,700 2,865,800 76.3 10.3

5221 Depository credit intermediation...................... 1,701,200 1,774,400 61.9 4.3

 52211 Commercial banking ....................................... 1,258,400 1,297,900 73.1 3.1

52212 Saving institutions ........................................... 233,600 239,600 13.5 2.6

 52213; Credit unions and other depository ................. 209,200 236,900 13.4 13.2

 52219 

5222 Nondepository credit intermediation................ 660,700 766,100 26.7 16.0

5223 Activities related to credit intermediation......... 235,700 325,300 11.4 38.0

523 Securities commodity contracts and other 

 financial investments and related activities ... 830,500 783,200 20.8 -5.7

525 Funds, trusts, and other financial vehicles ...... 88,300 86,800 2.3 -1.7

Total finance employment................................ 3,539,400 3,756,600 100.0 6.1

Source: Current Employment Statistics (CES) Survey

1

 Source: SNL Financial

Includes number of announced mergers and acquisitions for securities, 

specialty finance, and banks 2 Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
70

then continued to decline through June 2003, when the federal funds rate reached a 40-year historical low of only 1 percent, and remained at this level until June 2004. After Ju

2004, the federal funds rate underwent a series of 13 successive quarter-point increases, until it reached 4.25 percent by

the end of 2005.

Mortgage rates also followed the declining trend. Historically low mortgage rates led to a substantial surge in both 

first-time mortgage loans and refinancing activity.3Tot

home mortgage loans increased from 1,139 billion dollars, in

2000, to 2,908 billion, in 2005—an increase of 155 percent.

During this same period, first-time mortgage loans increased

67 percent, and refinance mortgage loans increased 497 percent. As a result, credit intermediation and related activities 

added workers to meet the increasing demand for refinancing, and employment in this industry group increased more 

than 10 percent during the same period.

 While employment in credit intermediation and related 

activities increased, employment in securities, commodity contractors, and other financial investments and related

activities declined by 5.7 percent from 2001 to 2005. T

employment change in the securities industry was not evenly 

distributed across years. From 2001 to 2003, employme

dropped by 72,800, or 8.8 percent, and from 2003 to 2005,

employment increased by 25,000. The finance industries

replenished only about one-third of the jobs lost during the

study period.

A combination of factors likely played a role in the stock 

market decline that contributed to large job losses in securities, commodity contractors, and other financial investments

and related activities. These factors include the late 199

bull market run-up in stock prices, leading to fears that stocks

were overpriced. Additionally, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and several financial scandals led to diminished confidence in the stock market. Finally, low mortga

rates and appreciating property values likely inspired some 

investors to put their funds in real estate.

Technology change 

Financial innovation has transformed the entire financial system and has led to the decline of traditional banking. Advances in technology have had a significant effect on the

mix of occupations in the finance industries. Additionall

electronic banking has reduced the need for some office and

administrative support occupations, such as bookkeeping occupations. On the other hand, demand for computer specialists has grown, as more banks make their services available 

electronically. 

Falling telecommunications costs have spurred the development of another financial innovation, home banking, in

which the bank’s customer is linked with the bank’s computer 

by either telephone or personal computer. With the decline 

in prices of personal computers and their increasing pres3

 Source: SNL Financial LC

4 In 2002, the OES survey switched from the Standard Industrial

Classification (SIC) System to the North American Industrial Classification

System (NAICS). In order to avoid any comparability issues caused by

this conversion, cross-industry employment is used to show the changes in

highly concentrated occupations in the finance industries. Any changes 

these occupations are likely to be relevant to the finance industries.

ence in the home, we have seen a further innovation in the 

home banking area, the appearance of a new type of banking 

institution—the virtual bank—a bank that has no physic

location, but, rather, which exists only in cyberspace. T

virtual bank takes home banking one step further, offering a 

full set of banking services, such as accepting checking and 

saving deposits; selling certificates of deposit (CDs); issuing

ATM cards; and providing bill-paying facilities, available to

customers at home 24 hours a day.

Occupational employment4

The increase in finance employment of more than 200,000, or

6.1 percent, from 2001 to 2005 primarily occurred in depository credit intermediation. In contrast, other components of 

the finance industries lost workers during the same period.

Because staffing patterns differ across components of the finance industries, these varying employment trends resulted in 

changes in occupational composition for finance as a whole.

Data used to analyze employment changes in finance-related occupations are from the Occupational Employment 

Statistics (OES) Survey. The OES Survey categorizes workers into 801 detailed occupations and aggregates these detailed occupations into 22 major occupational groups. The

2005 OES Survey shows that more than 80 percent of employment in the finance industries was concentrated in three

of the major occupational groups: Business and financial operations, sales and related, and office and administrative support occupations. The data and analysis that follow relate to

the detailed occupations in these three groups. 

Table 3. Select major occupational groups in the finance 

industries, 2005

Employment 

finance Percent

industries, distribution

2005

All occupations ................................... 3,733,410 100.0

Business and financial operations.. 759,790 20.4

Sales and related occupations ....... 383,440 10.3

Office and administrative support... 2,033,040 54.5

Remaining (19) groups.................. 557,140 14.9

Source: Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey

Business and financial operations: Business and financi

operations, the second-largest occupational group in the finance industries, accounted for 20 percent of finance employment in 2005. This group consists of workers, such as credit

analysts, accountants and auditors, loan officers, and loan

counselors. One of the detailed occupations in this group, 

loan officers, represented 8.1 percent of finance employment,
71

may have prevented a decline in the employment of tellers. 

Because OES survey data do not distinguish between parttime and full-time workers, if a bank eliminated one full-time

teller position and, instead, created two part-time positions,

the bank’s employment of tellers—as measured by the OES

survey—would increase. Data from the National Compensation survey (NCS) show that the number of part-time tellers has increased, from 31.1 percent in 2001, to 34.3 percent in 2005 (table 4). In addition, tellers are more hi

concentrated in branch banks than they were previously, as 

most customers typically use branches for transactions and 

other account activities. The growth in employment of telle

between 2001 and 2005 could, therefore, also have resulted

from the increase in the number of bank branches.

Table 4. Mean weekly hours for full-time and part-time tellers, 

2001-2005

 Percent Percent 

 of tellers of tellers

Full- Part- who who

Year Total time time worked worked

 part- full-

 time(*) time(*)

2001................... 33.9 39.2 21.6 30.1 69.9

2005................... 33.8 39.6 22.7 34.3 65.7

Source: National Compensation Survey (NCS)

* Calculated by the author

With 194,060 people working as loan interviewers and

clerks, this occupation accounted for 5.2 percent of all workers in the finance industries, in 2005. Loan interviewers and

clerks are involved in the processing of loan applications 

and forward their findings, reports, and documents to the appraisal department. A sustained period of historically low 

interest rates and healthy housing markets led to job gains for 

loan interviewers and clerks, as demand for loans increased. 

Cross-industry5 employment of loan interviewers and clerks 

increased from 157,680 in 2001 to 231,700 in 2005—an increase of almost 47 percent.

Two other detailed occupations within the office and

administrative support group are new accounts clerks and 

brokerage clerks, which accounted for 2.1 percent and 1.7

percent of workers in finance, respectively. Between 2001

and 2005, cross-industry employment in these occupations

declined by 17.3 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively.

New account clerks interview prospective customers and 

explain services available at the bank. Increasing automation 

and on-line banking provide the most likely explanation for

the decline in new account clerk employment. Consolidation 

is another likely factor in this employment decline, as simiin 2005. This was the second-largest occupation in the finance industries, after tellers. In 2005, more than 90 perce

of all loan officers were employed in the finance industries.

Employment of loan officers increased by 119,000—or 56

percent—over the 2001-2005 period. Another business a

financial operations detailed occupation, personal financial

advisors, increased by 30 percent during the period under

study.

Employment of loan officers is mainly a function of interest rates. As long as interest rates decline, demand for loans 

increases. The increase in employment of loan officers a

personal financial advisors, therefore, was a result of a sustained period of historically low interest rates and healthy 

housing markets that led to job gains in many industries, including depository and nondepository credit intermediation, 

as demand for loans increased. Because loan officers a

more heavily concentrated in branch banks, the increase in 

numbers of loan officers can also be attributed to growth in

the number of branches.

Sales and related occupations: Sales and related occupations, the third largest occupational group in the finance

industries, accounted for 10 percent of finance industries

employment, in 2005. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents, one of the detailed occupations 

in this group, are found primarily in the finance industries.

Approximately 93 percent of securities, commodities, and

financial services sales agents are employed in finance and

make up more than 6 percent of finance industries employment. Employment of this occupation declined from 270,7

to 251,710—a decrease of 7 percent.

Office and administrative support occupations: Office a

administrative support occupations, the largest occupational 

group in the finance industries, made up about 55 percent of

finance employment in 2005. Detailed occupations with

this group with significant shares of finance employment are

tellers, loan interviewers and clerks, new accounts clerks, and 

brokerage clerks. 

Tellers receive and pay out money and keep records of

transactions. Tellers had the largest portion of total finance

employment: 15.6 percent in 2005. Employment of tellers grew from 532,740 in 2001 to 599,220 in 2005—an increase of more than 12 percent. Theoretically, technolog

advancement and automation should have led to a drop in 

demand for tellers, and, therefore, a decrease in the number 

of tellers. However, many of the remaining positions for 

tellers may have been converted from full-time to part-time

positions. This could cost banks less than full-time positions

would cost, because part-time tellers generally receive fewer

benefits than full-time tellers. Shifting tellers from full-ti

to part-time positions also allows banks more flexibility in

extending business hours, since part-time tellers can be

scheduled to work only when customer traffic is high. This

trend toward replacing full-time tellers with part-time tellers

5 Cross-industry estimates are calculated with data collected from

establishments in all the industries in which a particular occupation is 

reported. For example, the cross-industry occupational employment estimate

for tellers is the sum of all the industry-specific estimates for tellers.
72

lar departments in different banks were probably centralized 

during mergers and acquisitions. 

Brokerage clerks perform clerical duties involving the 

purchase or sale of securities. Declining employment of brokerage clerks was partly due to technological advances and 

increased computer use. 

The combined effects of technology, deregulation, mergers, and the economic environment that affected the finance

industries during the 2001-2005 period are reflected in employment fluctuations for finance-related occupations. Whi

finance employment increased by 6.1 percent from 2001 to

2005, occupations discussed in this article show disproportionate changes. The increase in employment of some occupations has been offset by the decline in employment o

others. For example, the number of loan officers in the finance industries grew 55.9 percent during the period, whi

securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents

showed a decrease of 7 percent.

Employment and redistribution of occupations in the finance industry are currently at a crucial point. As mergers 

and acquisitions continue to sweep the industry and more advanced technological innovations are introduced to finance

operations, employment could possibly change and the mix 

of occupations could change. Meanwhile—with the passa

of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, which repealed the Glass-Steagall Act;6 and, thus, 

opened up competition among banks, securities companies 

and insurance companies—it is possible that new opportunities in the finance industry will lead to the creation of new

occupations and increased employment. 

Therefore, now is an interesting time for the United States

finance industry. 6 In 1933, in the aftermath of the Great Depression and its widespread

bank failures, Congress enacted the Banking Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall

Act), which separated the activities of commercial banks from those of the

securities industry. Likewise, this act prohibited investment banks from 

engaging in commercial banking activities.
73

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Management occupations 5,960,560 $42.52 $88,450 $18.17 $25.67 $37.32 $53.73 (3)

Chief executives............................................................................................................. 321,300 139,810 28.84 67.22 44.19 68.48 (3) (3)

General and operations managers................................................................................. 1,663,810 95,470 45.90 19.26 26.63 39.17 59.64 (3)

Legislators...................................................................................................................... 61,060 (2) 31,320 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Advertising and promotions managers........................................................................... 39.06 41,710 81,250 16.50 22.11 33.10 50.35 (3)

Marketing managers....................................................................................................... 166,470 101,990 23.36 49.03 31.65 44.56 62.30 (3)

Sales managers.............................................................................................................. 317,970 98,510 47.36 20.50 28.45 42.11 61.45 (3)

Public relations managers.............................................................................................. 41.26 43,770 85,820 19.65 26.42 36.75 51.17 (3)

Administrative services managers.................................................................................. 239,410 69,540 33.44 15.76 21.85 30.78 41.70 54.40

Computer and information systems managers............................................................... 259,330 102,360 27.55 49.21 36.17 46.41 59.20 (3)

Financial managers........................................................................................................ 471,950 96,620 46.45 23.03 30.36 41.48 56.80 (3)

Compensation and benefits managers........................................................................... 36.68 51,470 76,300 19.19 24.74 33.23 44.14 58.81

Training and development managers............................................................................. 38.55 28,720 80,180 19.63 26.29 35.66 47.12 61.91

Human resources managers, all other............................................................................ 43.24 57,830 89,950 23.95 31.03 40.47 52.14 67.11

Industrial production managers....................................................................................... 153,950 81,960 39.41 22.26 28.01 36.34 47.03 61.62

Purchasing managers..................................................................................................... 39.16 69,300 81,440 21.17 27.56 36.67 47.74 61.08

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers....................................................... 36.12 84,870 75,130 19.68 25.38 33.23 43.22 56.08

Farm, ranch, and other agricultural managers................................................................ 26.81 4,070 55,760 14.66 19.10 24.60 31.95 41.70

Farmers and ranchers..................................................................................................... 19.09 350 39,720 13.21 9.88 16.41 20.83 27.27

Construction managers................................................................................................... 192,610 81,760 39.31 20.63 26.45 34.74 46.30 65.70

Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program.............................. 20.51 47,670 42,670 11.29 13.90 17.79 24.35 33.52

Education administrators, elementary and secondary school......................................... 213,250 (2) 76,890 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Education administrators, postsecondary....................................................................... 105,360 78,590 37.78 19.00 24.71 33.82 46.17 63.10

Education administrators, all other................................................................................. 33.38 24,710 69,430 16.94 22.92 30.85 41.14 53.48

Engineering managers.................................................................................................... 187,410 105,470 31.32 50.71 38.80 48.44 59.98 (3)

Food service managers.................................................................................................. 191,420 44,930 21.60 12.49 15.72 19.87 25.39 32.72

Funeral directors............................................................................................................. 27.04 21,960 56,240 13.31 17.57 22.90 30.29 43.26

Gaming managers.......................................................................................................... 31.69 3,310 65,920 15.77 21.31 28.82 39.12 50.94

Lodging managers.......................................................................................................... 22.80 31,040 47,420 11.34 14.56 19.53 26.82 38.18

Medical and health services managers.......................................................................... 230,130 77,140 37.09 20.98 26.26 33.51 43.30 58.27

Natural sciences managers............................................................................................ 47.66 40,400 99,140 24.16 32.55 44.75 58.74 (3)

Postmasters and mail superintendents........................................................................... 25.83 26,120 53,740 16.86 22.33 25.34 30.07 34.99

Property, real estate, and community association managers......................................... 154,230 50,570 24.31 13.57 9.66 20.14 29.36 43.77

Social and community service managers....................................................................... 112,910 53,920 25.92 14.56 18.18 23.80 31.37 40.85

Managers, all other......................................................................................................... 340,720 83,530 40.16 20.27 27.34 38.06 50.49 63.94

Business and financial operations occupations 5,410,410 27.85 57,930 14.32 18.58 24.88 33.62 44.28

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes.............................. 33.68 10,640 70,060 12.43 16.34 25.87 42.13 (3)

Purchasing agents and buyers, farm products................................................................ 25.47 12,970 52,970 12.58 16.91 22.44 30.62 41.61

Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products........................................................ 132,900 49,050 23.58 11.97 15.51 20.61 27.74 38.62

Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products.................................... 267,410 52,560 25.27 14.57 18.17 23.57 31.14 39.63

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators............................................................. 234,030 49,210 23.66 13.80 17.21 22.21 28.73 35.73

Insurance appraisers, auto damage............................................................................... 23.43 12,900 48,740 15.53 18.93 23.12 27.23 32.57

Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety,

 and transportation.................................................................................................... 161,810 53,320 25.63 14.70 18.37 23.73 31.53 40.13

Cost estimators............................................................................................................... 204,330 55,980 26.91 15.00 19.21 25.01 32.82 41.85

Emergency management specialists.............................................................................. 23.90 11,240 49,720 11.39 16.03 22.10 30.51 39.20

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists..................................................... 181,260 48,470 23.31 12.48 15.44 20.08 27.25 37.95

Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists.................................................... 24.88 97,740 51,750 14.89 18.38 23.49 29.82 37.20

Training and development specialists............................................................................ 206,860 49,060 23.58 12.79 16.65 22.05 28.70 36.68

Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other............................. 171,880 50,480 24.27 17.05 8.13 23.29 30.84 40.00

Logisticians..................................................................................................................... 30.30 52,220 63,010 17.62 22.60 28.90 36.80 44.87

Management analysts..................................................................................................... 441,000 75,000 36.06 18.58 23.85 31.91 43.31 59.28

Meeting and convention planners................................................................................... 21.44 40,040 44,590 12.11 15.41 19.85 25.88 33.34

Business operations specialists, all other....................................................................... 916,290 59,030 28.38 14.09 19.09 26.22 34.90 44.88

Accountants and auditors............................................................................................... 1,051,220 58,020 27.89 15.95 19.66 25.10 32.90 43.06

Appraisers and assessors of real estate......................................................................... 23.96 63,800 49,830 11.07 14.90 20.88 29.86 40.14

Budget analysts.............................................................................................................. 29.89 53,510 62,180 18.61 22.85 28.32 35.52 43.34

Credit analysts................................................................................................................ 27.94 61,500 58,110 14.49 18.16 24.22 33.69 45.98

Financial analysts........................................................................................................... 180,910 73,130 35.16 18.51 23.35 30.70 41.67 57.08

Personal financial advisors............................................................................................. 108,640 82,970 39.89 14.93 20.25 30.53 51.67 (3)

Insurance underwriters................................................................................................... 27.15 98,970 56,480 15.07 18.75 24.65 33.22 42.72

Financial examiners........................................................................................................ 32.74 22,160 68,090 16.32 21.66 30.33 41.94 53.46

Loan counselors.............................................................................................................. 20.85 28,030 43,370 11.60 13.82 17.15 22.80 32.57

Loan officers................................................................................................................... 332,690 59,350 28.53 13.74 17.42 23.77 33.78 49.05

Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents............................................................. 23.78 72,290 49,460 12.48 16.17 21.26 30.50 40.26

Tax preparers................................................................................................................. 14.90 58,850 31,000 9.33 7.59 12.36 17.98 25.41

Financial specialists, all other......................................................................................... 122,320 57,130 27.47 14.65 18.60 24.64 33.23 43.48

Computer and mathematical science occupations 2,952,740 32.26 67,100 16.57 22.47 30.74 40.64 51.01

Computer and information scientists, research............................................................... 45.21 25,890 94,030 25.33 33.70 43.86 54.73 67.19

Computer programmers.................................................................................................. 389,090 67,400 32.40 17.97 23.10 30.49 39.71 49.93

Computer software engineers, applications.................................................................... 455,980 79,540 38.24 22.77 29.05 37.06 45.66 55.84

Computer software engineers, systems software........................................................... 320,720 84,310 40.54 24.95 31.28 39.48 48.94 57.89

Computer support specialists......................................................................................... 499,860 43,380 20.86 11.65 14.94 19.52 25.41 32.52

Computer systems analysts............................................................................................ 492,120 70,430 33.86 20.71 26.00 32.84 40.97 49.40

Database administrators................................................................................................. 31.54 99,380 65,590 17.02 22.56 30.41 39.92 48.52

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation Employment

Mean wages Percentiles
74

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Computer and mathematical science occupations  Continued

Network and computer systems administrators.............................................................. $30.39 $63,210 $18.17 $22.78 $28.81 $36.63 $44.84 270,330

Network systems and data communications analysts.................................................... 185,190 64,970 31.23 17.74 22.69 29.69 38.66 47.42

Computer specialists, all other....................................................................................... 116,760 63,190 30.38 14.31 20.00 28.57 38.72 49.61

Actuaries......................................................................................................................... 43.63 15,770 90,760 21.95 27.76 39.25 54.02 (3)

Mathematicians............................................................................................................... 39.02 2,930 81,150 20.07 27.66 38.90 49.14 58.55

Operations research analysts......................................................................................... 31.70 52,530 65,940 17.94 22.79 29.90 39.11 48.83

Statisticians.................................................................................................................... 31.79 17,480 66,130 16.88 21.76 30.02 40.30 50.28

Mathematical technicians............................................................................................... 22.23 1,430 46,230 12.26 14.42 17.54 26.76 34.32

Mathematical scientists, all other.................................................................................... 29.60 7,320 61,560 16.75 23.25 29.74 35.51 42.44

Architecture and engineering occupations 2,382,480 30.73 63,910 15.94 21.52 28.94 38.69 48.50

Architects, except landscape and naval.......................................................................... 32.96 96,740 68,560 18.81 23.40 30.22 39.27 50.72

Landscape architects...................................................................................................... 28.62 20,220 59,540 16.14 20.27 26.07 34.24 44.38

Cartographers and photogrammetrists........................................................................... 24.68 11,260 51,340 14.24 17.62 23.20 30.70 38.43

Surveyors........................................................................................................................ 23.53 54,220 48,950 12.28 16.33 22.05 29.20 36.48

Aerospace engineers...................................................................................................... 41.08 81,100 85,450 27.53 33.03 40.43 49.02 56.58

Agricultural engineers..................................................................................................... 31.91 3,170 66,370 19.79 24.49 31.20 39.23 44.59

Biomedical engineers..................................................................................................... 36.24 11,660 75,380 21.18 26.47 34.54 43.66 54.61

Chemical engineers........................................................................................................ 38.09 27,550 79,230 23.73 29.32 37.09 45.58 54.79

Civil engineers................................................................................................................ 229,700 69,480 33.41 21.35 25.52 31.82 39.83 48.10

Computer hardware engineers....................................................................................... 41.91 78,580 87,170 25.23 32.03 40.59 50.94 61.68

Electrical engineers........................................................................................................ 144,920 76,060 36.57 22.96 28.30 35.34 43.42 53.16

Electronics engineers, except computer......................................................................... 130,050 79,990 38.46 24.08 29.78 37.52 46.43 55.11

Environmental engineers................................................................................................ 34.00 50,140 70,720 20.47 25.34 32.74 41.32 50.29

Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors............... 32.33 25,330 67,240 19.34 24.45 31.35 39.21 46.22

Industrial engineers........................................................................................................ 191,640 68,500 32.93 20.97 25.71 32.05 39.66 46.68

Marine engineers and naval architects........................................................................... 35.73 6,550 74,320 20.06 26.61 35.06 43.31 53.68

Materials engineers........................................................................................................ 34.32 20,950 71,390 21.20 26.34 33.49 41.77 50.64

Mechanical engineers..................................................................................................... 220,750 70,000 33.65 21.42 25.93 32.49 40.62 48.88

Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers............................. 36.09 5,680 75,070 20.82 25.86 33.69 43.31 57.28

Nuclear engineers........................................................................................................... 43.60 14,290 90,690 30.65 37.03 42.45 50.42 57.95

Petroleum engineers....................................................................................................... 46.80 14,860 97,350 24.72 33.10 44.71 57.69 (3)

Engineers, all other......................................................................................................... 152,940 77,570 37.29 20.74 28.25 37.09 45.60 54.93

Architectural and civil drafters........................................................................................ 101,040 42,110 20.24 12.57 15.56 19.42 24.07 28.65

Electrical and electronics drafters................................................................................... 23.27 30,270 48,410 13.96 17.39 21.90 28.07 34.85

Mechanical drafters........................................................................................................ 21.87 74,650 45,490 13.53 16.61 20.84 26.14 32.41

Drafters, all other............................................................................................................ 21.84 20,870 45,420 12.13 15.63 20.34 26.61 35.64

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians....................................................... 26.31 9,950 54,720 16.88 20.97 25.22 30.17 36.84

Civil engineering technicians.......................................................................................... 19.61 90,390 40,780 11.78 14.64 18.85 23.96 28.54

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians........................................................... 165,850 48,710 23.42 14.28 18.22 23.10 27.45 33.64

Electro-mechanical technicians...................................................................................... 21.96 15,130 45,670 13.99 16.77 21.10 26.55 32.41

Environmental engineering technicians.......................................................................... 20.16 19,900 41,940 11.80 14.76 19.14 24.76 30.56

Industrial engineering technicians................................................................................... 23.67 73,310 49,220 14.17 17.38 21.77 28.06 36.37

Mechanical engineering technicians............................................................................... 22.37 46,580 46,520 13.83 17.33 21.55 26.78 32.72

Engineering technicians, except drafters, all other......................................................... 25.19 78,300 52,400 14.82 19.75 25.25 30.70 35.37

Surveying and mapping technicians............................................................................... 16.05 63,910 33,390 11.58 9.28 15.04 19.59 25.00

Life, physical, and social science occupations 1,185,730 27.90 58,030 13.31 17.71 24.78 34.77 47.33

Animal scientists............................................................................................................. 3, 22.88 000 47,600 14.35 16.79 20.76 26.64 34.37

Food scientists and technologists................................................................................... 7,570 27.33 56,840 13.90 17.53 24.73 35.13 44.55

Soil and plant scientists.................................................................................................. 10,1 27.90 00 58,040 15.56 19.51 26.22 34.05 44.00

Biochemists and biophysicists........................................................................................ 17,690 36.21 75,320 19.20 24.93 34.14 43.46 55.76

Microbiologists................................................................................................................ 30.46 15,250 63,360 16.57 20.64 27.34 37.63 50.24

Zoologists and wildlife biologists.................................................................................... 16,440 26.58 55,280 15.51 19.51 25.02 32.28 41.03

Biological scientists, all other......................................................................................... 26,200 30.61 63,670 16.07 21.74 28.94 37.72 47.61

Conservation scientists................................................................................................... 15,54 26.27 0 54,640 14.77 19.22 25.65 32.19 39.38

Foresters......................................................................................................................... 10,750 24.53 51,030 14.96 18.33 23.40 29.64 35.84

Epidemiologists.............................................................................................................. 3, 27.09 630 56,340 16.16 19.77 25.08 31.87 40.23

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists..................................................................... 73,670 33.24 69,140 17.03 21.59 29.68 41.49 54.73

Life scientists, all other................................................................................................... 12 31.04 ,790 64,570 15.79 20.19 27.10 37.02 50.92

Astronomers................................................................................................................... 48.73 970 101,360 24.00 35.18 50.32 61.40 68.37

Physicists........................................................................................................................ 43.98 15,160 91,480 23.59 32.05 43.18 54.11 65.80

Atmospheric and space scientists.................................................................................. 35.11 7,050 73,020 17.91 25.20 35.55 43.03 52.71

Chemists......................................................................................................................... 30.51 76,540 63,470 16.66 20.92 27.83 38.07 48.98

Materials scientists......................................................................................................... 35.74 7,880 74,350 19.93 25.72 34.35 44.42 55.15

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health............................................. 27.63 72,000 57,470 15.82 19.49 25.30 33.54 42.81

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers..................................................... 38.46 27,430 79,990 18.95 25.04 34.44 48.98 65.04

Hydrologists.................................................................................................................... 32.33 8,360 67,260 19.32 23.64 30.68 39.43 49.11

Physical scientists, all other............................................................................................ 40.57 23,800 84,380 19.84 28.58 40.05 52.15 60.53

Economists..................................................................................................................... 38.90 12,470 80,900 19.62 25.53 35.43 48.04 63.66

Market research analysts................................................................................................ 195,710 64,370 30.95 15.16 19.89 27.55 39.41 52.40

Survey researchers......................................................................................................... 18.13 21,650 37,710 10.19 7.73 14.97 23.23 33.87

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists............................................................... 30.75 98,820 63,960 16.37 21.01 27.49 35.81 47.73

Industrial-organizational psychologists........................................................................... 43.26 1,070 89,980 23.53 31.37 40.72 53.20 67.30

Psychologists, all other................................................................................................... 35.70 6,750 74,250 15.94 24.77 35.70 45.13 53.66

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation Employment

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Mean wages
75

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Life, physical, and social science occupations  Continued

Sociologists.................................................................................................................... 3,500 $29.66 $61,700 $15.87 $19.53 $25.37 $36.83 $52.57

Urban and regional planners........................................................................................... 31,650 27.70 57,620 16.79 20.85 26.53 33.41 41.32

Anthropologists and archeologists.................................................................................. 4,790 24.07 50,060 13.23 16.44 22.07 30.20 38.48

Geographers................................................................................................................... 8 31.07 10 64,620 18.77 24.20 30.56 37.62 44.37

Historians........................................................................................................................ 2,850 23.86 49,620 11.70 15.86 21.35 30.28 40.37

Political scientists........................................................................................................... 40.78 5,010 84,820 19.18 27.00 40.43 52.37 63.75

Social scientists and related workers, all other............................................................... 31,900 31.27 65,040 17.59 22.96 30.12 38.49 47.84

Agricultural and food science technicians....................................................................... 15.99 19,340 33,260 12.09 9.78 15.08 18.97 23.65

Biological technicians..................................................................................................... 17.54 67,080 36,480 10.81 13.14 16.47 20.94 26.21

Chemical technicians...................................................................................................... 19.29 59,790 40,120 11.37 14.41 18.51 23.44 28.17

Geological and petroleum technicians............................................................................ 23.82 11,130 49,550 10.40 14.79 21.03 29.36 40.70

Nuclear technicians........................................................................................................ 28.77 6,050 59,840 14.07 23.16 29.39 34.95 41.80

Social science research assistants................................................................................. 17.29 16,320 35,960 12.78 9.84 16.32 20.83 26.40

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health.............................. 18.52 32,460 38,520 11.03 13.73 17.43 22.49 27.65

Forensic science technicians.......................................................................................... 22.79 11,030 47,390 13.15 16.44 21.44 27.47 34.18

Forest and conservation technicians.............................................................................. 15.13 29,940 31,480 11.52 9.83 13.72 17.93 21.97

Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other.................................................. 21.72 63,810 45,180 11.17 14.32 19.25 26.44 35.21

Community and social services occupations 1,692,950 18.04 37,530 9.70 12.49 16.52 22.15 28.52

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors................................................... 16.73 72,210 34,800 10.35 12.58 15.66 19.72 24.56

Educational, vocational, and school counselors............................................................. 214,160 48,530 23.33 13.00 17.05 22.33 28.50 35.30

Marriage and family therapists....................................................................................... 21.90 18,500 45,550 12.67 16.12 20.34 25.90 32.65

Mental health counselors................................................................................................ 18.01 87,220 37,470 10.46 12.71 16.35 21.53 28.02

Rehabilitation counselors................................................................................................ 117,230 31,350 15.07 10.72 9.02 13.62 17.81 23.85

Counselors, all other....................................................................................................... 19.01 21,390 39,540 13.27 9.86 17.91 23.89 28.74

Child, family, and school social workers......................................................................... 256,430 38,780 18.65 11.35 13.79 17.00 22.25 28.46

Medical and public health social workers....................................................................... 112,220 42,690 20.52 12.56 15.68 19.77 24.69 29.27

Mental health and substance abuse social workers....................................................... 120,140 36,920 17.75 10.57 13.00 16.54 21.43 26.63

Social workers, all other................................................................................................. 20.54 60,940 42,720 11.77 15.07 19.85 25.80 31.23

Health educators............................................................................................................. 20.89 51,970 43,440 11.47 14.53 19.10 25.93 33.50

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists............................................... 20.92 90,600 43,510 13.27 15.46 19.33 25.40 32.43

Social and human service assistants.............................................................................. 313,210 26,600 12.79 9.54 7.61 12.03 15.30 19.51

Community and social service specialists, all other....................................................... 16.85 99,860 35,060 12.41 9.71 15.83 20.26 25.94

Clergy............................................................................................................................. 20.05 36,590 41,700 13.19 9.84 18.53 24.89 32.68

Directors, religious activities and education................................................................... 17.09 13,610 35,540 11.70 8.50 15.64 20.63 27.17

Religious workers, all other............................................................................................ 13.48 6,670 28,050 7.56 6.32 11.43 17.41 24.25

Legal occupations 38.98 81,070 14.44 19.64 30.24 52.53 (3) 986,740

Lawyers.......................................................................................................................... 529,190 110,520 23.65 53.13 32.47 47.56 (3) (3)

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers........................................ 36.89 15,350 76,730 17.34 23.38 33.98 46.87 61.37

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.......................................................................... 28.78 5,780 59,870 13.11 17.58 26.14 35.72 46.46

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates.................................................................. 43.99 25,330 91,500 12.62 24.48 46.91 61.25 69.85

Paralegals and legal assistants...................................................................................... 217,700 43,510 20.92 12.63 15.61 19.79 25.22 31.41

Court reporters................................................................................................................ 21.84 17,130 45,420 14.34 9.79 20.02 27.34 37.79

Law clerks....................................................................................................................... 17.78 40,620 36,980 13.53 9.57 17.12 21.37 26.12

Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers................................................................... 19.26 64,580 40,070 10.24 12.90 16.88 22.60 30.83

Legal support workers, all other...................................................................................... 22.54 71,060 46,890 13.96 17.25 21.06 26.01 33.43

Education, training, and library occupations 8,078,500 20.89 43,450 8.67 12.74 19.04 26.41 34.94

Business teachers, postsecondary................................................................................. 67,420 (2) 67,500 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Computer science teachers, postsecondary................................................................... 38,520 (2) 60,330 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary............................................................. 44,660 (2) 58,850 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Architecture teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 6,110 (2) 65,740 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Engineering teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 34,500 (2) 78,780 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary............................................................... 11,460 (2) 73,680 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Biological science teachers, postsecondary................................................................... 59,540 (2) 77,690 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary......................................... 2,990 (2) 67,550 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary................... 8,810 (2) 70,960 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Chemistry teachers, postsecondary................................................................................ 19,520 (2) 65,400 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary............................................................ 4,340 (2) 66,020 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Physics teachers, postsecondary................................................................................... 13,310 (2) 71,020 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary................................................. 5,320 (2) 66,700 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary............................................ 7,970 (2) 62,480 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Economics teachers, postsecondary.............................................................................. 12,670 (2) 74,600 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Geography teachers, postsecondary.............................................................................. 4,250 (2) 61,790 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Political science teachers, postsecondary...................................................................... 13,710 (2) 65,760 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Psychology teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 30,240 (2) 61,980 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Sociology teachers, postsecondary................................................................................ 14,980 (2) 59,030 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other........................................................ 6,330 (2) 66,060 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary................................................................... 108,680 (2) 82,450 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary........................................................... 37,020 (2) 56,840 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Education teachers, postsecondary................................................................................ 51,320 (2) 54,790 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Library science teachers, postsecondary....................................................................... 3,960 (2) 56,630 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary..................................... 9,880 (2) 52,930 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Law teachers, postsecondary......................................................................................... 13,560 (2) 95,570 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Social work teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 7,440 (2) 56,520 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary............................................................. 69,260 (2) 55,340 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Mean wages

Employment

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued
76

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Education, training, and library occupations  Continued

Communications teachers, postsecondary..................................................................... 22,320 (2) $54,010 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary.............................................. 58,710 (2) 53,950 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary.............................................. 23,830 (2) 53,400 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

History teachers, postsecondary.................................................................................... 20,520 (2) 59,450 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary.......................................................... 18,340 (2) 57,960 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Graduate teaching assistants......................................................................................... 117,970 (2) 29,170 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Home economics teachers, postsecondary.................................................................... 4,010 (2) 51,760 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary................................................ 16,530 (2) 48,960 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary.............................................................. 105,980 21.69 45,110 11.69 15.05 20.07 26.69 34.42

Postsecondary teachers, all other.................................................................................. 267,280 (2) 67,540 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Preschool teachers, except special education................................................................ 348,690 25,150 12.09 8.34 7.02 10.57 13.84 18.69

Kindergarten teachers, except special education........................................................... 171,290 (2) 45,250 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Elementary school teachers, except special education.................................................. 1,486,650 (2) 46,990 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education................................. 637,340 (2) 47,890 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Vocational education teachers, middle school................................................................ 15,380 (2) 46,080 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education........................... 1,015,740 (2) 49,400 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Vocational education teachers, secondary school.......................................................... 96,600 (2) 49,240 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school............... 214,060 (2) 47,820 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Special education teachers, middle school.................................................................... 103,480 (2) 50,340 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Special education teachers, secondary school............................................................... 136,290 (2) 50,880 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors........................... 21.21 66,070 44,110 11.26 14.79 19.84 26.13 34.52

Self-enrichment education teachers............................................................................... 141,650 36,760 17.68 10.86 8.24 15.56 21.82 30.68

Teachers and instructors, all other.................................................................................. 530,670 (2) 33,510 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Archivists........................................................................................................................ 19.64 5,410 40,850 10.04 13.83 17.99 23.44 31.84

Curators.......................................................................................................................... 23.64 8,790 49,180 12.69 16.17 21.75 29.01 37.95

Museum technicians and conservators........................................................................... 17.94 9,370 37,320 12.27 9.48 16.39 21.88 28.93

Librarians........................................................................................................................ 146,740 49,110 23.61 14.30 18.27 22.79 28.14 34.56

Library technicians.......................................................................................................... 115,770 26,940 12.95 9.29 7.28 12.33 16.00 19.97

Audio-visual collections specialists................................................................................ 19.76 6,910 41,100 10.10 13.96 19.36 25.27 30.58

Farm and home management advisors.......................................................................... 22.05 12,620 45,860 10.37 14.95 20.14 26.18 33.94

Instructional coordinators................................................................................................ 112,880 53,360 25.66 13.73 17.81 24.24 32.39 40.65

Teacher assistants.......................................................................................................... 1,260,400 (2) 21,100 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Education, training, and library workers, all other........................................................... 16.33 72,450 33,970 8.96 6.93 14.37 20.61 29.00

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 1,683,310 21.30 44,310 8.20 11.78 17.71 26.35 38.38

Art directors.................................................................................................................... 35.48 29,350 73,790 17.60 22.86 30.75 43.01 60.52

Craft artists..................................................................................................................... 13.15 4,300 27,360 8.67 6.41 10.78 16.51 22.27

Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators.............................................. 22.44 10,390 46,670 13.92 9.41 19.85 27.38 38.44

Multi-media artists and animators................................................................................... 27.53 23,790 57,270 14.27 18.51 24.18 33.13 44.74

Artists and related workers, all other.............................................................................. 17.73 5,290 36,880 10.25 7.25 15.01 21.74 31.31

Commercial and industrial designers............................................................................. 27.30 31,650 56,780 14.29 18.86 25.10 33.78 42.90

Fashion designers.......................................................................................................... 32.39 12,980 67,370 14.71 19.78 29.26 41.97 54.29

Floral designers.............................................................................................................. 10.77 63,920 22,410 8.29 7.07 10.12 12.67 15.85

Graphic designers........................................................................................................... 178,530 42,530 20.45 11.13 14.16 18.46 24.69 32.53

Interior designers............................................................................................................ 22.60 50,020 47,010 11.45 14.94 19.88 26.70 36.47

Merchandise displayers and window trimmers............................................................... 12.10 64,320 25,170 8.57 7.21 10.86 14.02 18.84

Set and exhibit designers............................................................................................... 20.15 8,380 41,920 10.13 13.35 17.98 25.43 33.49

Designers, all other......................................................................................................... 22.99 12,410 47,810 10.22 14.93 20.96 29.59 37.70

Actors.............................................................................................................................. 23.73 59,590 (2) 7.09 8.39 13.60 34.59 56.67

Producers and directors.................................................................................................. 33.16 59,070 68,970 12.92 17.62 25.89 40.68 68.03

Athletes and sports competitors..................................................................................... 12,230 (2) 71,900 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Coaches and scouts....................................................................................................... 145,440 (2) 32,050 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials.................................................................. 12,800 (2) 27,150 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Dancers.......................................................................................................................... 13.22 16,240 (2) 6.16 6.92 8.92 16.72 24.40

Choreographers.............................................................................................................. 18.26 16,150 37,970 9.97 7.44 15.84 23.11 33.21

Music directors and composers...................................................................................... 20.90 8,610 43,470 11.40 7.85 16.74 24.51 38.57

Musicians and singers.................................................................................................... 25.16 50,410 (2) 6.80 10.91 17.90 32.16 52.78

Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other................................ 17.92 68,540 (2) 7.83 10.60 15.73 21.84 30.94

Radio and television announcers.................................................................................... 17.11 41,090 35,600 7.98 6.39 11.60 18.37 32.68

Public address system and other announcers................................................................ 14.98 8,150 31,160 8.01 6.53 11.20 17.66 27.15

Broadcast news analysts................................................................................................ 30.73 6,680 63,920 13.31 9.91 20.58 38.44 (3)

Reporters and correspondents....................................................................................... 19.41 52,920 40,370 11.23 8.80 15.52 24.32 34.24

Public relations specialists............................................................................................. 191,430 51,080 24.56 12.92 16.32 21.64 29.77 40.53

Editors............................................................................................................................. 24.88 96,270 51,750 12.94 16.48 21.88 30.28 40.98

Technical writers............................................................................................................. 27.75 46,250 57,720 15.98 20.52 26.52 33.86 42.09

Writers and authors........................................................................................................ 25.89 43,020 53,850 11.69 16.04 22.32 31.13 43.24

Interpreters and translators............................................................................................. 18.41 29,240 38,300 12.97 9.88 16.73 22.08 29.70

Media and communication workers, all other................................................................. 22.13 25,660 46,030 10.51 14.52 20.14 27.66 37.71

Audio and video equipment technicians......................................................................... 17.48 40,390 36,350 12.08 9.30 15.84 21.03 27.57

Broadcast technicians..................................................................................................... 17.00 30,730 35,350 9.83 7.46 14.62 21.61 31.41

Radio operators.............................................................................................................. 18.21 1,190 37,880 13.04 9.74 17.42 22.86 27.41

Sound engineering technicians....................................................................................... 22.98 12,680 47,790 13.17 9.47 18.46 29.55 42.49

Photographers................................................................................................................ 15.10 58,260 31,410 8.86 7.33 12.55 17.97 25.92

Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture............................................... 22.13 22,530 46,040 13.18 8.55 20.01 28.13 39.09

Film and video editors.................................................................................................... 26.31 15,200 54,730 10.70 14.76 22.56 34.38 48.96

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment

Mean wages Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Occupation
77

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (Continued)

Media and communication equipment workers, all other................................................ 17,200 $24.81 $51,610 $8.72 $13.66 $22.95 $33.25 $42.66

Healthcare practitioner and technical occupations 6,547,350 28.45 59,170 12.34 17.30 23.83 32.69 48.63

Chiropractors.................................................................................................................. 39.45 24,290 82,060 15.82 22.20 32.31 49.48 (3)

Dentists, general............................................................................................................. 64.27 86,270 133,680 31.14 43.71 60.24 (3) (3)

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons..................................................................................... 77.24 5,120 160,660 31.22 49.75 (3) (3) (3)

Orthodontists.................................................................................................................. 78.56 4,820 163,410 35.24 56.49 (3) (3) (3)

Prosthodontists............................................................................................................... 70.23 560 146,080 30.44 39.32 (3) (3) (3)

Dentists, all other specialists.......................................................................................... 55.60 3,480 115,640 19.19 25.46 45.48 (3) (3)

Dietitians and nutritionists............................................................................................... 22.09 48,850 45,950 13.97 17.77 21.61 26.31 31.63

Optometrists................................................................................................................... 45.91 23,720 95,500 20.60 30.96 42.33 55.10 (3)

Pharmacists.................................................................................................................... 229,740 88,650 42.62 30.94 37.80 43.18 49.66 54.48

Anesthesiologists............................................................................................................ 83.77 27,970 174,240 51.94 (3) (3) (3) (3)

Family and general practitioners.................................................................................... 112,150 140,370 27.25 67.49 48.76 67.50 (3) (3)

Internists, general........................................................................................................... 75.27 48,210 156,550 42.69 59.98 (3) (3) (3)

Obstetricians and gynecologists..................................................................................... 82.60 21,910 171,810 46.14 (3) (3) (3) (3)

Pediatricians, general..................................................................................................... 66.94 26,400 139,230 31.98 48.63 65.67 (3) (3)

Psychiatrists.................................................................................................................... 70.26 23,450 146,150 30.68 54.75 (3) (3) (3)

Surgeons......................................................................................................................... 85.43 52,930 177,690 56.04 (3) (3) (3) (3)

Physicians and surgeons, all other................................................................................. 180,210 138,910 21.56 66.79 45.21 68.98 (3) (3)

Physician assistants....................................................................................................... 34.17 63,350 71,070 18.45 28.49 34.63 41.60 48.31

Podiatrists....................................................................................................................... 53.49 8,290 111,250 21.15 32.22 48.34 (3) (3)

Registered nurses........................................................................................................... 2,368,070 56,880 27.35 18.59 21.98 26.28 32.04 38.20

Audiologists.................................................................................................................... 27.72 10,330 57,660 17.27 21.34 25.72 31.59 39.70

Occupational therapists.................................................................................................. 28.41 87,430 59,100 18.67 22.88 27.34 33.53 41.08

Physical therapists.......................................................................................................... 151,280 65,350 31.42 21.51 25.13 30.33 35.83 43.66

Radiation therapists........................................................................................................ 30.59 14,120 63,620 20.37 24.65 29.97 35.38 41.85

Recreational therapists................................................................................................... 16.90 23,260 35,150 12.48 9.68 16.10 20.79 25.73

Respiratory therapists..................................................................................................... 22.24 95,320 46,270 16.19 18.78 21.70 25.68 28.98

Speech-language pathologists....................................................................................... 27.89 94,660 58,000 17.49 21.19 26.38 33.20 41.53

Therapists, all other........................................................................................................ 21.96 9,730 45,680 10.06 14.42 20.22 26.45 34.83

Veterinarians................................................................................................................... 37.36 47,870 77,710 19.69 25.74 33.13 43.64 61.08

Health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other.................................................... 42.13 57,880 87,630 13.99 19.40 27.64 66.09 (3)

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists................................................................. 155,250 48,600 23.37 16.09 19.23 22.94 26.94 31.98

Medical and clinical laboratory technicians.................................................................... 142,330 33,170 15.95 12.18 9.95 15.24 18.99 23.00

Dental hygienists............................................................................................................ 161,140 60,620 29.15 18.49 23.62 29.28 34.36 41.18

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians................................................................ 19.99 43,560 41,580 10.97 13.91 19.43 25.23 30.29

Diagnostic medical sonographers................................................................................... 26.65 43,590 55,430 18.73 22.46 26.14 30.93 35.16

Nuclear medicine technologists...................................................................................... 29.10 18,280 60,530 21.47 24.51 28.69 33.54 38.81

Radiologic technologists and technicians....................................................................... 184,580 47,010 22.60 15.04 18.39 22.09 26.49 31.36

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics........................................................... 196,880 28,440 13.68 9.84 7.99 12.54 16.49 21.18

Dietetic technicians......................................................................................................... 12.20 23,780 25,380 8.59 7.16 11.28 14.78 17.98

Pharmacy technicians..................................................................................................... 266,790 25,350 12.19 9.66 8.22 11.73 14.26 16.90

Psychiatric technicians................................................................................................... 14.04 62,040 29,210 10.27 8.93 12.87 16.94 21.53

Respiratory therapy technicians..................................................................................... 18.57 22,060 38,620 12.34 15.11 18.37 21.65 25.83

Surgical technologists..................................................................................................... 17.27 83,680 35,920 11.79 14.10 16.75 20.20 23.42

Veterinary technologists and technicians........................................................................ 12.84 63,860 26,710 10.03 8.51 12.34 15.17 17.96

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses......................................................... 710,020 36,210 17.41 12.18 14.41 16.94 20.28 23.32

Medical records and health information technicians....................................................... 160,450 28,720 13.81 10.33 8.85 12.83 16.45 20.65

Opticians, dispensing...................................................................................................... 14.80 70,090 30,770 10.80 8.89 13.94 17.75 21.98

Orthotists and prosthetists.............................................................................................. 28.87 5,190 60,050 14.00 18.90 25.85 34.26 44.86

Health technologists and technicians, all other............................................................... 18.04 71,140 37,520 10.27 12.76 16.49 21.52 27.70

Occupational health and safety specialists..................................................................... 26.83 35,460 55,800 15.62 19.96 25.82 32.88 40.30

Occupational health and safety technicians.................................................................... 22.17 9,510 46,120 11.55 15.24 20.75 28.28 35.25

Athletic trainers............................................................................................................... 15,110 (2) 36,520 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other............................................... 19.03 50,880 39,590 11.92 9.39 16.12 23.01 32.77

Healthcare support occupations 3,363,800 11.47 23,850 7.43 8.86 10.64 13.34 16.63

Home health aides.......................................................................................................... 663,280 19,420 9.34 7.67 6.80 9.04 10.51 12.67

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants........................................................................ 1,391,430 22,200 10.67 8.84 7.49 10.31 12.41 14.51

Psychiatric aides............................................................................................................. 11.47 56,150 23,860 8.82 7.53 11.02 13.69 16.39

Occupational therapist assistants................................................................................... 19.13 22,160 39,800 11.86 15.55 19.11 22.33 26.46

Occupational therapist aides.......................................................................................... 13.20 6,220 27,450 9.47 7.92 11.69 16.06 21.25

Physical therapist assistants........................................................................................... 18.98 58,670 39,490 12.33 15.56 18.98 21.99 26.19

Physical therapist aides.................................................................................................. 11.01 41,930 22,900 8.76 7.49 10.34 12.67 15.64

Massage therapists......................................................................................................... 19.33 37,670 40,210 10.28 7.21 15.81 24.92 34.16

Dental assistants............................................................................................................ 270,720 29,970 14.41 11.53 9.46 14.19 16.92 20.21

Medical assistants.......................................................................................................... 382,720 26,160 12.58 10.17 8.81 12.19 14.49 16.96

Medical equipment preparers......................................................................................... 12.42 41,790 25,830 9.86 8.52 11.96 14.40 17.00

Medical transcriptionists................................................................................................. 14.36 90,380 29,880 11.82 9.96 13.98 16.66 19.76

Pharmacy aides.............................................................................................................. 46,610 20,310 9.76 7.58 6.66 9.09 11.22 14.18

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers................................................. 69,890 20,590 9.90 7.81 6.76 9.43 11.32 13.77

Healthcare support workers, all other............................................................................. 184,200 27,150 13.05 10.07 8.41 12.51 15.56 18.80

See footnotes at end of table.

Mean wages

Employment

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Percentiles

Occupation
78

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Protective service occupations 3,056,660 $17.19 $35,750 $7.78 $10.11 $15.00 $22.60 $30.36

First-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers................................................. 24.37 37,530 50,700 14.73 17.37 23.35 29.82 36.23

First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives............................................... 32.33 91,320 67,240 18.58 24.44 31.52 39.90 49.16

First-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers......................... 30.06 53,490 62,510 17.80 23.11 29.25 35.86 44.61

First-line supervisors/managers, protective service workers, all other........................... 21.95 49,330 45,650 11.68 14.76 19.78 27.60 35.25

Fire fighters..................................................................................................................... 282,180 40,420 19.43 13.65 9.49 18.80 24.82 30.53

Fire inspectors and investigators.................................................................................... 23.44 12,820 48,760 13.62 17.45 22.64 28.57 35.47

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists............................................................ 18.44 1,720 38,360 11.98 9.34 16.48 23.47 31.03

Bailiffs............................................................................................................................. 16.90 17,160 35,160 11.62 8.33 16.25 21.94 26.77

Correctional officers and jailers...................................................................................... 411,080 36,600 17.60 11.06 13.03 16.39 21.57 26.70

Detectives and criminal investigators............................................................................. 28.24 85,270 58,750 15.83 20.23 26.82 36.25 42.58

Fish and game wardens.................................................................................................. 20.85 6,300 43,360 13.87 16.64 20.60 24.95 28.33

Parking enforcement workers......................................................................................... 14.72 10,140 30,620 10.65 8.80 13.98 17.98 21.99

Police and sheriff's patrol officers................................................................................... 624,130 47,270 22.73 13.05 16.89 22.25 27.74 33.81

Transit and railroad police.............................................................................................. 24.20 5,090 50,330 15.24 18.61 23.49 29.33 34.60

Animal control workers................................................................................................... 13.50 13,940 28,090 10.10 7.88 12.87 16.39 20.33

Private detectives and investigators............................................................................... 17.78 33,720 36,980 11.55 9.24 15.70 21.29 29.58

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators................................................. 13.82 8,730 28,740 9.96 8.75 12.44 16.33 20.77

Security guards............................................................................................................... 994,220 22,690 10.91 8.16 6.99 9.98 12.67 16.57

Crossing guards.............................................................................................................. 10.21 69,390 21,230 7.57 6.38 9.64 12.03 14.72

Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers....................... 107,620 18,020 8.67 7.03 6.11 8.13 9.83 11.92

Protective service workers, all other............................................................................... 141,480 33,070 15.90 11.33 8.36 14.77 18.75 25.68

Food preparation and serving related occupations 10,797,700 8.58 17,840 5.83 6.53 7.73 9.72 12.77

Chefs and head cooks.................................................................................................... 115,850 35,840 17.23 11.52 9.08 15.54 21.08 27.61

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers..................... 748,550 27,960 13.44 9.78 8.06 12.53 16.30 20.43

Cooks, fast food.............................................................................................................. 631,190 15,500 7.45 6.37 5.74 7.25 8.30 9.77

Cooks, institution and cafeteria....................................................................................... 393,500 20,550 9.88 7.46 6.23 9.44 11.77 14.23

Cooks, private household............................................................................................... 11.18 830 23,250 7.63 6.35 10.01 14.17 16.81

Cooks, restaurant............................................................................................................ 791,450 20,510 9.86 7.91 6.82 9.54 11.32 13.44

Cooks, short order.......................................................................................................... 203,350 17,980 8.64 6.98 6.05 8.28 10.09 12.00

Cooks, all other............................................................................................................... 11.40 12,100 23,720 8.60 7.19 10.48 13.33 17.13

Food preparation workers............................................................................................... 880,360 18,060 8.68 7.04 6.18 8.19 10.02 12.23

Bartenders...................................................................................................................... 480,010 17,640 8.48 6.51 5.84 7.62 9.55 12.73

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food............................ 2,298,010 15,550 7.48 6.28 5.69 7.11 8.29 10.00

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop.................................. 501,390 16,380 7.88 6.58 5.90 7.60 8.67 10.50

Waiters and waitresses.................................................................................................. 2,274,770 16,310 7.84 6.18 5.64 6.83 8.54 11.61

Food servers, nonrestaurant........................................................................................... 188,750 18,680 8.98 6.91 6.09 8.28 10.37 13.16

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers......................................... 391,320 15,800 7.59 6.38 5.76 7.23 8.36 10.21

Dishwashers................................................................................................................... 498,620 15,760 7.58 6.53 5.85 7.45 8.41 9.92

Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop............................................ 328,930 16,430 7.90 6.61 5.88 7.62 8.68 10.53

Food preparation and serving related workers, all other................................................ 58,730 19,000 9.14 7.16 6.37 8.38 10.57 13.12

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 4,342,550 10.55 21,930 6.59 7.66 9.50 12.44 16.40

First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers....................... 186,870 32,570 15.66 11.31 9.17 14.58 19.01 24.23

First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and................................

 groundskeeping workers.......................................................................................... 106,280 39,150 18.82 11.17 13.61 17.46 22.38 28.11

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners.................................. 2,107,360 21,120 10.15 7.56 6.50 9.32 12.07 15.62

Maids and housekeeping cleaners................................................................................. 893,820 18,180 8.74 7.08 6.16 8.21 10.05 12.36

Building cleaning workers, all other................................................................................ 12.99 15,610 27,020 8.85 7.16 11.25 15.73 22.81

Pest control workers....................................................................................................... 13.89 62,400 28,880 10.45 8.46 13.06 16.53 20.88

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers.................................................................... 896,690 22,350 10.74 8.14 7.08 9.94 12.53 16.06

Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation............................................. 13.22 25,770 27,500 10.24 8.61 12.56 15.63 19.03

Tree trimmers and pruners............................................................................................. 14.35 29,790 29,850 10.77 9.03 13.42 17.36 21.12

Grounds maintenance workers, all other........................................................................ 11.78 17,960 24,510 8.02 6.79 10.04 13.57 22.26

Personal care and service occupations 3,188,850 10.67 22,180 6.21 7.22 8.89 11.88 17.11

Gaming supervisors........................................................................................................ 19.87 24,180 41,320 11.89 15.26 19.38 24.02 28.51

Slot key persons............................................................................................................. 11.65 14,700 24,230 9.07 7.63 10.64 13.47 16.86

First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers......................................... 125,760 34,390 16.53 11.63 9.30 15.09 19.92 25.99

Animal trainers................................................................................................................ 14.19 8,320 29,510 8.70 7.37 11.92 16.76 22.07

Nonfarm animal caretakers............................................................................................. 100,550 20,050 9.64 7.34 6.43 8.52 10.81 14.85

Gaming dealers.............................................................................................................. 82,320 16,040 7.71 6.12 5.61 6.85 8.07 10.66

Gaming and sports book writers and runners................................................................. 19,290 19,930 9.58 7.44 6.33 8.87 10.77 13.63

Gaming service workers, all other.................................................................................. 11.53 16,070 23,980 8.56 7.42 10.37 13.14 17.72

Motion picture projectionists........................................................................................... 10,230 19,340 9.30 6.77 5.95 8.07 10.26 14.20

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers.................................................................... 102,330 16,740 8.05 6.45 5.79 7.41 8.61 10.90

Amusement and recreation attendants........................................................................... 232,030 16,950 8.15 6.59 5.90 7.65 8.98 11.03

Costume attendants........................................................................................................ 13.94 3,900 28,990 8.85 7.12 12.19 16.67 22.62

Locker room, coatroom, and dressing room attendants................................................. 20,340 18,760 9.02 7.38 6.46 8.63 10.32 12.25

Embalmers...................................................................................................................... 19.01 9,840 39,550 10.83 13.60 17.77 21.79 28.57

Funeral attendants.......................................................................................................... 10.39 30,220 21,600 7.69 6.40 9.48 11.50 15.70

Barbers........................................................................................................................... 11.88 13,630 24,700 8.37 7.10 10.46 13.45 17.39

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Mean wages

Occupation
79

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Personal care and service occupations (Continued)

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists................................................................ $11.36 $23,640 $6.44 $7.65 $9.91 $13.20 $17.97 338,910

Makeup artists, theatrical and performance.................................................................... 15.70 1,070 32,660 7.68 6.67 11.29 20.83 33.13

Manicurists and pedicurists............................................................................................ 42,960 20,400 9.81 7.45 6.56 8.79 11.21 14.82

Shampooers................................................................................................................... 16,040 16,320 7.85 6.53 5.87 7.49 8.84 10.49

Skin care specialists....................................................................................................... 12.90 22,740 26,830 8.03 6.67 11.22 15.98 21.43

Baggage porters and bellhops........................................................................................ 10.03 51,300 20,870 6.81 6.17 8.46 11.92 17.34

Concierges...................................................................................................................... 12.08 16,810 25,130 9.15 7.59 11.30 14.61 17.37

Tour guides and escorts................................................................................................. 10.42 28,320 21,670 7.54 6.37 9.61 12.59 16.02

Travel guides.................................................................................................................. 15.03 3,120 31,270 11.24 8.54 14.06 17.65 22.25

Flight attendants............................................................................................................. 99,590 (2) 53,740 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters...................... 24,810 20,550 9.88 7.53 6.58 9.28 11.16 14.56

Child care workers.......................................................................................................... 557,680 18,180 8.74 6.88 6.03 8.20 10.22 12.59

Personal and home care aides....................................................................................... 566,860 17,710 8.52 6.96 6.00 8.34 9.93 11.04

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors........................................................................ 189,220 31,060 14.93 8.46 6.99 12.43 19.36 26.45

Recreation workers......................................................................................................... 264,840 22,420 10.78 7.77 6.64 9.67 12.66 16.84

Residential advisors....................................................................................................... 11.39 50,490 23,690 8.74 7.25 10.51 13.26 16.79

Personal care and service workers, all other.................................................................. ( 21,210 10.20 7.23 6.29 8.91 11.25 15.28

Sales and related occupations 13,930,320 15.77 32,800 6.62 7.84 10.64 18.48 31.24

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers.................................................. 1,083,890 37,600 18.08 12.26 9.86 15.79 20.68 27.61

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.......................................... 294,010 73,670 35.42 15.62 22.09 29.79 43.52 63.58

Cashiers.......................................................................................................................... 3,481,420 17,300 8.32 6.75 5.98 7.82 9.17 11.20

Gaming change persons and booth cashiers.................................................................. 28,590 20,630 9.92 7.97 6.94 9.64 11.53 13.62

Counter and rental clerks................................................................................................ 473,090 22,530 10.83 7.40 6.33 9.12 12.50 17.28

Parts salespersons......................................................................................................... 235,190 28,990 13.94 9.67 7.81 12.72 16.92 21.69

Retail salespersons........................................................................................................ 4,344,770 23,170 11.14 7.55 6.54 9.20 12.45 17.91

Advertising sales agents................................................................................................. 153,890 50,400 24.23 10.14 13.86 20.08 29.77 43.13

Insurance sales agents................................................................................................... 299,470 56,960 27.38 11.36 14.58 20.36 32.72 54.47

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents........................................ 251,710 87,990 42.30 14.49 20.35 32.28 59.57 (3)

Travel agents.................................................................................................................. 14.78 88,590 30,750 10.78 8.73 13.78 17.37 21.73

Sales representatives, services, all other....................................................................... 439,450 54,230 26.07 11.47 15.73 22.50 32.51 44.66

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific 

 products................................................................................................................... 379,890 68,940 33.14 15.15 20.76 29.21 41.49 55.50

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical 

 and scientific products............................................................................................. 1,436,800 55,940 26.90 11.98 16.29 22.78 32.77 46.18

Demonstrators and product promoters........................................................................... 11.81 86,050 24,570 8.24 7.30 9.96 12.96 19.04

Models............................................................................................................................ 13.26 1,430 27,570 9.19 7.47 10.92 14.34 17.35

Real estate brokers......................................................................................................... 36.98 41,760 76,930 11.82 16.98 27.49 48.55 (3)

Real estate sales agents................................................................................................ 150,200 52,090 25.04 12.55 9.34 18.87 30.53 50.18

Sales engineers.............................................................................................................. 38.16 69,790 79,370 21.03 27.10 35.68 45.88 58.49

Telemarketers................................................................................................................. 400,860 23,500 11.30 7.91 6.86 9.79 12.92 18.16

Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers.................. 12.19 10,970 25,350 7.50 6.40 9.83 15.00 22.06

Sales and related workers, all other............................................................................... 178,480 39,610 19.05 10.81 8.00 15.77 23.00 33.52

Office and administrative support occupations 22,784,330 14.28 29,710 8.00 10.03 13.10 17.24 22.18

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers............... 1,352,130 45,540 21.89 12.47 15.82 20.38 26.27 33.53

Switchboard operators, including answering service...................................................... 194,980 23,020 11.07 8.93 7.48 10.61 12.93 15.56

Telephone operators....................................................................................................... 14.92 29,290 31,030 10.54 8.52 15.09 19.54 21.34

Communications equipment operators, all other............................................................ 16.36 3,870 34,030 12.15 8.52 15.64 19.78 24.45

Bill and account collectors.............................................................................................. 431,280 29,860 14.36 11.16 9.33 13.54 16.67 20.65

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.......................................................... 513,020 28,860 13.87 11.12 9.31 13.36 16.25 19.52

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks................................................................ 1,815,340 30,700 14.76 9.15 11.35 14.18 17.48 21.34

Gaming cage workers..................................................................................................... 11.28 18,730 23,460 9.31 8.04 10.76 13.04 15.55

Payroll and timekeeping clerks....................................................................................... 205,600 32,120 15.44 12.07 9.71 15.08 18.36 21.66

Procurement clerks......................................................................................................... 15.64 71,390 32,530 12.26 9.86 15.49 18.89 21.45

Tellers............................................................................................................................. 599,220 22,020 10.59 9.02 7.82 10.24 12.06 13.64

Brokerage clerks............................................................................................................. 18.34 70,110 38,140 11.51 13.83 17.04 21.56 26.96

Correspondence clerks................................................................................................... 14.51 17,990 30,180 11.40 9.58 13.66 17.04 20.85

Court, municipal, and license clerks............................................................................... 102,060 31,230 15.02 11.40 9.27 14.09 17.64 21.71

Credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks......................................................................... 14.90 65,410 30,990 11.11 8.53 14.10 17.58 21.53

Customer service representatives.................................................................................. 2,067,700 29,680 14.27 10.46 8.57 13.22 16.90 21.54

Eligibility interviewers, government programs................................................................ 16.53 85,550 34,390 11.35 13.35 16.22 19.64 22.27

File clerks....................................................................................................................... 229,830 22,840 10.98 8.40 7.07 10.30 12.90 16.15

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks............................................................................... 207,190 18,820 9.05 7.38 6.40 8.56 10.33 12.55

Interviewers, except eligibility and loan.......................................................................... 201,790 26,070 12.54 9.70 8.02 12.07 14.74 17.55

Library assistants, clerical.............................................................................................. 104,650 22,380 10.76 7.87 6.52 10.16 13.07 16.32

Loan interviewers and clerks.......................................................................................... 231,700 31,880 15.33 11.70 9.56 14.52 18.20 21.97

New accounts clerks....................................................................................................... 13.69 82,450 28,460 11.31 9.66 13.18 15.78 18.39

Order clerks.................................................................................................................... 259,760 27,410 13.18 9.63 7.95 12.30 15.88 20.22

Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping....................................... 161,870 33,790 16.24 10.61 12.78 15.74 19.28 22.57

Receptionists and information clerks.............................................................................. 1,088,400 23,120 11.12 8.81 7.31 10.65 13.08 15.88

See footnotes at end of table.

Mean wages

Occupation Employment

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued
80

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Office and administrative support occupations (Continued)

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks...................................... $14.45 $30,050 $8.53 $10.37 $13.52 $18.74 $21.50 160,120

All other information and record clerks........................................................................... 288,730 39,720 19.10 11.87 9.42 16.16 21.97 33.76

Cargo and freight agents................................................................................................ 17.97 78,730 37,380 10.40 12.85 17.24 21.65 26.99

Couriers and messengers............................................................................................... 106,520 22,460 10.80 8.09 6.89 10.03 12.61 16.19

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers......................................................................... 15.03 94,060 31,270 11.46 9.19 14.45 17.86 21.79

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance............................................................ 172,550 33,590 16.15 11.53 9.18 15.09 19.82 25.17

Meter readers, utilities.................................................................................................... 14.92 46,920 31,030 10.88 8.90 14.09 18.43 22.71

Postal service clerks....................................................................................................... 22.51 78,710 46,820 17.78 20.79 23.23 25.24 26.45

Postal service mail carriers............................................................................................ 347,180 44,460 21.38 15.42 18.50 22.27 24.79 26.29

Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators................. 208,600 41,620 20.01 11.85 17.65 20.88 24.07 25.98

Production, planning, and expediting clerks................................................................... 287,980 38,920 18.71 10.99 13.82 18.07 22.93 27.33

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks............................................................................. 759,910 26,620 12.80 9.62 7.94 12.10 15.34 18.97

Stock clerks and order fillers.......................................................................................... 1,625,430 22,060 10.60 7.84 6.82 9.66 12.51 16.23

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping..................................... 12.99 79,050 27,030 9.58 7.89 12.17 15.81 19.80

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants...................................................... 1,442,040 37,810 18.18 11.66 14.11 17.29 21.36 26.30

Legal secretaries............................................................................................................ 265,000 39,070 18.78 11.24 14.12 18.15 22.91 27.65

Medical secretaries......................................................................................................... 381,020 28,390 13.65 10.89 9.23 13.13 16.04 19.25

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.......................................................... 1,744,380 27,780 13.35 10.15 8.20 12.82 16.14 19.77

Computer operators........................................................................................................ 129,160 33,580 16.15 11.90 9.47 15.42 19.87 24.41

Data entry keyers............................................................................................................ 296,700 24,910 11.98 9.58 8.09 11.45 13.74 16.85

Word processors and typists.......................................................................................... 153,580 30,140 14.49 11.33 9.23 13.95 17.05 20.94

Desktop publishers......................................................................................................... 16.72 29,910 34,770 11.99 9.23 15.77 20.67 25.84

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks............................................................... 239,120 31,700 15.24 11.93 9.95 14.49 17.69 21.62

Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service...................................... 148,330 24,120 11.59 9.03 7.41 10.99 13.64 16.65

Office clerks, general...................................................................................................... 2,997,370 24,580 11.82 8.79 6.98 11.09 14.15 17.53

Office machine operators, except computer................................................................... 12.24 87,900 25,460 9.54 8.08 11.53 14.38 17.49

Proofreaders and copy markers..................................................................................... 13.30 18,070 27,660 9.61 7.68 12.30 16.18 20.61

Statistical assistants....................................................................................................... 15.04 18,700 31,270 11.48 9.39 13.92 17.99 22.07

Office and administrative support workers, all other....................................................... 287,270 28,070 13.50 9.62 7.55 12.52 16.37 20.81

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 10.10 21,010 6.66 7.41 8.41 11.34 16.28 443,070

First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers...................... 18.65 19,750 38,790 12.59 9.61 17.32 23.08 29.96

Farm labor contractors.................................................................................................... 12.14 2,310 25,240 7.68 6.62 9.52 14.54 19.36

Agricultural inspectors.................................................................................................... 16.75 11,730 34,840 11.80 9.66 15.79 20.92 25.74

Animal breeders.............................................................................................................. 15.23 1,860 31,690 9.68 7.83 12.90 19.99 26.16

Graders and sorters, agricultural products..................................................................... 45,010 18,170 8.74 7.03 6.34 8.06 9.62 12.02

Agricultural equipment operators.................................................................................... 10.06 19,940 20,930 7.54 6.44 9.36 11.81 14.96

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse........................................... 227,750 17,370 8.35 7.20 6.57 7.91 8.66 11.02

Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals........................................................................... 49,740 19,890 9.56 6.41 7.45 8.76 10.92 13.81

Agricultural workers, all other......................................................................................... 11.60 8,970 24,140 8.37 7.10 10.61 13.47 17.60

Fishers and related fishing workers................................................................................ 13.94 770 29,000 8.85 7.35 12.08 17.90 22.73

Forest and conservation workers.................................................................................... 11.19 8,700 23,280 7.81 7.08 9.46 13.39 18.12

Fallers............................................................................................................................. 15.26 9,780 31,740 8.95 10.84 13.64 17.37 25.46

Logging equipment operators......................................................................................... 14.28 26,880 29,700 10.99 8.88 13.91 16.97 20.59

Log graders and scalers................................................................................................. 14.21 4,520 29,550 11.13 9.12 13.31 16.51 20.74

Logging workers, all other............................................................................................... 15.04 5,330 31,290 12.23 9.38 15.24 17.81 20.67

Construction and extraction occupations 6,370,400 18.39 38,260 9.51 12.18 16.66 23.12 30.37

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers............. 555,380 55,720 26.79 15.80 19.58 24.98 32.18 40.83

Boilermakers................................................................................................................... 23.62 17,760 49,130 14.63 18.43 23.10 28.77 34.11

Brickmasons and blockmasons...................................................................................... 115,950 42,850 20.60 11.54 15.42 20.13 25.43 31.15

Stonemasons.................................................................................................................. 17.53 17,030 36,450 12.26 9.68 16.66 21.17 27.20

Carpenters...................................................................................................................... 935,920 38,720 18.62 10.55 13.20 17.11 23.14 29.28

Carpet installers.............................................................................................................. 17.84 37,050 37,100 11.88 9.12 16.13 22.82 29.93

Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles........................................................... 17.92 14,520 37,270 11.95 9.36 15.87 21.96 30.66

Floor sanders and finishers............................................................................................ 14.34 5,950 29,830 10.25 8.69 13.14 16.82 21.58

Tile and marble setters................................................................................................... 18.81 47,410 39,130 10.29 13.32 17.56 22.96 30.00

Cement masons and concrete finishers.......................................................................... 204,720 34,610 16.64 11.97 9.68 15.40 20.30 26.05

Terrazzo workers and finishers....................................................................................... 16.69 5,440 34,720 11.93 9.10 15.40 20.67 26.44

Construction laborers...................................................................................................... 934,000 29,050 13.97 9.58 7.90 12.22 16.90 23.63

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators..................................................... 15.93 63,220 33,140 11.53 9.62 14.58 19.13 24.83

Pile-driver operators....................................................................................................... 24.27 4,410 50,490 13.17 17.16 23.51 31.87 35.77

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators................................. 378,720 39,210 18.85 11.16 13.44 17.23 23.04 29.69

Drywall and ceiling tile installers..................................................................................... 126,810 37,580 18.07 10.35 13.05 16.70 22.03 28.04

Tapers............................................................................................................................. 19.91 38,570 41,410 11.38 14.46 19.17 24.99 30.42

Electricians..................................................................................................................... 606,500 45,630 21.94 12.44 15.74 20.57 27.10 33.88

Glaziers........................................................................................................................... 17.75 49,310 36,920 12.53 9.92 16.12 21.38 29.60

Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall...................................................................... 16.59 34,250 34,510 11.27 9.14 15.08 20.58 27.26

Insulation workers, mechanical....................................................................................... 19.16 22,100 39,840 10.13 12.90 17.07 23.40 32.04

Painters, construction and maintenance......................................................................... 249,850 33,450 16.08 11.75 9.54 14.81 19.44 25.31

Paperhangers................................................................................................................. 17.65 7,710 36,720 11.13 13.62 16.08 20.55 27.88

Pipelayers....................................................................................................................... 15.53 56,280 32,290 11.18 9.29 13.83 18.95 24.94

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters........................................................................... 420,770 44,850 21.56 11.89 15.29 20.27 26.86 33.83

Plasterers and stucco masons........................................................................................ 17.40 47,760 36,200 10.12 12.82 16.08 20.83 26.93

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers................................................................................. 19.32 30,270 40,190 12.12 9.43 16.78 25.97 33.01

Roofers........................................................................................................................... 120,070 33,570 16.14 11.65 9.41 15.01 19.76 25.12

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment

Mean wages

Occupation

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued
81

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Construction and extraction occupations (Continued)

Sheet metal workers....................................................................................................... $19.03 $39,570 $9.98 $12.90 $17.50 $24.35 $31.23 174,550

Structural iron and steel workers.................................................................................... 20.93 68,900 43,540 10.96 14.39 19.51 26.77 33.73

Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters.......... 13.14 58,690 27,340 9.76 8.52 11.83 15.06 20.40

Helpers--carpenters........................................................................................................ 101,870 23,100 11.11 8.95 7.48 10.57 12.84 15.56

Helpers--electricians....................................................................................................... 11.86 90,370 24,670 9.28 7.84 11.17 13.72 16.82

Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons................................. 10.61 21,820 22,070 8.26 7.20 9.88 12.06 15.09

Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.......................................... 11.84 77,630 24,630 9.28 7.90 10.97 13.54 16.77

Helpers--roofers.............................................................................................................. 10.41 20,510 21,660 8.60 7.36 9.97 11.84 14.23

Helpers, construction trades, all other............................................................................ 11.55 37,590 24,020 8.65 7.22 10.40 13.24 17.26

Construction and building inspectors.............................................................................. 22.51 87,820 46,830 13.65 17.02 21.50 27.09 33.49

Elevator installers and repairers..................................................................................... 28.12 21,000 58,500 16.86 22.76 28.46 33.78 40.16

Fence erectors................................................................................................................ 12.74 22,600 26,490 9.84 8.45 11.99 14.77 18.23

Hazardous materials removal workers........................................................................... 17.90 38,260 37,240 10.32 12.60 16.20 22.58 28.42

Highway maintenance workers....................................................................................... 140,600 30,950 14.88 11.41 9.15 14.54 17.83 21.44

Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators................................................ 18.81 13,510 39,120 11.92 15.86 19.23 21.53 25.28

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners............................................................... 15.38 17,940 31,980 11.36 8.97 14.64 18.69 23.05

Segmental pavers........................................................................................................... 12.82 330 26,670 9.58 8.06 12.02 15.95 19.04

Construction and related workers, all other.................................................................... 15.50 63,340 32,230 10.98 8.71 14.36 18.81 24.40

Derrick operators, oil and gas......................................................................................... 17.16 13,270 35,690 11.36 13.38 16.29 20.26 25.01

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas................................................................................... 19.18 15,500 39,880 11.64 13.84 18.03 23.66 28.98

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining.................................................................... 16.61 19,530 34,560 9.53 11.44 14.74 19.69 26.31

Earth drillers, except oil and gas.................................................................................... 17.20 18,800 35,770 10.62 13.09 16.23 20.26 25.27

Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters....................................... 19.33 4,800 40,210 13.60 15.47 18.65 22.25 26.49

Continuous mining machine operators........................................................................... 18.67 9,000 38,830 12.46 15.60 18.80 21.29 25.20

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators............................................................. 18.12 6,080 37,680 11.16 15.16 18.64 21.00 24.16

Mining machine operators, all other................................................................................ 18.26 2,450 37,970 11.82 14.40 17.37 21.15 26.57

Rock splitters, quarry...................................................................................................... 13.56 3,600 28,200 9.98 8.16 13.10 16.04 19.75

Roof bolters, mining........................................................................................................ 18.84 4,140 39,180 15.04 16.80 18.91 20.87 22.28

Roustabouts, oil and gas................................................................................................ 12.71 33,570 26,430 9.58 7.91 11.96 15.20 19.15

Helpers--extraction workers............................................................................................ 13.76 25,550 28,620 10.43 8.79 13.19 16.75 20.11

Extraction workers, all other........................................................................................... 17.32 9,060 36,010 12.26 9.45 16.35 20.58 27.95

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 5,305,260 18.30 38,050 9.54 12.63 17.25 22.86 28.34

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers........................ 455,690 54,390 26.15 15.24 19.36 24.99 31.88 39.41

Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers............................................. 138,210 37,640 18.10 10.75 13.60 17.34 21.92 26.83

Radio mechanics............................................................................................................ 18.78 6,170 39,070 11.10 14.23 18.25 22.35 27.23

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers............. 198,350 49,330 23.72 15.21 20.10 24.33 27.59 32.21

Avionics technicians....................................................................................................... 22.57 22,490 46,940 16.65 19.02 22.42 25.87 29.23

Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers............................................................ 16.77 20,070 34,880 12.35 9.63 16.09 20.55 25.48

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment................. 20.20 20,560 42,010 12.43 15.88 19.95 24.47 27.77

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment.................... 21.32 69,620 44,350 13.12 16.64 21.21 25.80 30.11

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay........................ 26.26 21,250 54,620 18.66 22.71 26.43 31.00 34.19

Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles....................................... 14.94 17,650 31,080 10.39 8.77 13.19 17.43 24.06

Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers................................ 14.83 35,360 30,840 11.18 8.95 13.91 17.60 21.95

Security and fire alarm systems installers...................................................................... 17.06 49,470 35,480 10.02 12.49 16.21 20.73 25.86

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians.................................................................... 115,120 49,260 23.68 14.60 18.39 22.74 28.15 35.38

Automotive body and related repairers........................................................................... 158,160 37,920 18.23 12.81 9.85 16.74 22.08 28.37

Automotive glass installers and repairers....................................................................... 14.67 17,760 30,510 10.87 8.60 14.18 17.84 21.27

Automotive service technicians and mechanics............................................................. 654,800 35,140 16.90 11.58 8.90 15.89 20.95 26.45

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists................................................. 248,280 37,360 17.96 11.44 14.15 17.61 21.35 25.74

Farm equipment mechanics............................................................................................ 14.17 30,800 29,480 11.02 9.09 13.81 16.91 20.26

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines..................................................... 117,500 40,190 19.32 12.38 15.36 18.95 22.57 26.95

Rail car repairers............................................................................................................ 20.32 24,270 42,270 12.82 17.28 20.45 24.08 27.02

Motorboat mechanics..................................................................................................... 16.31 18,190 33,920 12.31 9.64 15.76 19.89 24.28

Motorcycle mechanics.................................................................................................... 15.11 16,140 31,430 11.21 9.00 14.16 18.05 22.71

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics....................................... 12.95 24,680 26,930 9.84 7.93 12.41 15.57 19.03

Bicycle repairers............................................................................................................. 10.33 7,980 21,490 8.37 7.00 10.05 12.17 14.19

Recreational vehicle service technicians........................................................................ 15.43 13,540 32,100 11.71 9.42 14.65 18.60 21.68

Tire repairers and changers............................................................................................ 100,860 22,300 10.72 8.42 7.29 10.08 12.45 15.44

Mechanical door repairers.............................................................................................. 15.81 14,400 32,890 11.79 9.71 14.57 19.09 23.72

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door.............................. 21.21 38,640 44,120 11.80 15.59 21.21 26.06 30.81

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers............................. 241,380 38,770 18.64 11.04 13.79 17.81 22.73 27.46

Home appliance repairers.............................................................................................. 16.38 43,110 34,060 11.95 9.06 15.86 20.12 24.53

Industrial machinery mechanics...................................................................................... 234,650 41,060 19.74 12.48 15.38 19.11 23.56 28.39

Maintenance and repair workers, general....................................................................... 1,307,820 32,650 15.70 11.33 8.92 15.01 19.48 24.00

Maintenance workers, machinery................................................................................... 16.96 83,220 35,270 10.06 12.57 16.18 20.77 25.56

Millwrights....................................................................................................................... 22.33 53,080 46,450 13.71 16.97 21.53 28.22 32.87

Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons...................................................... 19.74 3,250 41,070 12.78 15.90 19.35 23.09 27.90

Electrical power-line installers and repairers.................................................................. 106,060 49,200 23.65 14.00 18.84 24.11 28.25 33.24

Telecommunications line installers and repairers........................................................... 142,560 42,970 20.66 11.35 14.70 20.39 26.58 31.47

Camera and photographic equipment repairers............................................................. 17.37 3,160 36,130 13.97 9.52 16.78 20.25 25.78

Medical equipment repairers.......................................................................................... 20.04 27,940 41,680 11.00 14.29 19.02 24.76 30.19

Musical instrument repairers and tuners......................................................................... 15.33 4,830 31,880 10.66 8.07 13.73 19.50 24.94

Watch repairers.............................................................................................................. 16.00 3,080 33,280 11.27 8.32 15.21 19.76 24.64

Precision instrument and equipment repairers, all other................................................ 22.11 12,870 45,980 12.03 16.04 21.37 27.37 33.52

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Employment

Mean wages Percentiles
82

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (Continued)

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers.................................. $14.11 $29,340 $8.70 $10.62 $13.56 $16.86 $21.01 39,570

Commercial divers.......................................................................................................... 20.15 2,310 41,910 11.58 14.33 18.25 23.69 31.26

Fabric menders, except garment.................................................................................... 16.37 2,140 34,040 11.22 8.91 16.77 20.94 24.76

Locksmiths and safe repairers........................................................................................ 15.67 16,080 32,600 11.28 8.81 14.85 19.63 24.23

Manufactured building and mobile home installers......................................................... 12.05 10,120 25,070 9.30 8.04 11.09 13.66 16.98

Riggers........................................................................................................................... 18.17 11,840 37,790 13.68 9.94 17.79 22.22 26.63

Signal and track switch repairers.................................................................................... 23.25 6,100 48,370 17.58 20.55 23.65 26.27 28.55

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers.................................................. 158,520 23,230 11.17 8.17 6.85 10.21 13.22 17.03

Installation, maintenance, and repair workers, all other................................................. 135,560 36,260 17.43 9.13 11.74 16.39 22.26 27.32

Production occupations 10,249,220 14.37 29,890 7.81 9.70 12.91 17.43 23.51

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers........................... 679,930 49,210 23.66 13.77 17.27 22.18 28.31 35.68

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers....................................... 20.45 22,820 42,530 11.61 15.84 21.15 25.30 27.72

Coil winders, tapers, and finishers.................................................................................. 12.65 23,190 26,320 9.79 8.07 12.32 15.22 17.53

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers............................................................ 207,270 27,150 13.05 9.74 8.19 12.08 15.48 19.68

Electromechanical equipment assemblers..................................................................... 13.71 57,200 28,520 10.19 8.56 12.97 16.72 20.44

Engine and other machine assemblers........................................................................... 17.38 49,430 36,150 12.16 9.70 16.72 23.11 26.33

Structural metal fabricators and fitters............................................................................ 15.09 93,490 31,390 11.66 9.50 14.56 17.63 21.54

Fiberglass laminators and fabricators............................................................................. 12.64 30,560 26,300 9.85 8.29 12.13 14.88 17.64

Team assemblers........................................................................................................... 1,242,370 26,000 12.50 9.20 7.64 11.60 14.85 19.04

Timing device assemblers, adjusters, and calibrators.................................................... 14.23 2,460 29,600 11.08 8.58 13.54 16.51 21.20

Assemblers and fabricators, all other............................................................................. 258,240 30,140 14.49 9.34 7.62 12.62 19.04 25.29

Bakers............................................................................................................................. 144,110 23,150 11.13 8.30 7.13 10.35 13.27 16.72

Butchers and meat cutters.............................................................................................. 128,660 27,810 13.37 9.76 7.74 12.78 16.64 20.37

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers................................................................... 136,690 20,780 9.99 7.95 6.96 9.53 11.25 13.73

Slaughterers and meat packers...................................................................................... 132,000 21,490 10.33 8.68 7.47 10.20 11.94 13.44

Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders........... 12.15 18,160 25,280 8.73 7.17 11.17 15.07 18.70

Food batchmakers.......................................................................................................... 11.61 89,400 24,140 8.39 7.11 10.82 13.96 17.49

Food cooking machine operators and tenders................................................................ 11.03 43,100 22,950 8.27 7.05 10.29 13.16 16.73

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic.................................... 136,490 32,060 15.41 11.77 9.62 14.91 18.53 21.87

Numerical tool and process control programmers.......................................................... 21.15 17,860 43,990 12.82 15.96 20.11 25.23 31.34

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....... 13.84 87,290 28,790 10.87 9.03 13.46 16.38 19.56

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................. 14.53 33,850 30,220 11.17 8.66 13.93 17.12 21.58

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................... 15.02 37,500 31,240 11.46 9.24 14.65 18.06 21.50

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders,

 metal and plastic...................................................................................................... 265,480 27,310 13.13 9.98 8.31 12.49 15.68 19.39

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic...... 14.72 43,180 30,610 11.14 9.18 13.85 17.43 22.06

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, 

 metal and plastic...................................................................................................... 101,530 29,600 14.23 10.39 8.57 13.34 16.98 21.52

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic........ 15.74 71,410 32,750 12.10 9.75 15.26 18.91 22.94

Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 15.44 29,140 32,120 11.85 9.52 15.13 18.56 21.85

Machinists....................................................................................................................... 368,380 35,350 17.00 10.26 13.09 16.51 20.53 24.87

Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders................................................................. 16.26 17,960 33,820 10.60 12.76 15.83 19.41 22.77

Pourers and casters, metal............................................................................................. 14.73 14,340 30,650 11.31 9.37 14.02 17.15 21.17

Model makers, metal and plastic.................................................................................... 22.26 8,120 46,300 11.50 15.81 21.62 30.18 33.91

Patternmakers, metal and plastic................................................................................... 17.74 6,850 36,900 12.38 9.34 16.57 22.80 28.04

Foundry mold and coremakers....................................................................................... 14.87 15,890 30,920 11.41 9.34 13.95 17.36 22.83

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders,

 metal and plastic...................................................................................................... 157,080 26,680 12.82 8.00 9.60 12.05 15.22 19.06

Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................... 15.17 98,120 31,550 11.20 9.06 14.32 18.31 23.84

Tool and die makers....................................................................................................... 21.61 99,680 44,940 13.70 17.14 20.95 26.41 31.83

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers........................................................................ 358,050 32,280 15.52 12.01 9.85 14.90 18.21 22.06

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders..................... 15.55 45,220 32,350 11.74 9.59 14.63 18.36 24.17

Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................. 14.97 26,310 31,130 11.43 9.28 14.57 17.92 21.54

Lay-out workers, metal and plastic................................................................................. 16.56 10,970 34,440 12.71 9.79 16.03 19.80 23.92

Plating and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 13.67 40,550 28,420 10.16 8.52 12.86 16.39 20.42

Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners.............................................................................. 15.64 18,180 32,530 11.62 9.37 15.05 19.11 23.01

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other................................................................... 17.97 49,650 37,380 11.81 9.08 17.06 24.38 27.80

Bindery workers.............................................................................................................. 12.92 64,330 26,880 9.46 7.78 12.04 15.75 19.94

Bookbinders.................................................................................................................... 14.52 7,660 30,200 10.22 8.21 14.04 18.35 21.21

Job printers..................................................................................................................... 16.02 50,580 33,320 11.92 9.45 15.35 19.44 24.09

Prepress technicians and workers.................................................................................. 16.53 72,050 34,380 11.96 9.34 15.79 20.36 25.38

Printing machine operators............................................................................................. 192,520 32,470 15.61 11.08 8.87 14.77 19.34 23.97

Laundry and dry-cleaning workers.................................................................................. 218,360 18,450 8.87 7.21 6.33 8.38 10.17 12.30

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials........................................................... 78,620 18,220 8.76 7.33 6.36 8.45 10.05 11.44

Sewing machine operators............................................................................................. 233,130 19,860 9.55 7.53 6.67 8.82 10.90 13.50

Shoe and leather workers and repairers......................................................................... 7,680 10.11 21,030 6.93 7.98 9.62 11.33 13.92

Shoe machine operators and tenders............................................................................. 10.31 3,850 21,440 8.12 7.18 9.90 12.16 14.00

Sewers, hand.................................................................................................................. 1 10.61 1,090 22,060 7.70 6.60 9.51 12.02 17.41

Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers..................................................................... 30,150 11.79 24,530 8.90 7.34 10.95 13.85 17.24

Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders........................................ 21,660 11.16 23,200 9.04 7.68 10.80 12.93 15.26

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................. 21,420 10.83 22,530 8.48 7.34 10.30 12.69 15.40

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders........................... 42,760 11.41 23,740 9.44 7.86 11.40 13.21 15.31

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders...... 47,670 11.30 23,510 9.64 8.66 11.04 12.88 14.35

See footnotes at end of table.

Mean wages

Occupation

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued

Employment
83

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Production occupations (Continued)

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic 

 and glass fibers........................................................................................................ $14.20 $29,540 $9.22 $11.19 $13.82 $16.86 $20.24 23,040

Fabric and apparel patternmakers.................................................................................. 17.62 9,650 36,660 10.94 8.52 15.07 22.83 31.87

Upholsterers................................................................................................................... 13.46 41,040 27,990 10.02 8.07 12.84 16.32 20.13

Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers, all other........................................................ 11.35 24,740 23,610 8.64 7.16 11.01 13.42 16.29

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters............................................................................ 121,660 27,650 13.29 9.89 8.17 12.51 16.05 19.97

Furniture finishers........................................................................................................... 12.60 24,610 26,200 9.55 7.93 11.83 14.67 18.86

Model makers, wood....................................................................................................... 15.71 2,280 32,680 10.38 8.31 13.46 17.93 30.81

Patternmakers, wood...................................................................................................... 15.16 2,000 31,540 10.50 8.82 13.78 18.51 24.85

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood................................................. 11.72 60,280 24,380 9.09 7.57 11.15 13.78 16.74

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing......................... 11.83 94,690 24,610 9.18 7.70 11.25 13.76 16.87

Woodworkers, all other................................................................................................... 11.13 10,550 23,150 8.14 7.16 10.20 13.11 16.62

Nuclear power reactor operators.................................................................................... 3,730 32.17 66,900 24.70 28.48 31.84 35.26 41.87

Power distributors and dispatchers................................................................................. 7,520 28.61 59,510 19.17 23.65 28.44 33.73 40.06

Power plant operators..................................................................................................... 33,65 25.65 0 53,350 16.47 20.87 25.56 30.65 34.53

Stationary engineers and boiler operators...................................................................... 43,110 21.94 45,640 13.39 16.99 21.44 26.71 32.15

Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators....................................... 102,940 36,060 17.34 10.20 13.10 16.79 21.06 25.80

Chemical plant and system operators............................................................................ 58,640 22.55 46,900 15.13 18.57 22.45 26.46 30.77

Gas plant operators........................................................................................................ 10,5 25.15 30 52,310 18.23 21.59 24.96 28.94 33.50

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers............................. 40,470 24.19 50,320 15.33 20.24 24.55 27.83 32.98

Plant and system operators, all other............................................................................. 13,920 21.50 44,730 12.19 16.66 21.57 25.87 31.06

Chemical equipment operators and tenders................................................................... 50,610 19.05 39,620 12.04 15.01 18.77 23.34 26.83

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, .......

 and tenders.............................................................................................................. 17.15 41,250 35,680 10.03 12.97 16.66 20.86 25.17

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders................... 13.89 41,480 28,900 10.14 8.20 13.21 16.89 20.82

Grinding and polishing workers, hand............................................................................. 12.03 44,890 25,010 9.30 7.88 11.28 14.08 17.01

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders....................................... 129,440 30,200 14.52 10.88 8.94 13.89 17.37 21.33

Cutters and trimmers, hand............................................................................................ 11.57 28,360 24,070 8.42 7.33 10.50 13.85 17.49

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................... 14.04 78,030 29,210 10.36 8.48 13.25 16.90 20.94

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators,...................

 and tenders.............................................................................................................. 14.15 80,420 29,420 10.76 8.88 13.36 16.71 21.03

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders........................................... 15.36 28,140 31,940 11.69 9.59 14.62 18.75 22.41

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers..................................................... 506,160 32,250 15.51 10.72 8.56 14.04 19.08 25.37

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers............................................................ 15.79 28,100 32,830 10.67 8.46 14.15 19.24 25.60

Dental laboratory technicians......................................................................................... 16.47 45,600 34,260 11.54 9.02 15.50 20.13 25.38

Medical appliance technicians........................................................................................ 15.61 10,810 32,460 10.52 8.40 13.98 19.04 25.00

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians.................................................................................. 12.81 26,740 26,640 9.59 8.12 11.89 15.31 18.71

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders.................................................... 396,270 24,840 11.94 8.69 7.29 11.02 14.44 17.99

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders...................... 100,830 28,080 13.50 10.22 8.58 12.82 16.23 20.01

Painters, transportation equipment................................................................................. 52,650 18.14 37,720 10.35 12.86 16.75 22.33 27.54

Painting, coating, and decorating workers...................................................................... 27,830 12.15 25,280 8.92 7.47 10.89 13.95 18.91

Photographic process workers....................................................................................... 28,000 12.05 25,070 8.22 7.16 10.51 14.24 19.69

Photographic processing machine operators.................................................................. 53,970 10.16 21,120 7.81 6.99 9.26 11.41 14.93

Semiconductor processors............................................................................................. 44,720 15.80 32,870 10.00 12.16 14.92 18.16 21.88

Cementing and gluing machine operators and tenders.................................................. 12.45 25,650 25,900 9.48 7.84 11.78 15.11 17.97

Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders...................... 15,250 12.19 25,350 8.89 7.54 10.95 14.92 19.01

Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders................................................. 12.16 9,640 25,290 9.03 7.49 11.13 14.90 18.67

Etchers and engravers.................................................................................................... 13.35 10,050 27,760 9.75 8.06 12.04 15.16 20.82

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic............................................... 12.33 41,250 25,640 8.92 7.43 11.39 14.94 18.84

Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................... 107,560 31,870 15.32 9.21 11.87 14.98 18.08 22.03

Tire builders.................................................................................................................... 17.80 19,860 37,020 12.81 9.96 17.68 22.83 26.15

Helpers--production workers........................................................................................... 528,610 21,730 10.45 7.99 6.97 9.80 12.35 15.46

Production workers, all other.......................................................................................... 296,340 28,070 13.49 8.52 7.39 11.36 16.77 24.17

Transportation and material moving occupations 9,594,920 13.85 28,820 7.06 8.74 11.90 16.70 22.24

Aircraft cargo handling supervisors................................................................................ 19.73 6,210 41,030 10.66 13.02 16.78 24.46 33.81

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand......... 176,030 41,210 19.81 11.42 14.47 18.75 24.07 30.08

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine

 and vehicle operators.............................................................................................. 221,520 51,230 24.63 13.69 17.57 22.85 28.88 36.63

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.................................................................... 76,240 (2) 135,040 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Commercial pilots........................................................................................................... 24,860 (2) 65,560 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

Air traffic controllers........................................................................................................ 50.88 21,590 105,820 29.01 38.99 51.73 62.81 68.78

Airfield operations specialists......................................................................................... 20.30 4,510 42,230 13.39 9.46 17.95 26.28 34.50

Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians.................. 18,320 20,220 9.72 7.47 6.55 9.03 11.02 13.72

Bus drivers, transit and intercity...................................................................................... 183,450 31,960 15.37 11.26 9.03 14.91 19.43 22.86

Bus drivers, school......................................................................................................... 465,880 24,350 11.71 8.70 6.44 11.57 14.33 17.08

Driver/sales workers....................................................................................................... 400,530 23,800 11.44 6.94 6.05 9.67 14.64 20.02

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer........................................................................... 1,624,740 35,460 17.05 10.51 12.98 16.48 20.55 24.89

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.......................................................................... 938,280 27,020 12.99 9.11 7.35 11.92 16.01 20.93

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs............................................................................................. 144,280 21,550 10.36 7.81 6.68 9.60 11.99 15.23

Motor vehicle operators, all other................................................................................... 12.29 76,500 25,570 7.88 6.68 10.71 15.92 20.46

Locomotive engineers..................................................................................................... 28.96 37,390 60,230 16.81 20.31 26.69 37.34 44.49

Locomotive firers............................................................................................................ 20.54 540 42,710 14.11 15.81 18.65 21.48 34.47

Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers....................................................... 18.99 6,970 39,500 12.31 15.00 18.28 21.68 26.15

See footnotes at end of table.

Mean wages

Occupation Employment

Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2005- Continued
84

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th

(Median) 75th 90th

Transportation and material moving occupations (Continued)

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators.................................................................. $25.07 $52,150 $14.68 $18.40 $23.89 $31.69 $37.55 20,700

Railroad conductors and yardmasters............................................................................ 27.50 38,330 57,200 16.26 19.65 25.98 34.93 42.26

Subway and streetcar operators..................................................................................... 22.43 7,430 46,660 18.38 20.32 22.84 25.35 26.86

Rail transportation workers, all other.............................................................................. 18.32 7,500 38,100 12.18 15.48 18.74 21.05 23.61

Sailors and marine oilers................................................................................................ 15.19 31,090 31,590 10.93 8.70 14.11 18.35 23.00

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels................................................................. 25.55 28,570 53,140 13.78 18.05 24.49 31.79 39.17

Motorboat operators....................................................................................................... 17.14 2,700 35,650 11.25 8.88 16.48 23.29 26.28

Ship engineers................................................................................................................ 27.54 13,240 57,290 16.04 19.24 25.38 34.49 43.01

Bridge and lock tenders.................................................................................................. 3,620 17.44 36,270 12.31 9.27 18.26 22.09 25.33

Parking lot attendants..................................................................................................... 124, 250 17,970 8.64 6.99 6.26 8.14 9.87 11.94

Service station attendants.............................................................................................. 96,340 18,590 8.94 7.31 6.36 8.32 10.14 12.67

Traffic technicians........................................................................................................... 6 18.21 ,990 37,870 11.21 13.16 17.82 22.38 26.64

Transportation inspectors............................................................................................... 25,570 25.59 53,230 10.87 16.83 23.79 33.83 44.09

Transportation workers, all other.................................................................................... 54,010 15.98 33,240 10.47 8.37 15.68 20.49 25.06

Conveyor operators and tenders.................................................................................... 13.24 49,220 27,530 10.25 8.20 12.81 15.85 19.16

Crane and tower operators............................................................................................. 19.65 43,690 40,860 11.64 14.42 18.69 24.25 29.40

Dredge operators............................................................................................................ 16.08 1,720 33,450 10.11 12.10 14.92 17.94 24.50

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators............................................... 16.64 66,030 34,610 10.38 12.52 15.57 19.78 25.23

Loading machine operators, underground mining........................................................... 17.47 2,390 36,330 12.59 14.78 17.15 20.16 22.66

Hoist and winch operators.............................................................................................. 17.52 3,110 36,440 10.78 12.51 15.66 20.86 29.33

Industrial truck and tractor operators.............................................................................. 627,060 28,830 13.86 10.67 9.07 13.02 16.27 20.39

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment............................................................................... 333,350 19,720 9.48 7.17 6.22 8.47 10.64 14.08

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand................................................. 2,363,960 22,460 10.80 7.99 6.88 9.91 12.72 16.35

Machine feeders and offbearers..................................................................................... 145,740 23,730 11.41 8.75 7.37 10.74 13.36 16.58

Packers and packagers, hand........................................................................................ 840,410 18,990 9.13 7.06 6.18 8.36 10.55 13.35

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators..................................................... 20.91 3,950 43,500 13.36 16.75 21.07 25.31 28.10

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers.................................................................... 18.47 9,970 38,410 10.60 14.37 17.38 22.98 27.56

Wellhead pumpers.......................................................................................................... 17.86 10,190 37,150 13.52 9.96 18.12 22.42 25.90

Refuse and recyclable material collectors...................................................................... 133,930 30,160 14.50 10.03 7.63 13.68 18.00 23.33

Shuttle car operators...................................................................................................... 18.28 3,100 38,030 14.43 16.03 18.42 20.65 22.14

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders.................................................................................... 16.34 15,950 33,990 11.85 9.36 15.06 19.47 26.26

Material moving workers, all other.................................................................................. 15.65 52,970 32,550 10.21 8.09 14.53 20.20 25.36

3 Represents a wage above $70.00 per hour.

4

 Estimates not released.

1

 Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage by a "year-round, full-time" hours figure of 

2,080 hours; for those occupations where there is not an hourly mean wage published, the annual wage has been 

directly calculated from the reported survey data.

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by 

occupation, May 2005- Continued

2 Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full time, are reported either as hourly 

wages or annual salaries depending on how they are typically paid.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

Mean wages
Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Logging (NAICS 113300)

Logging	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,680 								31.8 			14.47 $ $					30,090 $ $ 			11.30 			17.10

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,750 								13.5 			14.29 					29,730 			11.32 			16.97

Fallers...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,300 								12.8 			15.39 					32,010 			10.90 			17.56

Logging	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,310 									6.6 			15.23 					31,670 			12.55 			18.05

Sawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	wood ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,560 									3.9 			11.04 					22,960 				8.78 			12.97

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	farming,	fishing,	and	forestry	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,540 									3.9 			22.14 					46,050 			16.45 			26.09

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,690 									2.6 			10.08 					20,960 				8.03 			11.50

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,380 									2.1 				9.78 					20,340 				6.92 			11.69

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,250 									1.9 			12.20 					25,380 				9.26 			13.98

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,200 									1.8 				9.66 					20,100 				7.66 			11.13

Support activities for crop production (NAICS 115100)

Farmworkers	and	laborers,	crop,	nursery,	and	greenhouse ...................................................................................................................................................... 								161,280 								58.1 				7.96 $ $					16,550 $ $ 				7.18 				8.40

Graders	and	sorters,	agricultural	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,200 									5.5 				7.91 					16,450 				6.95 				8.61

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,700 									5.3 				8.26 					17,180 				7.09 				8.74

Agricultural	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,710 									4.9 				9.19 					19,120 				7.12 			10.49

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,810 									3.2 				8.24 					17,130 				6.57 				9.08

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	farming,	fishing,	and	forestry	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,090 									2.2 			14.62 					30,410 				9.66 			18.34

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,220 									1.5 			12.68 					26,380 				9.24 			15.26

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,480 									1.3 			10.00 					20,790 				7.89 			11.36

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,540 									0.9 			13.37 					27,810 			10.21 			15.93

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									0.9 			10.26 					21,330 				7.70 			11.87

Support activities for animal production (NAICS 115200)

Farmworkers,	farm	and	ranch	animals ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,500 								35.7 				9.87 $ $					20,530 $ $ 				7.63 			11.56

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 								12.4 				9.55 					19,870 				7.51 			10.60

Animal	trainers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,540 									5.8 			13.94 					29,000 				9.07 			15.84

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	farming,	fishing,	and	forestry	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												860 									3.2 			17.68 					36,780 			13.02 			21.01

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												590 									2.2 			10.24 					21,290 				7.77 			11.93

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												540 									2.0 			11.91 					24,770 				8.08 			13.84

Agricultural	and	food	science	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 												530 									2.0 			13.55 					28,180 				9.70 			16.31

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												470 									1.8 			10.40 					21,620 				8.36 			11.92

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												470 									1.8 			13.46 					28,000 				9.55 			16.38

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												380 									1.4 			13.27 					27,600 			11.45 			15.17

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211100)

Petroleum	pump	system	operators,	refinery	operators,	and	gaugers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,680 									7.1 			25.63 $ $					53,300 $ $ 			22.47 			28.20

Petroleum	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,280 									5.9 			51.92 				107,990 			38.94 			63.16

Wellhead	pumpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,400 									5.2 			18.74 					38,980 			14.65 			23.79

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,710 									4.7 			28.19 					58,640 			21.17 			34.01

Geoscientists,	except	hydrologists	and	geographers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,680 									4.6 			51.55 				107,220 			35.79 			64.65

										5,210 									4.3 			57.79 				120,200 			32.09 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,100 									4.2 			15.68 					32,610 			11.88 			19.19

Roustabouts,	oil	and	gas ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,140 									3.4 			14.03 					29,190 				9.97 			16.70

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,010 									3.3 			19.72 					41,020 			15.57 			23.27

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,980 									3.3 			12.66 					26,330 				8.26 			15.71

Coal mining (NAICS 212100)

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,000 								13.8 			18.50 $ $					38,480 $ $ 			14.61 			22.40

Helpers--extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,860 									6.7 			16.93 					35,210 			14.56 			19.95

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,040 									5.6 			30.30 					63,030 			22.63 			36.05

Roof	bolters,	mining ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,950 									5.5 			18.69 					38,870 			16.77 			20.78

Continuous	mining	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,590 									5.0 			19.03 					39,580 			17.35 			20.99

Excavating	and	loading	machine	and	dragline	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,550 									4.9 			18.75 					38,990 			14.72 			23.42

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,400 									4.7 			20.95 					43,580 			18.21 			23.50

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,840 									3.9 			18.33 					38,130 			14.58 			21.85

Shuttle	car	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,700 									3.7 			18.45 					38,380 			16.46 			20.64

Mine	cutting	and	channeling	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,350 									3.2 			19.80 					41,190 			17.92 			21.49

Metal ore mining (NAICS 212200)

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,150 								11.1 			19.58 $ $					40,720 $ $ 			17.02 			21.76

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									8.0 			21.27 					44,230 			18.66 			24.70

Continuous	mining	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,100 									7.4 			21.73 					45,190 			19.23 			24.52

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,470 									5.2 			19.67 					40,900 			17.15 			22.71

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,230 									4.3 			21.73 					45,190 			18.73 			25.28

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,150 									4.0 			21.24 					44,190 			18.59 			24.47

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,050 									3.7 			18.14 					37,740 			14.73 			21.80

Installation,	maintenance,	and	repair	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												990 									3.5 			24.84 					51,670 			22.91 			27.13

Mine	cutting	and	channeling	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												900 									3.2 			20.90 					43,480 			19.20 			22.16

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												820 									2.9 			28.35 					58,970 			23.67 			33.32

Page 1

85

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005 

See footnotes at end of table.
86

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying (NAICS 212300)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,540 								11.4 			15.73 $ $					32,720 $ $ 			12.38 			18.48

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,080 									8.3 			17.41 					36,220 			13.19 			20.76

Excavating	and	loading	machine	and	dragline	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,310 									6.7 			15.09 					31,390 			11.87 			17.56

Crushing,	grinding,	and	polishing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,540 									4.1 			14.83 					30,840 			11.57 			17.36

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									3.0 			11.10 					23,090 				8.31 			13.31

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,160 									2.9 			26.26 					54,630 			19.34 			31.99

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,060 									2.8 			16.38 					34,070 			13.04 			19.55

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,630 									2.4 			13.68 					28,450 			10.59 			16.28

Continuous	mining	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									2.3 			16.52 					34,350 			13.02 			19.13

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									2.3 			17.76 					36,940 			14.61 			20.59

Support activities for mining (NAICS 213100)

Roustabouts,	oil	and	gas ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,030 								12.1 			12.63 $ $					26,270 $ $ 				9.67 			15.09

Service	unit	operators,	oil,	gas,	and	mining ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,090 									7.8 			16.28 					33,870 			11.28 			18.99

Rotary	drill	operators,	oil	and	gas ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,960 									6.3 			19.15 					39,820 			14.00 			23.53

Helpers--extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,450 									6.0 			13.46 					28,000 			10.46 			15.91

Derrick	operators,	oil	and	gas ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,630 									5.6 			17.10 					35,570 			13.50 			20.03

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,210 									4.9 			27.35 					56,890 			19.81 			33.50

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,950 									3.4 			15.14 					31,500 			11.42 			17.37

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,870 									2.8 			42.71 					88,840 			26.64 			53.47

Extraction	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,760 									2.3 			17.89 					37,210 			11.62 			20.78

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,640 									1.8 			16.01 					33,300 			11.91 			19.44

Power generation and supply (NAICS 221100)

Electrical	power-line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									53,780 								13.5 			25.14 $ $					52,290 $ $ 			21.67 			29.64

Power	plant	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,210 									5.8 			26.90 					55,950 			22.72 			31.49

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,810 									5.2 			16.88 					35,110 			12.62 			20.51

Electrical	and	electronics	repairers,	powerhouse,	substation,	and	relay ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,240 									3.8 			27.09 					56,360 			23.56 			31.46

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,820 									3.2 			32.10 					66,780 			26.90 			38.25

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,360 									2.8 			36.10 					75,090 			29.51 			42.19

Meter	readers,	utilities ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,620 									2.7 			16.68 					34,690 			12.65 			20.55

Control	and	valve	installers	and	repairers,	except	mechanical	door ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,170 									2.3 			25.87 					53,820 			21.30 			29.69

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,520 									1.9 			22.36 					46,520 			17.23 			27.69

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,520 									1.9 			32.45 					67,500 			24.35 			40.76

Natural gas distribution (NAICS 221200)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,960 									9.3 			18.72 $ $					38,930 $ $ 			13.38 			24.21

Control	and	valve	installers	and	repairers,	except	mechanical	door ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,260 									6.7 			23.21 					48,270 			19.54 			26.93

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,140 									5.7 			24.13 					50,190 			20.94 			27.56

Meter	readers,	utilities ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,050 									5.6 			17.36 					36,100 			13.68 			21.33

Electrical	power-line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,120 									3.8 			27.66 					57,520 			23.59 			32.74

Gas	plant	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,440 									3.2 			26.27 					54,650 			22.77 			30.05

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,420 									2.2 			15.56 					32,370 			10.05 			20.80

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,990 									1.8 			21.03 					43,750 			16.40 			25.94

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,860 									1.7 			33.84 					70,390 			28.12 			40.47

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,820 									1.7 			27.07 					56,310 			19.75 			33.30

Water, sewage and other systems (NAICS 221300)

Water	and	liquid	waste	treatment	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,930 								21.7 			16.77 $ $					34,890 $ $ 			12.44 			20.72

Meter	readers,	utilities ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,600 									5.7 			14.35 					29,840 				9.51 			19.08

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,030 									4.4 			16.13 					33,560 			11.78 			20.58

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,910 									4.2 			11.27 					23,440 				7.90 			13.33

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,870 									4.1 			10.99 					22,860 				7.74 			13.78

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,710 									3.7 			13.43 					27,940 			10.47 			16.05

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,550 									3.4 			26.33 					54,770 			19.94 			32.21

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,430 									3.1 			15.15 					31,520 			11.27 			18.71

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,410 									3.1 			18.12 					37,690 			12.76 			23.09

Control	and	valve	installers	and	repairers,	except	mechanical	door ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,400 									3.1 			16.53 					34,390 			11.45 			20.64

Residential building construction (NAICS 236100)

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								286,600 								30.5 			17.93 $ $					37,290 $ $ 			13.01 			21.79

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								117,920 								12.5 			13.29 					27,630 				9.74 			15.69

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,470 									8.8 			26.16 					54,420 			19.02 			31.20

Helpers--carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,280 									4.5 			10.99 					22,860 				8.92 			12.76

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,440 									4.0 			38.69 					80,480 			24.38 			46.42

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,400 									3.6 			11.24 					23,370 				7.67 			13.40

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,960 									3.0 			15.20 					31,620 			11.30 			18.73

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,370 									2.6 			12.50 					25,990 				9.58 			15.20

Cost	estimators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,400 									1.9 			26.86 					55,860 			18.88 			32.94

									16,950 									1.8 			53.59 				111,460 			32.09 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Page 2
87

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Nonresidential building construction (NAICS 236200)

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								146,870 								19.8 			20.55 $ $					42,740 $ $ 			14.79 			25.89

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								111,760 								15.1 			15.06 					31,330 			10.16 			18.98

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									75,240 								10.2 			27.76 					57,740 			20.76 			33.33

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,170 									5.6 			38.40 					79,870 			27.28 			45.42

Cost	estimators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,380 									2.6 			30.27 					62,960 			22.01 			37.55

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,880 									2.4 			17.34 					36,060 			12.01 			21.63

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,200 									2.2 			50.90 				105,870 			31.37 			66.13

Helpers--carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,150 									2.0 			11.96 					24,880 				9.40 			13.53

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,580 									2.0 			20.43 					42,500 			14.70 			25.53

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,250 									1.9 			16.28 					33,850 			12.40 			19.75

Utility system construction (NAICS 237100)

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									74,760 								18.9 			14.50 $ $					30,160 $ $ 				9.78 			17.79

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,950 								10.6 			20.19 					41,990 			14.26 			25.33

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,230 									6.4 			26.03 					54,150 			19.15 			31.23

Pipelayers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,090 									5.8 			15.46 					32,160 			10.92 			19.13

Electrical	power-line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,960 									5.0 			20.08 					41,760 			14.33 			25.03

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,860 									4.3 			15.77 					32,790 			11.35 			18.91

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,950 									3.0 			21.39 					44,490 			14.71 			26.79

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,160 									2.6 			16.84 					35,020 			12.81 			19.91

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,410 									2.1 			38.39 					79,860 			26.71 			44.43

Earth	drillers,	except	oil	and	gas ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,860 									2.0 			16.80 					34,950 			12.54 			19.80

Land subdivision (NAICS 237200)

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,900 									5.5 			28.50 $ $					59,270 $ $ 			21.66 			34.52

Property,	real	estate,	and	community	association	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,900 									5.5 			38.80 					80,700 			20.61 			52.26

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,620 									5.2 			19.52 					40,610 			15.21 			22.51

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,530 									5.1 			14.89 					30,980 			10.07 			17.01

Real	estate	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,240 									4.8 			27.64 					57,500 			13.42 			34.79

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									4.2 			45.04 					93,690 			29.28 			56.48

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,680 									4.1 			16.85 					35,050 			13.00 			20.62

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									4.0 			11.92 					24,780 				7.69 			14.39

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,500 									3.9 			13.90 					28,900 			10.88 			16.68

										3,330 									3.7 			59.61 				123,980 			36.01 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Highway, street, and bridge construction (NAICS 237300)

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									91,640 								25.7 			15.79 $ $					32,840 $ $ 				9.96 			21.24

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									50,570 								14.2 			20.64 					42,940 			14.27 			26.06

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,610 									7.7 			16.21 					33,720 			11.81 			19.76

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,970 									7.6 			26.80 					55,750 			19.98 			32.18

Paving,	surfacing,	and	tamping	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,340 									6.0 			16.71 					34,750 			11.63 			20.57

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,350 									4.3 			20.00 					41,600 			13.71 			25.64

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,770 									3.9 			17.46 					36,310 			12.00 			22.40

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,790 									2.2 			39.12 					81,360 			27.58 			45.17

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,520 									1.8 			19.35 					40,260 			14.87 			23.21

Cost	estimators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,090 									1.4 			29.58 					61,530 			21.14 			35.91

Other heavy construction (NAICS 237900)

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,670 								19.8 			13.97 $ $					29,060 $ $ 				9.44 			16.62

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,850 								14.2 			19.53 					40,620 			13.07 			25.00

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,160 									5.9 			25.68 					53,410 			18.97 			30.99

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,020 									4.8 			19.95 					41,490 			13.50 			26.72

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,200 									3.1 			21.54 					44,790 			15.53 			25.85

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,580 									2.5 			15.51 					32,260 			11.63 			18.27

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,290 									2.2 			17.23 					35,840 			13.29 			20.47

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,220 									2.1 			11.42 					23,740 				7.79 			13.60

Construction	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,130 									2.0 			40.09 					83,390 			26.82 			48.85

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,990 									1.9 			17.13 					35,640 			11.52 			21.65

Building foundation and exterior contractors (NAICS 238100)

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								155,980 								14.6 			18.12 $ $					37,680 $ $ 			12.92 			22.50

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								127,870 								12.0 			13.70 					28,500 				9.67 			16.12

Roofers...................................................................................................................................................... 								107,770 								10.1 			16.14 					33,560 			11.67 			19.73

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									94,180 									8.8 			16.46 					34,230 			12.00 			19.85

Brickmasons	and	blockmasons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									90,010 									8.4 			20.57 					42,790 			15.39 			25.32

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									60,100 									5.6 			25.83 					53,730 			19.04 			30.34

Helpers--brickmasons,	blockmasons,	stonemasons,	and	tile	and	marble	setters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,200 									3.7 			13.18 					27,420 				9.93 			15.04

Structural	iron	and	steel	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,760 									3.1 			22.08 					45,920 			15.24 			28.45

Glaziers...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,880 									3.0 			18.03 					37,500 			12.77 			21.59

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,070 									1.9 			11.10 					23,080 				7.44 			13.57

Page 3

	 Hourly	 Annual1
88

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Building equipment contractors (NAICS 238200)

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 								427,540 								22.7 			21.73 $ $					45,200 $ $ 			15.25 			26.91

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								299,250 								15.9 			21.73 					45,190 			15.29 			27.07

Heating,	air	conditioning,	and	refrigeration	mechanics	and	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								159,950 									8.5 			18.13 					37,710 			13.32 			21.81

Sheet	metal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									84,000 									4.5 			19.85 					41,290 			13.34 			25.89

Helpers--electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,320 									4.4 			11.75 					24,450 				9.26 			13.60

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									75,300 									4.0 			29.78 					61,940 			21.65 			35.72

Helpers--pipelayers,	plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									60,970 									3.2 			11.64 					24,220 				9.28 			13.40

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									51,090 									2.7 			11.85 					24,650 				8.51 			14.46

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,250 									2.3 			15.63 					32,520 			11.86 			18.97

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,170 									2.0 			12.19 					25,350 				9.38 			14.78

Building finishing contractors (NAICS 238300)

Painters,	construction	and	maintenance ...................................................................................................................................................... 								170,090 								17.6 			15.82 $ $					32,900 $ $ 			11.64 			18.83

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								135,150 								14.0 			19.59 					40,740 			13.47 			24.96

Drywall	and	ceiling	tile	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								110,110 								11.4 			17.99 					37,430 			13.03 			21.90

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,100 									4.6 			26.15 					54,380 			18.70 			31.03

Tile	and	marble	setters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,550 									3.8 			19.19 					39,920 			13.86 			23.46

Tapers...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,920 									3.6 			19.84 					41,270 			14.50 			24.89

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,280 									3.6 			13.59 					28,270 				9.56 			15.89

Plasterers	and	stucco	masons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,740 									3.5 			17.95 					37,340 			13.24 			21.43

Insulation	workers,	floor,	ceiling,	and	wall ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,520 									2.5 			16.30 					33,910 			11.02 			20.25

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,810 									2.3 			11.41 					23,740 				7.63 			14.07

Other specialty trade contractors (NAICS 238900)

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								145,390 								21.8 			14.10 $ $					29,330 $ $ 				9.80 			17.01

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									96,980 								14.5 			19.14 					39,800 			13.63 			23.68

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,690 									6.7 			16.89 					35,130 			12.33 			20.68

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,740 									6.5 			15.41 					32,060 			11.98 			17.81

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,020 									5.8 			25.66 					53,370 			18.70 			29.92

Excavating	and	loading	machine	and	dragline	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,120 									3.2 			16.77 					34,870 			12.57 			19.90

Paving,	surfacing,	and	tamping	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,920 									2.7 			15.90 					33,080 			11.77 			18.52

Fence	erectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,760 									2.7 			12.62 					26,250 				9.89 			14.46

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,300 									2.1 			11.35 					23,600 				8.00 			13.63

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,780 									2.1 			19.87 					41,320 			13.43 			25.68

Animal food manufacturing (NAICS 311100)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,930 									8.1 			13.20 $ $					27,460 $ $ 				9.88 			16.31

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,750 									7.7 			13.21 					27,480 			10.46 			15.84

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,490 									7.2 			14.74 					30,660 			11.66 			17.16

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,100 									6.4 			14.41 					29,970 			11.79 			16.80

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,040 									4.2 			11.03 					22,930 				8.32 			13.42

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,010 									4.1 			17.14 					35,650 			13.22 			20.91

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,950 									4.0 			22.12 					46,000 			16.46 			26.50

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,630 									3.4 			24.60 					51,180 			16.89 			30.39

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,600 									3.3 			12.70 					26,410 				9.56 			15.54

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,580 									3.3 			10.95 					22,770 				8.01 			13.49

Grain and oilseed milling (NAICS 311200)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,290 								10.3 			14.50 $ $					30,170 $ $ 			10.87 			17.14

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,140 									6.8 			13.76 					28,620 			10.32 			16.42

Crushing,	grinding,	and	polishing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,950 									4.9 			14.77 					30,720 			11.80 			17.44

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,910 									4.8 			22.84 					47,520 			17.21 			27.48

Separating,	filtering,	clarifying,	precipitating,	and	still	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,900 									4.8 			16.47 					34,250 			13.51 			20.07

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,760 									4.5 			12.78 					26,580 				9.44 			15.79

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									3.8 			18.43 					38,330 			14.76 			21.48

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,070 									3.4 			15.10 					31,400 			12.03 			17.48

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,780 									2.9 			14.82 					30,830 			12.27 			17.05

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,720 									2.8 			12.30 					25,580 				9.50 			14.65

Sugar and confectionery product manufacturing (NAICS 311300)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,010 								10.2 			12.83 $ $					26,690 $ $ 				9.86 			15.73

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,640 									9.7 			12.09 					25,140 				8.30 			15.24

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,440 									8.2 				9.73 					20,240 				7.73 			11.03

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,600 									7.1 			11.09 					23,070 				8.01 			13.99

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,810 									4.8 				8.82 					18,350 				6.93 				9.65

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,640 									3.3 			17.63 					36,670 			14.15 			21.23

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,510 									3.2 			22.34 					46,460 			16.65 			26.77

Food	cooking	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,480 									3.1 			12.15 					25,260 				8.91 			14.99

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,160 									2.7 			18.93 					39,370 			16.64 			21.34

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,030 									2.6 			11.60 					24,130 				8.87 			13.87

Page 4
89

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty (NAICS 311400)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,320 								14.2 			11.61 $ $					24,150 $ $ 				8.70 			13.90

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,820 									5.7 			13.25 					27,570 			11.15 			15.42

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,730 									5.7 			10.69 					22,220 				8.37 			12.78

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,880 									5.2 			12.34 					25,670 				9.40 			14.97

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,120 									4.7 			10.78 					22,420 				8.58 			12.43

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,930 									4.1 				9.35 					19,450 				7.52 			10.82

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,130 									3.6 			16.78 					34,900 			14.04 			19.96

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,610 									3.3 			21.48 					44,670 			16.02 			26.04

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,300 									3.1 			12.86 					26,740 			10.05 			14.54

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,220 									3.1 			12.52 					26,050 				9.39 			15.23

Dairy product manufacturing (NAICS 311500)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,340 								10.1 			13.25 $ $					27,570 $ $ 			10.26 			16.11

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,330 									7.1 			13.33 					27,730 			10.23 			16.10

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,210 									6.2 			13.40 					27,870 			10.87 			16.06

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,610 									5.0 			12.35 					25,690 				9.65 			15.02

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,190 									4.7 			17.49 					36,370 			14.62 			20.26

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,850 									3.7 			15.95 					33,170 			12.49 			19.54

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,800 									3.6 			14.67 					30,510 			12.23 			16.84

Separating,	filtering,	clarifying,	precipitating,	and	still	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,570 									3.5 			16.35 					34,000 			13.85 			19.30

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,490 									3.4 			22.84 					47,500 			17.73 			26.98

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,240 									3.2 			18.13 					37,720 			14.89 			21.23

Animal slaughtering and processing (NAICS 311600)

Slaughterers	and	meat	packers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								127,760 								25.2 			10.34 $ $					21,510 $ $ 				8.71 			11.97

Meat,	poultry,	and	fish	cutters	and	trimmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									89,860 								17.8 				9.70 					20,180 				8.11 			10.93

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,060 									5.0 				9.60 					19,970 				8.02 			10.67

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,050 									3.4 			11.10 					23,090 				9.10 			13.07

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,840 									3.3 			10.29 					21,400 				8.64 			11.78

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,380 									3.2 				9.52 					19,800 				7.54 			11.04

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,530 									3.1 			20.59 					42,830 			15.99 			24.31

Butchers	and	meat	cutters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,640 									2.5 			11.67 					24,260 				9.23 			13.59

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,830 									2.3 			14.79 					30,770 			11.96 			17.08

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,620 									1.9 			10.57 					21,980 				8.10 			11.97

Seafood product preparation and packaging (NAICS 311700)

Meat,	poultry,	and	fish	cutters	and	trimmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,470 								26.7 				9.87 $ $					20,530 $ $ 				7.05 			11.21

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,040 									7.8 				8.31 					17,290 				6.95 				9.36

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,750 									7.0 				8.86 					18,430 				6.97 			10.24

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									6.1 				9.45 					19,660 				7.62 			10.78

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,470 									3.8 			20.38 					42,390 			13.74 			26.05

Graders	and	sorters,	agricultural	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,120 									2.9 				8.22 					17,110 				6.98 				8.97

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												730 									1.9 			10.23 					21,270 				8.08 			12.14

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												720 									1.8 			27.18 					56,540 			17.67 			34.75

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												670 									1.7 				8.91 					18,540 				7.38 				9.79

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												620 									1.6 			15.20 					31,620 			10.92 			18.57

Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing (NAICS 311800)

Bakers...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,890 								16.5 			11.57 $ $					24,060 $ $ 				8.40 			13.94

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,280 									7.2 			10.82 					22,510 				7.85 			13.07

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,720 									5.9 				9.74 					20,270 				7.45 			11.45

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,220 									5.0 			11.14 					23,180 				8.14 			13.46

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,200 									5.0 			12.23 					25,430 				9.08 			15.00

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,880 									3.8 				8.17 					16,990 				6.88 				9.07

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,160 									3.2 			21.12 					43,920 			15.80 			25.59

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,120 									3.2 				7.98 					16,600 				6.82 				8.73

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,890 									3.1 				8.98 					18,680 				7.12 			10.24

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,670 									2.7 			16.85 					35,060 			11.08 			21.50

Other food manufacturing (NAICS 311900)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,660 									9.2 			12.28 $ $					25,540 $ $ 				9.36 			15.05

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,680 									7.9 			11.27 					23,440 				8.42 			13.83

Food	batchmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,680 									6.7 			11.97 					24,900 				8.46 			14.77

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,820 									4.3 			13.61 					28,300 			11.01 			16.06

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,400 									3.4 			10.41 					21,660 				7.86 			12.04

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,910 									3.1 			22.64 					47,090 			16.47 			27.25

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,900 									3.1 			18.20 					37,850 			14.63 			21.88

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,700 									2.9 			11.18 					23,260 				8.21 			13.65

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,120 									2.6 			13.15 					27,350 				9.40 			16.11

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									2.3 			14.10 					29,320 				9.97 			16.73

Page 5
90

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Beverage manufacturing (NAICS 312100)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,650 								11.3 			14.20 $ $					29,540 $ $ 				9.83 			18.00

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,840 									6.6 			14.78 					30,740 			10.61 			18.27

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,490 									5.8 			12.30 					25,580 				9.32 			15.08

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,410 									5.7 			23.05 					47,930 			15.50 			26.87

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,120 									4.9 			14.45 					30,060 			11.45 			16.98

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,790 									4.1 			17.65 					36,720 			14.54 			20.70

Separating,	filtering,	clarifying,	precipitating,	and	still	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,650 									3.4 			18.65 					38,780 			13.19 			23.07

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,800 									2.9 			11.51 					23,940 				8.80 			13.52

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,750 									2.9 			13.58 					28,240 			10.06 			16.53

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,280 									2.6 			24.75 					51,470 			18.27 			29.28

Tobacco manufacturing (NAICS 312200)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 									9.7 			18.61 $ $					38,710 $ $ 			10.26 			28.37

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,960 									7.5 			14.49 					30,130 				9.72 			19.44

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,440 									5.5 			23.51 					48,910 			16.67 			30.93

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,360 									5.2 			22.73 					47,280 			17.18 			28.67

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,240 									4.8 			15.48 					32,190 			10.96 			18.09

Separating,	filtering,	clarifying,	precipitating,	and	still	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,230 									4.7 			23.54 					48,950 			19.00 			28.90

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												720 									2.8 			12.87 					26,770 				9.62 			15.54

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												720 									2.8 			27.30 					56,790 			18.89 			34.67

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												510 									2.0 			13.71 					28,520 			10.00 			16.68

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									1.7 				9.68 					20,140 				7.66 			10.61

Fiber, yarn, and thread mills (NAICS 313100)

Textile	winding,	twisting,	and	drawing	out	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,930 								40.7 			11.04 $ $					22,960 $ $ 				9.67 			12.53

Textile	knitting	and	weaving	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,660 									5.2 			11.44 					23,790 				9.98 			13.02

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,650 									5.2 			14.43 					30,020 			12.51 			16.10

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,900 									3.7 			20.95 					43,570 			17.39 			24.32

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,770 									3.4 			14.34 					29,830 			12.31 			16.22

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,620 									3.2 			10.03 					20,860 				9.03 			11.07

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,420 									2.8 			11.63 					24,180 				9.99 			13.04

Extruding	and	forming	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	synthetic	and	glass	fibers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,380 									2.7 			12.01 					24,980 			10.38 			13.42

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,280 									2.5 			10.50 					21,850 				9.28 			11.50

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,070 									2.1 				9.67 					20,120 				8.91 			10.92

Fabric mills (NAICS 313200)

Textile	knitting	and	weaving	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,190 								20.6 			11.60 $ $					24,130 $ $ 				9.74 			13.25

Textile	winding,	twisting,	and	drawing	out	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,580 									8.9 			10.88 					22,640 				9.30 			12.39

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,130 									4.8 			11.25 					23,410 				8.93 			12.80

Textile	bleaching	and	dyeing	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,630 									4.3 			11.14 					23,160 				9.61 			12.53

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,540 									4.2 			20.84 					43,340 			16.52 			24.87

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,930 									3.6 			10.26 					21,340 				8.84 			11.54

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,790 									3.5 			10.28 					21,380 				8.03 			11.89

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,270 									3.0 			15.48 					32,200 			13.07 			17.24

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,040 									2.8 			14.89 					30,980 			12.54 			16.86

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,720 									2.5 			10.24 					21,300 				8.80 			11.45

Textile and fabric finishing mills (NAICS 313300)

Textile	bleaching	and	dyeing	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,210 								14.1 			10.89 $ $					22,650 $ $ 				8.75 			12.77

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,620 									5.6 			11.81 					24,560 				9.43 			13.34

Printing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,310 									5.1 			11.04 					22,960 				8.41 			13.12

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,920 									4.5 			21.19 					44,080 			16.17 			25.24

Textile	winding,	twisting,	and	drawing	out	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,410 									3.7 			10.05 					20,890 				8.93 			10.98

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,360 									3.6 				9.21 					19,160 				7.45 			10.72

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,100 									3.2 				9.48 					19,720 				7.80 			10.92

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,010 									3.1 				9.41 					19,570 				7.57 			10.82

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,860 									2.9 			10.39 					21,610 				8.42 			11.86

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,610 									2.5 			32.00 					66,570 			17.12 			40.53

Textile furnishings mills (NAICS 314100)

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,220 								19.6 				9.87 $ $					20,530 $ $ 				7.94 			11.16

Textile	winding,	twisting,	and	drawing	out	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,140 									7.3 			11.92 					24,800 			10.59 			13.33

Textile	knitting	and	weaving	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,390 									5.5 			12.16 					25,300 			10.16 			14.08

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,990 									4.1 			11.22 					23,330 				8.57 			13.13

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,630 									3.7 				9.06 					18,840 				7.49 			10.55

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,620 									3.7 			11.30 					23,500 				9.32 			13.13

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,570 									3.6 			20.80 					43,260 			15.76 			24.88

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,440 									3.5 			11.74 					24,420 			10.44 			13.07

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,100 									3.2 			10.37 					21,580 				8.87 			12.16

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,520 									2.6 				9.60 					19,970 				7.81 			11.14

Page 6
91

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other textile product mills (NAICS 314900)

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,060 								28.1 				9.78 $ $					20,340 $ $ 				7.90 			11.04

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,560 									4.7 			11.79 					24,520 				8.88 			13.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,460 									4.6 			19.87 					41,330 			14.14 			24.09

Textile	winding,	twisting,	and	drawing	out	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,600 									3.5 			11.77 					24,490 				9.66 			13.83

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,270 									3.0 				8.80 					18,310 				6.89 			10.32

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,210 									2.9 			24.21 					50,360 			14.96 			30.24

Textile	cutting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,890 									2.5 			10.16 					21,140 				8.01 			11.89

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,510 									2.0 				9.78 					20,350 				7.29 			11.67

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,480 									2.0 				9.58 					19,920 				6.82 			11.83

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,450 									1.9 				8.71 					18,110 				7.34 				9.96

Apparel knitting mills (NAICS 315100)

Textile	knitting	and	weaving	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,640 								17.0 			10.33 $ $					21,490 $ $ 				8.59 			11.58

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,020 								15.5 				8.72 					18,130 				7.30 			10.11

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,270 									5.8 				8.94 					18,590 				7.45 			10.37

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,030 									5.2 			10.27 					21,360 				8.25 			10.97

Textile	bleaching	and	dyeing	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,920 									4.9 				9.54 					19,840 				8.15 			10.67

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,640 									4.2 			14.79 					30,770 			12.01 			16.90

Pressers,	textile,	garment,	and	related	materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,440 									3.7 				9.44 					19,630 				8.12 			10.69

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,360 									3.5 			18.05 					37,540 			12.61 			21.57

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,240 									3.2 				9.63 					20,030 				8.35 			10.51

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,070 									2.7 			10.52 					21,880 				8.43 			12.01

Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (NAICS 315200)

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									96,560 								46.3 				8.85 $ $					18,410 $ $ 				7.23 				9.86

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,750 									3.2 			10.54 					21,930 				7.46 			12.03

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,340 									3.0 			17.98 					37,410 			11.85 			22.04

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,960 									2.9 			11.29 					23,480 				8.30 			12.96

Textile	cutting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,900 									2.8 			10.61 					22,070 				8.22 			12.35

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,230 									2.5 				8.89 					18,500 				7.14 			10.06

Pressers,	textile,	garment,	and	related	materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,460 									2.1 				8.57 					17,820 				7.32 				9.69

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,290 									2.1 				8.91 					18,520 				7.36 				9.87

Fabric	and	apparel	patternmakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,050 									1.9 			21.23 					44,160 			12.84 			29.29

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,000 									1.9 			29.55 					61,460 			14.23 			38.96

Accessories and other apparel manufacturing (NAICS 315900)

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,590 								35.0 				9.23 $ $					19,200 $ $ 				7.28 			10.55

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												790 									3.6 			18.75 					38,990 			12.94 			23.01

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												710 									3.3 			11.27 					23,440 				8.84 			13.06

Textile	cutting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												690 									3.2 			10.24 					21,310 				8.18 			11.75

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												610 									2.8 			10.51 					21,860 				7.74 			11.37

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									2.6 				9.32 					19,390 				7.72 			10.53

Pressers,	textile,	garment,	and	related	materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 												540 									2.5 				8.81 					18,320 				6.71 			10.31

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												540 									2.5 				9.15 					19,040 				6.87 			10.54

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												530 									2.4 			28.62 					59,540 			18.82 			33.81

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												520 									2.4 			10.17 					21,160 				7.58 			12.56

Leather and hide tanning and finishing (NAICS 316100)

Textile	bleaching	and	dyeing	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												540 									7.7 			11.90 $ $					24,760 $ $ 				8.78 			15.05

Shoe	and	leather	workers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												490 									7.0 			12.88 					26,790 				9.35 			14.13

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												460 									6.6 			12.13 					25,220 			10.01 			13.28

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									6.3 			11.95 					24,850 				9.71 			14.06

Textile,	apparel,	and	furnishings	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												400 									5.7 			12.04 					25,050 			11.02 			13.27

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												320 									4.6 (4) (4) (4) (4)

Painting,	coating,	and	decorating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												280 									4.0 			11.33 					23,570 				8.51 			13.02

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												270 									3.9 			13.49 					28,070 				9.33 			19.34

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												260 									3.7 			22.19 					46,150 			17.59 			26.56

Coating,	painting,	and	spraying	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												170 									2.4 			12.44 					25,870 				9.83 			14.91

Footwear manufacturing (NAICS 316200)

Shoe	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,060 								16.6 			10.01 $ $					20,830 $ $ 				7.97 			11.81

Shoe	and	leather	workers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,140 								11.6 				9.61 					19,980 				7.92 			10.70

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,930 								10.5 			10.06 					20,920 				7.77 			12.07

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,610 									8.7 			11.03 					22,940 				8.83 			12.78

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												690 									3.7 			11.19 					23,270 				9.26 			12.27

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												670 									3.6 			19.33 					40,210 			14.12 			22.77

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												580 									3.2 			11.66 					24,260 				8.70 			13.14

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									3.0 			10.18 					21,180 				8.27 			12.14

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												480 									2.6 			12.20 					25,370 				9.52 			14.42

Cutting	and	slicing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												360 									2.0 			12.88 					26,780 				8.61 			14.75

Page 7
92

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other leather product manufacturing (NAICS 316900)

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,450 								22.7 				9.47 $ $					19,700 $ $ 				7.41 			10.81

Shoe	and	leather	workers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,730 								11.4 				9.59 					19,950 				7.38 			11.08

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,260 									8.3 				9.72 					20,220 				7.86 			10.57

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,200 									7.9 				9.57 					19,900 				7.52 			10.84

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												720 									4.7 			19.83 					41,240 			13.12 			23.51

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												520 									3.4 				8.41 					17,490 				7.07 				8.76

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												340 									2.2 			21.06 					43,810 			12.88 			25.37

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												310 									2.0 			11.44 					23,790 				8.76 			13.40

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												300 									2.0 				9.64 					20,060 				7.43 			10.96

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												280 									1.8 				8.19 					17,030 				7.33 				8.62

Sawmills and wood preservation (NAICS 321100)

Sawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	wood ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,920 								13.3 			12.50 $ $					26,000 $ $ 				9.52 			15.22

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,340 								11.1 				9.45 					19,660 				7.50 			10.97

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,580 									7.2 			12.53 					26,060 			10.17 			14.67

Woodworking	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	except	sawing ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,170 									6.8 			12.18 					25,340 				9.44 			14.44

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,280 									6.1 			10.63 					22,110 				8.20 			12.66

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,900 									4.9 				9.78 					20,350 				7.73 			11.43

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									3.1 			23.05 					47,950 			16.48 			27.12

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,480 									2.9 			14.39 					29,930 			11.40 			16.76

Logging	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,440 									2.9 			12.63 					26,260 				9.50 			15.34

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,890 									2.4 			14.27 					29,680 			11.55 			16.68

Plywood and engineered wood product mfg. (NAICS 321200)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,700 								12.9 			11.21 $ $					23,310 $ $ 				8.97 			13.19

Woodworking	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	except	sawing ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,970 									9.0 			12.17 					25,320 				9.35 			14.37

Sawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	wood ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,740 									6.4 			11.88 					24,710 				9.55 			13.99

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,420 									5.3 			11.58 					24,080 				9.17 			13.71

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,620 									4.6 			10.76 					22,370 				8.06 			13.17

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,620 									4.6 			13.09 					27,220 			11.04 			15.22

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,770 									3.9 			10.45 					21,740 				8.19 			12.56

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,460 									3.7 			20.87 					43,410 			15.50 			25.36

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,680 									3.0 			13.78 					28,670 				9.90 			16.51

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,090 									2.5 			14.73 					30,640 			12.04 			16.75

Other wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,040 								13.9 			11.46 $ $					23,840 $ $ 				9.08 			13.41

Woodworking	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	except	sawing ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,850 								10.7 			11.50 					23,920 				8.83 			13.43

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,770 									6.6 			15.07 					31,340 			11.13 			17.58

Sawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	wood ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,370 									5.5 			11.03 					22,940 				8.61 			12.91

Cabinetmakers	and	bench	carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,300 									4.5 			12.95 					26,930 				9.40 			15.83

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,760 									4.4 				9.99 					20,780 				7.84 			11.56

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,120 									4.2 			10.21 					21,240 				7.96 			12.03

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,290 									3.6 			20.70 					43,050 			15.27 			24.84

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,300 									2.9 			12.12 					25,210 				9.80 			13.74

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,970 									2.8 			10.13 					21,070 				8.15 			11.95

Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills (NAICS 322100)

Paper	goods	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,650 								16.7 			19.43 $ $					40,420 $ $ 			15.71 			23.06

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,070 									4.3 			23.08 					48,010 			18.89 			27.44

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,800 									4.1 			22.92 					47,670 			19.66 			26.57

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,520 									3.9 			15.52 					32,270 			12.18 			19.07

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,920 									3.5 			30.71 					63,870 			23.00 			38.47

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,540 									3.2 			18.95 					39,420 			14.64 			23.31

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,280 									3.0 			15.32 					31,860 			11.57 			19.08

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,070 									2.9 			17.02 					35,400 			13.66 			20.38

Cutting	and	slicing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,910 									2.8 			18.04 					37,520 			14.98 			20.88

Millwrights ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,410 									2.4 			23.91 					49,740 			20.25 			27.86

Converted paper product manufacturing (NAICS 322200)

Paper	goods	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									65,830 								19.0 			14.25 $ $					29,650 $ $ 			11.57 			16.66

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,250 									6.7 			11.40 					23,710 				8.98 			13.57

Printing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,990 									4.3 			16.45 					34,220 			13.06 			19.72

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,090 									4.1 			14.25 					29,650 			11.91 			16.43

Cutting	and	slicing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,870 									4.0 			14.70 					30,570 			11.58 			17.14

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,770 									4.0 			24.70 					51,390 			19.26 			28.98

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,350 									3.6 			10.37 					21,570 				8.32 			12.36

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,230 									3.0 			12.62 					26,250 			10.40 			14.94

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,910 									2.9 			13.93 					28,980 				9.80 			16.79

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,620 									2.8 			33.44 					69,550 			20.72 			40.70

Page 8
93

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Printing and related support activities (NAICS 323100)

Printing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 								102,090 								15.6 			16.13 $ $					33,550 $ $ 			11.71 			19.80

Bindery	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,540 									7.6 			13.06 					27,160 				9.63 			15.90

Prepress	technicians	and	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,390 									6.5 			16.74 					34,820 			12.42 			20.33

Job	printers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,600 									5.2 			16.00 					33,270 			12.15 			19.40

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,980 									4.1 			16.43 					34,170 			12.14 			20.05

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,160 									4.0 			24.32 					50,580 			18.34 			29.16

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,220 									3.9 			30.36 					63,140 			17.55 			36.43

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,820 									3.8 			10.60 					22,040 				8.43 			12.47

Graphic	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,480 									3.0 			18.18 					37,810 			12.91 			20.44

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,130 									2.0 			13.19 					27,440 			10.52 			15.60

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing (NAICS 324100)

Petroleum	pump	system	operators,	refinery	operators,	and	gaugers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,060 								18.7 			24.73 $ $					51,430 $ $ 			21.46 			28.42

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,200 									4.6 			29.90 					62,180 			21.49 			38.90

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,880 									3.4 			18.66 					38,800 			13.56 			24.01

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,840 									3.4 			16.58 					34,480 			12.17 			20.32

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,620 									3.2 			16.52 					34,370 			12.43 			19.94

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,030 									2.7 			25.45 					52,930 			21.00 			30.94

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,250 									2.0 			14.10 					29,320 			11.02 			16.45

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,120 									1.9 			13.60 					28,300 				8.86 			16.33

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,970 									1.8 			32.69 					67,980 			25.60 			40.58

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,800 									1.6 			13.05 					27,150 				9.84 			15.42

Basic chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325100)

Chemical	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,340 								18.6 			23.25 $ $					48,360 $ $ 			19.14 			26.99

Chemical	equipment	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,100 									7.9 			20.89 					43,440 			16.35 			25.63

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,120 									4.7 			29.77 					61,930 			22.81 			37.14

Chemical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,680 									4.4 			21.11 					43,910 			16.96 			25.05

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,350 									3.5 			20.14 					41,890 			16.13 			24.54

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,170 									3.4 			15.37 					31,980 			11.55 			18.89

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,000 									3.3 			22.14 					46,060 			17.97 			26.50

Chemical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,760 									2.5 			37.93 					78,900 			30.29 			45.99

Chemists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,710 									2.4 			30.20 					62,810 			22.02 			36.45

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,040 									2.0 			14.45 					30,060 			11.12 			18.12

Resin, rubber, and artificial fibers mfg. (NAICS 325200)

Chemical	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,800 									9.2 			23.62 $ $					49,120 $ $ 			20.36 			26.78

Chemical	equipment	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,570 									5.2 			20.14 					41,900 			16.69 			24.04

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,690 									4.4 			27.54 					57,290 			20.74 			33.82

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,610 									4.3 			17.01 					35,390 			12.67 			20.85

Chemical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,790 									3.6 			21.58 					44,880 			16.03 			26.66

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,780 									3.5 			20.98 					43,630 			17.33 			25.16

Extruding	and	forming	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	synthetic	and	glass	fibers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,570 									3.3 			16.53 					34,380 			12.65 			20.08

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,290 									3.1 			13.61 					28,300 				9.55 			16.40

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,160 									3.0 			17.30 					35,990 			12.32 			22.35

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,670 									2.5 			16.40 					34,110 			12.38 			19.63

Agricultural chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325300)

Chemical	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,990 								12.1 			22.13 $ $					46,020 $ $ 			18.33 			25.99

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,510 									8.5 			13.48 					28,040 				9.83 			16.37

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,460 									6.0 			17.51 					36,420 			13.90 			21.05

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,000 									4.8 			27.17 					56,510 			19.56 			33.90

Chemical	equipment	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,900 									4.6 			20.40 					42,430 			17.95 			23.35

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,330 									3.2 			10.64 					22,130 				7.96 			12.67

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,290 									3.1 			11.40 					23,720 				8.36 			13.45

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,160 									2.8 			14.33 					29,810 			10.51 			17.49

Chemists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									2.8 			35.52 					73,870 			22.27 			49.04

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,000 									2.4 			14.72 					30,610 			10.46 			18.82

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing (NAICS 325400)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,990 									7.7 			12.88 $ $					26,800 $ $ 				9.35 			15.88

Chemists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,920 									4.5 			29.93 					62,250 			21.15 			36.45

Chemical	equipment	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,820 									3.8 			16.82 					35,000 			13.94 			20.23

Medical	scientists,	except	epidemiologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,350 									3.6 			39.06 					81,240 			28.53 			48.17

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,040 									3.1 			14.79 					30,770 			10.76 			18.23

Biological	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,640 									3.0 			18.53 					38,550 			13.56 			22.18

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,620 									3.0 			17.24 					35,850 			11.98 			21.04

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,420 									2.6 			27.27 					56,730 			20.50 			32.72

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,460 									2.3 			34.18 					71,090 			24.29 			39.90

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,140 									2.1 			29.28 					60,900 			20.48 			35.54

Page 9
94

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturing (NAICS 325500)

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,950 								14.6 			14.81 $ $					30,810 $ $ 			11.23 			17.57

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,450 									6.5 			13.53 					28,140 			10.45 			16.45

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,860 									4.2 			25.11 					52,230 			19.11 			29.99

Chemical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,570 									3.8 			18.91 					39,330 			15.41 			21.78

Chemists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,390 									3.5 			31.08 					64,650 			23.31 			36.63

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,200 									3.2 			31.23 					64,970 			19.45 			37.96

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,910 									2.8 			14.49 					30,140 			11.52 			17.00

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,670 									2.5 			12.87 					26,770 				9.20 			16.07

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,670 									2.5 			17.02 					35,400 			12.74 			20.76

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,660 									2.4 			18.82 					39,150 			15.71 			21.81

Soap, cleaning compound, and toiletry mfg. (NAICS 325600)

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,290 								11.6 			12.55 $ $					26,110 $ $ 				9.13 			15.15

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,740 									9.4 			14.76 					30,700 			11.00 			18.07

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,210 									5.4 				9.91 					20,610 				7.76 			11.30

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,980 									4.4 			11.50 					23,930 				8.09 			13.62

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,500 									3.9 			12.35 					25,690 				9.36 			14.32

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,000 									3.5 			14.01 					29,140 			11.42 			16.48

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,850 									3.4 			24.55 					51,070 			18.21 			29.66

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,070 									2.7 			14.74 					30,670 			11.20 			17.69

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,700 									2.4 			19.85 					41,280 			16.36 			23.73

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,650 									2.3 			19.30 					40,140 			15.70 			23.13

Other chemical product and preparation mfg. (NAICS 325900)

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,730 									9.2 			14.70 $ $					30,570 $ $ 			10.93 			17.66

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,810 									6.4 			11.71 					24,360 				8.77 			13.39

Chemical	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,570 									5.3 			20.06 					41,720 			16.12 			23.91

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,250 									4.0 			25.29 					52,600 			19.19 			30.27

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,920 									3.7 			15.39 					32,010 			11.41 			17.78

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,130 									3.0 			13.62 					28,320 				9.80 			16.80

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,780 									2.6 			18.78 					39,070 			15.56 			21.78

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,700 									2.6 			13.63 					28,350 			10.46 			16.20

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,500 									2.4 			11.59 					24,100 				9.15 			13.67

Chemical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,490 									2.4 			19.67 					40,920 			15.45 			23.47

Plastics product manufacturing (NAICS 326100)

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,670 								10.0 			11.84 $ $					24,620 $ $ 				9.14 			13.83

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,970 									6.9 			11.32 					23,550 				8.90 			13.26

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,740 									5.6 				9.98 					20,760 				8.01 			11.58

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,880 									5.0 			13.09 					27,230 			10.17 			15.78

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,810 									4.4 			21.78 					45,310 			16.29 			25.87

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,090 									3.3 			13.55 					28,190 			10.59 			15.75

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,860 									3.0 			10.65 					22,150 				8.34 			12.66

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,050 									2.8 			11.30 					23,510 				8.97 			13.12

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,360 									2.6 			11.47 					23,860 				8.95 			13.61

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,320 									2.6 			13.26 					27,590 			11.04 			15.21

Rubber product manufacturing (NAICS 326200)

Tire	builders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,380 								10.8 			18.05 $ $					37,540 $ $ 			13.29 			23.01

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,820 									8.7 			14.49 					30,150 			11.26 			17.00

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,630 									7.4 			15.07 					31,360 			11.09 			19.16

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,660 									5.1 			16.47 					34,260 			11.67 			21.01

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,100 									4.2 			22.35 					46,500 			17.34 			26.19

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,960 									3.5 			14.06 					29,240 			10.37 			17.38

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,350 									3.1 			19.40 					40,360 			15.42 			23.83

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,310 									2.5 			12.45 					25,890 				9.36 			14.36

Molders,	shapers,	and	casters,	except	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,260 									2.5 			10.21 					21,230 				7.69 			12.40

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,200 									2.5 			16.77 					34,890 			12.91 			20.84

Clay product and refractory manufacturing (NAICS 327100)

Molders,	shapers,	and	casters,	except	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,120 									6.5 			11.99 $ $					24,930 $ $ 				8.81 			14.77

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,550 									5.6 			13.14 					27,340 			10.31 			15.40

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,180 									5.0 			13.75 					28,590 			11.15 			16.42

Furnace,	kiln,	oven,	drier,	and	kettle	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,040 									4.8 			13.54 					28,170 			11.01 			16.08

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,890 									4.6 			11.49 					23,910 				9.02 			13.61

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,700 									4.3 			22.40 					46,600 			17.14 			26.38

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,470 									3.9 			11.36 					23,620 				8.54 			13.52

Painting,	coating,	and	decorating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,850 									2.9 			11.01 					22,900 				8.20 			13.38

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,820 									2.9 			11.51 					23,950 				8.92 			13.34

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,780 									2.8 			12.54 					26,090 			10.69 			13.87

Page 10
95

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Glass and glass product manufacturing (NAICS 327200)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,720 									9.8 			12.40 $ $					25,780 $ $ 				9.98 			14.37

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,840 									5.3 			11.07 					23,020 				8.40 			13.37

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,890 									4.5 			15.67 					32,600 			12.16 			18.98

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,860 									4.4 			15.33 					31,900 			11.92 			17.61

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,110 									3.8 			23.01 					47,860 			17.54 			27.39

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,940 									3.6 			11.65 					24,240 				9.21 			13.96

Cutting	and	slicing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,710 									3.4 			14.39 					29,930 			11.04 			17.17

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,620 									3.3 			11.16 					23,210 				8.53 			13.67

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,450 									3.2 			14.09 					29,310 			10.45 			17.11

Furnace,	kiln,	oven,	drier,	and	kettle	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,380 									3.1 			14.85 					30,880 			11.70 			17.52

Cement and concrete product manufacturing (NAICS 327300)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									74,430 								31.0 			15.83 $ $					32,930 $ $ 			12.30 			18.85

Molders,	shapers,	and	casters,	except	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,870 									4.5 			11.66 					24,250 				9.00 			13.96

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,800 									3.3 			11.37 					23,660 				8.67 			13.42

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,290 									3.0 			12.58 					26,170 				9.73 			15.02

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,070 									2.9 			13.43 					27,940 			10.22 			15.85

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,870 									2.9 			26.47 					55,060 			17.98 			31.11

Cement	masons	and	concrete	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,860 									2.4 			13.53 					28,140 			10.09 			15.79

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,840 									2.4 			11.30 					23,500 				8.63 			13.16

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,520 									2.3 			13.41 					27,900 			10.86 			15.56

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,450 									2.3 			23.17 					48,200 			17.43 			27.53

Lime and gypsum product manufacturing (NAICS 327400)

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,390 									7.2 			15.04 $ $					31,290 $ $ 			12.26 			17.84

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,120 									5.8 			24.02 					49,950 			18.23 			27.69

Crushing,	grinding,	and	polishing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,010 									5.2 			13.60 					28,290 			10.80 			16.42

Furnace,	kiln,	oven,	drier,	and	kettle	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												920 									4.8 			16.41 					34,130 			13.67 			19.36

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												880 									4.5 			14.36 					29,860 			12.22 			16.60

Mixing	and	blending	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												820 									4.2 			15.49 					32,230 			13.20 			18.00

Molders,	shapers,	and	casters,	except	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												820 									4.2 			13.54 					28,150 			11.44 			16.01

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												740 									3.8 			17.24 					35,870 			14.94 			20.02

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												720 									3.7 			12.75 					26,510 				8.70 			15.81

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 												700 									3.6 			18.89 					39,290 			16.26 			21.17

Other nonmetallic mineral products (NAICS 327900)

Crushing,	grinding,	and	polishing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									4.9 			12.91 $ $					26,850 $ $ 				9.29 			16.20

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,220 									4.2 			22.93 					47,700 			17.61 			26.88

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,210 									4.2 			11.63 					24,190 				8.22 			13.96

Cutting	and	slicing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,020 									4.0 			14.20 					29,530 			10.72 			16.90

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,000 									4.0 			12.32 					25,620 				9.27 			15.34

Molders,	shapers,	and	casters,	except	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,620 									3.5 			13.81 					28,720 			10.06 			17.18

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,060 									2.7 			18.08 					37,610 			14.97 			21.11

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,030 									2.7 			11.29 					23,480 				8.82 			14.12

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,000 									2.6 			13.54 					28,150 				9.89 			17.34

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,870 									2.5 			25.07 					52,150 			16.86 			30.98

Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy mfg. (NAICS 331100)

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,440 									5.8 			19.57 $ $					40,700 $ $ 			15.72 			22.91

Rolling	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,530 									4.8 			18.34 					38,150 			14.67 			21.43

Crane	and	tower	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,230 									4.5 			17.65 					36,710 			13.81 			21.00

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,080 									4.3 			27.05 					56,270 			21.17 			32.61

Metal-refining	furnace	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,550 									3.8 			18.60 					38,700 			14.81 			21.65

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									3.7 			23.66 					49,220 			19.44 			27.16

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,310 									3.5 			13.22 					27,490 				9.49 			16.44

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,240 									3.4 			15.88 					33,030 			11.67 			20.12

Millwrights ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,180 									3.4 			22.97 					47,780 			18.51 			29.36

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,560 									2.7 			17.97 					37,380 			13.64 			22.19

Steel product mfg. from purchased steel (NAICS 331200)

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,760 									8.0 			14.07 $ $					29,260 $ $ 			11.47 			16.52

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,770 									6.3 			14.87 					30,930 			12.10 			16.97

Rolling	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,950 									4.9 			15.36 					31,950 			12.07 			18.36

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,740 									4.6 			23.81 					49,530 			18.81 			27.54

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,690 									4.5 			12.97 					26,970 			11.02 			14.77

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,590 									4.3 			12.31 					25,600 				9.59 			15.00

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,590 									4.3 			12.21 					25,390 				8.86 			14.52

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,160 									3.6 			17.79 					37,000 			15.02 			20.70

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,770 									3.0 			14.43 					30,010 			11.70 			16.69

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,670 									2.8 			15.23 					31,670 			12.34 			17.18

Page 11
96

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Alumina and aluminum production (NAICS 331300)

Metal-refining	furnace	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,110 									5.6 			16.35 $ $					34,000 $ $ 			13.52 			19.28

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,660 									5.0 			13.21 					27,480 			10.44 			16.05

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,400 									4.6 			13.41 					27,890 			10.74 			15.91

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,280 									4.5 			24.34 					50,630 			18.66 			28.38

Multiple	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,100 									4.2 			14.41 					29,980 			11.35 			17.06

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,040 									4.1 			14.02 					29,160 			10.56 			16.76

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,980 									4.0 			19.07 					39,660 			16.18 			21.42

Rolling	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,600 									3.5 			16.39 					34,090 			13.95 			19.32

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,500 									3.4 			17.23 					35,830 			14.70 			19.98

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,240 									3.0 			12.56 					26,120 				9.23 			15.99

Other nonferrous metal production (NAICS 331400)

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,290 									8.7 			14.88 $ $					30,950 $ $ 			12.26 			16.90

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									4.9 			24.36 					50,660 			19.05 			27.77

Metal-refining	furnace	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,350 									4.6 			15.85 					32,980 			12.73 			18.72

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,540 									3.5 			17.43 					36,250 			13.29 			21.57

Rolling	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,350 									3.2 			16.66 					34,650 			14.36 			19.45

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,110 									2.9 			18.49 					38,460 			15.43 			21.11

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,990 									2.7 			15.52 					32,280 			12.35 			17.88

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,930 									2.7 			13.19 					27,440 			10.40 			15.81

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,890 									2.6 			15.95 					33,180 			12.18 			19.45

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,730 									2.4 			15.77 					32,810 			12.22 			18.87

Foundries (NAICS 331500)

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,420 									8.0 			14.26 $ $					29,670 $ $ 			10.87 			16.87

Foundry	mold	and	coremakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,250 									6.7 			14.55 					30,260 			11.18 			16.94

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,670 									5.2 			13.72 					28,540 			10.79 			16.31

Pourers	and	casters,	metal ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,980 									4.8 			13.64 					28,370 			10.87 			16.12

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,830 									4.7 			15.37 					31,970 			12.09 			17.58

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,740 									4.6 			23.65 					49,190 			18.22 			27.62

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,860 									4.1 			12.06 					25,090 				9.57 			14.26

Grinding	and	polishing	workers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,760 									3.4 			12.15 					25,280 				9.77 			13.95

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,220 									3.1 			18.90 					39,320 			14.89 			22.00

Metal-refining	furnace	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,290 									2.6 			15.09 					31,380 			11.92 			17.23

Forging and stamping (NAICS 332100)

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,090 								15.7 			13.30 $ $					27,660 $ $ 			10.38 			15.92

Tool	and	die	makers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,780 									6.2 			20.14 					41,890 			15.90 			24.23

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,340 									4.9 			24.06 					50,050 			18.49 			28.12

Forging	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,880 									4.5 			15.96 					33,190 			12.84 			18.82

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,210 									3.9 			14.88 					30,950 			11.85 			17.10

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,890 									3.6 			11.75 					24,440 				9.63 			13.29

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,680 									3.4 			15.52 					32,280 			11.96 			18.93

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,190 									2.9 			14.90 					31,000 			11.84 			17.59

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									2.2 			13.82 					28,740 			11.38 			16.06

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									2.1 			18.14 					37,720 			14.94 			21.06

Cutlery and handtool manufacturing (NAICS 332200)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,100 									7.3 			11.72 $ $					24,370 $ $ 				9.28 			13.46

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,390 									6.0 			16.59 					34,500 			12.25 			19.78

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,670 									4.7 			13.35 					27,770 			10.50 			15.88

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,430 									4.3 			14.00 					29,120 			10.53 			16.51

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,360 									4.2 			10.43 					21,700 				8.15 			12.59

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,310 									4.1 			23.47 					48,820 			18.31 			27.30

Tool	and	die	makers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,830 									3.2 			17.29 					35,970 			12.05 			21.05

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,690 									3.0 			12.98 					27,000 			10.26 			15.51

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									2.7 			16.30 					33,890 			13.89 			18.09

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,450 									2.6 			14.67 					30,510 			11.86 			17.13

Architectural and structural metals mfg. (NAICS 332300)

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,010 								10.6 			14.59 $ $					30,350 $ $ 			11.75 			16.81

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,310 									8.9 			11.86 					24,680 				9.19 			13.89

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,070 									7.1 			14.79 					30,770 			11.47 			17.16

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,640 									5.7 			12.91 					26,850 				9.92 			15.52

Sheet	metal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,320 									4.4 			17.84 					37,100 			11.91 			22.15

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,410 									4.2 			22.77 					47,360 			17.43 			26.54

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,530 									3.4 			10.09 					20,980 				8.06 			11.86

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,430 									2.6 			10.86 					22,600 				8.46 			12.74

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,610 									2.4 			27.25 					56,680 			17.81 			32.25

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,460 									1.9 			47.31 					98,410 			29.42 			59.07

Page 12
97

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Boiler, tank, and shipping container mfg. (NAICS 332400)

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,830 								14.1 			14.90 $ $					31,000 $ $ 			12.09 			17.16

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,790 									5.3 			15.24 					31,710 			11.81 			18.35

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,040 									4.4 			13.01 					27,050 			10.02 			15.77

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,850 									4.2 			24.39 					50,740 			18.62 			28.08

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,260 									3.6 			14.73 					30,630 			12.03 			17.13

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,840 									3.1 			12.17 					25,310 				9.19 			14.24

Coating,	painting,	and	spraying	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,620 									2.9 			15.39 					32,020 			11.28 			18.91

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									2.8 			16.11 					33,510 			12.82 			19.25

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,320 									2.5 			16.21 					33,720 			12.87 			19.38

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,190 									2.4 			17.97 					37,380 			14.99 			21.04

Hardware manufacturing (NAICS 332500)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,570 								15.3 			11.96 $ $					24,870 $ $ 				9.49 			14.32

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									6.3 			12.63 					26,270 			10.13 			14.79

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,430 									3.9 			23.71 					49,330 			17.68 			28.08

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,160 									3.2 			13.17 					27,390 			10.39 			15.71

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									3.1 			10.95 					22,780 				8.73 			13.04

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												930 									2.6 			11.64 					24,220 				8.94 			13.24

Drilling	and	boring	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												880 									2.4 			13.33 					27,720 			11.38 			15.42

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												850 									2.3 			14.95 					31,100 			11.70 			17.35

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												850 									2.3 			13.63 					28,350 			10.81 			16.02

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												830 									2.3 			16.35 					34,000 			13.02 			19.72

Spring and wire product manufacturing (NAICS 332600)

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,670 									9.4 			12.59 $ $					26,190 $ $ 				9.58 			14.99

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,450 									5.7 			11.47 					23,860 				8.96 			13.79

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,930 									4.8 			13.99 					29,090 			11.31 			15.96

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,870 									4.7 			13.51 					28,090 			10.01 			16.30

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,670 									4.4 			22.33 					46,440 			17.06 			26.27

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 									4.2 			10.42 					21,680 				8.29 			12.29

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,840 									3.0 			26.75 					55,640 			18.63 			32.70

Multiple	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,580 									2.6 			13.83 					28,770 				9.99 			16.89

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,570 									2.6 			15.90 					33,080 			12.29 			18.69

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,420 									2.3 			13.36 					27,790 			10.75 			15.59

Machine shops and threaded product mfg. (NAICS 332700)

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,000 								23.0 			16.29 $ $					33,890 $ $ 			12.75 			19.54

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,610 									6.7 			15.22 					31,660 			11.69 			18.38

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,050 									5.3 			26.20 					54,500 			19.52 			31.04

Lathe	and	turning	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,840 									5.0 			15.27 					31,770 			11.86 			18.14

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,240 									3.3 			15.39 					32,010 			12.05 			17.82

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,390 									2.8 			15.71 					32,670 			11.98 			18.90

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,870 									2.6 			14.35 					29,850 			10.82 			17.16

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,420 									2.5 			13.87 					28,860 			10.70 			16.55

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,570 									2.2 			10.25 					21,320 				8.18 			11.98

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,280 									2.1 			48.15 				100,160 			30.49 			61.10

Coating, engraving, and heat treating metals (NAICS 332800)

Plating	and	coating	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,980 								13.8 			12.37 $ $					25,730 $ $ 				9.52 			14.64

Coating,	painting,	and	spraying	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,500 									7.2 			12.62 					26,250 				9.82 			15.02

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,410 									6.5 			10.16 					21,130 				8.08 			11.71

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,820 									5.4 			12.41 					25,820 				9.42 			14.88

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,660 									5.3 			22.49 					46,780 			16.71 			26.50

Heat	treating	equipment	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,060 									4.2 			13.24 					27,530 			10.34 			15.93

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,220 									3.6 			11.02 					22,930 				8.63 			12.76

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,190 									3.6 			13.68 					28,460 			10.40 			16.09

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,900 									3.4 				9.78 					20,350 				8.07 			11.00

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									2.6 			16.48 					34,280 			13.23 			19.59

Other fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,550 								11.6 			12.93 $ $					26,900 $ $ 				9.91 			15.57

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,120 									4.3 			17.41 					36,200 			14.29 			20.47

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,810 									3.9 			15.15 					31,510 			11.94 			17.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,790 									3.9 			24.70 					51,380 			18.20 			28.48

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,390 									3.4 			13.19 					27,430 			10.20 			15.66

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,600 									3.1 			15.37 					31,970 			11.94 			17.94

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,790 									2.8 			16.01 					33,290 			12.50 			19.00

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,500 									2.7 			14.26 					29,670 			11.06 			17.19

Lathe	and	turning	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,910 									2.5 			14.35 					29,840 			10.95 			17.07

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,090 									2.2 			11.35 					23,600 				8.72 			13.29

Page 13
98

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Ag., construction, and mining machinery mfg. (NAICS 333100)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,530 								11.2 			13.58 $ $					28,250 $ $ 			10.83 			16.22

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,330 								10.1 			14.68 					30,540 			12.08 			16.82

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,550 									4.7 			16.26 					33,820 			12.67 			19.78

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,290 									3.6 			16.70 					34,740 			13.60 			20.09

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,740 									3.3 			23.41 					48,700 			18.16 			27.37

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,930 									2.9 			31.46 					65,440 			25.38 			36.69

Engine	and	other	machine	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,700 									2.8 			16.11 					33,510 			12.74 			19.49

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,390 									2.2 			14.68 					30,530 			11.74 			17.20

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,290 									2.1 			13.50 					28,070 			10.81 			16.10

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,020 									2.0 			16.20 					33,700 			12.55 			19.62

Industrial machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333200)

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,470 									6.9 			18.34 $ $					38,150 $ $ 			14.59 			21.35

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,870 									5.6 			13.79 					28,690 			10.89 			16.43

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,020 									4.1 			15.69 					32,640 			12.82 			18.34

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,480 									3.7 			26.41 					54,940 			19.75 			31.74

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,420 									3.6 			31.41 					65,340 			24.64 			36.88

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,060 									2.5 			27.67 					57,560 			19.10 			32.97

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,680 									2.2 			15.58 					32,410 			11.53 			19.56

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 									2.1 			36.14 					75,170 			27.48 			44.30

										2,500 									2.0 			56.32 				117,150 			37.13 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Electromechanical	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,370 									1.9 			16.86 					35,080 			13.38 			20.41

Commercial and service industry machinery (NAICS 333300)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,910 								12.4 			12.99 $ $					27,020 $ $ 			10.08 			15.29

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,650 									3.3 			25.48 					52,990 			18.65 			30.59

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,330 									3.0 			14.80 					30,780 			12.07 			17.11

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,880 									2.6 			16.59 					34,500 			12.96 			19.68

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,640 									2.4 			31.79 					66,120 			25.04 			37.92

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,490 									2.2 			29.02 					60,370 			19.74 			35.28

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,440 									2.2 			40.55 					84,350 			32.54 			48.72

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,390 									2.1 			13.97 					29,060 			10.83 			16.11

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,190 									2.0 			33.85 					70,400 			27.57 			40.08

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,960 									1.8 			17.34 					36,060 			13.98 			20.75

HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment (NAICS 333400)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,320 								20.5 			12.61 $ $					26,230 $ $ 				9.95 			15.08

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,300 									6.1 			14.92 					31,040 			12.01 			17.08

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,910 									5.2 			12.96 					26,950 			10.22 			15.40

Sheet	metal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,880 									3.2 			15.62 					32,490 			11.59 			17.31

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,820 									3.2 			11.60 					24,120 				9.34 			13.57

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,520 									3.0 			22.88 					47,590 			18.03 			26.85

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,480 									2.9 			14.59 					30,340 			10.93 			18.70

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,550 									2.3 			14.90 					30,990 			11.87 			17.32

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,190 									2.1 			14.68 					30,530 			11.89 			16.95

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,090 									2.0 			13.73 					28,560 			11.40 			16.09

Metalworking machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333500)

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,280 								12.1 			17.34 $ $					36,060 $ $ 			14.06 			20.41

Tool	and	die	makers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,730 								11.3 			20.26 					42,140 			16.50 			24.17

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,660 									5.3 			17.63 					36,670 			14.42 			20.66

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,960 									4.5 			27.65 					57,510 			20.35 			32.38

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,940 									3.5 			16.28 					33,870 			11.99 			18.93

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,660 									3.3 			13.32 					27,710 			10.18 			15.85

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,170 									3.1 			14.71 					30,590 			10.37 			18.15

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,780 									2.9 			13.59 					28,270 				9.99 			16.63

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,330 									2.2 			28.71 					59,710 			22.71 			33.29

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,290 									2.1 			15.94 					33,150 			12.13 			19.35

Turbine and power transmission equipment mfg. (NAICS 333600)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,540 								10.0 			13.09 $ $					27,230 $ $ 			10.10 			15.61

Engine	and	other	machine	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,240 									8.6 			15.81 					32,890 			11.45 			19.89

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,350 									6.6 			17.88 					37,190 			14.85 			20.86

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,010 									4.2 			15.54 					32,320 			10.85 			19.55

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,430 									3.6 			26.33 					54,770 			20.70 			31.20

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,180 									3.3 			17.38 					36,140 			13.32 			21.42

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,100 									3.2 			32.44 					67,480 			25.88 			38.28

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,980 									3.1 			18.76 					39,020 			15.13 			22.17

Lathe	and	turning	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,800 									2.9 			16.38 					34,080 			13.19 			19.49

Multiple	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,170 									2.3 			16.71 					34,760 			13.15 			20.14

Page 14
99

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other general purpose machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,110 								10.6 			13.30 $ $					27,660 $ $ 			10.12 			16.03

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,990 									5.6 			15.38 					31,980 			12.38 			17.91

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,850 									5.2 			16.76 					34,850 			13.56 			20.00

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,420 									3.5 			24.87 					51,730 			19.05 			29.60

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,750 									2.9 			29.97 					62,340 			24.16 			34.72

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,640 									2.5 			16.37 					34,050 			13.16 			19.54

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,960 									2.2 			27.87 					57,960 			19.90 			32.52

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,200 									2.0 			14.61 					30,390 			11.41 			17.05

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,060 									1.9 			16.76 					34,860 			13.02 			20.01

Engine	and	other	machine	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,950 									1.9 			15.04 					31,280 			11.87 			17.40

Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. (NAICS 334100)

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,240 									8.9 			44.25 $ $					92,030 $ $ 			35.07 			53.35

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,440 									7.0 			14.42 					29,990 			10.74 			16.48

Computer	hardware	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,940 									6.3 			45.52 					94,690 			34.16 			55.75

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,800 									6.2 			45.56 					94,760 			36.75 			53.40

										5,630 									2.7 			62.51 				130,020 			48.48 (2) Engineering	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,880 									2.4 			39.46 					82,090 			29.66 			48.12

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,560 									2.2 			22.69 					47,200 			18.16 			26.79

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,400 									2.1 			29.75 					61,890 			20.17 			37.40

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,050 									2.0 			39.64 					82,440 			25.84 			50.73

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									1.8 			38.87 					80,860 			27.31 			49.16

Communications equipment manufacturing (NAICS 334200)

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,340 									9.7 			12.79 $ $					26,610 $ $ 				9.65 			15.34

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,210 									5.6 			12.37 					25,720 				9.28 			15.03

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,890 									4.0 			21.82 					45,390 			16.58 			25.86

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,340 									3.6 			40.15 					83,500 			31.13 			48.83

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,820 									3.3 			43.08 					89,610 			35.28 			51.66

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,420 									3.0 			37.71 					78,430 			29.37 			44.61

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,360 									3.0 			36.18 					75,250 			28.79 			43.30

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,960 									2.7 			34.92 					72,640 			27.60 			42.21

Engineering	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,520 									2.4 			55.98 				116,440 			44.64 			65.45

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,390 									2.3 			16.18 					33,660 			11.81 			19.80

Audio and video equipment manufacturing (NAICS 334300)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,250 								10.0 			10.94 $ $					22,750 $ $ 				8.70 			12.57

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,010 									6.2 			11.45 					23,820 				9.63 			12.98

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,020 									3.1 			23.23 					48,310 			17.45 			28.02

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												960 									3.0 			14.60 					30,370 			11.18 			16.53

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												920 									2.8 			37.45 					77,890 			28.16 			45.88

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												910 									2.8 			11.45 					23,810 				9.41 			12.84

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 												770 									2.4 			20.56 					42,770 			15.90 			24.95

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 												740 									2.3 			37.35 					77,690 			28.64 			46.77

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												640 									2.0 			13.05 					27,140 			10.18 			14.66

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												600 									1.8 			33.46 					69,600 			25.86 			40.57

Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. (NAICS 334400)

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,770 								11.1 			12.41 $ $					25,820 $ $ 				9.49 			14.24

Semiconductor	processors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,450 									8.5 			15.76 					32,770 			12.04 			18.21

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,910 									4.4 			11.68 					24,300 				9.13 			13.45

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,490 									4.1 			14.47 					30,100 			10.66 			16.72

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,560 									3.9 			21.29 					44,280 			16.47 			25.66

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,700 									3.5 			39.63 					82,430 			30.72 			47.57

Computer	hardware	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,440 									3.2 			43.21 					89,870 			34.36 			51.49

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,930 									2.9 			25.50 					53,030 			18.45 			30.93

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,030 									2.5 			35.70 					74,250 			28.48 			42.65

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,620 									2.4 			39.62 					82,400 			30.89 			47.44

Electronic instrument manufacturing (NAICS 334500)

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,670 									6.6 			13.51 $ $					28,100 $ $ 			10.26 			16.02

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,910 									5.5 			13.18 					27,410 			10.04 			15.61

Electromechanical	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,720 									3.4 			13.72 					28,550 			10.37 			16.36

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,900 									3.2 			38.04 					79,110 			29.61 			44.96

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,380 									3.1 			40.39 					84,010 			32.24 			48.74

Aerospace	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,040 									3.0 			43.57 					90,630 			35.66 			51.56

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,440 									2.9 			35.79 					74,440 			27.93 			42.76

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,230 									2.8 			39.62 					82,410 			30.99 			47.50

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,550 									2.7 			21.97 					45,690 			17.17 			26.03

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,640 									2.5 			35.34 					73,500 			28.60 			42.05

Page 15
100

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Magnetic media manufacturing and reproducing (NAICS 334600)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									5.0 			11.05 $ $					22,990 $ $ 				8.94 			12.80

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,230 									4.9 				9.69 					20,160 				7.88 			11.13

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,080 									4.6 			11.92 					24,800 				9.40 			13.87

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,670 									3.7 			39.10 					81,330 			28.48 			47.99

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,440 									3.2 			13.01 					27,070 			10.19 			15.77

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,430 									3.1 			15.77 					32,800 			11.25 			19.26

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,390 									3.1 			16.63 					34,600 			10.80 			22.96

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									2.5 			44.14 					91,810 			33.35 			54.35

Machine	feeders	and	offbearers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,110 									2.4 			10.91 					22,690 				8.49 			13.13

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												950 									2.1 			14.92 					31,030 			10.31 			17.46

Electric lighting equipment manufacturing (NAICS 335100)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,780 								17.3 			12.05 $ $					25,060 $ $ 				9.02 			13.94

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,300 									8.5 			11.85 					24,660 				9.11 			13.91

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,180 									3.5 			23.15 					48,140 			17.44 			27.14

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,090 									3.4 			14.62 					30,410 			11.54 			16.92

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,970 									3.2 			11.69 					24,300 				9.04 			13.55

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,530 									2.5 			12.47 					25,930 				9.91 			14.50

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,350 									2.2 			27.58 					57,370 			18.38 			34.98

Extruding,	forming,	pressing,	and	compacting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,280 									2.1 			15.65 					32,550 			11.35 			18.16

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,260 									2.0 			12.43 					25,850 				9.64 			14.59

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,230 									2.0 			15.62 					32,490 			12.23 			18.24

Household appliance manufacturing (NAICS 335200)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,790 								28.4 			12.97 $ $					26,970 $ $ 			10.17 			15.65

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,730 									4.3 			13.71 					28,520 			11.65 			15.77

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,310 									3.8 			12.38 					25,740 				9.56 			14.96

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,150 									3.6 			21.51 					44,730 			16.20 			25.69

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,690 									3.1 			13.47 					28,030 			10.41 			16.31

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,180 									2.5 			15.35 					31,940 			12.50 			17.61

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,800 									2.1 			14.24 					29,620 			11.74 			16.30

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,360 									1.6 			12.59 					26,180 				9.77 			13.78

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,330 									1.5 			15.24 					31,700 			12.20 			17.31

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,190 									1.4 			17.41 					36,220 			14.72 			20.23

Electrical equipment manufacturing (NAICS 335300)

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,140 								15.2 			13.40 $ $					27,870 $ $ 			10.08 			16.26

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,040 								10.5 			12.85 					26,730 			10.03 			15.26

Coil	winders,	tapers,	and	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,680 									5.0 			13.39 					27,850 			10.51 			16.01

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,740 									3.1 			23.62 					49,130 			17.34 			27.52

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,020 									2.6 			15.71 					32,680 			12.02 			18.89

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,000 									2.6 			13.70 					28,490 			11.39 			16.11

Electrical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,980 									2.6 			32.68 					67,970 			25.31 			39.13

Electromechanical	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,780 									2.5 			14.52 					30,200 			11.33 			17.26

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,060 									2.0 			16.12 					33,530 			13.29 			18.69

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,000 									2.0 			20.58 					42,800 			16.60 			24.26

Other electrical equipment and component mfg. (NAICS 335900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,190 								12.6 			13.19 $ $					27,420 $ $ 			10.13 			15.82

Electrical	and	electronic	equipment	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,710 									8.6 			12.81 					26,650 				9.77 			14.71

Extruding	and	drawing	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,500 									4.0 			14.53 					30,210 			12.27 			16.65

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,900 									3.6 			24.14 					50,220 			18.32 			28.09

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,400 									3.2 			17.70 					36,810 			15.31 			21.12

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,990 									2.9 			15.27 					31,770 			12.17 			17.79

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,640 									2.7 			13.79 					28,690 			10.67 			16.92

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,610 									2.6 			18.13 					37,710 			15.31 			20.86

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,030 									2.2 			14.53 					30,210 			11.51 			17.11

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,920 									2.1 			12.63 					26,280 				9.07 			15.84

Motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 336100)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									60,530 								23.6 			19.98 $ $					41,560 $ $ 			14.78 			25.30

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,420 									3.3 			23.58 					49,040 			22.63 			26.89

Engine	and	other	machine	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,250 									3.2 			21.36 					44,430 			18.30 			25.77

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,150 									2.8 			29.22 					60,770 			28.04 			33.39

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,840 									2.7 			30.10 					62,600 			24.90 			34.99

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,320 									2.5 			24.07 					50,070 			20.41 			28.27

Painters,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,770 									2.2 			21.28 					44,270 			16.20 			25.90

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,080 									2.0 			21.03 					43,740 			17.60 			25.77

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,200 									1.6 			22.20 					46,190 			17.08 			26.39

Millwrights ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,570 									1.4 			29.26 					60,860 			28.18 			33.06

Page 16
101

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 336200)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,830 								25.4 			13.29 $ $					27,650 $ $ 			10.22 			15.33

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,650 								11.0 			13.77 					28,650 			11.23 			16.08

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,720 									4.0 			21.25 					44,190 			15.81 			25.17

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,170 									3.7 			13.33 					27,740 			10.13 			16.16

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,260 									3.1 			14.45 					30,060 			11.42 			16.74

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,750 									2.8 			10.88 					22,630 				8.87 			12.78

Painters,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,580 									2.7 			14.86 					30,900 			11.59 			17.16

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,570 									2.1 			14.43 					30,010 			11.12 			16.53

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,470 									2.1 			25.68 					53,410 			17.01 			31.39

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,190 									1.9 			14.78 					30,740 			11.73 			16.94

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 336300)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								107,740 								15.5 			13.48 $ $					28,040 $ $ 			10.45 			15.85

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,480 									4.3 			14.88 					30,950 			11.18 			17.15

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,160 									3.8 			18.42 					38,300 			14.11 			23.32

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,970 									3.6 			17.88 					37,190 			12.70 			23.99

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,270 									3.4 			24.20 					50,350 			17.65 			29.95

Multiple	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,930 									2.9 			18.11 					37,660 			12.38 			24.60

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,660 									2.7 			16.70 					34,730 			12.15 			22.87

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,590 									2.5 			20.37 					42,360 			14.07 			25.89

Tool	and	die	makers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,440 									2.5 			25.58 					53,200 			20.14 			31.83

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,710 									2.1 			14.27 					29,680 			11.28 			16.69

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing (NAICS 336400)

Aerospace	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,860 									9.1 			38.91 $ $					80,920 $ $ 			31.60 			45.60

Aircraft	structure,	surfaces,	rigging,	and	systems	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,510 									4.6 			20.37 					42,360 			15.70 			25.26

Aircraft	mechanics	and	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,070 									4.0 			21.83 					45,400 			17.55 			26.14

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,290 									3.6 			18.85 					39,220 			14.81 			22.49

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,930 									3.3 			20.21 					42,030 			15.04 			25.09

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,270 									3.0 			36.10 					75,090 			29.05 			43.07

Industrial	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,020 									2.9 			32.73 					68,080 			26.95 			38.67

Engineering	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,000 									2.2 			52.42 				109,030 			41.54 			60.54

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,890 									2.2 			39.38 					81,910 			32.14 			46.58

Management	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,750 									2.0 			33.07 					68,790 			25.67 			39.45

Railroad rolling stock manufacturing (NAICS 336500)

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,860 								14.7 			15.04 $ $					31,280 $ $ 			12.28 			17.52

Rail	car	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,210 									4.6 			13.65 					28,400 			11.11 			15.60

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,160 									4.4 			14.47 					30,100 			12.01 			16.58

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,000 									3.8 			24.25 					50,440 			18.27 			27.33

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												850 									3.2 			18.40 					38,280 			14.31 			22.52

Painters,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												740 									2.8 			16.71 					34,750 			13.40 			19.47

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												680 									2.6 			30.60 					63,650 			24.85 			34.94

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												600 									2.3 			19.39 					40,330 			15.25 			23.75

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												550 									2.1 			12.24 					25,460 				8.67 			15.84

Multiple	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												500 									1.9 			16.56 					34,440 			13.42 			19.81

Ship and boat building (NAICS 336600)

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,570 									8.2 			16.26 $ $					33,820 $ $ 			13.75 			19.36

Fiberglass	laminators	and	fabricators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,020 									7.8 			12.91 					26,840 			10.33 			15.03

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,450 									6.8 			12.29 					25,560 			10.03 			13.68

Plumbers,	pipefitters,	and	steamfitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,310 									4.1 			17.71 					36,850 			14.69 			20.43

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,020 									3.9 			15.48 					32,210 			12.36 			18.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,020 									3.9 			24.16 					50,240 			19.25 			27.78

Electricians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,140 									2.7 			18.87 					39,250 			15.53 			21.35

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,080 									2.7 			17.34 					36,060 			14.91 			20.16

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,790 									2.5 			15.87 					33,000 			12.73 			18.96

Mechanical	drafters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									2.2 			22.45 					46,690 			18.55 			26.16

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,270 								16.1 			14.28 $ $					29,690 $ $ 			11.70 			16.92

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,400 									8.7 			15.99 					33,270 			12.97 			18.96

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,470 									3.8 			14.17 					29,480 			10.85 			16.97

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,300 									3.3 			22.87 					47,560 			16.87 			27.47

Grinding,	lapping,	polishing,	and	buffing	machine	tool	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,220 									3.1 			16.20 					33,690 				9.87 			23.22

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									2.9 			16.15 					33,590 			12.92 			18.69

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,040 									2.7 			14.39 					29,940 			10.72 			18.44

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												950 									2.4 			18.24 					37,940 			13.63 			21.99

Structural	metal	fabricators	and	fitters ...................................................................................................................................................... 												810 									2.1 			14.61 					30,390 			11.65 			16.59

Computer-controlled	machine	tool	operators,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 												750 									1.9 			18.80 					39,110 			13.62 			23.61

Page 17
102

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Household and institutional furniture mfg. (NAICS 337100)

Cabinetmakers	and	bench	carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									72,190 								18.9 			12.94 $ $					26,900 $ $ 				9.80 			15.39

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,630 									7.0 			11.75 					24,440 				9.14 			13.68

Woodworking	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	except	sawing ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,760 									5.7 			11.53 					23,990 				9.32 			13.34

Upholsterers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,890 									5.5 			13.27 					27,590 				9.92 			16.01

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,920 									4.2 			11.22 					23,350 				8.67 			13.27

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,750 									3.9 			20.61 					42,860 			15.61 			24.44

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,250 									3.5 				9.49 					19,740 				7.89 			10.70

Carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,440 									3.3 			16.12 					33,540 			11.57 			19.55

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,280 									3.2 			10.40 					21,640 				8.25 			11.87

Furniture	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,840 									3.1 			11.71 					24,360 				9.26 			13.44

Office furniture and fixtures manufacturing (NAICS 337200)

Cabinetmakers	and	bench	carpenters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,540 								10.1 			14.98 $ $					31,170 $ $ 			11.17 			18.38

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,250 									9.9 			12.44 					25,870 				9.78 			14.52

Woodworking	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	except	sawing ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,370 									4.8 			12.16 					25,290 				9.93 			14.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,430 									4.1 			22.37 					46,520 			16.71 			26.40

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,690 									3.5 			13.21 					27,480 			10.71 			15.48

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,880 									2.9 			13.49 					28,050 			10.19 			16.39

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,570 									2.7 			11.95 					24,850 				8.86 			14.82

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,560 									2.7 			13.41 					27,890 			10.01 			16.44

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,500 									2.6 			10.23 					21,290 				8.06 			11.86

Furniture	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,360 									2.5 			13.01 					27,060 			10.12 			14.99

Other furniture related product manufacturing (NAICS 337900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,830 								22.6 			11.11 $ $					23,100 $ $ 				8.36 			12.93

Sewing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,510 									8.6 			11.11 					23,120 				8.65 			12.79

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,830 									3.5 			21.44 					44,590 			16.01 			25.48

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,790 									3.4 			11.29 					23,480 				8.38 			13.06

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,750 									3.3 			11.09 					23,070 				8.46 			12.92

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,720 									3.3 			28.33 					58,930 			17.81 			34.33

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,510 									2.9 			11.78 					24,490 				9.22 			13.51

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,290 									2.5 			14.82 					30,830 			11.62 			16.77

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,120 									2.1 			16.82 					34,980 			12.74 			20.41

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,060 									2.0 			12.19 					25,350 				9.57 			14.41

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing (NAICS 339100)

Dental	laboratory	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,040 								11.9 			16.10 $ $					33,480 $ $ 			11.11 			19.70

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,160 								11.0 			11.91 					24,780 				9.30 			14.00

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,710 									3.2 			25.32 					52,670 			18.13 			30.26

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,960 									3.0 			15.40 					32,030 			11.78 			17.95

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,780 									2.2 			15.95 					33,180 			11.99 			18.97

Medical	appliance	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,600 									2.2 			15.33 					31,880 				9.88 			18.90

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,500 									1.8 			10.49 					21,820 				8.11 			12.50

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,480 									1.8 			12.88 					26,790 			10.05 			15.39

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,220 									1.7 			17.37 					36,130 			13.94 			20.55

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,090 									1.7 			13.25 					27,560 			10.10 			15.49

Other miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339900)

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,190 								10.0 			11.64 $ $					24,200 $ $ 				8.70 			13.43

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,650 									3.9 			22.10 					45,960 			15.99 			26.48

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,280 									3.5 			12.27 					25,510 				8.94 			14.68

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,890 									3.4 			26.26 					54,630 			16.75 			32.45

Jewelers	and	precious	stone	and	metal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,650 									3.0 			14.04 					29,200 				9.45 			17.17

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,030 									2.6 			11.83 					24,600 				9.22 			13.97

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,580 									2.4 				9.68 					20,140 				7.57 			11.08

Molding,	coremaking,	and	casting	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,290 									2.4 			12.79 					26,600 			10.59 			15.05

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,220 									2.3 			12.47 					25,950 				9.74 			14.78

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,000 									2.3 				9.97 					20,750 				7.88 			11.33

Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423100)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,760 									9.8 			23.45 $ $					48,770 $ $ 			14.11 			28.28

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,040 									9.0 			10.00 					20,800 				7.83 			11.61

Parts	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,150 									6.4 			14.37 					29,880 			10.33 			17.15

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,320 									6.2 			11.30 					23,500 				8.78 			13.10

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,120 									5.3 			18.19 					37,840 			14.82 			21.28

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,080 									4.1 			12.50 					25,990 				9.09 			14.68

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,450 									3.3 			11.81 					24,560 				8.90 			13.89

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,110 									2.9 			13.69 					28,470 				9.92 			16.03

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,810 									2.8 			15.80 					32,860 			11.37 			19.35

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,920 									2.3 			14.27 					29,680 			10.95 			16.77

Page 18
103

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Furniture and furnishing merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423200)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,540 								17.3 			28.27 $ $					58,810 $ $ 			16.24 			34.01

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,340 									8.3 			10.70 					22,250 				8.72 			12.37

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,010 									5.3 			12.26 					25,490 				9.57 			14.40

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,970 									4.4 			14.86 					30,910 			11.79 			17.27

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,970 									3.5 			10.88 					22,630 				8.33 			12.85

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,490 									3.1 			12.99 					27,020 			10.69 			14.22

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,400 									3.0 			11.43 					23,770 				8.97 			13.49

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,400 									3.0 			16.23 					33,750 			12.70 			19.10

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,320 									2.9 			11.99 					24,930 				9.00 			14.41

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,310 									2.9 			10.14 					21,090 				8.25 			11.93

Lumber and const. supply merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423300)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,550 								16.5 			25.75 $ $					53,570 $ $ 			17.00 			30.65

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,180 								12.0 			11.16 					23,220 				8.86 			13.03

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,600 									9.4 			15.91 					33,080 			12.66 			18.54

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,480 									5.0 			13.27 					27,610 			10.80 			15.50

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,560 									4.2 			13.05 					27,140 			10.69 			15.15

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,450 									4.2 			11.98 					24,910 				9.35 			13.92

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,960 									2.8 			50.33 				104,690 			30.36 			67.37

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,300 									2.5 			15.53 					32,300 			12.32 			18.29

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,190 									2.5 			11.91 					24,770 				8.89 			14.51

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,540 									2.2 			15.68 					32,610 			12.31 			18.47

Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423400)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,930 									9.1 			27.15 $ $					56,470 $ $ 			16.55 			33.32

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									53,570 									8.5 			33.71 					70,120 			20.14 			42.87

Computer,	automated	teller,	and	office	machine	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,530 									7.8 			19.28 					40,110 			15.01 			23.18

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,590 									4.4 			15.34 					31,910 			11.86 			17.75

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,560 									3.1 			37.87 					78,760 			29.17 			45.33

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,820 									2.7 			13.04 					27,120 				9.68 			15.71

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,910 									2.5 			13.09 					27,240 			10.25 			15.28

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,240 									2.4 			11.47 					23,860 				9.09 			13.28

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,430 									2.1 			15.56 					32,370 			12.27 			18.22

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,000 									2.1 			23.32 					48,500 			16.38 			27.50

Metal and mineral merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423500)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,180 								14.0 			29.65 $ $					61,670 $ $ 			18.17 			34.89

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,800 								10.5 			11.99 					24,930 				9.44 			14.17

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,230 									5.1 			15.83 					32,920 			12.90 			18.19

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,850 									4.0 			15.48 					32,190 			12.31 			17.97

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,520 									3.7 			13.21 					27,470 			10.57 			15.40

Cutting,	punching,	and	press	machine	setters,	operators,	and	tenders,	metal	and	plastic ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,190 									3.4 			13.75 					28,600 			11.13 			16.17

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,880 									3.2 			13.72 					28,540 			10.44 			16.36

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									3.0 			14.38 					29,910 			11.56 			16.74

										3,590 									2.9 			53.09 				110,430 			31.65 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,130 									2.6 			11.90 					24,740 				9.26 			14.20

Electric goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423600)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									45,920 								13.6 			26.13 $ $					54,350 $ $ 			16.48 			32.58

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,850 									7.4 			30.87 					64,200 			19.90 			37.84

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,210 									4.8 			16.05 					33,390 			12.40 			19.16

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,080 									3.9 			13.11 					27,270 			10.19 			15.44

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,800 									3.8 			11.20 					23,290 				8.80 			13.10

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,360 									2.8 			12.25 					25,470 				9.43 			14.04

										9,300 									2.8 			54.55 				113,460 			34.62 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,040 									2.7 			16.03 					33,330 			12.39 			18.89

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,000 									2.7 			12.47 					25,930 				9.50 			15.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,830 									2.3 			37.86 					78,760 			24.62 			44.47

Hardware and plumbing merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423700)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,100 								19.5 			25.19 $ $					52,400 $ $ 			16.03 			30.01

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,930 									6.6 			11.47 					23,870 				9.15 			13.47

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,120 									5.0 			11.88 					24,710 				9.67 			13.57

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,720 									4.9 			12.66 					26,340 			10.08 			14.38

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,850 									4.5 			12.19 					25,350 				9.88 			13.82

Heating,	air	conditioning,	and	refrigeration	mechanics	and	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,130 									3.8 			20.38 					42,390 			14.94 			25.36

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,410 									3.1 			15.92 					33,110 			12.34 			18.82

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,070 									2.9 			11.82 					24,590 				9.18 			14.06

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,830 									2.8 			15.20 					31,610 			12.10 			17.66

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,260 									2.6 			33.93 					70,570 			21.69 			40.98

Page 19
104

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423800)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 								101,540 								15.5 			26.31 $ $					54,730 $ $ 			16.66 			31.53

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,690 									4.8 			19.06 					39,630 			15.65 			21.91

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,980 									3.7 			11.01 					22,910 				8.68 			12.94

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,930 									3.7 			28.79 					59,880 			18.93 			35.35

Parts	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,340 									3.6 			14.73 					30,640 			11.38 			17.39

Farm	equipment	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,100 									3.5 			14.27 					29,670 			11.23 			16.91

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,730 									3.3 			14.83 					30,840 			11.52 			17.44

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,080 									3.2 			11.45 					23,810 				8.67 			13.56

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,240 									3.1 			13.07 					27,180 			10.28 			15.38

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,180 									2.9 			49.92 				103,840 			30.51 			66.08

Misc. durable goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423900)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,340 								14.5 			10.08 $ $					20,960 $ $ 				7.92 			11.75

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,090 								13.7 			24.95 					51,890 			14.01 			30.19

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,620 									3.8 			15.13 					31,460 			12.02 			17.29

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,240 									3.7 			11.62 					24,160 				8.98 			13.48

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,810 									3.5 			10.68 					22,210 				7.27 			13.05

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,350 									3.0 			11.27 					23,450 				8.77 			13.30

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,270 									3.0 			12.14 					25,250 				9.75 			13.76

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,580 									2.7 			15.11 					31,430 			11.48 			17.98

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,430 									2.7 			49.75 				103,470 			28.03 			68.58

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,020 									2.5 			14.65 					30,480 			11.37 			16.97

Paper and paper product merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424100)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,640 								19.4 			30.14 $ $					62,700 $ $ 			16.62 			37.95

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,280 									6.7 			11.65 					24,230 				8.68 			14.32

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,640 									6.3 			11.28 					23,450 				8.68 			13.37

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,550 									6.2 			15.22 					31,650 			11.92 			17.57

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,240 									5.4 			13.64 					28,370 			11.00 			16.18

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,360 									3.5 			12.93 					26,890 			10.00 			15.27

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,240 									3.4 			16.93 					35,200 			13.78 			19.97

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,610 									3.0 			15.13 					31,460 			12.00 			17.77

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,430 									2.9 			13.96 					29,040 			11.18 			16.33

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,130 									2.7 			11.83 					24,610 				8.86 			14.28

Druggists' goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424200)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,760 								20.2 			33.09 $ $					68,820 $ $ 			22.37 			40.49

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,810 								10.0 			28.82 					59,950 			17.21 			34.79

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,730 									5.4 			11.71 					24,370 				9.14 			13.64

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,050 									5.1 			11.30 					23,500 				8.47 			13.49

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,150 									3.8 			14.50 					30,160 			11.63 			16.80

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,190 									3.3 			13.19 					27,440 			10.29 			15.60

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,330 									2.9 			10.44 					21,720 				8.12 			12.33

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,450 									2.5 			14.88 					30,960 			11.58 			17.55

Pharmacy	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,710 									2.2 			12.48 					25,960 			10.10 			14.28

Pharmacists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,970 									1.8 			41.86 					87,070 			37.65 			47.90

Apparel and piece goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424300)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,960 								16.3 			30.06 $ $					62,530 $ $ 			16.05 			38.73

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,590 								12.0 				9.81 					20,410 				7.95 			11.36

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,770 									6.0 			11.46 					23,840 				8.67 			13.52

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,150 									4.2 			10.18 					21,170 				7.94 			11.97

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,890 									4.0 			14.81 					30,800 			11.27 			17.57

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,120 									3.5 			12.89 					26,800 				8.29 			15.73

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,080 									3.5 				9.10 					18,920 				7.19 			10.36

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,020 									3.4 			11.71 					24,350 				8.91 			14.37

Fashion	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,300 									2.9 			30.37 					63,170 			20.79 			35.54

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,840 									2.6 			16.54 					34,410 			12.07 			20.40

Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers (NAICS 424400)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									88,010 								12.6 			25.60 $ $					53,260 $ $ 			16.15 			30.10

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									74,060 								10.6 			11.63 					24,190 				8.70 			13.91

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,220 									8.9 			13.74 					28,570 				9.57 			17.29

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									61,640 									8.9 			18.11 					37,670 			14.30 			21.17

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,350 									5.2 			13.33 					27,730 			10.01 			16.08

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,330 									4.9 			12.20 					25,370 				9.34 			14.70

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,940 									3.7 			14.23 					29,600 			11.22 			17.00

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,350 									2.6 				9.25 					19,240 				7.30 			10.69

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,130 									2.3 			13.27 					27,600 			10.21 			15.88

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,720 									1.8 			11.17 					23,240 				8.18 			13.44

Page 20
105

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Farm product raw material merch. whls. (NAICS 424500)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,230 								13.7 				9.16 $ $					19,050 $ $ 				7.16 			10.66

Farmworkers,	farm	and	ranch	animals ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,190 								11.0 				8.35 					17,370 				6.58 				9.55

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,320 									7.1 			13.19 					27,440 			10.17 			15.62

Conveyor	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,980 									5.3 			11.49 					23,890 				9.12 			13.13

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,890 									5.2 				9.52 					19,790 				7.31 			10.82

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,830 									5.1 			22.39 					46,570 			14.25 			26.11

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,420 									4.6 			12.80 					26,630 			10.04 			14.98

Graders	and	sorters,	agricultural	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,000 									4.0 			10.65 					22,160 				7.85 			12.46

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,910 									2.6 			36.08 					75,060 			21.58 			43.64

Purchasing	agents	and	buyers,	farm	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,710 									2.3 			25.20 					52,420 			17.21 			29.13

Chemical merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424600)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,940 								13.8 			30.89 $ $					64,260 $ $ 			18.31 			38.18

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,620 									6.6 			17.22 					35,820 			13.95 			20.13

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,510 									6.5 			34.68 					72,130 			23.02 			41.79

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,410 									5.7 			11.91 					24,770 				9.02 			14.49

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,600 									3.5 			15.83 					32,930 			12.61 			18.50

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,500 									3.5 			13.21 					27,480 			10.49 			15.64

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,480 									3.4 			12.73 					26,490 				9.88 			15.24

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,050 									3.1 			12.28 					25,540 				9.07 			15.10

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,910 									3.0 			51.77 				107,670 			32.04 			68.13

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,740 									2.9 			11.82 					24,580 				8.94 			14.33

Petroleum merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424700)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,710 								20.5 			16.99 $ $					35,340 $ $ 			12.87 			20.49

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,410 									8.3 			25.74 					53,530 			16.77 			30.49

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,390 									6.3 				7.97 					16,570 				6.64 				8.60

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,390 									5.3 			12.81 					26,650 			10.02 			15.15

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,280 									4.2 			13.71 					28,510 			10.40 			16.15

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,920 									3.9 			11.41 					23,720 				8.21 			13.36

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									3.3 			43.16 					89,780 			24.32 			54.95

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,480 									2.5 			11.24 					23,370 				8.23 			13.36

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,450 									2.4 			15.19 					31,600 			11.51 			18.60

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,410 									2.4 			11.11 					23,100 				6.88 			11.51

Alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424800)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,650 								24.7 			24.29 $ $					50,520 $ $ 			16.07 			27.63

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,310 									9.2 			17.65 					36,710 			14.18 			20.73

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,990 									9.0 			11.58 					24,090 				9.10 			13.45

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,800 									7.5 			16.70 					34,740 			12.15 			20.37

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,680 									6.0 			14.21 					29,550 			10.82 			16.98

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,170 									5.0 			14.21 					29,550 			10.84 			17.20

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,800 									4.0 			31.63 					65,790 			22.55 			36.15

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,480 									2.4 			11.95 					24,860 				9.27 			13.95

Merchandise	displayers	and	window	trimmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,150 									2.2 			12.47 					25,950 				9.63 			14.26

Sales	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,140 									2.2 			45.52 					94,690 			28.90 			57.16

Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424900)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,000 								13.4 			23.18 $ $					48,210 $ $ 			14.36 			27.11

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,210 									9.6 				9.87 					20,520 				7.76 			11.38

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,460 									5.3 			11.55 					24,030 				8.96 			13.31

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,540 									5.1 			10.61 					22,070 				8.51 			12.14

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,360 									4.8 			14.25 					29,640 			10.64 			16.79

Farmworkers	and	laborers,	crop,	nursery,	and	greenhouse ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,900 									4.4 				8.80 					18,300 				7.09 			10.03

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,600 									3.7 			12.29 					25,550 				9.32 			14.69

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,400 									3.1 			11.34 					23,580 				8.53 			13.36

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,420 									2.9 			14.05 					29,220 			10.74 			16.61

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,130 									2.5 			14.01 					29,130 			11.04 			16.54

Electronic markets and agents and brokers (NAICS 425100)

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 								184,990 								25.4 			29.93 $ $					62,250 $ $ 			16.65 			37.61

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,440 									5.7 			36.48 					75,880 			22.76 			46.10

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,210 									4.6 			11.76 					24,450 				8.30 			14.19

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,070 									4.1 			10.64 					22,140 				7.96 			12.61

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,800 									3.4 			15.65 					32,540 			12.02 			18.82

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,690 									2.6 			15.14 					31,480 			11.67 			18.49

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,650 									2.1 			43.12 					89,680 			24.89 			53.79

									14,900 									2.0 			54.00 				112,310 			31.75 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,530 									2.0 			13.03 					27,100 				9.77 			15.85

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,840 									1.9 			11.91 					24,760 				9.09 			14.05

Page 21
106

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Automobile dealers (NAICS 441100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								281,360 								22.4 			20.65 $ $					42,950 $ $ 			12.35 			26.21

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 								221,730 								17.6 			19.39 					40,330 			13.90 			23.75

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 									81,080 									6.4 				9.64 					20,060 				7.58 			10.87

Parts	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,860 									5.1 			16.65 					34,640 			11.67 			20.43

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									48,320 									3.8 			35.32 					73,470 			21.86 			44.20

Automotive	body	and	related	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,530 									3.1 			18.96 					39,440 			13.55 			23.51

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,580 									2.9 			11.16 					23,210 				8.46 			13.28

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,580 									2.7 			14.04 					29,190 			11.04 			16.55

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,030 									2.6 			29.04 					60,400 			19.93 			35.21

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,410 									2.6 			20.18 					41,970 			12.58 			25.62

Other motor vehicle dealers (NAICS 441200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,470 								22.5 			17.68 $ $					36,780 $ $ 			10.49 			21.71

Motorcycle	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,390 									8.6 			15.08 					31,360 			11.24 			17.89

Parts	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,990 									8.4 			12.59 					26,180 				9.23 			15.09

Recreational	vehicle	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,840 									5.9 			15.36 					31,950 			11.76 			18.69

Motorboat	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,210 									5.5 			15.83 					32,930 			12.09 			19.29

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,780 									4.1 			26.46 					55,030 			16.57 			32.09

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,330 									3.2 			14.27 					29,680 			11.16 			16.82

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,280 									3.2 			11.12 					23,120 				8.30 			13.14

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,100 									3.1 				9.58 					19,920 				7.81 			10.70

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,200 									2.5 			46.16 					96,010 			25.71 			61.04

Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores (NAICS 441300)

Tire	repairers	and	changers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									70,740 								14.5 			10.44 $ $					21,720 $ $ 				8.27 			12.01

Parts	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									68,700 								14.1 			11.39 					23,690 				8.44 			13.10

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									64,520 								13.2 			13.17 					27,390 				8.56 			15.98

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,720 								11.8 			14.70 					30,580 			10.63 			17.47

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,100 									7.4 				8.85 					18,410 				7.32 				9.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,500 									5.8 			19.79 					41,160 			13.73 			22.93

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,960 									3.1 			22.08 					45,930 			16.24 			25.17

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,890 									2.4 			11.66 					24,260 				8.59 			13.45

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,960 									2.2 			34.18 					71,100 			21.12 			39.70

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,400 									2.1 			10.11 					21,040 				7.95 			11.90

Furniture stores (NAICS 442100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								114,280 								38.3 			14.39 $ $					29,930 $ $ 				9.06 			17.42

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,940 									8.7 			10.61 					22,070 				8.30 			12.24

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,010 									8.1 				9.99 					20,770 				7.86 			11.55

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,770 									5.6 			22.66 					47,130 			15.37 			26.85

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,000 									3.4 			10.49 					21,810 				8.08 			12.30

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,960 									2.7 			13.05 					27,150 				9.77 			15.87

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,740 									2.3 			10.04 					20,890 				8.11 			11.24

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,510 									2.2 				9.28 					19,300 				7.62 			10.47

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,330 									2.1 			38.53 					80,140 			22.85 			46.87

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,070 									2.0 			11.99 					24,930 				9.28 			13.89

Home furnishings stores (NAICS 442200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								119,380 								42.5 			12.50 $ $					26,010 $ $ 				8.07 			14.48

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,410 									6.5 			21.79 					45,320 			14.75 			25.55

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,870 									6.4 				8.40 					17,480 				7.13 				9.34

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,420 									4.4 				9.83 					20,440 				7.82 			10.95

Carpet	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,110 									4.3 			16.36 					34,030 			11.39 			19.95

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,600 									3.4 			10.00 					20,810 				8.01 			11.58

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,660 									2.7 			10.64 					22,120 				8.02 			12.79

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,310 									2.6 			14.73 					30,640 			10.82 			17.08

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,690 									2.0 			39.92 					83,040 			23.51 			48.42

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,220 									1.9 			11.92 					24,790 				9.13 			14.04

Electronics and appliance stores (NAICS 443100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								201,040 								37.3 			12.09 $ $					25,140 $ $ 				8.07 			13.48

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,910 									5.7 			20.31 					42,240 			14.10 			23.34

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,080 									4.5 				8.83 					18,360 				7.33 				9.91

Computer,	automated	teller,	and	office	machine	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,920 									3.5 			15.97 					33,230 			11.59 			19.58

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,700 									3.1 			12.05 					25,070 				8.88 			13.95

Home	appliance	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,510 									2.7 			15.60 					32,450 			11.30 			19.28

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,080 									2.6 			10.14 					21,080 				7.97 			11.65

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,580 									2.3 			11.14 					23,180 				8.63 			13.01

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,580 									2.3 			10.79 					22,450 				8.34 			12.83

Electronic	home	entertainment	equipment	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,040 									2.2 			14.49 					30,150 			11.22 			17.05

Page 22
107

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Building material and supplies dealers (NAICS 444100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								426,130 								37.9 			12.19 $ $					25,360 $ $ 				8.99 			13.84

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								123,510 								11.0 				9.07 					18,870 				7.55 			10.32

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,360 									7.0 			18.99 					39,510 			13.92 			21.46

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,260 									4.2 			10.29 					21,400 				7.98 			12.00

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,730 									3.6 			10.93 					22,730 				8.62 			12.84

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,680 									3.2 			11.71 					24,360 				9.39 			13.58

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,930 									2.3 			12.53 					26,060 				9.75 			14.93

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,960 									2.1 			23.72 					49,350 			15.08 			28.06

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,800 									1.9 			35.41 					73,650 			21.43 			41.62

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,690 									1.8 			13.10 					27,250 				9.88 			15.65

Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores (NAICS 444200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,690 								22.9 			10.94 $ $					22,740 $ $ 				7.81 			12.55

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,530 									8.7 				8.34 					17,340 				6.96 				9.56

Farmworkers	and	laborers,	crop,	nursery,	and	greenhouse ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,860 									7.6 				9.33 					19,410 				7.54 			10.54

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,800 									7.6 				8.68 					18,060 				6.95 			10.05

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,870 									7.0 			10.24 					21,300 				7.75 			12.11

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,930 									4.5 			18.36 					38,180 			13.27 			21.33

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,600 									3.0 			11.06 					22,990 				8.91 			12.88

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,910 									2.5 			12.87 					26,780 				9.76 			15.48

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,660 									2.4 			10.70 					22,260 				7.99 			12.83

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,440 									2.2 			14.06 					29,250 			10.93 			16.23

Grocery stores (NAICS 445100)

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								823,330 								33.7 				8.76 $ $					18,220 $ $ 				6.72 				9.81

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								392,810 								16.1 				9.86 					20,500 				7.30 			11.64

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 								185,450 									7.6 				7.57 					15,740 				6.33 				8.28

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								123,270 									5.0 			16.68 					34,700 			12.03 			19.55

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								111,670 									4.6 				9.46 					19,670 				7.43 			11.09

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									91,310 									3.7 				9.07 					18,850 				7.24 			10.59

Butchers	and	meat	cutters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									88,800 									3.6 			13.62 					28,330 			10.03 			16.85

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,570 									2.2 				9.74 					20,270 				7.05 			11.66

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									51,020 									2.1 			10.33 					21,480 				7.74 			11.95

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,470 									1.9 				9.31 					19,360 				6.80 			10.76

Specialty food stores (NAICS 445200)

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,430 								17.1 				8.23 $ $					17,130 $ $ 				6.77 				9.16

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,540 								11.8 				9.98 					20,760 				7.26 			10.74

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,520 									6.4 				8.42 					17,520 				6.99 				9.44

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,520 									5.2 				9.06 					18,850 				7.41 			10.44

Butchers	and	meat	cutters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,870 									4.9 			12.21 					25,400 				8.69 			14.79

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,020 									4.5 				9.17 					19,080 				6.99 			10.41

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,980 									4.1 			16.04 					33,360 			11.68 			18.84

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,880 									4.1 			14.86 					30,900 				9.80 			19.28

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,890 									3.7 				7.50 					15,590 				6.34 				8.32

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,210 									3.4 			11.68 					24,300 				8.93 			13.68

Beer, wine, and liquor stores (NAICS 445300)

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,730 								46.5 				8.28 $ $					17,220 $ $ 				6.97 				9.28

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,900 								14.5 			10.37 					21,560 				7.48 			11.80

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,580 									9.2 			17.28 					35,950 			12.05 			20.70

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,770 									7.8 				8.90 					18,520 				7.29 				9.91

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,690 									2.0 				9.90 					20,590 				7.49 			11.74

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,400 									1.7 			27.46 					57,120 			17.44 			32.04

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									1.7 			37.07 					77,110 			21.83 			44.38

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,230 									1.6 			13.75 					28,590 			10.14 			16.78

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,010 									1.5 			16.72 					34,780 			11.69 			20.69

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,820 									1.3 (4) (4) (4) (4)

Health and personal care stores (NAICS 446100)

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								231,330 								24.4 				8.19 $ $					17,030 $ $ 				6.77 				9.18

Pharmacy	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 								148,550 								15.7 			11.50 					23,920 				9.21 			13.30

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								115,380 								12.2 			10.40 					21,630 				7.35 			11.55

Pharmacists ...................................................................................................................................................... 								103,230 								10.9 			43.57 					90,620 			37.64 			50.51

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									58,210 									6.1 			17.21 					35,790 			13.33 			20.05

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,390 									3.8 				8.78 					18,260 				7.22 				9.98

Pharmacy	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,500 									3.4 				9.17 					19,080 				7.35 			10.51

Opticians,	dispensing ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,740 									2.7 			15.76 					32,780 			11.24 			19.32

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,810 									2.3 			30.35 					63,130 			16.17 			34.97

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,530 									1.3 				9.96 					20,710 				7.82 			11.74

Page 23
108

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Gasoline stations (NAICS 447100)

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								541,780 								62.2 				7.67 $ $					15,950 $ $ 				6.63 				8.46

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,660 									9.5 			14.13 					29,380 			10.47 			16.59

Service	station	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,160 									4.0 				8.16 					16,970 				7.01 				8.82

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,880 									3.0 			14.98 					31,160 			10.04 			18.45

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,390 									2.8 				7.39 					15,370 				6.33 				8.25

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,250 									1.9 				9.06 					18,850 				6.95 				9.77

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,500 									1.2 				6.85 					14,250 				5.88 				7.23

Cooks,	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,110 									1.2 				7.25 					15,070 				6.17 				8.23

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,790 									1.1 			11.42 					23,750 				8.61 			13.54

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,260 									1.1 				7.56 					15,730 				6.39 				8.42

Clothing stores (NAICS 448100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								684,040 								63.8 				9.44 $ $					19,620 $ $ 				7.05 			10.33

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								115,760 								10.8 				8.02 					16,680 				6.63 				8.76

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								105,830 									9.9 			16.91 					35,160 			12.15 			19.63

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,240 									3.8 				8.94 					18,600 				7.19 			10.13

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,390 									1.2 			32.16 					66,900 			19.46 			36.91

Tailors,	dressmakers,	and	custom	sewers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,150 									1.1 			12.42 					25,820 				9.61 			14.87

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,110 									1.0 			10.88 					22,630 				8.14 			13.09

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,110 									0.7 			11.86 					24,670 				8.96 			13.42

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,960 									0.6 			13.17 					27,390 			10.01 			15.88

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,170 									0.6 			11.15 					23,200 				8.62 			13.18

Shoe stores (NAICS 448200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								122,440 								68.9 				9.00 $ $					18,710 $ $ 				7.03 				9.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,100 								14.1 			16.24 					33,790 			12.04 			18.70

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,620 									7.7 				7.78 					16,180 				6.84 				8.49

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,970 									2.8 				9.15 					19,030 				7.17 			10.07

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,470 									1.4 			30.31 					63,050 			18.07 			34.26

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,180 									0.7 			14.05 					29,230 			10.82 			16.61

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												740 									0.4 			11.93 					24,810 				8.45 			14.01

Sales	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												680 									0.4 			33.46 					69,600 			19.63 			43.82

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												460 									0.3 			11.06 					23,010 				8.39 			12.62

Wholesale	and	retail	buyers,	except	farm	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												370 									0.2 			21.39 					44,490 			14.83 			24.90

Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (NAICS 448300)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								108,000 								62.9 			11.64 $ $					24,200 $ $ 				7.96 			13.25

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,140 								10.6 			20.29 					42,210 			13.10 			23.73

Jewelers	and	precious	stone	and	metal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,100 									7.0 			16.83 					35,010 			11.89 			20.10

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,060 									2.9 				8.29 					17,250 				6.74 				9.11

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,840 									2.2 			10.97 					22,810 				8.39 			12.97

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,240 									1.9 			13.68 					28,460 			10.17 			16.78

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,760 									1.6 			42.71 					88,840 			22.99 			56.20

Watch	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									0.9 			16.44 					34,180 			12.01 			19.59

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,250 									0.7 			13.09 					27,220 				9.51 			16.19

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,100 									0.6 			12.04 					25,050 				9.29 			14.05

Sporting goods and musical instrument stores (NAICS 451100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								220,400 								48.5 				9.40 $ $					19,540 $ $ 				7.23 			10.44

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,560 								17.3 				7.98 					16,590 				6.91 				8.75

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,110 									8.4 			16.63 					34,590 			11.72 			19.48

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,080 									2.0 				9.12 					18,960 				7.39 			10.31

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,090 									1.8 			32.57 					67,740 			21.80 			37.40

Bicycle	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,360 									1.6 			10.21 					21,230 				8.29 			11.94

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,680 									1.5 			12.72 					26,460 				9.46 			15.63

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,310 									1.4 				9.20 					19,140 				7.58 			10.55

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,290 									1.4 			10.57 					21,990 				8.29 			11.95

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,830 									1.3 			10.27 					21,360 				8.00 			12.08

Book, periodical, and music stores (NAICS 451200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									89,130 								43.3 				8.50 $ $					17,670 $ $ 				6.78 				9.36

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,080 								22.4 				7.63 					15,860 				6.56 				8.42

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,010 									9.7 			15.23 					31,690 			11.37 			17.78

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,830 									3.3 				9.09 					18,900 				7.29 			10.40

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,390 									2.1 			10.29 					21,400 				8.05 			11.87

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,110 									2.0 				8.64 					17,980 				7.29 				9.52

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,050 									1.5 			31.08 					64,650 			20.65 			35.36

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,710 									1.3 				8.24 					17,140 				7.05 				9.23

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,610 									1.3 			12.69 					26,400 				9.86 			15.01

Wholesale	and	retail	buyers,	except	farm	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,250 									1.1 			17.37 					36,120 			11.73 			20.78

Page 24
109

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Department stores (NAICS 452100)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								610,360 								37.3 				9.31 $ $					19,370 $ $ 				7.42 			10.50

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								274,390 								16.8 				9.29 					19,330 				7.68 			10.56

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								231,550 								14.1 				8.08 					16,810 				7.09 				8.78

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									60,830 									3.7 				8.91 					18,520 				7.40 			10.07

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									58,270 									3.6 			15.99 					33,250 			11.69 			19.20

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,220 									2.3 				9.57 					19,900 				7.62 			11.00

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,480 									1.4 				9.85 					20,480 				7.94 			11.03

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,990 									1.3 			10.47 					21,770 				8.36 			11.29

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,950 									0.8 			36.81 					76,560 			26.28 			44.70

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,810 									0.8 				8.52 					17,730 				7.25 				9.42

Other general merchandise stores (NAICS 452900)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								332,180 								24.8 				9.02 $ $					18,760 $ $ 				7.26 			10.32

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								319,210 								23.8 				8.27 					17,210 				6.63 				9.14

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								158,220 								11.8 				9.65 					20,080 				7.67 			10.97

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									84,730 									6.3 			14.31 					29,770 			10.90 			16.82

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,530 									2.1 			11.40 					23,700 				8.62 			13.37

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,580 									1.4 				8.80 					18,300 				6.59 			10.26

Pharmacy	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,120 									1.0 			11.94 					24,830 				9.34 			13.71

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,910 									1.0 			12.73 					26,480 				9.35 			16.16

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,070 									0.8 			31.97 					66,500 			19.43 			40.43

Pharmacists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,130 									0.8 			41.94 					87,240 			38.71 			50.69

Florists (NAICS 453100)

Floral	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,140 								41.4 			10.61 $ $					22,060 $ $ 				8.19 			12.42

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,430 								18.2 				8.94 					18,580 				7.03 				9.98

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,420 								14.4 				8.66 					18,020 				7.18 				9.89

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,360 									4.1 				7.85 					16,340 				6.79 				8.69

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,920 									2.7 			11.85 					24,640 				9.20 			13.61

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,800 									2.6 			16.66 					34,640 			12.10 			18.79

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,230 									2.1 				9.52 					19,790 				7.33 			11.58

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,010 									1.9 				9.05 					18,820 				6.78 			10.22

Farmworkers	and	laborers,	crop,	nursery,	and	greenhouse ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,790 									1.7 				8.81 					18,330 				6.78 			10.27

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									1.4 				9.09 					18,900 				7.32 			10.21

Office supplies, stationery, and gift stores (NAICS 453200)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								151,970 								37.8 				9.10 $ $					18,930 $ $ 				7.10 			10.10

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									88,620 								22.0 				8.00 					16,640 				6.86 				8.82

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,960 									7.7 			16.04 					33,370 			11.59 			18.80

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,400 									3.6 				9.24 					19,230 				7.48 			10.65

Computer,	automated	teller,	and	office	machine	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,620 									2.6 			16.23 					33,750 			12.89 			19.47

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,340 									1.8 			35.81 					74,490 			22.39 			41.95

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,620 									1.6 			12.38 					25,760 				9.37 			15.01

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,420 									1.6 			24.84 					51,660 			14.44 			29.43

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,940 									1.5 			11.28 					23,460 				8.92 			13.19

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,800 									1.4 			13.33 					27,740 			10.25 			16.04

Used merchandise stores (NAICS 453300)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,870 								35.1 				9.13 $ $					18,990 $ $ 				6.80 			10.12

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,540 								18.9 				7.70 					16,010 				6.56 				8.51

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,680 									7.6 				8.14 					16,920 				6.70 				9.13

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,420 									7.4 			14.77 					30,720 			10.56 			16.97

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,270 									6.4 				8.35 					17,370 				6.79 				9.11

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,960 									2.6 			10.58 					22,010 				8.20 			12.58

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,930 									1.7 				8.86 					18,440 				7.03 			10.05

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,700 									1.5 				7.90 					16,430 				6.11 				8.57

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,560 									1.4 			34.25 					71,240 			19.61 			40.84

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,490 									1.3 				9.92 					20,630 				7.22 			11.72

Other miscellaneous store retailers (NAICS 453900)

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 								107,380 								35.8 			10.51 $ $					21,870 $ $ 				7.49 			11.43

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,910 								12.0 				7.74 					16,110 				6.66 				8.50

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,070 									7.4 			17.68 					36,780 			11.76 			19.99

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,350 									4.1 				8.29 					17,240 				7.21 				9.05

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,100 									2.7 				8.74 					18,190 				7.16 			10.02

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,340 									2.1 			10.13 					21,060 				7.22 			12.24

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,190 									2.1 			13.69 					28,480 			10.63 			16.11

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,880 									2.0 				9.76 					20,290 				7.75 			10.88

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,640 									1.9 			36.27 					75,430 			21.20 			44.00

Assemblers	and	fabricators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,390 									1.8 			12.16 					25,280 				8.89 			13.23

Page 25
110

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Electronic shopping and mail-order houses (NAICS 454100)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,610 								14.6 			11.73 $ $					24,390 $ $ 				9.40 			13.35

Order	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,410 								11.1 			11.14 					23,160 				8.67 			12.70

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,180 									6.0 			11.21 					23,320 				7.84 			12.87

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,290 									5.2 			10.73 					22,330 				8.52 			12.69

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,750 									4.9 			11.26 					23,430 				8.66 			13.25

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,210 									4.7 			10.09 					20,990 				7.78 			12.11

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,250 									3.5 			12.66 					26,340 				7.97 			14.28

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,840 									2.9 			11.04 					22,960 				8.45 			13.16

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,690 									2.4 			11.84 					24,630 				9.33 			13.78

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,600 									2.4 			20.29 					42,210 			14.51 			23.59

Vending machine operators (NAICS 454200)

Coin,	vending,	and	amusement	machine	servicers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,810 								22.6 			12.98 $ $					26,990 $ $ 				9.80 			15.73

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,390 								18.0 			12.58 					26,160 				9.43 			15.44

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,670 									5.1 				8.50 					17,680 				6.94 				9.91

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,480 									4.8 				8.56 					17,800 				7.23 				9.73

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,080 									4.0 			12.65 					26,320 				9.48 			14.96

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,860 									3.6 			10.35 					21,530 				7.87 			12.28

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,210 									2.3 			13.24 					27,530 			10.15 			15.92

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,160 									2.2 				9.56 					19,890 				7.50 			10.99

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,130 									2.2 				8.59 					17,880 				7.31 				9.87

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,120 									2.1 			36.40 					75,720 			22.03 			44.51

Direct selling establishments (NAICS 454300)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,380 								13.3 			16.29 $ $					33,880 $ $ 			12.91 			19.26

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,790 								10.1 			14.52 					30,200 			10.70 			17.50

Heating,	air	conditioning,	and	refrigeration	mechanics	and	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,290 									8.4 			19.19 					39,910 			14.98 			22.97

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,850 									5.4 			13.56 					28,200 			10.50 			16.18

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,000 									4.8 			12.19 					25,350 				8.00 			13.14

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,550 									4.5 			11.03 					22,940 				8.38 			13.03

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,250 									4.3 			12.38 					25,750 			10.07 			14.03

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,110 									3.5 			13.86 					28,820 				8.09 			16.01

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,990 									3.4 				7.96 					16,550 				6.73 				8.76

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,220 									2.9 			22.28 					46,340 			13.29 			27.00

Scheduled air transportation (NAICS 481100)

									95,900 								20.7 (3) 					54,200 (3) (3) Flight	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... $

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									95,870 								20.7 			15.91 					33,090 			12.02 			19.92

									64,510 								13.9 (3) 				144,280 (3) (3) Airline	pilots,	copilots,	and	flight	engineers ......................................................................................................................................................

Aircraft	mechanics	and	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,630 									7.5 			28.07 					58,390 			22.36 			34.23

Transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,280 									4.6 			17.97 					37,380 			13.99 			21.38

Cargo	and	freight	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,050 									3.5 			16.89 					35,140 			12.58 			20.74

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,200 									2.2 			23.41 					48,700 			18.54 			27.00

Baggage	porters	and	bellhops ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,170 									2.0 			14.64 					30,460 			10.69 			18.54

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,200 									1.8 			11.18 					23,260 				8.96 			12.75

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,070 									1.5 			14.11 					29,360 			10.45 			16.71

Nonscheduled air transportation (NAICS 481200)

Aircraft	mechanics	and	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,290 								14.4 			23.13 $ $					48,120 $ $ 			17.61 			27.35

										4,890 								11.2 (3) 					89,060 (3) (3) Airline	pilots,	copilots,	and	flight	engineers ......................................................................................................................................................

										3,130 									7.2 (3) 					40,300 (3) (3) Flight	attendants ......................................................................................................................................................

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,100 									4.8 			13.74 					28,580 				9.69 			17.71

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,620 									3.7 			12.07 					25,100 				8.81 			14.16

Transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,510 									3.5 			13.74 					28,580 			10.16 			16.50

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,130 									2.6 			13.34 					27,740 			10.29 			15.54

												940 									2.1 			54.58 				113,530 			31.03 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												860 									2.0 			12.32 					25,630 				9.00 			15.31

Cargo	and	freight	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 												760 									1.7 			16.03 					33,340 			11.32 			19.80

Rail transportation (NAICS 482100)

Railroad	conductors	and	yardmasters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,560 								16.7 			27.56 $ $					57,320 $ $ 			19.53 			35.36

Locomotive	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,410 								16.6 			29.23 					60,790 			20.35 			37.80

Railroad	brake,	signal,	and	switch	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,680 									8.8 			25.99 					54,060 			19.27 			32.27

Rail	car	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,390 									6.3 			21.26 					44,220 			18.60 			24.21

Rail-track	laying	and	maintenance	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,740 									5.0 			19.35 					40,260 			17.34 			21.52

Rail	transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,040 									2.8 			18.53 					38,550 			16.11 			21.07

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,130 									2.4 			27.75 					57,720 			22.60 			32.50

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,120 									2.4 			16.05 					33,390 			10.75 			20.86

Electrical	and	electronics	installers	and	repairers,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,010 									2.4 			22.64 					47,100 			19.22 			25.88

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,490 									2.1 			19.24 					40,020 			17.66 			21.39

Page 26
111

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Sea, coastal, and Great Lakes transportation (NAICS 483100)

Sailors	and	marine	oilers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,460 								17.7 			16.09 $ $					33,460 $ $ 			11.72 			18.51

Ship	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,110 								14.0 			29.15 					60,630 			19.25 			38.58

Captains,	mates,	and	pilots	of	water	vessels ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,780 								13.1 			28.02 					58,280 			19.22 			34.09

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,350 									3.7 			11.84 					24,620 				8.81 			13.97

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												790 									2.2 			15.65 					32,550 			12.14 			18.84

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												780 									2.1 			18.02 					37,490 			13.17 			22.65

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 												690 									1.9 			14.73 					30,650 			10.05 			16.48

Travel	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 												600 									1.6 			13.76 					28,620 			10.28 			16.63

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									1.5 			15.38 					32,000 			10.55 			20.24

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												550 									1.5 			23.88 					49,670 			16.22 			29.11

Inland water transportation (NAICS 483200)

Sailors	and	marine	oilers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,770 								26.8 			15.03 $ $					31,260 $ $ 			10.88 			18.75

Captains,	mates,	and	pilots	of	water	vessels ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,040 								23.4 			25.54 					53,120 			17.98 			32.29

Ship	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,190 								10.2 			27.79 					57,800 			19.91 			34.48

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,110 									5.2 			11.33 					23,570 				6.60 			15.08

Pump	operators,	except	wellhead	pumpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												810 									3.8 			17.20 					35,770 			15.08 			17.38

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												670 									3.1 			44.41 					92,380 			29.37 			52.54

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												330 									1.5 			18.54 					38,560 			14.45 			22.82

Motorboat	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												300 									1.4 			15.73 					32,710 			11.53 			20.77

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												290 									1.3 			15.05 					31,300 			11.81 			17.17

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 												250 									1.2 				9.88 					20,540 				6.65 			13.02

General freight trucking (NAICS 484100)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 								567,710 								58.3 (4) (4) (4) (4)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,870 									6.6 			13.23 					27,510 				9.67 			16.86

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,930 									3.9 			14.60 					30,370 			10.43 			18.91

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,070 									3.2 			16.62 					34,560 			13.15 			20.04

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,430 									2.5 			15.03 					31,270 			11.87 			18.41

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,300 									2.5 			17.29 					35,960 			13.08 			21.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,680 									2.4 			24.47 					50,900 			18.65 			27.81

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,310 									2.4 			11.90 					24,740 				8.81 			14.21

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,150 									1.1 			40.32 					83,870 			24.96 			47.74

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,960 									1.1 			14.69 					30,560 			11.51 			17.31

Specialized freight trucking (NAICS 484200)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 								208,220 								50.3 			16.77 $ $					34,880 $ $ 			12.55 			20.18

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,430 									9.5 			10.97 					22,830 				8.87 			12.73

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,290 									6.3 			13.21 					27,470 			10.14 			15.75

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,960 									3.1 			16.30 					33,900 			12.37 			19.74

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,770 									2.8 			11.03 					22,950 				8.11 			13.38

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,550 									2.3 			23.99 					49,900 			17.49 			27.77

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,600 									2.1 			17.61 					36,630 			13.51 			21.04

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,720 									1.6 			40.27 					83,770 			24.17 			50.51

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,300 									1.5 			10.21 					21,230 				8.07 			11.93

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,220 									1.5 			13.74 					28,570 			10.26 			16.70

Urban transit systems (NAICS 485100)

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,250 								56.4 			14.83 $ $					30,850 $ $ 			11.46 			18.17

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,030 									5.7 			19.11 					39,750 			16.58 			21.66

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									3.2 			13.25 					27,560 			11.16 			15.61

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												950 									2.6 			22.83 					47,490 			16.53 			27.46

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												840 									2.3 			15.37 					31,960 			11.54 			18.83

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												810 									2.3 			12.46 					25,920 				9.96 			15.03

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									1.2 			27.39 					56,980 			21.77 			31.80

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												430 									1.2 			12.80 					26,620 				9.67 			14.86

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												420 									1.2 			13.20 					27,460 			10.23 			14.06

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												410 									1.1 			36.91 					76,770 			22.89 			43.44

Interurban and rural bus transportation (NAICS 485200)

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,780 								48.1 			15.67 $ $					32,590 $ $ 			12.14 			19.59

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,310 									6.4 			19.44 					40,430 			17.33 			22.54

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 												540 									2.7 			11.33 					23,560 				8.44 			13.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												370 									1.8 			19.05 					39,630 			15.04 			21.77

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												350 									1.7 			14.82 					30,820 			11.59 			17.47

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												270 									1.3 				9.43 					19,610 				7.59 			10.91

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												210 									1.0 				8.11 					16,870 				6.94 				9.20

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												210 									1.0 			10.94 					22,750 				9.24 			12.77

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												160 									0.8 			25.22 					52,460 			22.13 			28.52

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									0.6 			15.11 					31,430 			10.78 			18.74

Page 27
112

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Taxi and limousine service (NAICS 485300)

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,620 								58.9 			11.46 $ $					23,830 $ $ 				8.32 			13.80

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,070 								12.0 			11.75 					24,430 				8.23 			14.11

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,470 									2.2 				9.79 					20,360 				7.05 			11.50

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,460 									2.2 			24.29 					50,530 			15.02 			34.78

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,390 									2.1 			14.36 					29,880 			10.38 			16.88

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,220 									1.8 			12.99 					27,020 			10.03 			15.03

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,210 									1.8 			10.98 					22,840 				8.52 			12.94

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												940 									1.4 			13.58 					28,240 			10.53 			16.38

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												920 									1.4 			37.69 					78,400 			22.66 			45.79

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												900 									1.3 				9.22 					19,170 				7.43 			10.70

School and employee bus transportation (NAICS 485400)

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 								145,460 								77.0 			12.28 $ $					25,540 $ $ 				9.95 			14.31

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,780 									6.8 				8.71 					18,130 				7.26 			10.07

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,490 									2.9 			16.51 					34,340 			13.05 			19.73

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									1.7 			12.57 					26,140 				9.66 			15.24

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,020 									1.6 				8.63 					17,950 				7.21 				9.72

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,540 									1.3 			21.70 					45,140 			15.70 			25.89

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									1.3 				8.74 					18,170 				6.80 			10.62

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,350 									1.2 			14.65 					30,480 			11.38 			17.15

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,380 									0.7 			11.84 					24,620 				8.85 			13.82

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,190 									0.6 			41.07 					85,420 			23.27 			53.27

Charter bus industry (NAICS 485500)

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,940 								57.0 			11.75 $ $					24,440 $ $ 				9.48 			13.35

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,620 									7.9 			11.13 					23,160 				9.12 			13.10

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,580 									4.8 			17.06 					35,490 			13.14 			20.74

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,510 									4.5 				9.13 					18,990 				7.59 			10.38

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 												930 									2.8 				8.25 					17,150 				6.48 				9.91

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												680 									2.0 			14.63 					30,430 			11.17 			16.94

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												670 									2.0 			10.64 					22,130 				8.31 			12.68

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												660 									2.0 			21.10 					43,890 			15.34 			25.23

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												480 									1.4 			36.34 					75,580 			22.07 			42.88

Tour	guides	and	escorts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												450 									1.4 				9.79 					20,370 				6.46 			13.18

Other ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485900)

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,100 								29.8 				9.59 $ $					19,940 $ $ 				7.70 			10.99

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,990 								14.8 			11.18 					23,240 				8.86 			13.10

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,650 								14.2 			11.97 					24,900 				9.59 			13.68

Ambulance	drivers	and	attendants,	except	emergency	medical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,410 									5.6 				9.23 					19,200 				7.46 			10.78

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,610 									4.3 			13.03 					27,110 				9.76 			14.79

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,720 									2.8 			18.41 					38,290 			13.01 			22.07

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,410 									2.3 				9.40 					19,550 				7.61 			10.52

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,350 									2.2 			10.04 					20,890 				7.97 			11.69

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									1.9 			14.20 					29,530 				8.42 			17.23

Emergency	medical	technicians	and	paramedics ...................................................................................................................................................... 												960 									1.6 			12.99 					27,010 				9.93 			15.19

Pipeline transportation of crude oil (NAICS 486100)

Petroleum	pump	system	operators,	refinery	operators,	and	gaugers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,740 								24.2 			25.28 $ $					52,580 $ $ 			22.48 			27.35

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												530 									7.4 			36.86 					76,670 			28.02 			46.21

Control	and	valve	installers	and	repairers,	except	mechanical	door ...................................................................................................................................................... 												250 									3.5 			23.03 					47,900 			17.13 			29.21

Gas	plant	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												230 									3.2 			24.58 					51,120 			21.05 			28.05

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 												220 									3.1 			21.60 					44,920 			15.78 			26.78

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												160 									2.2 			16.92 					35,190 				9.95 			24.47

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												160 									2.2 			29.26 					60,860 			20.17 			38.73

Engineering	technicians,	except	drafters,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									1.7 			25.87 					53,800 			22.73 			29.54

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									1.7 			40.20 					83,610 			28.31 			50.80

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									1.7 			17.56 					36,530 			14.95 			20.03

Pipeline transportation of natural gas (NAICS 486200)

Gas	plant	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 								10.2 			23.57 $ $					49,020 $ $ 			19.99 			26.71

Gas	compressor	and	gas	pumping	station	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,550 									6.3 			23.25 					48,350 			19.78 			26.83

Control	and	valve	installers	and	repairers,	except	mechanical	door ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,210 									4.9 			22.87 					47,570 			17.37 			27.54

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,060 									4.3 			22.29 					46,360 			18.82 			26.03

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 												890 									3.6 			26.02 					54,120 			19.48 			31.81

Petroleum	pump	system	operators,	refinery	operators,	and	gaugers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												840 									3.4 			22.54 					46,870 			19.27 			26.25

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												830 									3.4 			18.22 					37,900 			14.71 			21.32

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												650 									2.6 			49.05 				102,020 			31.21 			63.95

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												590 									2.4 			29.04 					60,410 			20.34 			36.91

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									2.3 			21.09 					43,860 			15.57 			26.08

Page 28
113

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other pipeline transportation (NAICS 486900)

Petroleum	pump	system	operators,	refinery	operators,	and	gaugers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,950 								33.3 			24.60 $ $					51,180 $ $ 			20.50 			27.67

Gas	plant	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												290 									4.9 			29.31 					60,960 			26.80 			32.87

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 												270 									4.6 			24.39 					50,740 			19.82 			28.25

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												200 									3.4 			29.46 					61,270 			19.69 			38.87

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 												190 									3.2 			19.30 					40,130 			17.87 			21.80

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												170 									2.9 			44.36 					92,260 			31.39 			53.59

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												150 									2.6 			12.96 					26,970 				8.41 			16.20

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									2.0 			19.58 					40,740 			14.04 			25.20

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												110 									1.9 			19.76 					41,090 			13.69 			25.17

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 												110 									1.9 			26.26 					54,610 			21.98 			30.96

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, land (NAICS 487100)

Bus	drivers,	transit	and	intercity ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,410 								26.1 			11.65 $ $					24,230 $ $ 				9.59 			13.28

Tour	guides	and	escorts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,510 								16.3 			10.35 					21,530 				7.84 			12.62

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 												530 									5.7 				9.89 					20,580 				7.90 			11.39

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									4.8 			13.74 					28,580 			11.57 			15.66

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												260 									2.8 			10.67 					22,200 				8.18 			12.49

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												230 									2.5 				8.76 					18,220 				7.36 				9.96

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 												200 									2.2 			13.01 					27,060 				9.51 			15.33

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												180 									1.9 			17.22 					35,820 			13.62 			19.71

Amusement	and	recreation	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												160 									1.7 				8.36 					17,380 				6.90 				8.95

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 												160 									1.7 				9.22 					19,190 				6.72 			11.43

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water (NAICS 487200)

Captains,	mates,	and	pilots	of	water	vessels ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,870 								18.0 			18.66 $ $					38,810 $ $ 			12.40 			22.63

Sailors	and	marine	oilers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,000 								12.5 			12.05 					25,070 				7.94 			14.35

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,370 									8.6 			10.30 					21,410 				7.67 			12.24

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 												970 									6.1 			10.15 					21,120 				6.86 			12.73

Tour	guides	and	escorts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												680 									4.3 			12.57 					26,160 				8.35 			14.75

Motorboat	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												640 									4.0 			13.76 					28,610 				9.69 			16.76

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 												600 									3.8 				9.90 					20,580 				7.60 			11.04

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												590 									3.7 				8.81 					18,320 				7.39 				9.84

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												410 									2.6 			10.34 					21,510 				8.74 			11.42

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												400 									2.5 			12.42 					25,830 				9.34 			15.24

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, other (NAICS 487900)

												610 								26.3 (3) 					59,630 (3) (3) Commercial	pilots ...................................................................................................................................................... $

Aircraft	mechanics	and	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 												220 									9.5 			24.10 					50,140 			19.23 			28.70

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												170 									7.3 			10.34 					21,500 				8.78 			10.85

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 													90 									3.9 			12.01 					24,990 				9.71 			13.85

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 													70 									3.0 			11.35 					23,600 				9.87 			12.71

Transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 													70 									3.0 			13.89 					28,880 				9.54 			16.25

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 													60 									2.6 			16.50 					34,320 				9.52 			24.25

Amusement	and	recreation	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 													60 									2.6 				8.81 					18,330 				7.46 			10.09

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 													60 									2.6 			12.79 					26,610 			11.05 			15.00

													60 									2.6 			51.42 				106,950 			25.93 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Support activities for air transportation (NAICS 488100)

Aircraft	mechanics	and	service	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,060 								18.1 			19.08 $ $					39,680 $ $ 			15.17 			22.28

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,180 									7.8 			11.20 					23,300 				8.41 			12.41

Transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,960 									5.5 			11.30 					23,500 				9.06 			13.03

Baggage	porters	and	bellhops ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,110 									4.2 				8.65 					17,980 				6.42 				9.82

Cargo	and	freight	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,430 									3.8 			13.24 					27,540 				9.17 			14.94

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,280 									3.0 			12.02 					24,990 				9.40 			14.02

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,870 									2.7 			11.51 					23,940 				9.22 			13.02

Avionics	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,470 									2.4 			19.67 					40,910 			16.38 			22.98

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,180 									2.2 			26.98 					56,130 			20.94 			31.42

Transportation	attendants,	except	flight	attendants	and	baggage	porters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,030 									2.1 				9.33 					19,420 				7.36 			10.57

Support activities for rail transportation (NAICS 488200)

Rail	car	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,000 								18.6 			15.97 $ $					33,210 $ $ 			12.78 			19.04

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 								11.8 			14.91 					31,010 				9.79 			14.31

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									7.1 			14.39 					29,930 			11.64 			16.57

Rail	yard	engineers,	dinkey	operators,	and	hostlers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												890 									4.1 			15.87 					33,020 			12.41 			17.90

Railroad	brake,	signal,	and	switch	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												870 									4.0 			13.27 					27,600 			10.90 			15.10

Rail	transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												660 									3.1 			15.78 					32,820 			12.12 			19.47

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												500 									2.3 			24.25 					50,440 			18.88 			27.74

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												460 									2.1 			11.88 					24,710 				9.22 			13.70

Painters,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												460 									2.1 			15.64 					32,540 			11.94 			17.49

Motor	vehicle	operators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									2.0 			13.98 					29,080 			10.04 			17.84

Page 29
114

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Support activities for water transportation (NAICS 488300)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,820 								17.3 			19.31 $ $					40,160 $ $ 			10.58 			28.83

Captains,	mates,	and	pilots	of	water	vessels ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,310 									8.6 			27.22 					56,620 			19.98 			33.31

Sailors	and	marine	oilers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,440 									7.7 			15.26 					31,740 			11.54 			17.60

Material	moving	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,960 									5.1 			22.70 					47,220 			16.10 			29.43

Tank	car,	truck,	and	ship	loaders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,720 									3.8 			19.11 					39,750 			11.67 			27.08

Crane	and	tower	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									3.4 			26.59 					55,310 			20.54 			32.36

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,630 									2.7 			32.12 					66,810 			24.92 			40.24

Ship	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									2.6 			26.75 					55,650 			20.37 			32.10

Transportation	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,620 									1.7 			22.96 					47,760 			16.60 			30.91

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									1.6 			19.31 					40,160 			13.51 			25.46

Support activities for road transportation (NAICS 488400)

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,040 								38.4 			14.15 $ $					29,430 $ $ 			10.11 			16.99

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,830 									7.5 			12.77 					26,560 				9.39 			15.66

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,540 									5.8 			11.99 					24,940 				8.86 			13.83

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,080 									5.2 			11.26 					23,430 				8.58 			13.37

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,780 									3.6 			10.77 					22,410 				7.78 			13.17

Motor	vehicle	operators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,380 									3.0 				9.49 					19,740 				7.17 				9.84

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,300 									2.9 			23.99 					49,900 			16.76 			27.62

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,920 									2.5 			14.25 					29,650 			10.25 			17.17

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,700 									2.2 			13.44 					27,950 			10.93 			15.55

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,600 									2.0 			10.52 					21,880 				8.18 			12.27

Freight transportation arrangement (NAICS 488500)

Cargo	and	freight	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,190 								14.9 			18.39 $ $					38,260 $ $ 			13.21 			21.85

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,180 									6.9 			11.26 					23,430 				8.51 			13.04

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,270 									6.4 			15.07 					31,350 			11.93 			17.61

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,150 									6.3 			17.25 					35,880 			13.91 			20.61

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,570 									4.9 			12.84 					26,700 				9.34 			15.54

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,620 									4.3 			31.90 					66,350 			19.45 			37.54

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,600 									4.3 			11.66 					24,260 				8.08 			14.32

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,430 									4.2 			25.14 					52,280 			19.14 			29.42

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,600 									3.8 			15.02 					31,240 			11.88 			17.30

										6,280 									3.6 			51.90 				107,950 			30.24 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Other support activities for transportation (NAICS 488900)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,200 								20.5 			10.26 $ $					21,350 $ $ 				8.03 			12.08

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,360 								17.7 				9.61 					19,980 				7.36 			11.46

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,540 									5.1 			13.31 					27,680 				8.92 			17.34

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,060 									3.5 			12.22 					25,420 				9.59 			13.31

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,040 									3.4 			16.90 					35,160 			12.76 			20.51

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												940 									3.1 			13.63 					28,340 			10.38 			15.69

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												840 									2.8 			12.09 					25,150 				8.71 			13.60

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	helpers,	laborers,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 												790 									2.6 			19.97 					41,540 			15.07 			23.29

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 												650 									2.2 			11.22 					23,340 				7.14 			14.32

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												650 									2.2 			42.05 					87,450 			26.58 			52.69

Postal service (NAICS 491100)

Postal	service	mail	carriers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								347,180 								43.4 			21.38 $ $					44,460 $ $ 			18.50 			24.79

Postal	service	mail	sorters,	processors,	and	processing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 								208,600 								26.1 			20.01 					41,620 			17.65 			24.07

Postal	service	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,710 									9.8 			22.51 					46,820 			20.79 			25.24

Postmasters	and	mail	superintendents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,120 									3.3 			25.83 					53,740 			22.33 			30.07

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,060 									2.0 			18.41 					38,300 			17.42 			20.18

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,220 									1.7 			26.24 					54,580 			23.59 			28.86

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,260 									1.3 			22.47 					46,730 			20.32 			25.11

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,920 									1.0 			27.95 					58,130 			24.88 			31.45

Electrical	and	electronic	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,550 									0.9 			24.28 					50,500 			22.94 			25.82

Data	entry	keyers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,440 									0.9 			13.93 					28,960 			11.67 			14.60

Couriers (NAICS 492100)

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 								154,670 								29.8 			17.65 $ $					36,710 $ $ 			13.42 			22.48

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 								120,940 								23.3 			11.92 					24,800 				9.62 			13.43

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,840 									5.2 			20.67 					42,990 			17.38 			24.78

Couriers	and	messengers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,090 									3.9 			11.05 					22,980 				8.02 			12.66

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,370 									3.2 			15.56 					32,350 			12.47 			18.64

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,510 									2.8 			14.46 					30,090 			10.72 			17.12

Conveyor	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,210 									2.7 			13.62 					28,330 			11.58 			15.73

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,600 									2.4 			27.66 					57,540 			22.56 			33.09

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	helpers,	laborers,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,550 									1.8 			19.11 					39,750 			12.05 			24.43

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,270 									1.8 			10.65 					22,160 				8.61 			11.90

Page 30
115

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Local messengers and local delivery (NAICS 492200)

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,320 								31.1 			12.96 $ $					26,950 $ $ 				8.72 			16.02

Couriers	and	messengers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,460 								27.0 			10.30 					21,410 				7.51 			12.09

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,100 									4.6 				9.68 					20,140 				7.75 			10.87

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,020 									4.4 			15.11 					31,430 			11.12 			18.25

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,740 									3.8 			17.11 					35,600 			12.55 			21.11

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,440 									3.1 			13.25 					27,570 				9.94 			16.02

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,080 									2.3 			20.07 					41,740 			14.01 			23.79

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												970 									2.1 			11.24 					23,380 				8.20 			13.19

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 												910 									2.0 			21.23 					44,160 			15.31 			25.81

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												870 									1.9 			42.48 					88,360 			25.41 			55.16

Warehousing and storage (NAICS 493100)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 								123,690 								21.2 			12.20 $ $					25,380 $ $ 				9.45 			14.61

Industrial	truck	and	tractor	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									76,060 								13.1 			13.49 					28,060 			10.96 			15.72

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									55,340 									9.5 			13.57 					28,230 			10.01 			16.33

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,300 									6.4 			13.80 					28,700 			10.46 			16.45

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,890 									5.6 			10.34 					21,500 				7.80 			12.26

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,990 									4.5 			18.12 					37,690 			14.01 			21.65

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	helpers,	laborers,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,270 									2.6 			19.54 					40,630 			14.42 			23.86

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,770 									2.5 			14.06 					29,250 				9.46 			17.93

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,870 									1.9 			12.66 					26,330 				9.78 			15.03

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,900 									1.7 			17.29 					35,960 			13.52 			20.89

Newspaper, book, and directory publishers (NAICS 511100)

Editors...................................................................................................................................................... 									55,790 									8.3 			24.53 $ $					51,030 $ $ 			16.03 			29.92

Advertising	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									51,340 									7.7 			21.11 					43,910 			12.28 			26.10

Reporters	and	correspondents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,520 									5.9 			17.68 					36,770 			10.87 			21.95

Graphic	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,190 									3.8 			17.72 					36,850 			12.37 			21.13

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,420 									3.0 			14.17 					29,480 			10.04 			17.12

Printing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,510 									2.9 			17.44 					36,280 			12.13 			22.09

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,190 									2.9 			12.13 					25,240 				8.84 			14.67

Prepress	technicians	and	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,310 									2.6 			16.14 					33,560 			10.92 			20.67

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,530 									2.3 			10.76 					22,380 				7.75 			12.36

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,190 									2.1 			12.96 					26,950 				8.12 			16.60

Software publishers (NAICS 511200)

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,340 								17.1 			40.09 $ $					83,390 $ $ 			30.92 			48.00

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,840 									8.4 			24.33 					50,610 			16.45 			30.15

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,420 									8.2 			42.22 					87,820 			33.65 			50.16

Computer	programmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,350 									7.8 			37.22 					77,420 			27.82 			45.55

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,940 									4.6 			35.76 					74,370 			27.50 			43.00

Computer	and	information	systems	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,140 									3.5 			56.42 				117,350 			41.02 			68.34

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,640 									3.2 			38.79 					80,680 			24.70 			47.84

										4,800 									2.0 			61.23 				127,360 			41.56 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Network	and	computer	systems	administrators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,800 									2.0 			33.87 					70,440 			25.00 			40.91

Market	research	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,780 									2.0 			41.42 					86,140 			29.58 			52.34

Motion picture and video industries (NAICS 512100)

Entertainers	and	performers,	sports	and	related	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,300 								14.9 			18.24 $ (3) $ $ 			11.59 			21.95

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,150 								10.7 				7.03 					14,630 				6.17 				7.92

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,110 									9.1 				7.09 					14,740 				6.06 				7.94

Actors...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,770 									6.8 			24.74 (3) 				8.21 			39.12

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,130 									6.3 				7.71 					16,030 				6.32 				8.38

Producers	and	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,610 									4.3 			43.28 					90,010 			21.57 			58.09

Motion	picture	projectionists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,490 									2.6 				9.21 					19,160 				6.73 			10.15

Camera	operators,	television,	video,	and	motion	picture ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,020 									2.5 			26.05 					54,180 			17.25 			34.48

Film	and	video	editors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,830 									2.4 			29.02 					60,370 			17.06 			38.98

Audio	and	video	equipment	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,250 									2.3 			18.33 					38,130 			12.70 			21.21

Sound recording industries (NAICS 512200)

Sound	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,530 								11.7 			19.02 $ $					39,560 $ $ 			11.48 			23.04

Audio	and	video	equipment	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 												980 									4.5 			20.01 					41,610 			12.19 			24.22

												860 									4.0 			53.43 				111,130 			30.42 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												840 									3.9 			11.66 					24,250 				8.46 			13.76

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												750 									3.5 			17.95 					37,330 			13.73 			21.87

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												610 									2.8 			25.27 					52,550 			16.36 			30.20

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												570 									2.6 			18.23 					37,920 			12.25 			22.18

												560 									2.6 			48.22 				100,310 			21.00 (2) Producers	and	directors ......................................................................................................................................................

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									2.6 			12.97 					26,980 			11.25 			14.55

Editors...................................................................................................................................................... 												550 									2.5 			23.46 					48,800 			18.09 			26.49

Page 31
116

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Radio and television broadcasting (NAICS 515100)

Radio	and	television	announcers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,270 								16.0 			16.63 $ $					34,580 $ $ 				7.90 			17.92

Advertising	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,640 								12.8 			24.69 					51,350 			13.17 			30.68

Broadcast	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,730 									9.1 			15.86 					32,980 				9.09 			19.96

Producers	and	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,930 									7.5 			27.98 					58,210 			15.74 			34.33

Reporters	and	correspondents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,290 									3.9 			24.04 					49,990 			12.46 			28.77

Camera	operators,	television,	video,	and	motion	picture ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,650 									3.2 			17.59 					36,580 				9.60 			24.18

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,870 									2.9 			49.04 				102,010 			26.81 			68.58

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,490 									2.7 			11.88 					24,700 				8.49 			14.66

Broadcast	news	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,510 									2.3 			32.31 					67,210 			13.77 			41.25

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,280 									1.8 			17.52 					36,440 			13.65 			20.89

Cable and other subscription programming (NAICS 515200)

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,550 								14.5 			18.60 $ $					38,690 $ $ 			13.56 			23.14

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,910 								12.6 			15.48 					32,200 			11.23 			18.21

Producers	and	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,310 									6.2 			31.04 					64,560 			18.39 			38.22

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,350 									3.9 			23.21 					48,270 			12.36 			31.55

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,970 									3.4 			14.55 					30,250 			11.38 			18.15

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,930 									3.4 			20.97 					43,610 			15.55 			26.04

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,260 									2.6 			19.18 					39,890 			15.57 			21.97

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,160 									2.5 			22.09 					45,950 			16.20 			26.45

Advertising	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,100 									2.4 			30.08 					62,560 			17.83 			35.23

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,980 									2.3 			16.03 					33,330 			12.39 			18.63

Internet publishing and broadcasting (NAICS 516100)

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,190 									7.2 			37.78 $ $					78,580 $ $ 			29.51 			45.01

Editors...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,650 									5.4 			25.01 					52,020 			16.52 			29.80

Computer	programmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,570 									5.1 			32.33 					67,240 			21.81 			39.37

Network	systems	and	data	communications	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,460 									4.8 			31.79 					66,130 			20.97 			40.90

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,410 									4.6 			16.88 					35,110 			12.37 			20.82

Market	research	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,220 									4.0 			31.15 					64,790 			20.70 			39.88

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,150 									3.8 			27.73 					57,670 			17.17 			34.20

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,050 									3.4 			28.18 					58,620 			20.14 			33.54

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,040 									3.4 			19.99 					41,580 			14.44 			24.51

												820 									2.7 			60.16 				125,140 			37.07 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Wired telecommunications carriers (NAICS 517100)

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									93,080 								18.0 			25.03 $ $					52,070 $ $ 			22.48 			28.05

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,030 									8.3 			25.55 					53,150 			22.58 			30.63

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,250 									8.2 			19.77 					41,120 			14.59 			24.96

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,920 									6.4 			27.42 					57,020 			18.94 			34.16

Telephone	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,820 									3.3 			15.85 					32,970 			11.31 			20.12

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,520 									3.0 			17.65 					36,710 			11.09 			23.66

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,730 									2.9 			34.74 					72,250 			28.36 			41.08

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,660 									2.8 			39.51 					82,180 			32.09 			45.78

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,090 									2.3 			32.42 					67,430 			27.65 			37.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,300 									2.0 			28.10 					58,450 			22.75 			33.57

Wireless telecommunications carriers (NAICS 517200)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									52,950 								27.7 			15.13 $ $					31,470 $ $ 			11.10 			17.15

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,750 								10.9 			13.08 					27,220 				8.99 			15.33

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,570 									8.7 			21.60 					44,930 			13.02 			26.68

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,960 									3.6 			22.76 					47,330 			18.77 			26.85

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,950 									3.1 			23.98 					49,890 			18.23 			28.30

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,070 									2.7 			20.91 					43,480 			14.74 			25.60

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,920 									2.6 			36.02 					74,920 			29.22 			42.93

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,940 									2.1 			21.66 					45,060 			16.63 			25.36

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,650 									1.9 			12.91 					26,860 				9.47 			16.08

Bill	and	account	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,420 									1.8 			14.76 					30,700 			12.43 			16.83

Telecommunications resellers (NAICS 517300)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,360 								10.3 			15.47 $ $					32,170 $ $ 			11.39 			18.42

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,360 									8.2 			24.33 					50,610 			14.38 			30.75

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,330 									4.6 			24.98 					51,960 			22.94 			28.20

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,260 									3.8 			11.83 					24,600 				8.08 			13.45

Electronics	engineers,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,470 									2.5 			36.08 					75,040 			29.71 			42.64

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,340 									2.4 			35.44 					73,710 			28.13 			42.57

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,310 									2.4 			16.71 					34,760 			12.42 			20.87

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,170 									2.3 			25.22 					52,470 			19.81 			29.90

Network	systems	and	data	communications	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,120 									2.2 			33.39 					69,460 			26.07 			40.31

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,740 									2.0 			38.13 					79,320 			31.00 			45.03

Page 32
117

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Satellite telecommunications (NAICS 517400)

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,750 								10.8 			26.05 $ $					54,180 $ $ 			23.50 			27.86

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,600 									9.9 			22.00 					45,760 			18.75 			26.74

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,150 									7.1 			30.52 					63,490 			24.23 			35.61

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,050 									6.5 			25.59 					53,240 			23.59 			28.82

Order	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												980 									6.0 			21.69 					45,110 			17.06 			26.38

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												530 									3.3 			32.80 					68,230 			26.37 			38.58

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												450 									2.8 			24.76 					51,500 			24.01 			27.40

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												310 									1.9 			17.33 					36,050 			10.15 			22.86

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 												270 									1.7 			33.09 					68,830 			26.53 			39.49

Electronic	home	entertainment	equipment	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												220 									1.4 			16.55 					34,430 			11.09 			22.63

Cable and other program distribution (NAICS 517500)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,730 								20.0 			15.50 $ $					32,250 $ $ 			10.83 			17.79

Telecommunications	line	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,990 								19.5 			18.05 					37,530 			13.41 			21.97

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,020 									6.0 			20.46 					42,560 			15.02 			25.68

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,770 									2.8 			26.94 					56,040 			21.34 			32.22

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,710 									2.8 			12.27 					25,530 				8.15 			14.69

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,530 									2.6 			15.13 					31,470 			11.74 			17.57

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,460 									2.6 			23.48 					48,840 			17.79 			27.93

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									2.5 			22.25 					46,270 			14.11 			27.44

Electronic	home	entertainment	equipment	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,800 									2.1 			15.40 					32,020 			12.44 			17.82

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,430 									1.8 			18.72 					38,930 			12.70 			22.41

Other telecommunications (NAICS 517900)

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												220 									4.0 			31.48 $ $					65,480 $ $ 			24.74 			36.94

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												180 									3.3 			12.15 					25,270 				9.03 			14.54

												170 									3.1 			58.81 				122,320 			38.47 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												170 									3.1 			30.09 					62,600 			16.88 			33.92

Electrical	and	electronics	repairers,	commercial	and	industrial	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 												150 									2.7 			22.34 					46,460 			18.40 			26.15

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									2.2 			16.33 					33,970 			11.28 			20.24

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												120 									2.2 			21.18 					44,050 			15.50 			27.37

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												110 									2.0 			20.90 					43,460 			15.44 			24.16

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 												100 									1.8 			36.55 					76,030 			29.45 			42.57

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 												100 									1.8 			46.05 					95,770 			24.84 			60.93

ISPs and web search portals (NAICS 518100)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,150 									9.6 			15.29 $ $					31,800 $ $ 			10.23 			18.50

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,080 									9.6 			18.70 					38,890 			12.14 			22.90

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,510 									5.6 			39.51 					82,180 			30.10 			48.43

Network	and	computer	systems	administrators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,080 									4.4 			32.24 					67,060 			22.92 			40.12

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,920 									4.2 			40.63 					84,510 			31.25 			49.87

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,790 									4.1 			31.82 					66,190 			17.47 			39.96

Network	systems	and	data	communications	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,350 									3.8 			29.49 					61,340 			19.54 			38.06

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,870 									3.3 			11.19 					23,270 				8.25 			13.55

Computer	programmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,790 									3.3 			30.88 					64,220 			21.39 			39.28

Computer	and	information	systems	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									3.1 			52.78 				109,780 			37.98 			65.58

Data processing and related services (NAICS 518200)

Data	entry	keyers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,990 									6.4 			11.03 $ $					22,950 $ $ 				8.66 			12.79

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,980 									6.0 			33.49 					69,660 			26.02 			40.91

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,010 									5.7 			37.00 					76,950 			28.72 			43.99

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,310 									5.4 			15.79 					32,830 			10.97 			18.82

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,710 									4.8 			36.51 					75,940 			28.26 			43.86

Computer	programmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,950 									4.5 			32.22 					67,030 			23.79 			40.05

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,580 									4.4 			12.36 					25,700 				9.03 			14.65

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,210 									3.8 			20.81 					43,280 			15.03 			25.34

Computer	and	information	systems	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,280 									3.1 			50.52 				105,090 			38.33 			59.52

Network	and	computer	systems	administrators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,660 									2.9 			31.01 					64,500 			23.49 			37.62

Other information services (NAICS 519100)

Library	assistants,	clerical ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,950 								14.0 			10.15 $ $					21,120 $ $ 				7.51 			12.44

Librarians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,100 								12.3 			20.40 					42,430 			15.34 			24.80

Library	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,810 								11.7 			12.13 					25,230 				8.52 			14.85

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,730 									5.5 			13.29 					27,650 				9.84 			16.27

Reporters	and	correspondents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,800 									3.6 			26.64 					55,410 			17.80 			32.93

Editors...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,610 									3.2 			23.70 					49,290 			16.12 			29.05

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,100 									2.2 			23.81 					49,530 			16.10 			30.21

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 												960 									1.9 			11.59 					24,100 				8.89 			13.21

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												860 									1.7 			20.72 					43,090 			15.45 			25.30

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												820 									1.6 			18.51 					38,490 			14.40 			21.77

Page 33
118

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Monetary authorities - central bank (NAICS 521100)

Office	machine	operators,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,680 								13.1 			14.45 $ $					30,060 $ $ 			11.47 			16.75

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,640 									8.0 			14.70 					30,580 			11.58 			17.11

Financial	examiners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,520 									7.4 			37.35 					77,690 			28.56 			45.39

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												980 									4.8 			15.85 					32,960 			12.87 			18.11

Tellers...................................................................................................................................................... 												900 									4.4 			13.67 					28,440 			10.30 			16.68

Financial	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												770 									3.8 			31.30 					65,110 			23.11 			37.28

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												730 									3.6 			14.46 					30,080 			11.61 			16.96

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												700 									3.4 			16.06 					33,400 			12.80 			19.05

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												700 									3.4 			34.84 					72,460 			28.74 			41.27

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												630 									3.1 			25.68 					53,420 			20.01 			30.15

Depository credit intermediation (NAICS 522100)

Tellers...................................................................................................................................................... 								535,730 								30.5 			10.56 $ $					21,970 $ $ 				9.02 			12.02

Loan	officers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								128,490 									7.3 			26.08 					54,240 			16.86 			31.40

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								105,880 									6.0 			20.43 					42,490 			15.38 			23.92

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 								103,510 									5.9 			13.64 					28,370 			11.00 			15.79

Loan	interviewers	and	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									76,990 									4.4 			14.66 					30,480 			11.44 			17.21

New	accounts	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									73,250 									4.2 			13.58 					28,250 			11.26 			15.67

Financial	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									72,450 									4.1 			40.07 					83,350 			24.59 			49.32

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									56,550 									3.2 			13.50 					28,090 			10.69 			15.85

Securities,	commodities,	and	financial	services	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,920 									2.5 			28.96 					60,230 			16.52 			34.21

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,140 									2.3 			11.98 					24,910 				9.22 			14.00

Nondepository credit intermediation (NAICS 522200)

Loan	officers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								110,940 								14.6 			29.76 $ $					61,900 $ $ 			17.24 			34.90

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,080 								10.3 			14.78 					30,740 			11.29 			16.70

Loan	interviewers	and	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									77,370 								10.2 			15.53 					32,310 			11.83 			18.66

Bill	and	account	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									45,770 									6.0 			14.75 					30,680 			11.70 			16.86

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,540 									4.1 			22.98 					47,800 			16.80 			26.85

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,550 									3.9 			12.27 					25,530 				9.14 			14.83

Financial	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,480 									2.4 			48.49 				100,870 			29.85 			61.69

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,040 									2.2 			15.67 					32,600 			12.30 			18.25

Securities,	commodities,	and	financial	services	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,780 									2.2 			32.71 					68,030 			16.47 			41.15

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,660 									2.2 			12.92 					26,870 				9.54 			15.06

Activities related to credit intermediation (NAICS 522300)

Loan	officers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									59,310 								18.3 			31.17 $ $					64,830 $ $ 			18.76 			36.40

Loan	interviewers	and	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,820 								11.1 			15.59 					32,420 			11.25 			18.78

Tellers...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,350 								10.6 			10.48 					21,800 				8.80 			12.10

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,710 									7.9 			14.10 					29,330 			10.76 			16.42

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,670 									4.8 			20.64 					42,930 			14.81 			24.84

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,950 									3.7 			11.52 					23,970 				8.91 			13.58

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,360 									2.9 				9.37 					19,490 				7.77 			10.72

Bill	and	account	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,260 									2.9 			13.74 					28,580 			11.13 			15.59

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,380 									2.6 			11.62 					24,170 				8.37 			13.60

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,610 									2.3 			14.91 					31,010 			11.47 			17.35

Securities and commodity contracts brokerage (NAICS 523100)

Securities,	commodities,	and	financial	services	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 								143,160 								29.3 			46.45 $ $					96,620 $ $ 			22.35 			67.82

Brokerage	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									45,350 									9.3 			18.72 					38,940 			13.98 			22.17

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,380 									5.8 			12.66 					26,330 				9.47 			14.96

Personal	financial	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,560 									5.6 			40.21 					83,640 			20.67 			51.98

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,050 									5.1 			16.92 					35,200 			12.76 			19.94

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,920 									4.1 			21.92 					45,580 			15.68 			26.57

									18,660 									3.8 			63.79 				132,680 			41.86 (2) Financial	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Financial	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,850 									3.7 			40.62 					84,490 			25.42 			49.71

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,810 									2.4 			26.16 					54,410 			18.51 			32.45

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,310 									1.9 			43.73 					90,950 			33.54 			52.68

Securities and commodity exchanges (NAICS 523200)

												670 									7.5 			48.75 				101,410 			26.65 (2) Securities,	commodities,	and	financial	services	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... $ $ $

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												620 									6.9 			34.09 					70,900 			25.98 			40.59

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 												560 									6.3 			24.94 					51,880 			18.47 			28.76

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												360 									4.0 			24.65 					51,270 			17.94 			29.62

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 												350 									3.9 			16.12 					33,540 			12.04 			19.71

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												330 									3.7 			26.85 					55,850 			18.60 			32.00

Brokerage	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												320 									3.6 			19.94 					41,480 			15.11 			22.71

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 												290 									3.2 			32.91 					68,460 			23.52 			37.13

												290 									3.2 			65.50 				136,230 			44.90 (2) Financial	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Compliance	officers,	except	agriculture,	construction,	health	and	safety,	and	transportation ...................................................................................................................................................... 												270 									3.0 			34.65 					72,070 			23.05 			41.29

Page 34
119

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other financial investment activities (NAICS 523900)

									36,160 								12.7 			48.16 				100,160 			23.97 (2) Personal	financial	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... $ $ $

Financial	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,000 									8.1 			47.20 					98,180 			26.00 			64.65

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,880 									7.0 			21.71 					45,160 			16.17 			26.21

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,130 									5.3 			11.90 					24,750 				8.13 			14.46

									12,380 									4.4 			67.08 				139,520 			43.14 (2) Financial	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,170 									4.3 			31.66 					65,860 			22.09 			37.48

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,790 									3.8 			17.80 					37,010 			13.82 			21.02

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,590 									3.7 			14.63 					30,420 			10.28 			17.63

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,090 									3.6 			17.51 					36,420 			13.30 			20.89

Brokerage	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,980 									2.8 			19.42 					40,390 			15.02 			22.60

Insurance carriers (NAICS 524100)

Claims	adjusters,	examiners,	and	investigators ...................................................................................................................................................... 								136,740 								10.9 			23.91 $ $					49,740 $ $ 			17.61 			29.20

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 								124,460 									9.9 			15.26 					31,730 			12.25 			17.38

Insurance	claims	and	policy	processing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 								118,930 									9.4 			15.37 					31,980 			12.16 			17.76

Insurance	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									83,170 									6.6 			27.29 					56,770 			15.29 			33.16

Insurance	underwriters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,400 									5.0 			27.61 					57,430 			19.10 			33.79

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,580 									3.5 			12.69 					26,400 				9.85 			15.19

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,150 									2.9 			25.39 					52,810 			19.36 			30.34

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,300 									2.4 			33.36 					69,380 			26.79 			40.01

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,330 									2.3 			27.90 					58,030 			19.78 			34.28

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,610 									2.3 			19.34 					40,220 			15.50 			22.55

Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related (NAICS 524200)

Insurance	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 								204,940 								23.6 			27.58 $ $					57,360 $ $ 			14.34 			32.74

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 								110,870 								12.7 			15.06 					31,320 			11.45 			17.72

Insurance	claims	and	policy	processing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									90,790 								10.4 			15.04 					31,290 			11.62 			17.58

Claims	adjusters,	examiners,	and	investigators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									63,120 									7.3 			23.51 					48,900 			16.64 			28.38

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,430 									6.3 			10.80 					22,460 				8.13 			12.94

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,860 									4.5 			11.85 					24,660 				9.25 			13.92

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,620 									2.7 			18.20 					37,850 			14.30 			21.37

Insurance	underwriters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,970 									2.5 			26.87 					55,890 			17.82 			33.07

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,720 									2.5 			15.60 					32,450 			12.06 			18.80

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,580 									2.5 			24.05 					50,030 			17.40 			28.32

Insurance and employee benefit funds (NAICS 525100)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,720 									9.9 			15.80 $ $					32,870 $ $ 			12.62 			17.89

Claims	adjusters,	examiners,	and	investigators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,270 									8.9 			21.27 					44,240 			15.86 			25.41

Insurance	claims	and	policy	processing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,070 									6.4 			15.16 					31,540 			12.08 			17.69

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									4.8 			12.94 					26,920 				9.85 			15.63

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,220 									4.6 			20.93 					43,540 			16.52 			25.00

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,700 									3.6 			16.15 					33,580 			12.45 			19.21

Insurance	underwriters ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,060 									2.2 			26.15 					54,400 			17.33 			32.64

Personal	financial	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,010 									2.1 			36.04 					74,970 			24.16 			43.39

Financial	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 												910 									1.9 			37.35 					77,690 			24.87 			44.71

												860 									1.8 			54.37 				113,080 			33.06 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Other investment pools and funds (NAICS 525900)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,920 									7.2 			16.05 $ $					33,390 $ $ 			12.83 			18.59

Financial	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,690 									6.6 			33.30 					69,270 			19.90 			37.20

Personal	financial	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,520 									6.2 			33.28 					69,230 			16.17 			40.85

Securities,	commodities,	and	financial	services	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,710 									4.2 			44.77 					93,130 			21.91 			67.73

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,690 									4.2 			17.28 					35,940 			13.21 			21.17

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,660 									4.1 			12.51 					26,020 				8.77 			16.00

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,620 									4.0 			20.65 					42,950 			15.86 			24.70

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,200 									2.9 			15.97 					33,230 			12.10 			19.98

										1,200 									2.9 			53.30 				110,870 			32.02 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

										1,070 									2.6 			59.43 				123,600 			41.15 (2) Financial	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Lessors of real estate (NAICS 531100)

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								126,150 								21.1 			13.36 $ $					27,790 $ $ 				9.87 			16.21

Property,	real	estate,	and	community	association	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									48,850 									8.2 			20.83 					43,320 			12.19 			24.65

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									45,750 									7.7 			11.39 					23,680 				8.43 			13.90

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,360 									5.8 			10.26 					21,350 				7.22 			12.18

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,270 									5.4 			10.61 					22,070 				8.24 			12.45

Real	estate	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,730 									5.3 			20.45 					42,530 			11.00 			24.26

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,040 									3.5 			10.17 					21,160 				7.76 			11.73

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,790 									3.1 			12.42 					25,820 				8.34 			16.62

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,360 									2.7 				9.07 					18,870 				7.36 			10.29

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,530 									2.6 			14.87 					30,930 			11.64 			17.62

Page 35
120

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Offices of real estate agents and brokers (NAICS 531200)

Real	estate	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									55,720 								16.1 			26.32 $ $					54,750 $ $ 			12.93 			31.93

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,820 								12.4 			11.14 					23,170 				8.56 			13.17

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,130 									8.7 			11.81 					24,570 				9.01 			14.24

Real	estate	brokers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,690 									6.8 			39.73 					82,630 			18.18 			56.45

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,660 									6.5 			10.67 					22,190 				8.76 			12.33

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,360 									5.9 			16.96 					35,270 			12.96 			20.34

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,130 									5.5 			13.72 					28,550 			10.58 			16.49

Property,	real	estate,	and	community	association	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,890 									4.3 			24.72 					51,410 			12.81 			30.10

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,790 									4.0 			14.92 					31,030 			11.70 			17.82

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,150 									2.4 			19.91 					41,420 			14.80 			23.02

Activities related to real estate (NAICS 531300)

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									70,730 								14.3 			13.72 $ $					28,550 $ $ 			10.40 			16.49

Property,	real	estate,	and	community	association	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									51,240 								10.4 			23.09 					48,030 			13.32 			27.57

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,220 									6.1 			11.59 					24,110 				8.68 			13.66

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,100 									5.7 			10.92 					22,720 				8.05 			13.04

Real	estate	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,430 									5.5 			23.92 					49,750 			11.80 			28.10

Appraisers	and	assessors	of	real	estate ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,880 									5.0 			26.35 					54,810 			15.60 			32.42

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,590 									4.2 			15.85 					32,960 			12.41 			18.87

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,190 									3.7 			13.32 					27,710 			10.10 			16.09

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,930 									3.2 			18.07 					37,580 			14.15 			21.08

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,510 									2.9 				9.26 					19,270 				7.55 			10.45

Automotive equipment rental and leasing (NAICS 532100)

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,070 								23.4 			11.52 $ $					23,960 $ $ 				8.41 			13.48

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,840 								11.6 				9.56 					19,890 				7.65 			10.63

Parking	lot	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,990 									8.1 				8.06 					16,750 				7.00 				8.80

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,420 									5.3 			17.59 					36,580 			14.56 			20.64

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,770 									4.5 			12.40 					25,790 				9.41 			14.66

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,080 									3.6 			16.74 					34,820 			12.09 			20.81

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,030 									3.6 				9.32 					19,380 				7.57 			10.45

Motor	vehicle	operators,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,850 									3.5 			10.38 					21,580 				7.32 			12.57

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,560 									3.3 			19.15 					39,840 			14.78 			21.32

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,300 									2.7 			11.65 					24,230 				9.05 			13.82

Consumer goods rental (NAICS 532200)

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 								105,480 								37.9 				8.82 $ $					18,340 $ $ 				6.74 				9.96

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,150 									8.7 				9.33 					19,400 				6.96 			10.40

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,220 									8.0 			15.36 					31,950 			11.02 			18.21

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,950 									7.5 				7.34 					15,280 				6.29 				8.21

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,560 									5.2 			11.46 					23,840 				8.90 			13.29

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,010 									3.2 				9.52 					19,800 				7.68 			10.84

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,520 									3.1 			12.30 					25,590 				9.57 			14.05

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,430 									1.6 			38.00 					79,030 			20.81 			47.55

Bill	and	account	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,940 									1.4 			12.46 					25,910 				9.68 			14.50

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,850 									1.4 			12.68 					26,380 				9.78 			14.96

General rental centers (NAICS 532300)

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,940 								20.8 			12.57 $ $					26,150 $ $ 				9.12 			15.13

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,080 									9.7 			10.30 					21,420 				7.89 			11.70

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,210 									8.4 			12.17 					25,320 				9.48 			14.66

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,750 									4.4 			13.67 					28,430 			10.55 			15.99

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,350 									3.8 			20.96 					43,600 			15.50 			24.89

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,890 									3.0 			40.31 					83,850 			23.30 			49.24

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,760 									2.8 			14.03 					29,170 			10.85 			16.69

Audio	and	video	equipment	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,760 									2.8 			19.07 					39,670 			13.37 			21.98

Outdoor	power	equipment	and	other	small	engine	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,690 									2.7 			13.00 					27,050 			10.11 			15.48

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,500 									2.4 			27.33 					56,850 			16.46 			33.04

Machinery and equipment rental and leasing (NAICS 532400)

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,830 									8.2 			14.23 $ $					29,600 $ $ 				9.56 			17.39

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,460 									6.0 			18.72 					38,930 			14.29 			21.76

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,700 									5.3 			11.76 					24,460 				8.82 			13.47

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,620 									5.2 			16.13 					33,560 			12.47 			19.33

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,300 									4.0 			26.95 					56,050 			17.89 			32.46

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,260 									4.0 			15.51 					32,260 			11.55 			19.06

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,870 									3.6 			46.59 					96,900 			27.80 			58.74

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,710 									3.5 			13.15 					27,360 			10.08 			15.55

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,790 									2.6 			11.37 					23,650 				8.61 			13.55

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,590 									2.4 			14.96 					31,120 			11.60 			17.49

Page 36
121

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (NAICS 533100)

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,620 									6.2 			10.86 $ $					22,580 $ $ 				7.81 			13.33

										1,510 									5.8 			54.75 				113,880 			32.53 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,410 									5.4 			19.57 					40,690 			15.55 			22.42

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,080 									4.1 			28.92 					60,150 			19.09 			32.74

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												960 									3.7 			14.10 					29,330 			10.68 			17.59

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 												940 									3.6 			15.55 					32,340 			11.98 			18.13

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 												920 									3.5 			30.85 					64,170 			16.76 			36.98

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 												920 									3.5 			12.35 					25,690 				9.90 			14.41

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 												770 									2.9 			27.35 					56,890 			18.95 			32.41

Compliance	officers,	except	agriculture,	construction,	health	and	safety,	and	transportation ...................................................................................................................................................... 												760 									2.9 			27.91 					58,040 			18.82 			34.91

Legal services (NAICS 541100)

								355,860 								30.6 			55.92 				116,310 			33.05 (2) Lawyers...................................................................................................................................................... $ $ $

Legal	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 								230,200 								19.8 			18.87 					39,250 			14.11 			23.17

Paralegals	and	legal	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								162,540 								14.0 			20.34 					42,300 			15.29 			24.33

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,180 									4.2 			13.00 					27,050 				9.92 			15.54

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,570 									4.1 			11.22 					23,340 				8.50 			13.29

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,540 									2.9 			11.67 					24,260 				8.91 			13.90

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,540 									2.4 			16.51 					34,340 			12.57 			20.10

Title	examiners,	abstractors,	and	searchers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,890 									2.3 			17.43 					36,260 			12.03 			20.64

File	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,050 									1.9 			11.18 					23,260 				8.63 			13.30

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,090 									1.6 			25.71 					53,480 			18.57 			31.05

Accounting and bookkeeping services (NAICS 541200)

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 								237,750 								29.7 			30.93 $ $					64,340 $ $ 			20.10 			35.75

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									90,330 								11.3 			14.43 					30,010 			10.82 			17.31

Tax	preparers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									56,170 									7.0 			14.58 					30,320 				9.27 			17.51

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,580 									5.3 			11.20 					23,300 				8.18 			13.48

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,040 									3.8 			12.87 					26,770 				9.92 			15.40

Billing	and	posting	clerks	and	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,560 									3.2 			13.61 					28,300 			10.72 			15.89

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,530 									3.1 			18.96 					39,430 			15.07 			22.06

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,580 									2.3 			22.43 					46,650 			16.10 			27.47

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,040 									2.1 			15.38 					31,990 			11.22 			17.65

Financial	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,010 									2.0 			53.36 				110,990 			36.60 			66.90

Architectural and engineering services (NAICS 541300)

Civil	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								115,810 									9.0 			34.14 $ $					71,010 $ $ 			25.19 			40.97

Architects,	except	landscape	and	naval ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,150 									6.4 			32.85 					68,330 			23.21 			38.94

Architectural	and	civil	drafters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									80,460 									6.2 			20.06 					41,730 			15.47 			23.80

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,060 									3.6 			35.43 					73,690 			26.45 			43.05

Surveying	and	mapping	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									45,060 									3.5 			15.22 					31,670 			10.89 			18.40

Surveyors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,860 									3.2 			23.31 					48,480 			16.07 			28.72

Civil	engineering	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,830 									3.2 			19.87 					41,320 			14.62 			24.35

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,440 									2.9 			19.00 					39,520 			15.32 			21.91

Engineering	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,240 									2.8 			51.01 				106,100 			38.46 			60.29

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,450 									2.7 			12.83 					26,680 				9.58 			15.48

Specialized design services (NAICS 541400)

Graphic	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,800 								19.5 			22.90 $ $					47,620 $ $ 			15.12 			26.71

Interior	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,750 								13.2 			23.70 					49,290 			14.87 			27.83

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,850 									3.8 			11.68 					24,290 				8.28 			14.09

										4,060 									3.2 			52.75 				109,720 			31.20 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,910 									3.1 			15.58 					32,400 			11.56 			18.90

Printing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,900 									3.1 			13.91 					28,930 				9.59 			17.20

Commercial	and	industrial	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									2.8 			27.67 					57,560 			18.13 			30.98

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,300 									2.6 			18.69 					38,880 			14.88 			21.46

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,990 									2.4 			29.49 					61,330 			18.77 			35.50

Art	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,810 									2.2 			39.29 					81,730 			26.34 			46.55

Computer systems design and related services (NAICS 541500)

Computer	software	engineers,	applications ...................................................................................................................................................... 								149,290 								12.6 			38.36 $ $					79,790 $ $ 			27.87 			46.20

Computer	programmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								114,580 									9.7 			33.93 					70,570 			23.38 			41.38

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									86,710 									7.3 			40.69 					84,630 			30.78 			49.68

Computer	support	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									85,760 									7.3 			21.59 					44,900 			15.13 			26.43

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									85,020 									7.2 			35.27 					73,360 			25.96 			42.50

Network	and	computer	systems	administrators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,280 									3.4 			32.78 					68,180 			23.93 			40.01

Computer	and	information	systems	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,030 									3.1 			54.42 				113,190 			39.72 			66.10

									31,920 									2.7 			60.03 				124,860 			38.73 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Network	systems	and	data	communications	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,550 									2.7 			32.46 					67,510 			23.14 			40.68

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,210 									2.6 			15.88 					33,030 			11.06 			19.03

Page 37
122

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Management and technical consulting services (NAICS 541600)

Management	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 								103,640 								12.5 			42.67 $ $					88,740 $ $ 			24.35 			55.56

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,600 									4.4 			11.67 					24,270 				8.02 			14.31

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,980 									3.9 			19.55 					40,650 			14.96 			22.60

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,280 									3.7 			15.76 					32,780 			11.33 			18.79

									27,250 									3.3 			59.66 				124,100 			36.36 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,080 									2.8 			13.24 					27,540 				9.65 			16.16

Employment,	recruitment,	and	placement	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,560 									2.5 			32.04 					66,650 			18.56 			38.66

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,430 									2.5 			31.46 					65,440 			18.31 			38.75

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,540 									2.4 			15.79 					32,830 			12.02 			19.21

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,170 									2.1 			29.47 					61,300 			16.95 			36.70

Scientific research and development services (NAICS 541700)

Medical	scientists,	except	epidemiologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,600 									3.8 			36.15 $ $					75,190 $ $ 			24.49 			43.63

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,900 									3.7 			20.77 					43,200 			16.46 			24.55

Computer	software	engineers,	systems	software ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,750 									3.3 			46.75 					97,240 			36.40 			55.07

Biological	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,460 									3.2 			19.55 					40,660 			14.69 			23.53

Chemists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,890 									2.3 			34.14 					71,020 			22.53 			42.49

									12,720 									2.2 			63.49 				132,060 			43.98 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,470 									2.2 			14.32 					29,780 			10.57 			16.98

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,760 									2.1 			33.27 					69,210 			23.36 			41.69

Mechanical	engineers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,660 									1.9 			36.61 					76,150 			28.82 			43.42

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,310 									1.8 			16.30 					33,910 			13.02 			19.56

Advertising and related services (NAICS 541800)

Advertising	sales	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									48,860 								11.1 			26.63 $ $					55,400 $ $ 			16.02 			32.10

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,520 									6.2 			27.48 					57,160 			16.58 			32.36

Graphic	designers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,470 									5.3 			21.04 					43,760 			14.34 			25.76

Mail	clerks	and	mail	machine	operators,	except	postal	service ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,080 									4.6 			10.59 					22,030 				8.22 			12.19

Demonstrators	and	product	promoters ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,900 									4.1 			10.51 					21,850 				7.77 			10.86

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,080 									3.6 			11.60 					24,120 				8.72 			13.87

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,440 									3.5 			15.82 					32,910 			11.45 			19.09

									12,870 									2.9 			61.32 				127,540 			38.03 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,260 									2.6 			19.48 					40,520 			15.22 			22.76

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,220 									2.5 			16.23 					33,750 			12.57 			19.54

Other professional and technical services (NAICS 541900)

Veterinary	assistants	and	laboratory	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									61,550 								11.7 				9.57 $ $					19,910 $ $ 				7.68 			10.86

Veterinary	technologists	and	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									58,730 								11.2 			12.61 					26,230 				9.93 			14.84

Interviewers,	except	eligibility	and	loan ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,330 									8.8 			10.62 					22,090 				8.03 			12.50

Veterinarians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,980 									8.4 			37.56 					78,130 			25.67 			43.90

Photographers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,010 									7.4 			13.83 					28,770 				8.23 			15.81

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,310 									6.7 			10.51 					21,860 				8.68 			12.22

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,710 									4.1 				8.62 					17,930 				6.97 				9.65

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,250 									3.7 			10.62 					22,100 				8.14 			12.50

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,600 									2.4 			11.45 					23,820 				9.10 			13.30

Survey	researchers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,310 									2.3 			16.50 					34,320 				9.21 			19.46

Management of companies and enterprises (NAICS 551100)

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									70,210 									4.0 			15.08 $ $					31,370 $ $ 			11.98 			17.39

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									66,960 									3.8 			14.74 					30,670 			11.35 			17.15

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,360 									3.6 			27.65 					57,510 			20.25 			33.14

									58,210 									3.3 			55.90 				116,280 			33.57 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,020 									3.3 			19.75 					41,080 			15.46 			23.28

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									56,440 									3.2 			12.82 					26,670 				9.57 			15.60

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,800 									2.9 			31.29 					65,080 			20.54 			38.23

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,450 									2.3 			24.33 					50,610 			18.32 			28.89

Financial	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									37,340 									2.1 			52.77 				109,760 			36.55 			65.51

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,890 									1.8 			33.78 					70,260 			26.58 			40.85

Office administrative services (NAICS 561100)

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,680 									6.6 			13.91 $ $					28,930 $ $ 			10.55 			16.12

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,800 									4.9 			15.87 					33,010 			12.01 			18.50

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,490 									4.8 			50.44 				104,920 			28.27 			69.92

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,080 									4.7 			11.50 					23,920 				8.64 			13.68

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,490 									4.5 			18.50 					38,470 			13.86 			21.75

Accountants	and	auditors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,150 									3.8 			30.58 					63,600 			20.43 			34.32

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,520 									3.6 			22.38 					46,550 			16.13 			26.58

Management	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,540 									2.8 			41.40 					86,120 			23.59 			52.34

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,980 									2.3 			13.86 					28,830 			10.39 			16.67

Billing	and	posting	clerks	and	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,700 									2.2 			13.89 					28,900 			11.04 			16.32

Page 38
123

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Facilities support services (NAICS 561200)

Correctional	officers	and	jailers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,030 								13.0 			13.13 $ $					27,310 $ $ 				9.29 			15.93

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,600 									8.3 			11.21 					23,320 				8.93 			12.67

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,240 									6.3 			18.09 					37,630 			13.22 			22.76

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,280 									5.4 				9.28 					19,310 				7.53 			10.56

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,660 									3.2 			13.44 					27,950 				9.37 			15.58

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,890 									2.5 			12.40 					25,790 				9.06 			15.33

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,660 									2.3 				8.59 					17,870 				6.70 			10.08

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,960 									1.7 			39.35 					81,840 			25.58 			45.74

Stock	clerks	and	order	fillers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,320 									1.1 			15.36 					31,950 			11.57 			19.12

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,320 									1.1 			16.51 					34,340 			13.17 			18.87

Employment services (NAICS 561300)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 								501,600 								14.2 				9.28 $ $					19,310 $ $ 				7.36 			10.37

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								171,510 									4.8 			10.82 					22,500 				8.58 			12.53

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								166,420 									4.7 			10.13 					21,070 				7.68 			11.43

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 								144,320 									4.1 				8.43 					17,540 				6.95 				9.52

Production	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 								106,510 									3.0 			10.72 					22,300 				7.84 			11.26

Helpers--production	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								101,330 									2.9 				8.95 					18,620 				7.22 			10.16

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									93,500 									2.6 			31.12 					64,720 			24.49 			37.26

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									93,400 									2.6 			12.31 					25,610 				9.69 			13.84

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									77,220 									2.2 			10.73 					22,320 				7.52 			12.14

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									65,250 									1.8 			16.13 					33,550 			12.50 			18.88

Business support services (NAICS 561400)

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								155,660 								20.3 				9.87 $ $					20,530 $ $ 				7.60 			10.80

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 								117,040 								15.3 			11.03 					22,950 				8.67 			12.59

Bill	and	account	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									97,010 								12.7 			13.04 					27,120 				9.90 			15.20

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,910 									3.5 			19.42 					40,390 			14.03 			23.15

Switchboard	operators,	including	answering	service ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,500 									3.2 				9.69 					20,160 				7.83 			11.00

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,930 									3.1 			10.82 					22,510 				8.55 			12.55

Office	machine	operators,	except	computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,650 									2.7 			11.62 					24,160 				9.23 			13.47

Mail	clerks	and	mail	machine	operators,	except	postal	service ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,480 									2.4 			10.44 					21,700 				8.02 			12.27

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,370 									2.0 			23.46 					48,800 			14.19 			28.56

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,290 									1.9 			45.36 					94,360 			26.13 			58.70

Travel arrangement and reservation services (NAICS 561500)

Travel	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,800 								36.4 			14.75 $ $					30,670 $ $ 			10.75 			17.33

Reservation	and	transportation	ticket	agents	and	travel	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,650 								11.7 			12.01 					24,970 				8.78 			13.84

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,670 									5.1 			12.16 					25,290 				9.34 			14.20

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,650 									2.9 			11.12 					23,130 				8.45 			13.18

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	non-retail	sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,300 									2.8 			28.12 					58,500 			17.52 			32.14

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,230 									2.7 			14.26 					29,670 			11.35 			16.68

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,340 									2.3 			10.29 					21,400 				8.67 			10.93

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,600 									2.0 			44.89 					93,370 			26.55 			56.39

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,380 									1.9 			22.56 					46,920 			14.35 			27.04

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,200 									1.8 			20.10 					41,800 			15.13 			23.82

Investigation and security services (NAICS 561600)

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 								547,680 								74.5 				9.99 $ $					20,780 $ $ 				7.81 			11.20

Security	and	fire	alarm	systems	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,140 									3.3 			16.35 					34,010 			12.18 			19.90

First-line	supervisors/managers,	protective	service	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,060 									2.2 			18.30 					38,060 			12.63 			21.46

Private	detectives	and	investigators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,040 									1.9 			16.56 					34,440 			10.64 			20.02

Locksmiths	and	safe	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,600 									1.6 			14.68 					30,520 			10.55 			17.89

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,790 									1.1 			10.67 					22,200 				8.01 			12.72

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,680 									1.0 			37.86 					78,740 			22.53 			46.41

Dispatchers,	except	police,	fire,	and	ambulance ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,290 									1.0 			12.36 					25,700 				9.38 			14.51

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,540 									0.6 			12.29 					25,570 				9.70 			14.42

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,670 									0.5 			20.40 					42,440 			14.61 			24.57

Services to buildings and dwellings (NAICS 561700)

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 								717,560 								40.9 				8.96 $ $					18,640 $ $ 				7.09 			10.26

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								442,390 								25.2 			10.50 					21,840 				8.22 			12.12

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									87,910 									5.0 				8.62 					17,940 				7.06 				9.94

Pest	control	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									58,590 									3.3 			13.84 					28,780 			10.45 			16.44

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	landscaping,	lawn	service,	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,840 									3.1 			18.15 					37,740 			13.28 			21.43

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	housekeeping	and	janitorial	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									53,300 									3.0 			15.29 					31,800 			10.77 			18.17

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,290 									1.5 			10.67 					22,180 				7.82 			12.44

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,730 									1.5 			36.93 					76,810 			22.36 			44.50

Tree	trimmers	and	pruners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,480 									1.4 			14.09 					29,310 			10.60 			17.01

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,750 									1.1 			11.27 					23,440 				8.52 			13.28

Page 39
124

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other support services (NAICS 561900)

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,050 									5.5 			11.46 $ $					23,840 $ $ 				8.15 			13.54

Weighers,	measurers,	checkers,	and	samplers,	recordkeeping ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,290 									5.3 			11.70 					24,340 				8.66 			13.92

Packers	and	packagers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,180 									4.9 				8.45 					17,580 				6.94 				9.65

Packaging	and	filling	machine	operators	and	tenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,420 									3.6 				9.52 					19,790 				7.19 			11.11

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,840 									3.4 			13.08 					27,200 				9.54 			15.64

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,760 									3.0 			30.11 					62,620 			18.99 			38.83

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,160 									2.8 			10.78 					22,420 				8.07 			12.00

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,850 									2.7 			10.93 					22,720 				8.52 			12.75

Sales	representatives,	wholesale	and	manufacturing,	except	technical	and	scientific	products ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,300 									2.5 			24.30 					50,550 			14.71 			30.69

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,450 									2.2 			44.24 					92,020 			25.78 			55.83

Waste collection (NAICS 562100)

Refuse	and	recyclable	material	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,240 								33.8 			14.58 $ $					30,320 $ $ 			10.31 			17.98

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,750 								23.5 			16.62 					34,570 			12.64 			19.98

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,320 									4.4 			10.10 					21,010 				7.77 			11.64

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,470 									3.7 			17.48 					36,350 			14.03 			20.67

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,380 									2.8 			25.52 					53,070 			19.00 			29.81

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,910 									2.4 			10.90 					22,660 				8.07 			13.16

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,590 									2.1 			13.61 					28,320 			10.98 			15.61

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,500 									2.0 			40.80 					84,860 			25.97 			48.63

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,060 									1.7 			13.40 					27,870 			10.08 			16.50

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,930 									1.6 			12.73 					26,480 				9.35 			15.69

Waste treatment and disposal (NAICS 562200)

Refuse	and	recyclable	material	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,380 								19.2 			15.42 $ $					32,080 $ $ 			11.32 			19.01

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,190 								11.5 			17.01 					35,380 			13.16 			20.41

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,990 									4.7 			10.88 					22,640 				8.36 			12.73

Hazardous	materials	removal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,040 									3.8 			18.17 					37,790 			13.06 			22.65

Operating	engineers	and	other	construction	equipment	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,950 									3.7 			16.54 					34,400 			12.68 			19.53

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,290 									3.1 			17.80 					37,030 			14.34 			21.00

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,000 									2.8 			19.59 					40,740 			13.99 			25.39

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									2.2 			45.52 					94,680 			28.61 			56.15

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,240 									2.1 			14.03 					29,180 			11.22 			16.32

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,180 									2.1 			13.43 					27,930 				9.85 			16.79

Remediation and other waste services (NAICS 562900)

Hazardous	materials	removal	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,130 								24.3 			17.72 $ $					36,850 $ $ 			12.54 			22.66

Septic	tank	servicers	and	sewer	pipe	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,740 									9.1 			14.66 					30,490 			10.84 			17.60

Construction	laborers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,210 									4.9 			15.94 					33,160 			11.13 			19.78

Truck	drivers,	heavy	and	tractor-trailer ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,990 									4.6 			16.53 					34,390 			12.66 			19.73

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	construction	trades	and	extraction	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,710 									4.4 			25.96 					54,000 			19.28 			31.24

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,520 									4.2 			11.43 					23,780 				8.34 			13.11

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,850 									2.7 			11.27 					23,440 				8.33 			13.49

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,670 									2.5 			44.45 					92,460 			27.55 			55.98

Refuse	and	recyclable	material	collectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,620 									2.4 			14.23 					29,590 			10.34 			16.94

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,280 									2.1 			13.29 					27,650 				9.77 			16.34

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 611100)

						1,466,440 								17.8 (3) 					47,040 (3) (3) Elementary	school	teachers,	except	special	education ...................................................................................................................................................... $

						1,005,880 								12.2 (3) 					49,430 (3) (3) Secondary	school	teachers,	except	special	and	vocational	education ......................................................................................................................................................

								992,900 								12.0 (3) 					21,060 (3) (3) Teacher	assistants ......................................................................................................................................................

								630,410 									7.6 (3) 					47,910 (3) (3) Middle	school	teachers,	except	special	and	vocational	education ......................................................................................................................................................

								383,610 									4.7 (3) 					31,250 (3) (3) Teachers	and	instructors,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 								351,240 									4.3 			11.81 					24,560 				8.66 			14.57

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 								256,640 									3.1 			11.55 					24,030 				7.69 			14.62

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 								222,670 									2.7 			13.48 					28,030 			10.32 			16.38

								208,180 									2.5 (3) 					77,110 (3) (3) Education	administrators,	elementary	and	secondary	school ......................................................................................................................................................

								202,710 									2.5 (3) 					48,210 (3) (3) Special	education	teachers,	preschool,	kindergarten,	and	elementary	school ......................................................................................................................................................

Junior colleges (NAICS 611200)

									91,800 								13.0 (3) 					65,850 (3) (3) Postsecondary	teachers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... $

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,660 									6.1 			11.05 					22,990 				7.95 			13.46

Vocational	education	teachers,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,680 									5.6 			23.09 					48,020 			16.67 			27.80

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,650 									3.4 			13.31 					27,670 			10.36 			15.99

									21,750 									3.1 (3) 					52,680 (3) (3) English	language	and	literature	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,370 									2.8 			11.14 					23,180 				8.41 			13.36

Education	administrators,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,350 									2.7 			34.15 					71,040 			24.44 			41.88

									18,820 									2.7 (3) 					52,910 (3) (3) Mathematical	science	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

									17,990 									2.6 (3) 					25,460 (3) (3) Teacher	assistants ......................................................................................................................................................

									16,540 									2.4 (3) 					53,950 (3) (3) Business	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Page 40
125

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Colleges and universities (NAICS 611300)

								165,840 									6.3 (3) 					68,690 (3) (3) Postsecondary	teachers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... $

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								128,810 									4.9 			12.06 					25,080 				8.73 			14.76

								113,510 									4.3 (3) 					29,230 (3) (3) Graduate	teaching	assistants ......................................................................................................................................................

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									99,380 									3.8 			13.80 					28,710 			11.03 			16.33

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									90,990 									3.5 			17.85 					37,120 			14.15 			20.88

									84,430 									3.2 (3) 					89,080 (3) (3) Health	specialties	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,670 									3.0 			11.26 					23,420 				8.84 			13.27

Education	administrators,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,600 									3.0 			39.17 					81,480 			25.26 			48.64

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									50,290 									1.9 			23.68 					49,250 			16.88 			28.12

									50,150 									1.9 (3) 					81,490 (3) (3) Biological	science	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Business, computer and management training (NAICS 611400)

Vocational	education	teachers,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,030 									7.2 			20.23 $ $					42,080 $ $ 			14.22 			24.22

Self-enrichment	education	teachers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,960 									7.1 			21.92 					45,590 			13.33 			25.74

										4,660 									5.6 (3) 					39,620 (3) (3) Teachers	and	instructors,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,500 									4.2 			11.85 					24,660 				8.71 			14.02

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,900 									3.5 			16.94 					35,230 			13.42 			19.77

Training	and	development	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,770 									3.3 			28.98 					60,270 			18.38 			34.91

Instructional	coordinators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,340 									2.8 			25.17 					52,350 			17.89 			31.49

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,290 									2.7 			45.33 					94,280 			27.75 			58.64

Sales	representatives,	services,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,130 									2.5 			26.97 					56,090 			17.35 			32.95

										2,050 									2.4 (3) 					46,130 (3) (3) Business	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Technical and trade schools (NAICS 611500)

Vocational	education	teachers,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,620 								29.9 			20.74 $ $					43,140 $ $ 			13.96 			25.83

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,950 									3.8 			10.88 					22,640 				8.28 			13.06

Self-enrichment	education	teachers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,830 									3.7 			18.41 					38,300 			12.26 			22.20

										4,260 									3.3 (3) 					49,300 (3) (3) Commercial	pilots ......................................................................................................................................................

										3,510 									2.7 (3) 					42,070 (3) (3) Teachers	and	instructors,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,340 									2.6 			12.64 					26,290 				9.73 			14.97

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,190 									2.5 			16.47 					34,270 			13.01 			19.40

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,820 									2.2 			10.04 					20,880 				7.96 			11.88

Education	administrators,	postsecondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,600 									2.0 			28.42 					59,110 			19.43 			33.92

										2,350 									1.8 (3) 					41,810 (3) (3) Health	specialties	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Other schools and instruction (NAICS 611600)

Self-enrichment	education	teachers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									48,360 								18.7 			17.76 $ $					36,950 $ $ 			10.75 			22.04

									33,210 								12.8 (3) 					33,620 (3) (3) Teachers	and	instructors,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

									28,020 								10.8 (3) 					26,770 (3) (3) Coaches	and	scouts ......................................................................................................................................................

Choreographers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,960 									5.8 			18.15 					37,750 				9.89 			23.10

Fitness	trainers	and	aerobics	instructors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,490 									4.0 			12.39 					25,780 				7.64 			15.19

										9,310 									3.6 (3) 					21,890 (3) (3) Teacher	assistants ......................................................................................................................................................

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,030 									3.5 			10.52 					21,890 				7.98 			12.56

Adult	literacy,	remedial	education,	and	GED	teachers	and	instructors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,040 									2.7 			18.46 					38,390 			12.33 			23.41

										6,600 									2.5 (3) 					61,580 (3) (3) Art,	drama,	and	music	teachers,	postsecondary ......................................................................................................................................................

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,670 									1.8 			10.16 					21,130 				8.16 			11.70

Educational support services (NAICS 611700)

										9,240 								10.3 (3) 					24,420 (3) (3) Teacher	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... $

										7,150 									7.9 (3) 					32,950 (3) (3) Teachers	and	instructors,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,880 									6.5 			10.15 					21,120 				7.95 			11.07

Instructional	coordinators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,860 									5.4 			27.80 					57,830 			17.72 			33.91

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,300 									4.8 			12.82 					26,670 				9.31 			15.02

Educational,	vocational,	and	school	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,500 									3.9 			22.43 					46,650 			14.91 			28.85

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,740 									3.0 			15.53 					32,310 			10.19 			16.65

										2,290 									2.5 (3) 					49,700 (3) (3) Elementary	school	teachers,	except	special	education ......................................................................................................................................................

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,260 									2.5 			17.57 					36,550 			13.91 			20.63

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,080 									2.3 			44.08 					91,680 			29.22 			54.86

Offices of physicians (NAICS 621100)

Medical	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								234,960 								11.3 			12.68 $ $					26,370 $ $ 			10.35 			14.68

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								202,790 									9.8 			27.03 					56,230 			19.43 			31.80

Medical	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 								162,690 									7.8 			13.33 					27,730 			10.75 			15.67

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 								162,170 									7.8 			11.35 					23,600 				9.39 			13.09

Billing	and	posting	clerks	and	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									91,980 									4.4 			13.94 					28,990 			11.39 			16.18

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									89,170 									4.3 			15.63 					32,500 			12.81 			17.54

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									85,280 									4.1 			11.39 					23,690 				8.95 			13.42

									80,640 									3.9 			81.01 				168,500 			66.93 (2) Physicians	and	surgeons,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

									73,250 									3.5 			72.25 				150,280 			54.01 (2) Family	and	general	practitioners ......................................................................................................................................................

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,720 									3.0 			20.48 					42,600 			16.06 			23.97

Page 41
126

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Offices of dentists (NAICS 621200)

Dental	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								254,890 								33.2 			14.42 $ $					30,000 $ $ 			11.53 			16.93

Dental	hygienists ...................................................................................................................................................... 								155,380 								20.2 			29.19 					60,710 			23.71 			34.38

									79,010 								10.3 			65.55 				136,340 			44.63 (2) Dentists,	general ......................................................................................................................................................

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,070 									8.1 			12.88 					26,800 				9.89 			15.55

Medical	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 									52,560 									6.8 			16.07 					33,430 			12.73 			19.32

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,690 									4.4 			12.43 					25,850 				9.34 			15.29

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,280 									2.9 			15.06 					31,330 			12.00 			17.37

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	office	and	administrative	support	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,320 									2.1 			22.17 					46,110 			17.20 			25.40

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,090 									1.7 			15.87 					33,010 			12.06 			19.41

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,020 									1.7 			19.02 					39,560 			15.12 			22.24

Offices of other health practitioners (NAICS 621300)

Physical	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,310 									8.7 			31.89 $ $					66,320 $ $ 			24.73 			36.60

Medical	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,930 									8.1 			11.19 					23,270 				9.24 			12.92

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,250 									6.6 			10.42 					21,670 				8.50 			12.20

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,950 									6.0 			10.84 					22,540 				8.53 			12.83

Medical	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,730 									5.3 			12.49 					25,970 			10.01 			14.60

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,900 									4.4 			12.11 					25,200 				9.71 			14.05

Chiropractors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,980 									4.0 			39.14 					81,420 			21.97 			48.26

Opticians,	dispensing ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,570 									4.0 			14.23 					29,590 			11.02 			16.75

Physical	therapist	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,190 									3.9 			18.84 					39,180 			15.08 			22.26

Physical	therapist	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,290 									3.5 			10.37 					21,570 				8.38 			11.81

Outpatient care centers (NAICS 621400)

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									66,200 								14.2 			26.91 $ $					55,960 $ $ 			22.15 			31.14

Mental	health	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,100 									3.9 			18.04 					37,520 			13.19 			21.18

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,030 									3.9 			12.25 					25,480 				9.53 			14.22

Mental	health	and	substance	abuse	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,980 									3.9 			17.48 					36,360 			12.96 			20.35

Medical	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,590 									3.8 			12.94 					26,920 			10.71 			14.86

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,580 									3.6 			17.53 					36,460 			14.65 			20.30

Substance	abuse	and	behavioral	disorder	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,530 									3.3 			16.74 					34,830 			13.02 			19.40

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,820 									2.8 			11.84 					24,620 				9.56 			13.59

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,690 									2.5 			11.78 					24,490 				9.24 			13.70

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,620 									2.5 			11.42 					23,750 				9.47 			13.17

Medical and diagnostic laboratories (NAICS 621500)

Healthcare	support	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,540 								12.1 			12.97 $ $					26,980 $ $ 			10.66 			14.99

Medical	and	clinical	laboratory	technologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,960 								11.3 			24.28 					50,500 			19.33 			27.52

Medical	and	clinical	laboratory	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									19,580 								10.1 			15.12 					31,450 			11.49 			17.97

Radiologic	technologists	and	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,020 									8.8 			24.35 					50,660 			19.65 			28.36

Couriers	and	messengers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,480 									4.4 			10.88 					22,620 				9.05 			12.54

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,770 									4.0 			13.84 					28,780 			11.34 			16.07

Billing	and	posting	clerks	and	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,320 									3.3 			13.98 					29,070 			11.58 			16.27

Medical	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,310 									2.7 			13.32 					27,710 			10.98 			15.60

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,590 									2.4 			12.09 					25,150 				9.93 			14.02

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,510 									2.3 			11.71 					24,360 				9.13 			13.68

Home health care services (NAICS 621600)

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 								224,410 								27.8 				9.06 $ $					18,850 $ $ 				7.36 			10.39

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 								198,120 								24.6 				7.52 					15,640 				6.17 				8.66

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								117,050 								14.5 			26.23 					54,550 			20.99 			29.94

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									52,700 									6.5 			18.18 					37,810 			15.11 			20.85

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,170 									4.4 			10.00 					20,800 				8.13 			11.45

Physical	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,360 									2.0 			34.65 					72,070 			26.35 			42.26

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,690 									1.6 			11.50 					23,910 				9.08 			13.41

Medical	and	public	health	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,720 									1.3 			23.01 					47,860 			17.55 			25.89

Medical	and	health	services	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,670 									1.3 			34.45 					71,660 			25.06 			39.03

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,860 									1.0 			39.13 					81,400 			25.27 			46.21

Other ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621900)

Emergency	medical	technicians	and	paramedics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,730 								40.5 			12.54 $ $					26,080 $ $ 				9.49 			14.83

Healthcare	support	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,500 									5.6 			12.76 					26,540 				9.88 			15.06

Ambulance	drivers	and	attendants,	except	emergency	medical	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,590 									4.2 				9.67 					20,120 				7.40 			10.67

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,580 									4.2 			26.07 					54,230 			20.92 			30.50

Medical	and	clinical	laboratory	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,190 									3.0 			14.38 					29,910 			10.94 			17.09

Police,	fire,	and	ambulance	dispatchers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,940 									2.4 			13.42 					27,910 			10.12 			16.14

Medical	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,340 									2.1 			12.22 					25,410 			10.12 			13.70

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,700 									1.8 			11.55 					24,020 				8.97 			13.66

Medical	and	clinical	laboratory	technologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,690 									1.8 			21.56 					44,840 			16.86 			25.48

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,630 									1.8 			38.85 					80,800 			23.84 			46.97

Page 42
127

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

General medical and surgical hospitals (NAICS 622100)

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 						1,354,020 								28.1 			27.80 $ $					57,820 $ $ 			22.78 			32.41

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								377,080 									7.8 			11.08 					23,060 				9.13 			12.83

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								171,270 									3.5 			16.65 					34,640 			13.84 			19.28

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								115,760 									2.4 			12.35 					25,680 				9.77 			14.63

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 								115,540 									2.4 				9.75 					20,290 				7.87 			11.10

Radiologic	technologists	and	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 								108,790 									2.3 			22.64 					47,090 			18.69 			26.56

Medical	and	clinical	laboratory	technologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									94,690 									2.0 			23.36 					48,590 			19.56 			26.87

Medical	secretaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 									89,730 									1.9 			13.24 					27,540 			10.87 			15.40

Medical	and	health	services	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									85,290 									1.8 			38.27 					79,590 			28.68 			44.09

Interviewers,	except	eligibility	and	loan ...................................................................................................................................................... 									78,850 									1.6 			12.54 					26,080 			10.32 			14.33

Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals (NAICS 622200)

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,590 								13.0 			25.95 $ $					53,980 $ $ 			22.16 			29.55

Psychiatric	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,040 								11.1 			14.13 					29,390 			10.46 			17.08

Psychiatric	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,140 									9.8 			11.86 					24,660 				9.32 			14.05

Mental	health	and	substance	abuse	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,860 									4.2 			19.14 					39,820 			14.51 			23.15

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,260 									3.9 			16.99 					35,340 			14.23 			19.83

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,900 									3.8 			10.66 					22,170 				8.65 			12.30

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,310 									2.3 			15.23 					31,680 			11.08 			19.21

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,260 									2.2 			14.20 					29,530 			10.25 			17.67

Mental	health	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,620 									2.0 			18.56 					38,610 			13.14 			22.66

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,550 									1.9 			12.99 					27,020 			10.28 			15.66

Other hospitals (NAICS 622300)

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,250 								21.8 			27.89 $ $					58,000 $ $ 			22.79 			32.36

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,520 									9.5 			11.33 					23,560 				9.12 			13.25

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,900 									3.7 			17.46 					36,320 			14.66 			20.28

Physical	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,400 									2.9 			29.83 					62,050 			24.90 			34.09

Occupational	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,710 									2.0 			28.63 					59,550 			23.89 			33.17

Medical	and	health	services	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,600 									1.9 			39.00 					81,130 			29.11 			44.46

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,260 									1.8 				9.51 					19,780 				7.69 			11.04

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,110 									1.7 			13.02 					27,090 			10.15 			15.82

Respiratory	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,090 									1.7 			22.29 					46,360 			19.07 			25.51

Medical	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,020 									1.6 			12.18 					25,320 				9.58 			14.14

Nursing care facilities (NAICS 623100)

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								599,310 								38.0 			10.33 $ $					21,480 $ $ 				8.64 			11.94

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								186,560 								11.8 			18.06 					37,570 			15.14 			20.85

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								120,200 									7.6 			24.76 					51,510 			20.53 			28.14

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									76,130 									4.8 				8.70 					18,100 				7.18 				9.96

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									51,550 									3.3 				8.69 					18,070 				7.19 				9.88

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,490 									2.9 				9.95 					20,700 				7.93 			11.50

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,010 									2.8 				9.40 					19,550 				7.85 			10.65

Laundry	and	dry-cleaning	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,390 									2.2 				8.74 					18,180 				7.28 			10.03

Recreation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,680 									1.9 			10.72 					22,290 				8.49 			12.42

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,050 									1.5 				8.76 					18,220 				7.26 			10.01

Residential mental health facilities (NAICS 623200)

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 								106,560 								21.5 				9.25 $ $					19,240 $ $ 				7.79 			10.44

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									60,750 								12.3 				9.41 					19,580 				8.09 			10.52

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,780 									6.4 			10.86 					22,590 				8.83 			12.58

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,160 									5.9 				9.75 					20,270 				7.97 			10.95

Rehabilitation	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,890 									4.4 			12.47 					25,930 				9.75 			14.35

Mental	health	and	substance	abuse	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,050 									3.4 			15.33 					31,900 			11.27 			18.16

Substance	abuse	and	behavioral	disorder	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,620 									2.9 			14.37 					29,890 			11.33 			16.85

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,470 									2.9 			10.40 					21,630 				8.61 			12.04

Mental	health	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,190 									2.5 			13.81 					28,730 			10.65 			15.74

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,290 									2.3 			23.80 					49,490 			19.50 			27.26

Community care facilities for the elderly (NAICS 623300)

Nursing	aides,	orderlies,	and	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								128,150 								21.3 				9.91 $ $					20,610 $ $ 				8.39 			11.21

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									92,170 								15.3 				8.89 					18,490 				7.55 			10.10

Licensed	practical	and	licensed	vocational	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,320 									5.9 			17.81 					37,050 			15.07 			20.55

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,690 									5.6 				8.56 					17,810 				7.37 				9.79

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									25,560 									4.2 				8.87 					18,450 				7.53 			10.16

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,320 									4.0 			23.87 					49,650 			19.90 			27.19

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,000 									4.0 				9.98 					20,760 				8.11 			11.52

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,910 									3.0 				8.16 					16,980 				6.91 				8.95

Food	servers,	nonrestaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,280 									2.7 				8.24 					17,150 				7.22 				9.08

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,720 									2.3 				8.33 					17,330 				7.14 				9.48

Page 43
128

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Other residential care facilities (NAICS 623900)

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									33,500 								20.3 				9.88 $ $					20,540 $ $ 				8.03 			11.40

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,610 									7.0 				9.56 					19,880 				7.79 			10.61

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,290 									6.8 			11.31 					23,530 				9.11 			13.05

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,870 									6.0 			15.80 					32,860 			12.42 			18.28

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,300 									4.4 				9.23 					19,200 				7.78 			10.43

Residential	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,100 									3.7 			11.35 					23,610 				9.08 			12.92

Rehabilitation	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,940 									3.0 			12.34 					25,660 				9.83 			13.74

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,630 									2.2 			23.83 					49,560 			17.81 			28.10

Substance	abuse	and	behavioral	disorder	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,320 									2.0 			14.66 					30,490 			10.70 			17.28

Mental	health	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,170 									1.9 			14.08 					29,280 			10.78 			16.56

Individual and family services (NAICS 624100)

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 								177,550 								19.7 				8.82 $ $					18,340 $ $ 				7.51 			10.08

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									86,910 									9.6 				9.14 					19,000 				7.78 			10.24

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									59,520 									6.6 			11.88 					24,710 				9.42 			13.77

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									48,970 									5.4 			15.68 					32,610 			12.27 			18.19

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									26,770 									3.0 			24.87 					51,740 			17.86 			29.28

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,950 									2.5 			10.57 					21,990 				8.15 			12.54

Mental	health	and	substance	abuse	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,210 									2.4 			17.48 					36,370 			13.08 			20.89

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,990 									2.3 				9.72 					20,220 				7.63 			11.51

Rehabilitation	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,590 									1.9 			13.71 					28,510 			10.47 			16.18

Recreation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,280 									1.9 			10.42 					21,680 				7.94 			12.18

Emergency and other relief services (NAICS 624200)

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,810 								13.0 			11.68 $ $					24,290 $ $ 				9.27 			13.64

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,510 									5.0 			14.47 					30,100 			11.63 			16.72

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,380 									4.9 			23.40 					48,670 			17.01 			27.95

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,610 									3.6 			10.53 					21,910 				8.03 			12.72

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,390 									2.6 				9.03 					18,780 				7.30 			10.49

Mental	health	and	substance	abuse	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,320 									2.6 			15.42 					32,070 			11.65 			17.94

Community	and	social	service	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,280 									2.5 			14.95 					31,090 			11.23 			17.84

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,140 									2.4 			14.63 					30,430 			11.71 			16.88

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,880 									2.2 			32.28 					67,150 			21.16 			38.61

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,680 									2.1 			10.20 					21,220 				7.58 			11.95

Vocational rehabilitation services (NAICS 624300)

Rehabilitation	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,200 									9.2 			14.60 $ $					30,370 $ $ 			10.21 			16.97

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,950 									8.1 				9.35 					19,450 				7.78 			10.49

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,940 									5.8 			11.25 					23,410 				8.90 			13.15

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,860 									5.2 				8.68 					18,050 				6.85 			10.15

Educational,	vocational,	and	school	counselors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,540 									4.1 			15.35 					31,920 			11.14 			17.94

Home	health	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,470 									4.1 				9.06 					18,840 				7.73 			10.24

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,620 									3.5 				9.23 					19,190 				6.48 			10.02

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,670 									2.5 			10.21 					21,250 				7.77 			12.09

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,130 									2.0 			25.15 					52,300 			17.83 			29.64

Team	assemblers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,620 									1.8 				8.65 					17,980 				6.39 			10.02

Child day care services (NAICS 624400)

Preschool	teachers,	except	special	education ...................................................................................................................................................... 								236,480 								31.8 			10.45 $ $					21,740 $ $ 				7.94 			12.27

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								234,970 								31.6 				7.84 					16,320 				6.47 				8.77

									99,770 								13.4 (3) 					18,200 (3) (3) Teacher	assistants ......................................................................................................................................................

Education	administrators,	preschool	and	child	care	center/program ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,480 									4.1 			18.66 					38,820 			13.32 			21.46

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,390 									2.2 				8.53 					17,750 				6.97 				9.92

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	personal	service	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,230 									1.6 			12.98 					26,990 				9.52 			15.60

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,950 									1.1 			10.11 					21,020 				7.92 			11.72

										7,640 									1.0 (3) 					27,170 (3) (3) Kindergarten	teachers,	except	special	education ......................................................................................................................................................

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,440 									1.0 			14.27 					29,690 			11.00 			16.48

Bus	drivers,	school ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,390 									1.0 				9.53 					19,820 				7.50 			11.24

Performing arts companies (NAICS 711100)

Musicians	and	singers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,980 								25.1 			25.89 $ (3) $ $ 			12.31 			33.64

Actors...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,340 									7.8 			22.40 (3) 			10.39 			28.10

Dancers...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,380 									3.7 			18.72 (3) 				9.25 			22.25

Producers	and	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,310 									3.6 			24.11 					50,160 			13.40 			27.98

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,220 									3.5 				8.34 					17,350 				6.28 				9.72

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,650 									3.1 			11.49 					23,900 				7.79 			13.67

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,540 									3.0 				9.07 					18,860 				7.10 			10.46

Music	directors	and	composers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,790 									2.3 			23.31 					48,490 			13.34 			27.31

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,490 									2.1 			13.94 					29,000 				9.16 			16.30

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,450 									2.1 				9.27 					19,280 				7.39 			10.51

Page 44
129

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Spectator sports (NAICS 711200)

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,250 									6.4 				8.78 $ $					18,270 $ $ 				6.60 				9.21

										7,750 									6.1 (3) 					86,600 (3) (3) Athletes	and	sports	competitors ......................................................................................................................................................

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,860 									5.4 				9.75 					20,280 				7.45 			10.63

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,450 									5.0 			11.27 					23,440 				8.28 			13.00

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,240 									4.1 			10.08 					20,960 				7.41 			12.04

										4,880 									3.8 (3) 					53,400 (3) (3) Coaches	and	scouts ......................................................................................................................................................

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,680 									2.9 				9.55 					19,860 				7.45 			10.72

Amusement	and	recreation	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,490 									2.7 				8.38 					17,440 				6.61 				9.66

Farmworkers,	farm	and	ranch	animals ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,190 									2.5 				9.60 					19,960 				7.81 			11.16

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,030 									2.4 				7.68 					15,980 				6.43 				8.39

Promoters of performing arts and sports (NAICS 711300)

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,840 								18.9 				7.97 $ $					16,570 $ $ 				6.34 				8.69

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,030 									7.7 			10.99 					22,870 				8.09 			12.65

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,340 									4.2 			14.10 					29,320 				9.35 			17.16

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,690 									3.4 			10.12 					21,040 				7.60 			11.94

Parking	lot	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,560 									3.3 				9.10 					18,920 				7.24 				9.97

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									3.2 				9.58 					19,920 				7.22 			10.48

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,400 									3.1 			10.99 					22,860 				7.98 			13.09

Musicians	and	singers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,840 									2.3 			28.55 (3) 			14.07 			39.61

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,640 									2.1 			18.96 					39,440 			13.53 			21.99

Audio	and	video	equipment	technicians ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,600 									2.0 			16.81 					34,960 			11.96 			20.46

Agents and managers for public figures (NAICS 711400)

Agents	and	business	managers	of	artists,	performers,	and	athletes ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,420 								34.9 			37.11 $ $					77,180 $ $ 			17.13 			45.40

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,330 									8.6 			17.46 					36,310 			13.70 			20.58

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,320 									8.5 			13.12 					27,290 			10.18 			15.23

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,120 									7.2 			11.58 					24,080 				8.70 			13.95

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												570 									3.7 				6.96 					14,470 				6.10 				7.81

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												510 									3.3 			17.05 					35,470 			13.04 			20.48

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												430 									2.8 			12.69 					26,400 				8.28 			18.36

												320 									2.1 			62.12 				129,200 			32.91 (2) General	and	operations	managers ......................................................................................................................................................

												290 									1.9 			53.55 				111,390 			21.59 (2) Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ......................................................................................................................................................

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 												250 									1.6 			22.25 					46,270 			15.36 			27.22

Independent artists, writers, and performers (NAICS 711500)

Actors...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,750 								10.9 			20.55 $ (3) $ $ 				7.56 			14.84

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,500 									5.7 			10.22 					21,250 				7.52 			11.95

Fine	artists,	including	painters,	sculptors,	and	illustrators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,180 									5.0 			20.70 					43,050 			11.04 			24.71

Public	address	system	and	other	announcers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,870 									4.3 			18.22 					37,900 				8.98 			23.55

Producers	and	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,720 									3.9 			35.44 					73,710 			15.83 			44.08

Writers	and	authors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,710 									3.9 			36.13 					75,140 			12.86 			48.38

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,500 									3.4 			11.85 					24,650 				8.31 			14.66

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,450 									3.3 			19.63 					40,830 			14.18 			24.27

Musicians	and	singers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,310 									3.0 			32.97 (3) 			11.87 			41.15

Artists	and	related	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,170 									2.7 			13.09 					27,230 				8.53 			14.98

Museums, historical sites, zoos, and parks (NAICS 712100)

Tour	guides	and	escorts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,320 									8.7 				9.45 $ $					19,650 $ $ 				7.24 			10.81

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,100 									6.0 			10.94 					22,760 				8.79 			12.56

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,780 									4.0 			11.49 					23,890 				8.00 			14.36

Curators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,610 									3.9 			22.62 					47,050 			15.36 			27.53

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,500 									3.8 				9.40 					19,550 				7.37 			10.50

Museum	technicians	and	conservators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,690 									3.1 			16.00 					33,280 			11.11 			19.61

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,530 									3.0 				8.30 					17,260 				6.94 				9.30

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,370 									2.8 			11.28 					23,460 				8.52 			13.38

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,350 									2.8 				9.67 					20,110 				7.63 			11.13

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,270 									2.7 			11.71 					24,360 				8.74 			13.67

Amusement parks and arcades (NAICS 713100)

Amusement	and	recreation	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,060 								24.3 				7.64 $ $					15,890 $ $ 				6.51 				8.44

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,020 									9.4 				8.67 					18,040 				6.60 				9.40

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,910 									4.6 				9.30 					19,350 				6.95 			10.07

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,650 									4.5 				8.23 					17,130 				6.87 				8.90

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,390 									3.0 			10.84 					22,550 				7.95 			12.54

Ushers,	lobby	attendants,	and	ticket	takers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,920 									2.6 				8.37 					17,400 				6.52 				9.19

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,680 									1.8 				7.68 					15,980 				6.60 				8.54

Cooks,	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,660 									1.8 				8.22 					17,090 				7.32 				8.61

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,550 									1.7 			10.10 					21,010 				7.83 			11.61

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,470 									1.7 			14.68 					30,530 			10.48 			18.38

Page 45
130

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Gambling industries (NAICS 713200)

Gaming	dealers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,030 								17.0 				8.24 $ $					17,140 $ $ 				6.31 				8.31

Gaming	change	persons	and	booth	cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,700 									6.1 				9.45 					19,660 				7.44 			10.96

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,610 									6.1 				7.57 					15,750 				6.10 				8.34

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,490 									5.3 			11.11 					23,120 				9.01 			12.67

Gaming	cage	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,520 									4.6 			10.91 					22,700 				9.15 			12.55

Gaming	supervisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,460 									3.9 			19.91 					41,410 			15.82 			23.91

Gaming	and	sports	book	writers	and	runners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,750 									3.4 				9.25 					19,250 				7.39 			10.53

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,550 									3.2 				8.07 					16,780 				6.38 				9.02

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,910 									2.8 				9.29 					19,310 				7.60 			10.54

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,810 									2.7 				9.26 					19,260 				7.23 			10.59

Other amusement and recreation industries (NAICS 713900)

Fitness	trainers	and	aerobics	instructors ...................................................................................................................................................... 								120,490 								11.5 			15.73 $ $					32,720 $ $ 				8.62 			20.48

Amusement	and	recreation	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 								103,140 									9.8 				7.84 					16,300 				6.46 				8.56

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								102,390 									9.8 				9.86 					20,510 				7.77 			11.14

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									70,440 									6.7 				8.92 					18,550 				6.50 			10.67

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,020 									3.0 				9.09 					18,910 				7.37 			10.41

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,830 									2.8 				8.79 					18,290 				6.68 			10.12

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									29,650 									2.8 				8.03 					16,710 				6.70 				8.73

Lifeguards,	ski	patrol,	and	other	recreational	protective	service	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,850 									2.7 				8.31 					17,280 				6.89 				9.41

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,740 									2.7 				8.09 					16,830 				6.70 				9.06

									23,640 									2.3 (3) 					31,620 (3) (3) Coaches	and	scouts ......................................................................................................................................................

Traveler accommodation (NAICS 721100)

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 								408,500 								23.5 				8.41 $ $					17,490 $ $ 				6.79 				9.49

Hotel,	motel,	and	resort	desk	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 								193,210 								11.1 				9.00 					18,720 				7.36 			10.28

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								126,260 									7.3 				8.50 					17,690 				6.38 				9.68

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,850 									3.6 			12.96 					26,950 				9.23 			15.65

Cooks,	restaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,620 									3.1 			11.46 					23,830 				9.18 			13.36

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,680 									2.7 			10.05 					20,900 				7.76 			11.97

Dining	room	and	cafeteria	attendants	and	bartender	helpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									43,920 									2.5 				8.50 					17,680 				6.66 				9.85

Food	servers,	nonrestaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									41,080 									2.4 				9.14 					19,000 				6.70 			10.51

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,690 									2.1 				9.97 					20,740 				6.71 			12.18

Dishwashers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									34,610 									2.0 				8.78 					18,270 				7.09 			10.29

RV parks and recreational camps (NAICS 721200)

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,400 								10.4 			10.93 $ $					22,730 $ $ 				8.12 			12.84

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,390 								10.4 				8.91 					18,530 				7.01 			10.24

Recreation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,360 								10.3 				9.67 					20,120 				6.63 			11.45

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,790 									6.6 			10.61 					22,060 				7.69 			12.44

Hotel,	motel,	and	resort	desk	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,360 									5.6 				8.95 					18,620 				7.38 			10.13

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,690 									4.0 				8.22 					17,090 				6.96 				9.49

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,590 									3.7 				8.24 					17,140 				6.73 				9.28

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,030 									2.4 			32.89 					68,420 			20.35 			41.19

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												940 									2.2 			12.94 					26,920 				9.19 			16.18

Lodging	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												890 									2.1 			22.42 					46,630 			12.88 			26.21

Rooming and boarding houses (NAICS 721300)

Maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,050 								17.7 				9.24 $ $					19,230 $ $ 				7.13 			10.68

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,140 									9.9 				9.71 					20,200 				7.67 			11.09

Residential	advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 												710 									6.1 			10.40 					21,640 				7.25 			11.52

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 												680 									5.9 				7.83 					16,280 				6.20 				9.00

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 												570 									4.9 				9.35 					19,440 				6.91 			10.87

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									3.8 				8.56 					17,810 				7.04 				9.94

Dining	room	and	cafeteria	attendants	and	bartender	helpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 												440 									3.8 				7.17 					14,910 				6.37 				7.96

Hotel,	motel,	and	resort	desk	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 												400 									3.5 				9.35 					19,450 				7.44 			10.71

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 												370 									3.2 			14.14 					29,400 				9.48 			18.23

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 												360 									3.1 				7.53 					15,670 				6.53 				8.24

Full-service restaurants (NAICS 722100)

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 						1,643,370 								38.4 				7.75 $ $					16,120 $ $ 				6.15 				8.42

Cooks,	restaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 								607,700 								14.2 				9.72 					20,220 				7.86 			11.10

Dishwashers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								307,750 									7.2 				7.42 					15,430 				6.49 				8.30

Hosts	and	hostesses,	restaurant,	lounge,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 								267,540 									6.3 				7.76 					16,130 				6.58 				8.56

Dining	room	and	cafeteria	attendants	and	bartender	helpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								210,960 									4.9 				7.25 					15,090 				6.27 				8.05

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								204,680 									4.8 				8.39 					17,460 				7.05 				9.70

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	food	preparation	and	serving	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								189,600 									4.4 			14.74 					30,650 			10.80 			17.90

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 								178,960 									4.2 				8.77 					18,250 				6.58 			10.10

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 								123,660 									2.9 				7.14 					14,840 				6.06 				8.03

Cooks,	short	order ...................................................................................................................................................... 									91,290 									2.1 				8.80 					18,300 				7.22 			10.24

Page 46
131

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Limited-service eating places (NAICS 722200)

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 						1,625,820 								42.0 				7.05 $ $					14,670 $ $ 				6.18 				7.96

Cooks,	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 								526,990 								13.6 				7.36 					15,300 				6.35 				8.22

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	food	preparation	and	serving	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								327,760 									8.5 			12.05 					25,070 				9.14 			14.08

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 								259,200 									6.7 				7.55 					15,710 				6.53 				8.39

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								183,870 									4.8 				7.25 					15,090 				6.27 				8.12

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								182,270 									4.7 				7.62 					15,850 				6.55 				8.36

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 								162,020 									4.2 				7.15 					14,880 				6.01 				7.78

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								129,760 									3.4 				7.65 					15,910 				6.16 				8.21

Food	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									68,170 									1.8 			19.30 					40,150 			14.68 			21.83

Cooks,	restaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,780 									1.4 				8.94 					18,600 				7.15 			10.31

Special food services (NAICS 722300)

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 									85,250 								15.7 				8.63 $ $					17,950 $ $ 				6.77 				9.82

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									56,080 								10.3 				9.76 					20,300 				6.66 			11.39

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									50,420 									9.3 				9.07 					18,860 				7.44 			10.44

Counter	attendants,	cafeteria,	food	concession,	and	coffee	shop ...................................................................................................................................................... 									36,730 									6.8 				8.61 					17,900 				6.96 				9.82

Cooks,	institution	and	cafeteria ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,260 									6.5 			10.55 					21,940 				8.36 			12.46

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	food	preparation	and	serving	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,910 									5.1 			15.16 					31,530 			11.11 			18.41

Dishwashers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									27,100 									5.0 				7.97 					16,570 				6.69 				9.05

Food	servers,	nonrestaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									23,740 									4.4 				9.92 					20,630 				7.16 			11.87

Dining	room	and	cafeteria	attendants	and	bartender	helpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,950 									4.0 				8.12 					16,900 				6.58 				9.31

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,280 									3.7 				8.63 					17,950 				7.03 				9.94

Drinking places, alcoholic beverages (NAICS 722400)

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 								144,380 								39.7 				7.87 $ $					16,370 $ $ 				6.36 				8.67

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									77,950 								21.5 				7.33 					15,240 				6.04 				7.91

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	food	preparation	and	serving	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,390 									5.9 			13.46 					28,010 				9.59 			16.18

Cooks,	restaurant ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,990 									4.1 				9.77 					20,320 				8.01 			11.04

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,780 									3.8 				9.70 					20,180 				7.38 			10.88

Cooks,	short	order ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,960 									3.6 				8.58 					17,850 				7.11 				9.96

Dishwashers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,980 									2.2 				7.32 					15,220 				6.34 				8.26

Dining	room	and	cafeteria	attendants	and	bartender	helpers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,290 									2.0 				7.23 					15,040 				6.25 				8.03

Food	preparation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,180 									1.7 				8.81 					18,320 				6.80 				9.88

Combined	food	preparation	and	serving	workers,	including	fast	food ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,110 									1.7 				7.34 					15,260 				6.16 				8.22

Automotive repair and maintenance (NAICS 811100)

Automotive	service	technicians	and	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 								228,680 								25.8 			15.21 $ $					31,630 $ $ 			10.80 			18.74

Cleaners	of	vehicles	and	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 								129,130 								14.6 				8.03 					16,700 				6.59 				8.72

Automotive	body	and	related	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								103,470 								11.7 			18.08 					37,600 			12.69 			21.62

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									44,340 									5.0 			24.29 					50,520 			17.46 			29.47

Service	station	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,090 									4.3 				8.78 					18,270 				7.41 			10.00

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									28,730 									3.2 			10.25 					21,320 				7.49 			12.01

Bus	and	truck	mechanics	and	diesel	engine	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,390 									2.8 			17.23 					35,840 			13.61 			20.54

Painters,	transportation	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,550 									2.5 			18.09 					37,620 			12.66 			21.60

Helpers--installation,	maintenance,	and	repair	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,040 									2.5 				8.98 					18,670 				7.15 			10.41

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,180 									2.1 			12.96 					26,960 				9.50 			15.83

Electronic equipment repair and maintenance (NAICS 811200)

Computer,	automated	teller,	and	office	machine	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,890 								18.1 			16.75 $ $					34,830 $ $ 			12.50 			20.29

Electronic	home	entertainment	equipment	installers	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,610 									6.3 			14.00 					29,120 			10.17 			16.88

Medical	equipment	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,780 									5.5 			21.17 					44,040 			14.36 			25.44

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,960 									3.8 			26.50 					55,110 			19.51 			31.80

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,850 									3.7 			10.90 					22,670 				8.02 			13.13

Electrical	and	electronics	repairers,	commercial	and	industrial	equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,690 									3.5 			19.89 					41,370 			15.15 			24.19

Telecommunications	equipment	installers	and	repairers,	except	line	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,480 									3.3 			18.37 					38,210 			13.39 			23.59

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,710 									2.6 			46.83 					97,410 			28.27 			60.71

Shipping,	receiving,	and	traffic	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,680 									2.6 			12.45 					25,890 				9.77 			14.79

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,600 									2.5 			14.01 					29,140 				9.79 			16.82

Commercial machinery repair and maintenance (NAICS 811300)

Welders,	cutters,	solderers,	and	brazers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,740 								10.1 			14.93 $ $					31,060 $ $ 			11.51 			17.34

Industrial	machinery	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,090 									9.1 			18.14 					37,740 			13.25 			21.37

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,570 									4.6 			16.79 					34,930 			11.74 			20.39

Heating,	air	conditioning,	and	refrigeration	mechanics	and	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,510 									4.5 			19.79 					41,160 			14.34 			24.59

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,580 									4.0 			25.76 					53,590 			19.10 			31.39

Electric	motor,	power	tool,	and	related	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,550 									4.0 			16.14 					33,580 			12.26 			19.28

Mobile	heavy	equipment	mechanics,	except	engines ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,660 									3.4 			18.52 					38,510 			14.38 			21.76

Machinists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,650 									3.4 			16.91 					35,170 			13.50 			20.05

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,420 									3.3 			10.19 					21,190 				7.19 			12.34

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,340 									2.6 			40.68 					84,610 			25.87 			49.14

Page 47
132

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Household goods repair and maintenance (NAICS 811400)

Home	appliance	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,150 								14.4 			17.03 $ $					35,420 $ $ 			12.54 			20.70

Upholsterers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,390 									9.5 			13.17 					27,400 				9.45 			16.23

Furniture	finishers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,760 									4.9 			13.01 					27,070 				9.45 			15.57

Tailors,	dressmakers,	and	custom	sewers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,320 									4.3 				9.98 					20,760 				7.70 			11.63

Motorboat	mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,910 									3.8 			16.61 					34,550 			12.03 			20.47

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,860 									3.7 			10.16 					21,130 				7.70 			12.02

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,480 									3.2 			11.81 					24,560 				8.17 			13.06

Heating,	air	conditioning,	and	refrigeration	mechanics	and	installers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,160 									2.8 			16.56 					34,450 			12.04 			20.51

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	mechanics,	installers,	and	repairers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,870 									2.4 			24.37 					50,690 			17.85 			28.63

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										1,700 									2.2 			10.83 					22,530 				8.11 			12.86

Personal care services (NAICS 812100)

Hairdressers,	hairstylists,	and	cosmetologists ...................................................................................................................................................... 								303,580 								53.1 			11.50 $ $					23,910 $ $ 				7.73 			13.32

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									50,810 									8.9 				8.74 					18,190 				7.00 			10.13

Manicurists	and	pedicurists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									40,610 									7.1 				9.84 					20,460 				7.49 			11.25

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	personal	service	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,470 									3.2 			18.02 					37,470 			12.06 			21.32

Skin	care	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,730 									2.9 			12.76 					26,530 				7.82 			15.85

Shampooers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									16,010 									2.8 				7.85 					16,330 				6.53 				8.84

Massage	therapists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,910 									2.8 			20.02 					41,630 				9.36 			24.62

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,990 									2.4 				7.88 					16,390 				6.62 				8.66

Barbers...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,260 									2.3 			11.83 					24,600 				8.34 			13.40

Personal	care	and	service	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,460 									2.2 				9.17 					19,080 				6.52 			10.17

Death care services (NAICS 812200)

Funeral	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,070 								22.1 			10.38 $ $					21,590 $ $ 				7.69 			11.50

Funeral	directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,860 								16.0 			27.04 					56,230 			17.56 			30.28

Landscaping	and	groundskeeping	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									18,060 								13.2 			10.86 					22,590 				7.83 			12.98

Embalmers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										9,750 									7.2 			19.04 					39,610 			13.63 			21.80

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,510 									5.5 			11.37 					23,650 				8.90 			13.60

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,700 									4.9 				9.98 					20,760 				7.66 			11.68

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,220 									3.1 				9.67 					20,110 				7.71 			11.03

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,790 									2.8 			10.84 					22,550 				7.09 			12.47

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,940 									2.2 			13.03 					27,100 				9.49 			16.29

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										2,820 									2.1 			40.49 					84,230 			25.06 			49.68

Drycleaning and laundry services (NAICS 812300)

Laundry	and	dry-cleaning	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								109,800 								31.3 				8.58 $ $					17,850 $ $ 				7.00 				9.84

Pressers,	textile,	garment,	and	related	materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 									61,100 								17.4 				8.63 					17,950 				7.28 				9.97

Counter	and	rental	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,220 								15.5 				8.13 					16,910 				6.70 				8.75

Driver/sales	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,070 									4.9 			14.62 					30,400 			10.64 			17.69

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	production	and	operating	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,250 									3.8 			17.45 					36,300 			11.92 			21.28

Truck	drivers,	light	or	delivery	services ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,390 									2.4 			13.13 					27,320 				9.57 			16.20

Inspectors,	testers,	sorters,	samplers,	and	weighers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,240 									1.8 			10.63 					22,110 				7.81 			11.36

Laborers	and	freight,	stock,	and	material	movers,	hand ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,750 									1.6 				9.67 					20,110 				7.63 			10.73

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,930 									1.4 				7.62 					15,850 				6.42 				8.51

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,650 									1.3 			35.89 					74,640 			21.39 			44.69

Other personal services (NAICS 812900)

Parking	lot	attendants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,420 								28.5 				8.56 $ $					17,810 $ $ 				6.98 				9.74

Photographic	processing	machine	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,500 									5.3 			11.53 					23,990 				8.62 			13.95

Photographic	process	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,430 									5.2 			11.61 					24,150 				8.16 			14.16

Cashiers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									10,070 									4.6 				8.65 					18,000 				7.25 				9.92

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,480 									2.5 			12.68 					26,380 				9.27 			15.58

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,130 									2.3 			10.77 					22,410 				8.33 			12.89

Taxi	drivers	and	chauffeurs ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,290 									2.0 				9.41 					19,560 				7.51 			10.58

First-line	supervisors/managers	of	transportation	and	material-moving	machine	and	vehicle	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,170 									1.9 			18.05 					37,550 			12.13 			21.18

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,810 									1.7 				7.78 					16,180 				6.41 				8.93

Retail	salespersons ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,000 									1.4 			11.97 					24,890 				8.67 			13.05

Religious organizations (NAICS 813100)

Clergy...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,180 								11.3 			20.26 $ $					42,140 $ $ 			12.34 			25.46

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,010 									7.8 			11.83 					24,600 				9.62 			13.43

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,770 									6.6 				9.61 					19,990 				7.52 			11.28

Directors,	religious	activities	and	education ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,420 									6.4 			16.72 					34,780 			11.73 			20.29

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,170 									4.6 				9.52 					19,810 				6.98 			10.82

Preschool	teachers,	except	special	education ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,470 									4.2 			12.12 					25,210 				8.63 			14.71

Musicians	and	singers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,390 									4.1 			17.85 (3) 				6.87 			22.64

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,690 									3.7 			12.93 					26,890 			10.17 			15.35

Self-enrichment	education	teachers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,300 									3.5 			15.14 					31,480 				9.74 			18.69

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,910 									3.3 				8.75 					18,200 				7.40 				9.78

Page 48
133

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 

See footnotes at end of table.

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Grantmaking and giving services (NAICS 813200)

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,080 									6.8 			17.67 $ $					36,760 $ $ 			14.33 			20.49

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,050 									5.9 			26.84 					55,820 			17.69 			33.11

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,050 									5.1 			24.29 					50,520 			16.35 			29.33

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,810 									4.9 			11.09 					23,070 				8.26 			13.44

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,400 									4.5 			13.92 					28,960 			11.22 			16.31

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,570 									3.8 			48.30 				100,460 			28.99 			62.72

Sales	and	related	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										4,220 									3.5 			21.82 					45,380 			14.54 			27.24

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,940 									3.3 			13.52 					28,110 			10.09 			15.95

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,610 									3.0 			31.30 					65,090 			19.04 			34.92

Telemarketers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										3,420 									2.9 				9.84 					20,470 				7.48 			10.61

Social advocacy organizations (NAICS 813300)

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,710 									5.2 			12.82 $ $					26,660 $ $ 				9.70 			15.39

Nonfarm	animal	caretakers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,420 									5.0 				8.91 					18,530 				7.04 			10.29

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 										7,810 									4.7 			11.50 					23,910 				8.03 			13.59

Personal	and	home	care	aides ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,700 									4.0 				8.04 					16,730 				6.82 				9.14

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 										6,160 									3.7 			17.16 					35,700 			13.26 			19.96

Community	and	social	service	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,750 									3.4 			16.37 					34,050 			11.19 			19.36

Social	and	community	service	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,720 									3.4 			25.31 					52,640 			17.99 			30.40

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,700 									3.4 			23.69 					49,280 			15.78 			27.76

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,490 									3.3 			14.77 					30,730 			11.66 			16.86

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 										5,330 									3.2 			39.36 					81,880 			24.87 			48.81

Civic and social organizations (NAICS 813400)

Bartenders ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,290 								10.3 				7.64 $ $					15,900 $ $ 				6.49 				8.41

Child	care	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,860 									8.0 				8.06 					16,760 				6.63 				8.93

Fitness	trainers	and	aerobics	instructors ...................................................................................................................................................... 									31,620 									7.7 			12.84 					26,700 				8.07 			15.84

Recreation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									30,200 									7.4 				9.26 					19,260 				7.00 			10.56

Lifeguards,	ski	patrol,	and	other	recreational	protective	service	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									21,360 									5.2 				8.09 					16,840 				6.82 				8.94

Waiters	and	waitresses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,970 									3.7 				8.57 					17,830 				6.24 			10.07

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,260 									3.5 				8.61 					17,900 				6.78 				9.99

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									12,570 									3.1 				9.59 					19,940 				6.93 			11.37

Receptionists	and	information	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,900 									2.2 				9.05 					18,820 				7.00 			10.55

Customer	service	representatives ...................................................................................................................................................... 										8,830 									2.2 			10.79 					22,440 				7.58 			13.15

Professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813900)

Human	resources,	training,	and	labor	relations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									54,150 								12.7 			20.47 $ $					42,580 $ $ 				7.01 			27.82

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,710 									9.1 			22.16 					46,090 			11.09 			29.61

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									24,220 									5.7 			14.15 					29,440 			10.29 			17.53

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									22,740 									5.3 			12.11 					25,190 				8.51 			15.20

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									20,810 									4.9 			18.58 					38,650 			14.21 			21.54

General	and	operations	managers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									17,290 									4.1 			47.06 					97,880 			29.05 			60.93

Public	relations	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									15,050 									3.5 			26.67 					55,470 			17.12 			33.64

Bookkeeping,	accounting,	and	auditing	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 									14,650 									3.4 			15.48 					32,190 			11.66 			19.26

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									13,840 									3.3 			13.52 					28,130 			10.47 			16.01

Security	guards ...................................................................................................................................................... 									11,120 									2.6 			10.39 					21,600 				8.30 			11.72

Federal government (OES designation) (NAICS 999100)

All	other	information	and	record	clerks ...................................................................................................................................................... 								139,860 									7.8 			24.16 $ $					50,250 $ $ 			15.65 			29.18

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 								136,280 									7.6 			32.98 					68,590 			25.42 			39.35

Protective	service	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									67,710 									3.8 			18.34 					38,150 			14.35 			21.08

Computer	systems	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,650 									3.2 			36.54 					76,000 			30.38 			42.45

Managers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,530 									3.2 			43.25 					89,960 			33.51 			53.46

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,130 									2.7 			32.32 					67,230 			26.79 			37.91

Legal	support	workers,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									46,610 									2.6 			23.46 					48,790 			18.30 			26.16

Management	analysts ...................................................................................................................................................... 									42,780 									2.4 			36.14 					75,170 			28.62 			43.09

Tax	examiners,	collectors,	and	revenue	agents ...................................................................................................................................................... 									35,010 									1.9 			28.21 					58,680 			19.11 			37.29

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									32,030 									1.8 			19.49 					40,540 			17.11 			21.69

State government (OES designation) (NAICS 999200)

Correctional	officers	and	jailers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								240,760 								10.7 			17.90 $ $					37,220 $ $ 			13.28 			21.47

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								100,610 									4.5 			13.30 					27,670 			10.17 			16.16

Business	operations	specialists,	all	other ...................................................................................................................................................... 									62,390 									2.8 			24.78 					51,540 			19.26 			30.19

Child,	family,	and	school	social	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									58,090 									2.6 			18.58 					38,650 			14.64 			21.81

Police	and	sheriff's	patrol	officers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,950 									2.6 			24.12 					50,180 			18.81 			29.25

Executive	secretaries	and	administrative	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									57,500 									2.6 			16.99 					35,330 			12.78 			20.29

Probation	officers	and	correctional	treatment	specialists ...................................................................................................................................................... 									49,010 									2.2 			21.44 					44,590 			15.58 			25.88

Social	and	human	service	assistants ...................................................................................................................................................... 									47,130 									2.1 			14.19 					29,510 				9.51 			18.90

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									39,440 									1.8 			15.16 					31,530 			11.87 			18.08

Registered	nurses ...................................................................................................................................................... 									38,740 									1.7 			24.69 					51,350 			20.30 			28.94

Page 49
Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

		Percent	of

				Industry

Employment

Mean	wages

25th 75th

Local government (OES designation) (NAICS 999300)

Police	and	sheriff's	patrol	officers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								532,370 									9.9 			22.64 $ $					47,090 $ $ 			16.63 			27.76

Fire	fighters ...................................................................................................................................................... 								261,070 									4.8 			19.62 					40,810 			13.75 			25.13

Office	clerks,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 								205,740 									3.8 			13.01 					27,070 				9.95 			15.79

Correctional	officers	and	jailers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								139,410 									2.6 			17.12 					35,620 			12.65 			21.35

Highway	maintenance	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 								100,630 									1.9 			14.69 					30,550 			11.15 			17.67

Recreation	workers ...................................................................................................................................................... 									96,230 									1.8 			11.13 					23,140 				7.73 			13.22

Maintenance	and	repair	workers,	general ...................................................................................................................................................... 									94,780 									1.8 			16.00 					33,280 			11.70 			19.89

Secretaries,	except	legal,	medical,	and	executive ...................................................................................................................................................... 									91,030 									1.7 			14.52 					30,210 			11.38 			17.32

Janitors	and	cleaners,	except	maids	and	housekeeping	cleaners ...................................................................................................................................................... 									82,780 									1.5 			11.60 					24,120 				8.71 			13.98

Water	and	liquid	waste	treatment	plant	and	system	operators ...................................................................................................................................................... 									81,970 									1.5 			17.25 					35,890 			13.13 			20.92

Page 50

1 Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage

by a ‘year-round, full-time’ hours figure of 2,080 hours; for occupations for which 

an hourly mean wage is not published, the annual wage has been directly

calculated from the reported survey data. 2 Represents a wage above $70.00 an hour.

3 Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full

time, are reported either as hourly wages or annual salaries depending on how

they are typically paid. 4 Estimates not released.

134

	 Hourly	 Annual1

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational 

Employment Statistics survey, May 2005—Continued 
135

Page

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2005 

Contents

11-0000 Management Occupations

11-1011 Chief executives ..................................................................................................................... 139

11-1021 General and operations managers ......................................................................................... 140

11-2022 Sales Managers...................................................................................................................... 141

11-3021 Computer and information systems managers....................................................................... 142

11-3031 Financial managers ................................................................................................................ 143

13-0000 Business and Financial Operations Occupations

13-1023 Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products............................................ 144

13-1031 Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators ..................................................................... 145

13-1111 Management analysts............................................................................................................. 146

13-2011 Accountants and auditors ....................................................................................................... 147

	 13-2072	 Loan officers ........................................................................................................................... 148

15-0000 Computer and Mathematical Occupations

15-1021 Computer programmers.......................................................................................................... 149

15-1031 Computer software engineers, applications............................................................................ 150

15-1032 Computer software engineers, systems software................................................................... 151

15-1041 Computer support specialists ................................................................................................. 152

15-1051 Computer systems analysts.................................................................................................... 153

17-0000 Architecture and Engineering Occupations

17-2051 Civil engineers ........................................................................................................................ 154

17-2071 Electrical engineers ................................................................................................................ 155

17-2112 Industrial engineers ................................................................................................................ 156

17-2141 Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................. 157

17-3023 Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................... 158

19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

19-1042 Medical scientists, except epidemiologists ............................................................................. 159

19-2031 Chemists................................................................................................................................. 160

19-2041 Environmental scientists and specialists, including health ..................................................... 161

19-3021 Market research analysts........................................................................................................ 162

19-3031 Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists....................................................................... 163

21-0000 Community and Social Services Occupations

21-1012 Educational, vocational, and school counselors..................................................................... 164

21-1015 Rehabilitation counselors........................................................................................................ 165

21-1021 Child, family, and school social workers ................................................................................. 166

21-1023 Mental health and substance abuse social workers ............................................................... 167

21-1093 Social and human service assistants...................................................................................... 168

23-0000 Legal Occupations

23-1011 Lawyers .................................................................................................................................. 169

23-1023 Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates .......................................................................... 170

23-2011 Paralegals and legal assistants .............................................................................................. 171

23-2092 Law clerks............................................................................................................................... 172

23-2093 Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers........................................................................... 173
136

Page

25-0000 Education, Training, and Library Occupations

25-2011 Preschool teachers, except special education........................................................................ 174

25-2021 Elementary school teachers, except special education.......................................................... 175

25-2022 Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education ......................................... 176

25-2031 Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education................................... 177

25-9041 Teacher assistants.................................................................................................................. 178

27-0000 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations

27-1024 Graphic designers................................................................................................................... 179

27-1026 Merchandise displayers and window trimmers....................................................................... 180

27-2022 Coaches and scouts ............................................................................................................... 181

27-3031 Public relations specialists...................................................................................................... 182

27-3041 Editors..................................................................................................................................... 183

29-0000 Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Occupations

29-1051 Pharmacists............................................................................................................................ 184

29-1111 Registered nurses................................................................................................................... 185

29-2041 Emergency medical technicians and paramedics................................................................... 186

29-2052 Pharmacy technicians............................................................................................................. 187

29-2061 Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................. 188

31-0000 Healthcare Support Occupations

31-1011 Home health aides.................................................................................................................. 189

31-1012 Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants ................................................................................ 190

31-9091 Dental assistants .................................................................................................................... 191

31-9092 Medical assistants .................................................................................................................. 192

31-9094 Medical transcriptionists ......................................................................................................... 193

33-0000 Protective Service Occupations

	 33-2011	 Fire fighters............................................................................................................................. 194

	 33-3012	 Correctional officers and jailers .............................................................................................. 195

	 33-3051	 Police and sheriff’s patrol officers ........................................................................................... 196

33-9032 Security guards....................................................................................................................... 197

33-9092 Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers............................... 198

35-0000 Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

35-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers ............................. 199

35-2014 Cooks, restaurant ................................................................................................................... 200

35-2021 Food preparation workers....................................................................................................... 201

35-3021 Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food.................................... 202

35-3031 Waiters and waitresses........................................................................................................... 203

37-0000 Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations

37-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers ............................... 204

37-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, 

 and groundskeeping workers.................................................................................................. 205

37-2011 Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners ......................................... 206

37-2012 Maids and housekeeping cleaners ......................................................................................... 207

37-3011 Landscaping and groundskeeping workers ............................................................................ 208

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2005 

Contents—Continued
137

Page 39-0000 Personal Care and Service Occupations

39-3091 Amusement and recreation attendants................................................................................... 209

39-5012 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists........................................................................ 210

39-9011 Child care workers.................................................................................................................. 211

39-9021 Personal and home care aides............................................................................................... 212

39-9032 Recreation workers................................................................................................................. 213

41-0000 Sales and Related Occupations

41-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers.......................................................... 214

41-2011 Cashiers.................................................................................................................................. 215

41-2021 Counter and rental clerks........................................................................................................ 216

41-2031 Retail salespersons ................................................................................................................ 217

41-4012 Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except

	 	 technical and scientific products............................................................................................. 218

43-0000 Office and Administrative Support Occupations

43-3031 Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks........................................................................ 219

43-4051 Customer service representatives .......................................................................................... 220

	 43-5081	 Stock clerks and order fillers................................................................................................... 221

43-6014 Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.................................................................. 222

	 43-9061	 Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................. 223

45-0000 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

45-2041 Graders and sorters, agricultural products ............................................................................. 224

45-2091 Agricultural equipment operators............................................................................................ 225

45-2092 Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse................................................... 226

45-2093 Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals ................................................................................... 227

45-4022 Logging equipment operators................................................................................................. 228

47-0000 Construction and Extraction Occupations

47-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers..................... 229

47-2031 Carpenters.............................................................................................................................. 230

47-2061 Construction laborers.............................................................................................................. 231

47-2111 Electricians ............................................................................................................................. 232

	 47-2152	 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters ................................................................................... 233

49-0000 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

49-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers ................................ 234

49-3023 Automotive service technicians and mechanics...................................................................... 235

49-3031 Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists ......................................................... 236

49-9021 Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers..................................... 237

49-9042 Maintenance and repair workers, general............................................................................... 238

51-0000 Production Occupations

51-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers.................................... 239

51-2092 Team assemblers .................................................................................................................... 240

51-9061 Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers .............................................................. 241

	 51-9111	 Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................. 242

51-9198 Helpers--production workers ................................................................................................... 243

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2005 

Contents—Continued
138

Page

53-0000 Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

53-3032 Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer.................................................................................... 244

53-3033 Truck drivers, light or delivery services ................................................................................... 245

53-7051 Industrial truck and tractor operators....................................................................................... 246

53-7062 Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand ......................................................... 247

53-7064 Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................. 248

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2005 

Contents—Continued
139

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 20,670 $40.35 $83,930

2. Management of companies and enterprises 20,110 76.93 160,020

3. Elementary and secondary schools 10,030 53.36 110,990

4. Depository credit intermediation 8,030 71.72 149,170

5. Architectural and engineering services 7,730 73.26 152,380

1. Securities and commodity exchanges 30 89.24 185,620

2. Department stores 40 86.96 180,880

3. Agents and managers for public figures 80 86.52 179,970

4. Other financial investment activities 1,760 86.08 179,050

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 730 85.42 177,680

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New Hampshire 4,700 $60.82 $126,500 0.76

2. Idaho 4,380 43.03 89,500 0.73

3. Massachusetts 21,950 67.21 139,800 0.70

4. Oklahoma 8,090 48.80 101,500 0.56

5. District of Columbia 3,100 74.14 154,220 0.51

1. New Jersey 2,510 82.88 172,390 0.06

2. Washington 1,850 78.52 163,320 0.07

3. California 35,880 78.15 162,540 0.24

4. Connecticut 2,720 76.90 159,950 0.17

5. North Carolina 2,530 76.15 158,390 0.07

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Portsmouth, NH-ME 540 $64.39 $133,930 0.98

2. Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division 420 58.94 122,590 0.91

3. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 660 61.83 128,610 0.88

4. Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, MA 420 60.52 125,890 0.85

5. Pocatello, ID 310 41.16 85,600 0.84

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,860 86.40 179,720 0.33

2. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 690 85.15 177,100 0.07

3. Winston-Salem, NC 190 85.14 177,090 0.09

4. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 1,090 85.02 176,840 0.08

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 690 84.88 176,550 0.16

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

11-1011 Chief executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide the overall direction of companies or private and public 

sector organizations within the guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body.

Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of 

subordinate executives and staff managers.

Industry
140

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management of companies and enterprises 58,210 $55.90 $116,280

2. Local government (OES designation) 47,570 36.07 75,030

3. Building equipment contractors 33,010 46.67 97,070

4. Depository credit intermediation 32,620 46.59 96,910

5. Computer systems design and related services 31,920 60.03 124,860

1. Other financial investment activities 7,070 64.86 134,900

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 7,830 64.81 134,800

3. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 2,030 64.65 134,470

4. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 3,500 64.34 133,820

5. Scientific research and development services 12,720 63.49 132,060

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Alaska 7,690 $33.65 $69,990 2.56

2. Montana 10,610 28.84 59,980 2.56

3. Idaho 13,410 28.22 58,690 2.24

4. District of Columbia 12,650 51.27 106,650 2.07

5. Wyoming 5,190 32.78 68,190 2.06

1. New Jersey 40,600 63.76 132,620 1.04

2. Washington 16,860 57.87 120,370 0.64

3. Connecticut 20,350 57.57 119,750 1.24

4. New York 84,790 56.17 116,840 1.02

5. Virginia 33,230 53.26 110,780 0.94

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Billings, MT 2,300 $30.93 $64,340 2.96

2. Missoula, MT 1,520 27.63 57,470 2.78

3. Great Falls, MT 910 31.56 65,650 2.68

4. Anchorage, AK 4,130 35.26 73,340 2.56

5. Coeur d'Alene, ID 1,280 27.65 57,510 2.54

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 6,440 67.49 140,370 1.53

2. Edison, NJ Metropolitan Division 10,020 64.44 134,040 1.02

3. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 53,980 63.76 132,620 1.10

4. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 11,160 63.68 132,460 1.12

5. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 2,040 63.08 131,210 0.93

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

11-1021 General and operations managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of companies or public and private sector organizations. 

Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the 

use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any 

one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative 

services. Include owners and managers who head small business establishments whose duties are 

primarily managerial.

Industry
141

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automobile dealers 21,980 $51.45 $107,020

2. Management of companies and enterprises 21,190 50.14 104,290

3. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 9,740 55.13 114,660

4. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers 8,400 47.52 98,850

5. Computer systems design and related services 7,970 60.32 125,460

1. Pipeline transportation of natural gas 30 66.06 137,410

2. Other financial investment activities 1,340 64.13 133,390

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 3,210 62.97 130,980

4. Accessories and other apparel manufacturing 50 62.76 130,530

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 1,280 62.52 130,040

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Georgia 17,960 $46.78 $97,300 0.46

2. North Carolina 13,170 44.41 92,380 0.35

3. Massachusetts 10,710 53.02 110,290 0.34

4. California 48,770 52.86 109,950 0.33

5. Arizona 7,920 39.53 82,230 0.33

1. New York 13,430 64.56 134,280 0.16

2. New Jersey 11,690 55.55 115,540 0.30

3. Connecticut 4,790 54.45 113,250 0.29

4. Washington 5,070 54.36 113,080 0.19

5. Massachusetts 10,710 53.02 110,290 0.34

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA 13,780 $48.80 $101,500 0.61

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,580 66.24 137,770 0.53

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 750 56.01 116,500 0.48

4. Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division 220 55.00 114,400 0.48

5. Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA 390 30.55 63,540 0.47

1. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 50 67.43 140,240 0.06

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,630 66.51 138,340 0.13

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,580 66.24 137,770 0.53

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 11,150 66.09 137,470 0.23

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,580 62.33 129,650 0.38

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

11-2022 Sales managers

Direct the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales 

distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales 

representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory 

requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

Industry
142

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 37,030 $54.42 $113,190

2. Management of companies and enterprises 21,060 52.50 109,200

3. Insurance carriers 10,720 50.44 104,920

4. Colleges and universities 8,380 40.20 83,620

5. Data processing and related services 8,280 50.52 105,090

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 2,810 61.98 128,910

2. Securities and commodity exchanges 190 60.44 125,710

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 4,940 59.81 124,410

4. Other financial investment activities 2,110 58.02 120,680

5. Sound recording industries 30 57.84 120,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 3,010 $49.41 $102,780 0.49

2. New Jersey 13,440 60.02 124,840 0.34

3. Massachusetts 10,330 53.26 110,780 0.33

4. Minnesota 8,420 50.21 104,440 0.32

5. Connecticut 5,020 51.87 107,890 0.31

1. New Jersey 13,440 60.02 124,840 0.34

2. New York 18,410 57.85 120,320 0.22

3. California 35,080 56.40 117,320 0.24

4. Virginia 10,100 54.64 113,640 0.29

5. Massachusetts 10,330 53.26 110,780 0.33

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,700 $67.45 $140,290 0.66

2. Portsmouth, NH-ME 340 52.12 108,410 0.62

3. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 1,210 47.11 97,990 0.55

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 4,960 62.95 130,930 0.52

5. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 11,540 54.80 113,980 0.52

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,700 67.45 140,290 0.66

2. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 3,220 64.21 133,550 0.32

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 4,960 62.95 130,930 0.52

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 14,610 62.20 129,380 0.30

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,430 62.13 129,220 0.34

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers

Industry

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information 

systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
143

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Depository credit intermediation 72,450 $40.07 $83,350

2. Management of companies and enterprises 37,340 52.77 109,760

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 18,660 63.79 132,680

4. Nondepository credit intermediation 18,480 48.49 100,870

5. Local government (OES designation) 18,010 33.47 69,620

1. Other financial investment activities 12,380 67.08 139,520

2. Securities and commodity exchanges 290 65.50 136,230

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 18,660 63.79 132,680

4. Other information services 100 60.10 125,010

5. Other investment pools and funds 1,070 59.43 123,600

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 4,360 $46.75 $97,240 0.71

2. Massachusetts 19,040 50.89 105,850 0.61

3. Connecticut 9,920 52.28 108,750 0.60

4. New York 48,590 61.38 127,660 0.58

5. New Hampshire 3,150 39.13 81,390 0.51

1. New York 48,590 61.38 127,660 0.58

2. New Jersey 18,540 56.44 117,390 0.47

3. Connecticut 9,920 52.28 108,750 0.60

4. Massachusetts 19,040 50.89 105,850 0.61

5. Minnesota 11,240 50.84 105,750 0.43

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 39,070 $66.00 $137,280 0.79

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 7,210 57.88 120,390 0.76

3. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 12,110 57.02 118,600 0.74

4. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 4,090 50.26 104,540 0.74

5. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 6,360 60.64 126,130 0.73

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 39,070 66.00 137,280 0.79

2. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 3,070 63.91 132,930 0.73

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 6,360 60.64 126,130 0.73

4. Danbury, CT 270 59.53 123,810 0.39

5. Edison, NJ Metropolitan Division 4,310 58.81 122,320 0.44

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

11-3031 Financial managers

Plan, direct, and coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial 

activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

Industry
144

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Federal government (OES designation) 26,510 $32.01 $66,580

2. Management of companies and enterprises 15,170 27.19 56,560

3. Local government (OES designation) 9,390 22.77 47,350

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 8,600 28.04 58,320

5. Electronic instrument manufacturing 7,880 26.96 56,090

1. Remediation and other waste services 150 34.80 72,380

2. Pipeline transportation of crude oil 40 33.62 69,930

3. Software publishers 550 33.54 69,760

4. Federal government (OES designation) 26,510 32.01 66,580

5. Telecommunications resellers 560 31.08 64,640

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 2,780 $36.95 $76,850 0.46

2. Virginia 11,840 29.02 60,360 0.34

3. Wisconsin 7,680 23.25 48,350 0.28

4. Michigan 11,960 28.32 58,910 0.28

5. Washington 6,600 27.10 56,360 0.25

1. District of Columbia 2,780 36.95 76,850 0.46

2. Virginia 11,840 29.02 60,360 0.34

3. New Jersey 7,620 28.72 59,730 0.20

4. Maryland 6,110 28.59 59,470 0.25

5. Michigan 11,960 28.32 58,910 0.28

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Huntsville, AL 1,470 $30.93 $64,330 0.77

2. Warner Robins, GA 330 28.78 59,860 0.65

3. Elkhart-Goshen, IN 620 20.41 42,460 0.49

4. Ogden-Clearfield, UT 900 26.09 54,270 0.48

5. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,690 31.78 66,100 0.43

1. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA 340 35.37 73,570 0.40

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 9,310 34.06 70,850 0.42

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,690 31.78 66,100 0.43

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 1,700 31.28 65,060 0.18

5. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 4,830 31.25 65,000 0.40

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Industry

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of 

an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing. Include contract 

specialists, field contractors, purchasers, price analysts, tooling coordinators, and media buyers.

13-1023 Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm 

products
145

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Insurance carriers 136,740 $23.91 $49,740

2. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 63,120 23.51 48,900

3. Management of companies and enterprises 7,520 22.32 46,430

4. State government (OES designation) 7,450 22.88 47,590

5. Insurance and employee benefit funds 4,270 21.27 44,240

1. Rail transportation 280 30.64 63,730

2. Other professional and technical services 28.73 - 59,750

3. Power generation and supply 28.28 - 58,830

4. Architectural and engineering services 60 27.08 56,330

5. Federal government (OES designation) 70 26.51 55,150

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Connecticut 5,520 $24.97 $51,930 0.34

2. Kansas 3,350 22.69 47,200 0.26

3. Pennsylvania 14,010 21.70 45,130 0.25

4. New York 20,390 25.76 53,590 0.25

5. Nebraska 2,140 19.46 40,480 0.24

1. Alaska 220 30.14 62,680 0.07

2. Hawaii 800 26.89 55,930 0.14

3. Louisiana 3,520 26.68 55,490 0.19

4. New Hampshire 1,100 26.57 55,260 0.18

5. California 26,880 26.48 55,080 0.18

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 4,280 $24.91 $51,810 0.78

2. Columbia, SC 2,090 19.21 39,960 0.63

3. Lakeland, FL 1,280 20.96 43,590 0.62

4. Worcester, MA-CT 1,500 24.39 50,740 0.62

5. Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA 1,720 20.59 42,840 0.55

1. Ann Arbor, MI 32.14 - 66,860 -

2. Anchorage, AK 220 30.21 62,830 0.14

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 970 30.08 62,560 0.11

4. Greeley, CO 29.90 - 62,180 -

5. New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA 1,510 29.48 61,320 0.25

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

13-1031 Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements have been made in accordance with 

company practices and procedures, ensuring that proper methods have been followed. Report 

overpayments, underpayments, and other irregularities. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring 

litigation.

Industry
146

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management and technical consulting services 103,640 $42.67 $88,740

2. Federal government (OES designation) 42,780 36.14 75,170

3. State government (OES designation) 27,930 24.60 51,170

4. Computer systems design and related services 26,520 39.40 81,950

5. Management of companies and enterprises 26,140 34.92 72,630

1. General rental centers 70 52.49 109,170

2. Lessors of real estate 370 50.22 104,460

3. Consumer goods rental 46.83 - 97,410

4. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 4,930 44.28 92,100

5. Management and technical consulting services 103,640 42.67 88,740

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 16,560 $38.21 $79,470 2.71

2. Virginia 31,760 38.42 79,920 0.90

3. Delaware 3,090 38.19 79,440 0.74

4. Maryland 16,560 36.41 75,730 0.66

5. Massachusetts 16,940 42.67 88,750 0.54

1. Massachusetts 16,940 42.67 88,750 0.54

2. New Jersey 15,130 40.54 84,320 0.39

3. New Hampshire 1,190 40.12 83,440 0.19

4. Georgia 16,960 40.06 83,330 0.43

5. California 55,860 39.29 81,730 0.38

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL 3,910 $24.45 $50,860 2.39

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 41,360 39.43 82,010 1.85

3. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 2,680 35.46 73,760 1.22

4. Carson City, NV 370 28.08 58,400 1.18

5. Austin-Round Rock, TX 6,670 26.49 55,100 0.97

1. Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division 82.14 - 170,840 -

2. Punta Gorda, FL 40 53.09 110,430 0.11

3. Gainesville, GA 110 48.92 101,760 0.17

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,240 47.12 98,010 0.61

5. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL Metropolitan Division 1,740 46.19 96,080 0.32

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

13-1111 Management analysts

Industry

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work 

simplifications and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to 

assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Include program analysts and 

management consultants.
147

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Accounting and bookkeeping services 237,750 $30.93 $64,340

2. Management of companies and enterprises 62,360 27.65 57,510

3. Local government (OES designation) 37,330 24.20 50,330

4. State government (OES designation) 35,120 22.48 46,760

5. Federal government (OES designation) 29,660 29.89 62,170

1. Postal service 640 33.17 68,990

2. Securities and commodity exchanges 290 32.91 68,460

3. Metal and mineral merchant wholesalers 1,390 32.56 67,730

4. Internet publishing and broadcasting 410 32.12 66,820

5. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing 790 31.79 66,130

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 10,780 $31.69 $65,910 1.76

2. Delaware 4,600 25.79 53,630 1.10

3. Connecticut 17,980 31.76 66,050 1.09

4. New York 88,310 32.88 68,390 1.06

5. Colorado 22,390 28.06 58,360 1.04

1. New York 88,310 32.88 68,390 1.06

2. New Jersey 35,750 32.29 67,160 0.91

3. Connecticut 17,980 31.76 66,050 1.09

4. District of Columbia 10,780 31.69 65,910 1.76

5. Rhode Island 4,340 31.14 64,780 0.91

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL 3,030 $21.10 $43,880 1.85

2. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 6,930 34.89 72,580 1.64

3. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 2,890 32.56 67,730 1.31

4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 28,930 32.21 66,990 1.30

5. Bismarck, ND 710 19.98 41,550 1.28

1. Odessa, TX 260 38.92 80,960 0.51

2. Fresno, CA 1,580 36.13 75,150 0.50

3. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 340 35.66 74,180 0.45

4. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 6,930 34.89 72,580 1.64

5. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 61,480 34.88 72,560 1.25

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

13-2011 Accountants and auditors

Industry

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records for the purpose of giving advice or preparing 

statements. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
148

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Depository credit intermediation 128,490 $26.08 $54,240

2. Nondepository credit intermediation 110,940 29.76 61,900

3. Activities related to credit intermediation 59,310 31.17 64,830

4. Management of companies and enterprises 7,090 28.58 59,450

5. Insurance carriers 6,590 30.88 64,220

1. Lessors of real estate 180 36.17 75,230

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 1,810 36.10 75,090

3. Machinery and equipment rental and leasing 40 35.16 73,130

4. Activities related to real estate 2,210 32.95 68,540

5. Other investment pools and funds 100 32.70 68,020

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Utah 4,880 $22.53 $46,850 0.44

2. South Dakota 1,470 20.45 42,540 0.39

3. Rhode Island 1,780 33.49 69,660 0.37

4. Colorado 7,880 28.40 59,070 0.37

5. Minnesota 9,280 31.79 66,120 0.35

1. Massachusetts 7,300 39.17 81,470 0.23

2. Connecticut 3,220 38.03 79,100 0.20

3. New Hampshire 1,130 36.95 76,850 0.18

4. New York 13,330 35.19 73,180 0.16

5. California 40,170 34.51 71,790 0.27

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Carson City, NV 340 $14.47 $30,090 1.09

2. Danville, VA 270 16.64 34,610 0.63

3. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division 8,370 39.29 81,730 0.56

4. Great Falls, MT 180 16.57 34,470 0.53

5. Roanoke, VA 790 16.64 34,610 0.52

1. Lima, OH 48.68 - 101,250 -

2. Nashua, NH-MA NECTA Division 210 45.83 95,320 0.16

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 590 45.71 95,080 0.38

4. Greeley, CO 240 44.99 93,580 0.33

5. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 200 44.35 92,250 0.27

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

13-2072 Loan officers

Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise 

borrowers on financial status and methods of payments. Include mortgage loan officers and agents, 

collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.

Industry
149

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 114,580 $33.93 $70,570

2. Software publishers 18,350 37.22 77,420

3. Management of companies and enterprises 16,710 31.47 65,460

4. Insurance carriers 15,980 32.14 66,850

5. Employment services 13,060 37.30 77,580

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 3,680 44.52 92,600

2. Satellite telecommunications 50 42.41 88,220

3. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 40 39.49 82,140

4. Postal service 90 37.72 78,460

5. Employment services 13,060 37.30 77,580

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Utah 5,760 $30.78 $64,010 0.52

2. New Jersey 19,640 38.41 79,880 0.50

3. District of Columbia 2,910 31.48 65,480 0.48

4. Virginia 16,400 32.39 67,370 0.46

5. Washington 11,760 40.19 83,590 0.44

1. Washington 11,760 40.19 83,590 0.44

2. Massachusetts 11,170 38.73 80,550 0.36

3. New Jersey 19,640 38.41 79,880 0.50

4. California 35,330 36.11 75,100 0.24

5. Texas 30,840 35.19 73,190 0.33

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Jefferson City, MO 890 $31.33 $65,160 1.20

2. Carson City, NV 250 30.76 63,990 0.80

3. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY 3,350 28.07 58,380 0.78

4. Huntsville, AL 1,440 38.05 79,150 0.76

5. Bloomington, IN 540 24.05 50,030 0.73

1. Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY 800 47.14 98,050 0.32

2. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 44.82 - 93,230 -

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,460 43.69 90,880 0.63

4. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 4,760 41.85 87,040 0.48

5. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 3,340 41.65 86,630 0.35

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

15-1021 Computer programmers

Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts 

for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve 

specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.

Industry
150

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 149,290 $38.36 $79,790

2. Software publishers 40,340 40.09 83,390

3. Management of companies and enterprises 21,330 36.64 76,210

4. Management and technical consulting services 16,310 39.40 81,950

5. Insurance carriers 14,950 35.26 73,330

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 12,800 45.56 94,760

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 9,310 43.73 90,950

3. Securities and commodity exchanges 100 43.16 89,780

4. Other financial investment activities 2,670 42.84 89,100

5. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets 450 42.63 88,670

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Virginia 29,320 $38.09 $79,230 0.83

2. Massachusetts 21,340 42.49 88,380 0.68

3. Washington 18,020 39.63 82,430 0.68

4. Colorado 14,510 39.36 81,870 0.67

5. New Hampshire 3,870 38.17 79,400 0.62

1. California 90,210 42.66 88,720 0.61

2. Massachusetts 21,340 42.49 88,380 0.68

3. New Jersey 17,340 41.33 85,970 0.44

4. New York 26,580 40.36 83,940 0.32

5. Washington 18,020 39.63 82,430 0.68

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 22,470 $47.72 $99,250 2.59

2. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 3,060 45.31 94,240 1.98

3. Boulder, CO 2,510 40.14 83,490 1.61

4. Nashua, NH-MA NECTA Division 1,970 36.12 75,130 1.46

5. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 1,550 43.81 91,120 1.32

1. York-Hanover, PA 160 54.86 114,110 0.09

2. Salinas, CA 150 48.47 100,810 0.10

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 22,470 47.72 99,250 2.59

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 10,970 46.81 97,360 1.15

5. Chattanooga, TN-GA 270 45.92 95,510 0.12

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

15-1031 Computer software engineers, applications

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. 

Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use 

with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an 

application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Industry
151

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 86,710 $40.69 $84,630

2. Software publishers 19,420 42.22 87,820

3. Scientific research and development services 18,750 46.75 97,240

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 18,240 44.25 92,030

5. Data processing and related services 15,010 37.00 76,950

1. Scientific research and development services 18,750 46.75 97,240

2. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 18,240 44.25 92,030

3. Druggists' goods merchant wholesalers 60 44.18 91,900

4. Magnetic media manufacturing and reproducing 1,140 44.14 91,810

5. Specialized design services 60 44.09 91,700

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Virginia 24,190 $43.67 $90,830 0.68

2. Massachusetts 18,530 42.63 88,680 0.59

3. Maryland 13,200 44.86 93,310 0.53

4. Colorado 9,570 40.79 84,850 0.45

5. District of Columbia 2,500 39.79 82,770 0.41

1. New Jersey 15,930 46.53 96,780 0.41

2. Maryland 13,200 44.86 93,310 0.53

3. California 45,430 44.44 92,440 0.31

4. Oregon 2,000 44.10 91,740 0.13

5. Virginia 24,190 43.67 90,830 0.68

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 1,890 $45.04 $93,680 1.60

2. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 2,450 45.01 93,630 1.58

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 13,480 50.37 104,760 1.56

4. Colorado Springs, CO 3,010 38.51 80,110 1.24

5. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 23,930 44.45 92,470 1.07

1. Fort Smith, AR-OK 40 62.44 129,880 0.03

2. Barnstable Town, MA 40 54.18 112,680 0.04

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 13,480 50.37 104,760 1.56

4. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 3,560 49.75 103,470 0.36

5. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA 49.19 - 102,310 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

15-1032 Computer software engineers, systems software

Industry

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network 

distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, 

scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and 

analyze software requirements. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, 

engineering, and mathematical analysis.
152

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 85,760 $21.59 $44,900

2. Elementary and secondary schools 26,780 18.67 38,820

3. Colleges and universities 24,900 19.12 39,760

4. Management of companies and enterprises 23,270 21.80 45,350

5. Software publishers 19,840 24.33 50,610

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 4,400 29.75 61,890

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 4,380 26.84 55,830

3. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 2,210 26.22 54,540

4. Natural gas distribution 360 26.19 54,480

5. Monetary authorities - central bank 610 26.18 54,450

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 4,060 $22.38 $46,550 0.66

2. Virginia 22,710 22.05 45,870 0.64

3. Colorado 12,820 23.45 48,780 0.60

4. Vermont 1,550 19.08 39,680 0.52

5. Maryland 12,500 21.23 44,160 0.50

1. Massachusetts 15,500 26.52 55,170 0.49

2. Delaware 2,080 24.37 50,690 0.50

3. Connecticut 6,530 23.85 49,610 0.40

4. Colorado 12,820 23.45 48,780 0.60

5. New York 30,730 23.42 48,710 0.37

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,840 $33.67 $70,030 1.19

2. Boulder, CO 1,650 25.72 53,500 1.06

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 7,890 29.72 61,810 0.91

4. Raleigh-Cary, NC 4,150 20.59 42,830 0.91

5. Springfield, IL 960 21.86 45,470 0.87

1. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,840 33.67 70,030 1.19

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 7,890 29.72 61,810 0.91

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 5,340 28.99 60,290 0.56

4. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 2,080 27.57 57,340 0.49

5. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 9,570 26.87 55,890 0.59

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

15-1041 Computer support specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems 

for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use 

of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, 

and operating systems.

Industry
153

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 85,020 $35.27 $73,360

2. Federal government (OES designation) 57,650 36.54 76,000

3. Management of companies and enterprises 30,890 33.78 70,260

4. Insurance carriers 30,300 33.36 69,380

5. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 19,560 37.87 78,760

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 4,880 39.46 82,090

2. Automotive equipment rental and leasing 110 38.17 79,400

3. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 19,560 37.87 78,760

4. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 5,450 37.73 78,470

5. Scientific research and development services 6,570 37.65 78,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 10,350 $39.36 $81,870 1.69

2. Virginia 31,750 36.17 75,230 0.90

3. Maryland 20,780 36.72 76,380 0.83

4. Connecticut 10,110 35.60 74,040 0.61

5. Colorado 12,280 35.13 73,060 0.57

1. District of Columbia 10,350 39.36 81,870 1.69

2. New Jersey 19,500 37.43 77,850 0.50

3. Maryland 20,780 36.72 76,380 0.83

4. Virginia 31,750 36.17 75,230 0.90

5. Illinois 19,030 35.79 74,450 0.33

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Huntsville, AL 3,540 $34.47 $71,690 1.86

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 37,730 37.99 79,020 1.69

3. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 6,120 39.54 82,240 1.10

4. Durham, NC 2,660 37.33 77,650 1.05

5. Warner Robins, GA 520 31.51 65,550 1.02

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,370 41.11 85,510 0.62

2. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 4,670 40.05 83,290 0.47

3. Atlantic City, NJ 540 39.97 83,130 0.37

4. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 6,120 39.54 82,240 1.10

5. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 840 39.49 82,140 0.54

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

15-1051 Computer systems analysts

Industry

Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to 

electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to 

automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and 

scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
154

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 115,810 $34.14 $71,010

2. State government (OES designation) 31,280 29.86 62,100

3. Local government (OES designation) 28,960 33.29 69,240

4. Nonresidential building construction 10,640 31.70 65,940

5. Federal government (OES designation) 8,880 37.13 77,230

1. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers 130 46.90 97,560

2. Other professional and technical services 40.32 - 83,870

3. Building foundation and exterior contractors 740 39.04 81,190

4. Electronic instrument manufacturing 100 37.89 78,810

5. Residential building construction 1,860 37.88 78,790

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Washington 13,340 $33.87 $70,460 0.50

2. Colorado 7,530 33.05 68,730 0.35

3. Hawaii 1,860 30.85 64,170 0.32

4. Alaska 920 35.80 74,470 0.31

5. Wyoming 680 25.60 53,250 0.27

1. District of Columbia 870 39.91 83,010 0.14

2. California 38,530 36.57 76,070 0.26

3. Nevada 2,620 36.54 76,000 0.22

4. New Jersey 6,220 36.33 75,560 0.16

5. Nebraska 1,420 36.06 75,000 0.16

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Yuba City, CA 380 $32.18 $66,940 0.96

2. Carson City, NV 260 29.43 61,220 0.83

3. Jefferson City, MO 480 25.96 53,990 0.65

4. Ames, IA 250 32.20 66,970 0.62

5. Redding, CA 380 40.09 83,380 0.59

1. Cleveland, TN 40 48.01 99,860 0.10

2. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX 41.47 - 86,250 -

3. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 1,420 41.38 86,070 0.26

4. Burlington, NC 41.33 - 85,970 -

5. Glens Falls, NY 41.10 - 85,480 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

17-2051 Civil engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of 

building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, 

irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units. Include 

architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geo-technical engineers.

Industry
155

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 30,570 $36.26 $75,420

2. Electronic instrument manufacturing 13,900 38.04 79,110

3. Power generation and supply 11,360 36.10 75,090

4. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 10,620 39.62 82,400

5. Scientific research and development services 6,970 39.77 82,710

1. Satellite telecommunications 54.77 - 113,920

2. Motion picture and video industries 250 44.46 92,480

3. Activities related to real estate 43.71 - 90,920

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 2,900 40.78 84,820

5. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 1,100 40.28 83,790

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arizona 5,490 $37.27 $77,520 0.23

2. Massachusetts 6,650 41.23 85,750 0.21

3. Alabama 3,080 35.37 73,570 0.16

4. Virginia 5,770 35.84 74,550 0.16

5. New Hampshire 980 36.02 74,930 0.16

1. Massachusetts 6,650 41.23 85,750 0.21

2. California 18,840 40.58 84,410 0.13

3. Texas 12,900 40.47 84,180 0.14

4. District of Columbia 870 40.03 83,260 0.14

5. Alaska 200 40.03 83,260 0.07

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,210 $45.84 $95,350 0.78

2. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 790 39.48 82,120 0.67

3. Huntsville, AL 1,030 35.88 74,630 0.54

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,560 45.35 94,330 0.53

5. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO 490 29.31 60,960 0.40

1. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX 170 47.96 99,760 0.11

2. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA 47.87 - 99,570 -

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,210 45.84 95,350 0.78

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,560 45.35 94,330 0.53

5. Austin-Round Rock, TX 2,450 44.70 92,970 0.36

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

17-2071 Electrical engineers

Design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, 

components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Industry
156

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 14,460 $31.47 $65,460

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 13,020 32.73 68,080

3. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 11,030 35.70 74,250

4. Electronic instrument manufacturing 10,640 35.34 73,500

5. Architectural and engineering services 9,360 34.17 71,070

1. Specialized design services 200 42.57 88,550

2. Magnetic media manufacturing and reproducing 430 38.91 80,930

3. Oil and gas extraction 910 38.48 80,040

4. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 1,310 38.44 79,950

5. ISPs and web search portals 250 38.08 79,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Michigan 19,190 $33.72 $70,130 0.44

2. South Carolina 4,500 31.06 64,600 0.25

3. Connecticut 3,930 33.33 69,320 0.24

4. Ohio 12,180 31.63 65,790 0.23

5. Minnesota 5,640 33.46 69,590 0.21

1. Alaska 80 45.21 94,040 0.03

2. District of Columbia 41.95 - 87,260 -

3. California 20,400 38.13 79,300 0.14

4. Delaware 670 38.11 79,270 0.16

5. Massachusetts 6,290 36.13 75,150 0.20

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Holland-Grand Haven, MI 820 $28.70 $59,710 0.73

2. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division 5,360 36.40 75,720 0.66

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,330 44.28 92,100 0.62

4. Wichita, KS 1,690 28.43 59,140 0.59

5. Spartanburg, SC 660 33.67 70,040 0.55

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 5,330 44.28 92,100 0.62

2. Bakersfield, CA 270 42.25 87,890 0.11

3. Dover, DE 41.02 - 85,320 -

4. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 1,550 40.50 84,250 0.15

5. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 660 39.86 82,900 0.07

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

17-2112 Industrial engineers

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes 

including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost 

analysis, and production coordination.

Industry
157

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 47,060 $35.43 $73,690

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 13,270 36.10 75,090

3. Electronic instrument manufacturing 12,440 35.79 74,440

4. Scientific research and development services 10,660 36.61 76,150

5. Federal government (OES designation) 9,720 38.91 80,930

1. Spectator sports 150 41.00 85,270

2. Software publishers 120 39.43 82,010

3. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 38.97 - 81,070

4. Federal government (OES designation) 9,720 38.91 80,930

5. Oil and gas extraction 150 38.86 80,820

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Michigan 19,840 $33.41 $69,490 0.46

2. Connecticut 6,080 33.25 69,160 0.37

3. Rhode Island 1,270 37.36 77,700 0.27

4. Ohio 13,810 31.23 64,970 0.26

5. Wisconsin 6,990 30.17 62,750 0.26

1. District of Columbia 600 42.39 88,180 0.10

2. Delaware 580 39.00 81,130 0.14

3. New Mexico 1,040 38.06 79,170 0.14

4. New Jersey 5,590 38.06 79,160 0.14

5. Alaska 380 37.90 78,830 0.13

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Peoria, IL 1,660 $32.13 $66,830 0.95

2. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 9,050 33.87 70,460 0.76

3. Ann Arbor, MI 1,180 34.20 71,130 0.59

4. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 460 35.77 74,400 0.57

5. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 610 37.95 78,940 0.52

1. Tuscaloosa, AL 47.46 - 98,720 -

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,470 43.97 91,470 0.40

3. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA 50 42.17 87,700 0.04

4. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 110 41.64 86,610 0.11

5. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 2,120 40.57 84,390 0.21

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

17-2141 Mechanical engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically 

functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment as 

centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Industry
158

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 17,560 $21.29 $44,280

2. Architectural and engineering services 15,360 22.71 47,240

3. Electronic instrument manufacturing 11,550 21.97 45,690

4. Wired telecommunications carriers 9,500 24.83 51,640

5. Employment services 9,140 20.03 41,660

1. Federal government (OES designation) 7,930 31.86 66,270

2. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 170 31.07 64,620

3. Motion picture and video industries 550 29.74 61,860

4. Oil and gas extraction 450 28.25 58,770

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 2,790 28.08 58,400

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. New Mexico 1,970 $24.21 $50,360 0.26

2. Arizona 5,720 21.40 44,520 0.24

3. Idaho 1,290 21.78 45,310 0.22

4. Massachusetts 6,480 23.46 48,790 0.21

5. Oregon 3,250 21.18 44,060 0.20

1. Alaska 280 29.41 61,180 0.09

2. District of Columbia 530 29.15 60,630 0.09

3. Hawaii 490 26.05 54,180 0.08

4. Michigan 3,840 25.54 53,130 0.09

5. Washington 3,180 25.42 52,870 0.12

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Huntsville, AL 1,300 $22.03 $45,810 0.68

2. Warner Robins, GA 330 26.00 54,090 0.65

3. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 690 21.72 45,170 0.59

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,780 26.46 55,030 0.55

5. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL 1,080 21.16 44,020 0.53

1. Abilene, TX 30 34.34 71,430 0.05

2. Bakersfield, CA 630 32.97 68,580 0.26

3. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 220 31.20 64,900 0.27

4. Dover, DE 50 29.69 61,760 0.09

5. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA 50 29.54 61,430 0.06

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

17-3023 Electrical and electronic engineering technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering 

staff, to design, build, repair, calibrate, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and 

machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design 

decisions.

Industry
159

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Scientific research and development services 21,600 $36.15 $75,190

2. Colleges and universities 20,290 26.04 54,160

3. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 10,350 39.06 81,240

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 6,060 30.17 62,750

5. Offices of physicians 2,520 33.24 69,140

1. Computer systems design and related services 48.75 - 101,400

2. Federal government (OES designation) 2,040 45.99 95,660

3. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 60 45.38 94,380

4. Outpatient care centers 70 44.97 93,550

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 41.33 - 85,960

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Massachusetts 4,800 $35.93 $74,740 0.15

2. District of Columbia 880 34.47 71,690 0.14

3. Connecticut 2,270 39.77 82,710 0.14

4. Washington 3,300 33.45 69,580 0.12

5. Pennsylvania 6,480 31.58 65,680 0.12

1. Nevada 60 46.91 97,570 0.01

2. Colorado 760 44.11 91,740 0.04

3. Georgia 430 41.91 87,180 0.01

4. West Virginia 140 40.57 84,390 0.02

5. New Jersey 3,680 40.08 83,370 0.09

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Madison, WI 1,120 $24.12 $50,160 0.34

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 3,270 42.64 88,680 0.34

3. Pittsburgh, PA 3,430 29.62 61,600 0.31

4. Worcester, MA-CT 740 36.84 76,630 0.31

5. Gainesville, FL 320 29.31 60,960 0.26

1. Lubbock, TX 88.88 - 184,870 -

2. Tallahassee, FL 82.75 - 172,110 -

3. Lincoln, NE 40 69.39 144,320 0.03

4. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 1,300 44.78 93,140 0.23

5. Springfield, MO 44.65 - 92,860 -

19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human 

health. Engage in clinical investigation or other research, production, technical writing, or related 

activities. Include medical scientists such as physicians, dentists, public health specialists, 

pharmacologists, and medical pathologists. Exclude practitioners who provide medical or dental care or 

dispense drugs. 

 Industry 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

 State 

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

 Top paying MSAs for this occupation 

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

 Top paying States for this occupation 

 MSA 
160

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 12,920 $29.93 $62,250

2. Scientific research and development services 12,890 34.14 71,020

3. Architectural and engineering services 9,890 24.80 51,580

4. Federal government (OES designation) 5,560 41.29 85,890

5. Basic chemical manufacturing 3,710 30.20 62,810

1. Federal government (OES designation) 5,560 41.29 85,890

2. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 38.70 - 80,500

3. Other food manufacturing 170 37.15 77,260

4. Agricultural chemical manufacturing 1,140 35.52 73,870

5. Industrial machinery manufacturing 100 34.17 71,070

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Delaware 1,360 $35.15 $73,120 0.33

2. New Jersey 4,970 31.49 65,490 0.13

3. Maryland 3,140 38.77 80,640 0.13

4. North Carolina 3,660 28.36 58,990 0.10

5. West Virginia 670 27.64 57,480 0.10

1. Maryland 3,140 38.77 80,640 0.13

2. District of Columbia 540 37.03 77,020 0.09

3. Indiana 2,410 36.46 75,840 0.08

4. Massachusetts 2,850 35.17 73,160 0.09

5. Delaware 1,360 35.15 73,120 0.33

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division 1,350 $35.29 $73,410 0.40

2. Durham, NC 990 33.37 69,400 0.39

3. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 1,720 43.33 90,120 0.31

4. Boulder, CO 480 36.63 76,190 0.31

5. Oshkosh-Neenah, WI 210 28.87 60,040 0.24

1. Lafayette, IN 47.84 - 99,510 -

2. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 1,720 43.33 90,120 0.31

3. Indianapolis-Carmel, IN 1,120 41.89 87,130 0.13

4. Barnstable Town, MA 41.72 - 86,780 -

5. Gulfport-Biloxi, MS 70 41.47 86,260 0.06

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

 Top paying MSAs for this occupation 

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

 Top paying States for this occupation 

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

 State 

19-2031 Chemists

 Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or chemical experiments in laboratories for 

quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

 Industry 
161

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 18,300 $23.69 $49,280

2. Management and technical consulting services 14,510 29.59 61,550

3. Architectural and engineering services 10,790 27.72 57,660

4. Local government (OES designation) 10,230 25.35 52,730

5. Federal government (OES designation) 5,170 36.62 76,160

1. Other professional and technical services 37.91 - 78,850

2. Computer systems design and related services 36.77 - 76,490

3. Federal government (OES designation) 5,170 36.62 76,160

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 170 36.52 75,960

5. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 110 36.49 75,900

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Alaska 630 $28.19 $58,630 0.21

2. District of Columbia 1,210 38.81 80,730 0.20

3. Montana 630 20.10 41,810 0.15

4. Washington 3,330 30.20 62,810 0.13

5. Idaho 700 27.02 56,210 0.12

1. District of Columbia 1,210 38.81 80,730 0.20

2. Massachusetts 2,360 34.72 72,210 0.08

3. Nevada 520 34.28 71,310 0.04

4. Colorado 1,560 33.29 69,230 0.07

5. Virginia 3,160 31.90 66,360 0.09

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA 430 $38.82 $80,750 0.50

2. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 960 33.32 69,300 0.44

3. Tallahassee, FL 630 23.19 48,240 0.39

4. Carson City, NV 120 27.00 56,150 0.38

5. Jefferson City, MO 260 18.69 38,860 0.35

1. Charlottesville, VA 60 46.49 96,690 0.07

2. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA 130 39.32 81,780 0.04

3. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 300 39.16 81,460 0.04

4. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA 430 38.82 80,750 0.50

5. Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division 160 38.53 80,140 0.02

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources 

of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing 

knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based 

on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Industry

19-2041 Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
162

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management of companies and enterprises 17,570 $31.19 $64,870

2. Management and technical consulting services 16,190 30.93 64,330

3. Insurance carriers 7,810 28.60 59,490

4. Other professional and technical services 7,550 28.30 58,870

5. Computer systems design and related services 7,120 35.85 74,570

1. Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water 30 62.29 129,560

2. Chemical merchant wholesalers 290 43.77 91,040

3. Software publishers 4,780 41.42 86,140

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 3,190 41.41 86,140

5. Metal and mineral merchant wholesalers 120 40.50 84,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 3,100 $34.76 $72,290 0.51

2. Virginia 10,090 35.24 73,290 0.29

3. Washington 7,160 37.22 77,420 0.27

4. Minnesota 7,070 30.88 64,240 0.27

5. New York 21,630 32.14 66,840 0.26

1. Washington 7,160 37.22 77,420 0.27

2. Virginia 10,090 35.24 73,290 0.29

3. Connecticut 3,500 34.99 72,780 0.21

4. District of Columbia 3,100 34.76 72,290 0.51

5. Colorado 2,800 33.37 69,420 0.13

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 5,990 $39.07 $81,260 0.46

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 9,630 37.40 77,800 0.43

3. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 6,090 31.64 65,810 0.35

4. Austin-Round Rock, TX 2,400 37.58 78,170 0.35

5. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 17,060 33.44 69,560 0.35

1. Ann Arbor, MI 370 52.20 108,570 0.19

2. Durham, NC 780 41.68 86,690 0.31

3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 2,340 40.20 83,610 0.23

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,690 39.60 82,370 0.31

5. Sherman-Denison, TX 39.24 - 81,610 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

19-3021 Market research analysts

Industry

Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales of a 

product or service. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of 

marketing and distribution. May use survey results to create a marketing campaign based on 

regional preferences and buying habits.
163

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 41,270 $29.80 $61,980

2. Offices of other health practitioners 10,920 39.21 81,560

3. Individual and family services 6,510 26.03 54,140

4. Outpatient care centers 5,230 26.42 54,960

5. Offices of physicians 5,160 40.95 85,180

1. Management and technical consulting services 64.79 - 134,760

2. Other ambulatory health care services 50 49.03 101,970

3. Offices of physicians 5,160 40.95 85,180

4. Offices of other health practitioners 10,920 39.21 81,560

5. Religious organizations 35.79 - 74,440

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Montana 580 $21.02 $43,730 0.14

2. Rhode Island 660 37.49 77,980 0.14

3. New York 10,030 34.44 71,640 0.12

4. District of Columbia 730 28.70 59,690 0.12

5. New Jersey 4,650 45.03 93,660 0.12

1. New Jersey 4,650 45.03 93,660 0.12

2. Rhode Island 660 37.49 77,980 0.14

3. California 13,930 35.34 73,510 0.10

4. New York 10,030 34.44 71,640 0.12

5. Utah 820 32.95 68,530 0.08

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lebanon, PA 170 $29.49 $61,340 0.37

2. Napa, CA 190 56.00 116,470 0.30

3. Lawrence, KS 120 - 0.25 -

4. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 110 26.74 55,620 0.24

5. Prescott, AZ 120 25.04 52,070 0.20

1. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 2,030 57.99 120,610 0.20

2. Napa, CA 190 56.00 116,470 0.30

3. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 150 53.78 111,870 0.15

4. Ogden-Clearfield, UT 150 52.91 110,050 0.08

5. Morgantown, WV 40 48.97 101,860 0.07

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

19-3031 Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists

Diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional 

problems using individual, child, family, and group therapies. May design and implement behavior 

modification programs.

Industry
164

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 119,370 $25.95 $53,970

2. Colleges and universities 31,290 20.44 42,510

3. Junior colleges 14,120 24.97 51,950

4. Vocational rehabilitation services 12,540 15.35 31,920

5. Individual and family services 6,490 16.57 34,460

1. Federal government (OES designation) 720 28.45 59,180

2. Elementary and secondary schools 119,370 25.95 53,970

3. Management and technical consulting services 590 25.51 53,060

4. Professional and similar organizations 120 25.01 52,010

5. Junior colleges 14,120 24.97 51,950

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Louisiana 5,760 $20.90 $43,480 0.31

2. Vermont 770 22.06 45,890 0.26

3. Alaska 760 21.74 45,220 0.25

4. Oklahoma 3,370 17.14 35,660 0.23

5. New York 18,640 25.79 53,640 0.22

1. New Jersey 6,200 29.28 60,900 0.16

2. Illinois 8,100 27.57 57,350 0.14

3. Virginia 5,320 27.46 57,120 0.15

4. Michigan 5,850 26.59 55,300 0.14

5. Ohio 7,770 26.08 54,250 0.15

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Duluth, MN-WI 600 $18.35 $38,170 0.49

2. Barnstable Town, MA 440 18.58 38,640 0.45

3. Johnstown, PA 240 21.28 44,270 0.42

4. Shreveport-Bossier City, LA 670 22.11 45,990 0.41

5. Yuba City, CA 160 22.35 46,480 0.40

1. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 110 38.21 79,470 0.12

2. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 1,050 35.10 73,020 0.09

3. Bakersfield, CA 380 34.26 71,270 0.16

4. Visalia-Porterville, CA 140 33.08 68,810 0.11

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,830 31.79 66,130 0.15

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

21-1012 Educational, vocational, and school counselors

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

Industry
165

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Vocational rehabilitation services 28,200 $14.60 $30,370

2. Residential mental health facilities 21,890 12.47 25,930

3. Individual and family services 17,590 13.71 28,510

4. State government (OES designation) 16,410 19.35 40,250

5. Local government (OES designation) 6,960 17.22 35,820

1. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 80 21.26 44,210

2. Employment services 310 21.21 44,110

3. General medical and surgical hospitals 1,840 20.97 43,610

4. Colleges and universities 110 20.00 41,600

5. Management and technical consulting services 60 19.88 41,350

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Washington 10,670 $15.53 $32,310 0.40

2. Connecticut 3,460 17.28 35,950 0.21

3. Idaho 1,160 15.03 31,270 0.19

4. Maine 1,020 13.15 27,340 0.17

5. New Hampshire 990 14.93 31,050 0.16

1. Vermont 180 20.88 43,420 0.06

2. District of Columbia 390 19.54 40,650 0.06

3. Hawaii 240 19.21 39,960 0.04

4. Ohio 3,160 19.05 39,620 0.06

5. Michigan 1,850 18.95 39,410 0.04

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 260 $12.09 $25,140 0.60

2. Longview, WA 190 13.76 28,610 0.54

3. Bellingham, WA 390 18.66 38,820 0.52

4. Idaho Falls, ID 230 17.52 36,430 0.45

5. Olympia, WA 370 16.43 34,180 0.41

1. Jackson, MS 25.23 - 52,480 -

2. Norwich-New London, CT-RI 80 24.75 51,480 0.06

3. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 40 23.86 49,620 0.05

4. Bay City, MI 23.75 - 49,410 -

5. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI 90 23.75 49,390 0.02

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

21-1015 Rehabilitation counselors

Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, 

social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of 

daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and 

design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, 

training, and job placement.

Industry
166

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 58,090 $18.58 $38,650

2. Local government (OES designation) 49,950 20.79 43,250

3. Individual and family services 48,970 15.68 32,610

4. Elementary and secondary schools 37,370 23.80 49,500

5. Other residential care facilities 9,870 15.80 32,860

1. Junior colleges 470 24.13 50,190

2. Elementary and secondary schools 37,370 23.80 49,500

3. Colleges and universities 820 21.82 45,380

4. Office administrative services 140 21.15 44,000

5. Local government (OES designation) 49,950 20.79 43,250

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Oklahoma 5,700 $14.46 $30,080 0.39

2. Maine 2,330 17.02 35,390 0.39

3. Vermont 1,150 18.23 37,910 0.39

4. Delaware 1,580 18.09 37,620 0.38

5. Alaska 1,080 18.49 38,460 0.36

1. Connecticut 4,660 25.27 52,560 0.28

2. Rhode Island 1,580 23.40 48,670 0.33

3. New Jersey 8,250 23.34 48,550 0.21

4. Michigan 9,140 23.16 48,170 0.21

5. Massachusetts 8,520 22.61 47,020 0.27

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Bangor, ME 570 $15.17 $31,550 0.88

2. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 290 22.71 47,240 0.63

3. Williamsport, PA 290 17.30 35,990 0.55

4. Wheeling, WV-OH 350 14.50 30,160 0.54

5. Lynchburg, VA 520 16.99 35,340 0.53

1. Danbury, CT 110 26.62 55,380 0.16

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,440 26.35 54,800 0.12

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 160 26.34 54,780 0.10

4. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI 890 26.27 54,640 0.23

5. New Haven, CT 790 26.02 54,120 0.29

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

21-1021 Child, family, and school social workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children 

and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May 

assist single parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In 

schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise 

teachers on how to deal with problem children.

Industry
167

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Individual and family services 21,210 $17.48 $36,370

2. Outpatient care centers 17,980 17.48 36,360

3. Residential mental health facilities 17,050 15.33 31,900

4. Local government (OES designation) 12,240 18.77 39,040

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 9,860 19.14 39,820

1. Colleges and universities 200 22.27 46,330

2. Offices of other health practitioners 3,260 22.05 45,860

3. Professional and similar organizations 80 21.55 44,820

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 7,940 20.07 41,740

5. Offices of physicians 4,130 20.03 41,650

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Rhode Island 1,340 $19.48 $40,510 0.28

2. Maine 1,620 17.78 36,980 0.27

3. Pennsylvania 11,890 15.52 32,270 0.21

4. Connecticut 3,340 21.18 44,050 0.20

5. Vermont 530 19.48 40,510 0.18

1. Nevada 260 25.83 53,730 0.02

2. New Jersey 2,600 22.88 47,590 0.07

3. Wisconsin 1,920 22.38 46,540 0.07

4. District of Columbia 740 21.85 45,460 0.12

5. Maryland 2,130 21.32 44,350 0.09

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 1,070 $14.34 $29,820 0.58

2. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 200 14.31 29,760 0.44

3. Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA 840 14.63 30,420 0.33

4. New Bedford, MA 200 15.85 32,970 0.31

5. Eugene-Springfield, OR 420 18.52 38,520 0.29

1. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 40.38 - 83,990 -

2. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 32.75 - 68,120 -

3. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 30.40 - 63,240 -

4. Rochester, MN 70 27.14 56,450 0.07

5. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 180 27.13 56,430 0.02

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of 

alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis 

intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Industry
168

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Individual and family services 59,520 $11.88 $24,710

2. State government (OES designation) 47,130 14.19 29,510

3. Local government (OES designation) 40,740 14.73 30,650

4. Residential mental health facilities 31,780 10.86 22,590

5. Outpatient care centers 18,030 12.25 25,480

1. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 130 18.01 37,460

2. Management and technical consulting services 360 17.82 37,070

3. Federal government (OES designation) 950 16.93 35,210

4. Office administrative services 16.59 - 34,510

5. Other hospitals 500 16.00 33,290

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Vermont 2,740 $13.40 $27,860 0.92

2. Maine 4,680 11.20 23,300 0.78

3. Rhode Island 3,070 12.56 26,120 0.64

4. Minnesota 15,490 13.04 27,120 0.59

5. Nebraska 5,000 11.10 23,090 0.56

1. Connecticut 7,590 18.02 37,490 0.46

2. District of Columbia 1,640 17.16 35,690 0.27

3. Michigan 9,720 15.82 32,900 0.22

4. Alaska 820 14.59 30,360 0.27

5. California 27,100 14.52 30,200 0.18

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Bangor, ME 770 $11.51 $23,940 1.19

2. Lewiston-Auburn, ME 540 11.87 24,690 1.13

3. Abilene, TX 670 6.59 13,700 1.10

4. St. George, UT 500 9.53 19,820 1.10

5. Duluth, MN-WI 1,280 11.28 23,460 1.04

1. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 170 20.14 41,880 0.19

2. Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI 140 19.44 40,440 0.21

3. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,960 19.04 39,610 0.47

4. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 2,400 18.79 39,070 0.44

5. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA 30 18.63 38,760 0.19

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

21-1093 Social and human service assistants

Assist professionals from a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, to 

provide client services, as well as support for families. May assist clients in identifying available benefits 

and social and community services and help clients obtain them. May assist social workers with 

developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance 

abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or adult daycare.

Industry
169

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 355,860 $55.92 $116,310

2. Local government (OES designation) 48,010 38.86 80,840

3. State government (OES designation) 32,960 35.56 73,970

4. Federal government (OES designation) 24,210 53.95 112,210

5. Management of companies and enterprises 11,920 62.22 129,410

1. Sound recording industries 78.73 - 163,760

2. Lessors of real estate 550 73.04 151,920

3. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 380 72.92 151,670

4. Machinery and equipment rental and leasing 50 72.31 150,400

5. Communications equipment manufacturing 130 72.05 149,870

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 26,930 $64.23 $133,600 4.41

2. New York 63,030 58.85 122,410 0.76

3. Delaware 2,210 57.89 120,410 0.53

4. New Jersey 20,520 54.10 112,530 0.52

5. Illinois 28,710 59.56 123,890 0.50

1. District of Columbia 26,930 64.23 133,600 4.41

2. California 60,350 61.25 127,390 0.41

3. Illinois 28,710 59.56 123,890 0.50

4. New York 63,030 58.85 122,410 0.76

5. Massachusetts 14,130 58.72 122,150 0.45

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 34,110 $63.26 $131,590 1.53

2. Tallahassee, FL 1,830 44.70 92,970 1.12

3. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 48,740 62.51 130,030 0.99

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 8,810 64.24 133,630 0.93

5. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 1,970 48.33 100,520 0.89

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,970 73.85 153,610 0.46

2. Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA 70 67.44 140,270 0.11

3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA 250 66.92 139,200 0.28

4. Longview, TX 160 66.50 138,330 0.19

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division 20,150 64.38 133,910 0.50

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

23-1011 Lawyers

Industry

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal 

documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area 

or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
170

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 13,280 $35.99 $74,860

2. State government (OES designation) 12,050 52.80 109,830

3.

4.

5.

1. State government (OES designation) 12,050 52.80 109,830

2. Local government (OES designation) 13,280 35.99 74,860

3.

4.

5.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. West Virginia 520 $20.87 $43,410 0.08

2. South Carolina 910 29.31 60,970 0.05

3. Alaska 130 42.22 87,820 0.04

4. New York 3,240 56.04 116,560 0.04

5. New Mexico 270 29.23 60,800 0.04

1. Rhode Island 90 77.03 160,220 0.02

2. Illinois 1,100 75.23 156,480 0.02

3. Idaho 100 66.14 137,570 0.02

4. California 1,550 65.13 135,470 0.01

5. Nevada 150 61.98 128,930 0.01

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Elmira, NY $50.45 $104,930 0.13 50

2. Glens Falls, NY 50 51.45 107,020 0.10

3. Binghamton, NY 100 46.18 96,050 0.09

4. Utica-Rome, NY 100 55.88 116,230 0.08

5. Kingston, NY 40 55.61 115,670 0.07

1. Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA 100 72.86 151,540 0.02

2. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL Metropolitan Division 640 72.20 150,180 0.02

3. Kansas City, MO-KS 150 70.22 146,050 0.02

4. Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 110 68.48 142,440 0.01

5. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 50 68.04 141,510 0.01

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal 

cases according to government statutes. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May issue 

marriage licenses and perform wedding ceremonies.

Industry

23-1023 Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
171

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 162,540 $20.34 $42,300

2. Local government (OES designation) 11,720 20.51 42,650

3. State government (OES designation) 8,040 19.00 39,510

4. Federal government (OES designation) 5,600 29.17 60,680

5. Insurance carriers 4,590 22.59 46,980

1. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 31.08 - 64,650

2. Federal government (OES designation) 5,600 29.17 60,680

3. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 130 28.45 59,170

4. ISPs and web search portals 28.04 - 58,320

5. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 100 27.89 58,020

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 6,170 $23.12 $48,100 1.01

2. Delaware 1,180 21.71 45,150 0.28

3. West Virginia 1,970 15.35 31,930 0.28

4. New York 22,930 23.11 48,070 0.28

5. Connecticut 3,970 22.57 46,940 0.24

1. California 24,360 24.43 50,810 0.17

2. Massachusetts 7,220 23.48 48,850 0.23

3. District of Columbia 6,170 23.12 48,100 1.01

4. New York 22,930 23.11 48,070 0.28

5. Connecticut 3,970 22.57 46,940 0.24

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL 830 $16.77 $34,890 0.51

2. Charleston, WV 620 16.42 34,140 0.44

3. Cheyenne, WY 160 11.37 23,660 0.41

4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 8,710 23.96 49,830 0.39

5. Jackson, MS 860 17.31 36,000 0.37

1. Salinas, CA 250 31.65 65,830 0.16

2. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division 2,590 29.12 60,580 0.17

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 1,730 27.13 56,420 0.20

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 3,080 26.88 55,910 0.32

5. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 830 26.30 54,700 0.08

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

23-2011 Paralegals and legal assistants

Industry

Assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. 

Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal 

action.
172

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 18,550 $16.67 $34,670

2. Local government (OES designation) 8,800 16.89 35,130

3. Federal government (OES designation) 8,300 20.47 42,580

4. State government (OES designation) 3,070 19.52 40,600

5. Management of companies and enterprises 340 18.03 37,510

1. Employment services 20.63 - 42,900

2. Federal government (OES designation) 8,300 20.47 42,580

3. State government (OES designation) 3,070 19.52 40,600

4. Depository credit intermediation 70 18.99 39,490

5. Office administrative services 30 18.79 39,070

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 1,180 $22.63 $47,060 0.19

2. Louisiana 1,090 17.36 36,100 0.06

3. New York 4,430 17.93 37,300 0.05

4. Delaware 210 20.15 41,910 0.05

5. Virginia 1,690 17.68 36,780 0.05

1. Nevada 300 23.30 48,450 0.03

2. District of Columbia 1,180 22.63 47,060 0.19

3. Alaska 140 22.33 46,440 0.05

4. Massachusetts 520 20.97 43,610 0.02

5. Rhode Island 50 20.64 42,920 0.01

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL 200 $15.64 $32,530 0.12

2. Dover, DE 70 18.73 38,960 0.12

3. Columbia, SC 390 22.00 45,760 0.12

4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 2,400 20.59 42,820 0.11

5. Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR 320 14.62 30,420 0.10

1. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL 40 27.47 57,130 0.02

2. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 90 27.15 56,480 0.04

3. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 50 26.89 55,940 0.01

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 90 26.10 54,300 0.01

5. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 310 24.40 50,740 0.02

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

23-2092 Law clerks

Industry

Assist lawyers or judges by researching or preparing legal documents. May meet with clients or 

assist lawyers and judges in court. 
173

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 26,890 $17.43 $36,260

2. Activities related to real estate 3,340 29.45 61,260

3. Oil and gas extraction 1,520 20.94 43,550

4. Offices of real estate agents and brokers 1,160 18.73 38,960

5. Nondepository credit intermediation 1,050 15.98 33,250

1. Support activities for mining 33.31 - 69,280

2. Activities related to real estate 3,340 29.45 61,260

3. Support activities for water transportation 25.53 - 53,110

4. Residential building construction 120 23.95 49,820

5. Other professional and technical services 40 21.74 45,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Utah 1,540 $21.25 $44,190 0.14

2. South Dakota 450 16.48 34,290 0.12

3. Oklahoma 1,590 17.59 36,600 0.11

4. Nevada 1,280 19.39 40,320 0.11

5. Idaho 600 17.94 37,310 0.10

1. Vermont 32.46 - 67,510 -

2. California 8,260 28.83 59,960 0.06

3. New Mexico 600 26.74 55,610 0.08

4. District of Columbia 24.27 - 50,470 -

5. Oregon 870 23.06 47,970 0.05

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Salt Lake City, UT 930 $18.44 $38,340 0.16

2. Provo-Orem, UT 240 29.04 60,400 0.15

3. Pittsburgh, PA 1,610 13.81 28,720 0.15

4. Charlottesville, VA 130 17.72 36,850 0.14

5. Danville, IL 40 13.69 28,480 0.14

1. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA 930 39.25 81,640 0.07

2. Albuquerque, NM 330 36.40 75,710 0.09

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 210 35.30 73,430 0.02

4. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 32.68 - 67,970 -

5. Fresno, CA 130 29.72 61,820 0.04

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

23-2093 Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance details for a variety 

of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by 

searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Industry
174

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Child day care services 236,480 $10.45 $21,740

2. Elementary and secondary schools 62,100 17.85 37,130

3. Individual and family services 12,100 12.39 25,760

4. Civic and social organizations 8,340 11.16 23,220

5. Religious organizations 7,470 12.12 25,210

1. Elementary and secondary schools 62,100 17.85 37,130

2. Junior colleges 1,720 16.89 35,120

3. Other schools and instruction 850 14.80 30,790

4. Technical and trade schools 160 14.72 30,620

5. Educational support services 14.60 - 30,360

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. North Carolina 20,770 $9.02 $18,760 0.55

2. Oklahoma 6,680 10.02 20,850 0.46

3. Massachusetts 14,350 13.39 27,850 0.46

4. New Hampshire 2,590 11.69 24,320 0.42

5. Connecticut 5,930 13.58 28,250 0.36

1. New York 26,340 17.77 36,960 0.32

2. New Jersey 11,150 14.89 30,960 0.29

3. Michigan 8,390 14.40 29,960 0.19

4. Minnesota 6,490 14.38 29,910 0.25

5. Connecticut 5,930 13.58 28,250 0.36

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Goldsboro, NC 420 $7.38 $15,360 0.98

2. New Bedford, MA 520 12.26 25,500 0.81

3. Madera, CA 300 12.46 25,910 0.80

4. Clarksville, TN-KY 610 7.88 16,390 0.78

5. Merced, CA 460 13.70 28,490 0.76

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 15,840 22.71 47,230 0.32

2. Farmington, NM 30 20.05 41,700 0.06

3. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI 880 17.85 37,130 0.23

4. Duluth, MN-WI 350 17.42 36,240 0.29

5. Spartanburg, SC 110 17.32 36,020 0.09

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

25-2011 Preschool teachers, except special education

Instruct children (normally up to 5 years of age) in activities designed to promote social, physical, and 

intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development 

facility. May be required to hold State certification.

Industry
175

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 1,466,440 $47,040 -

2. Employment services 8,780 - 45,450

3. Religious organizations 4,240 - 39,720

4. Educational support services 2,290 - 49,700

5. Child day care services 1,280 - 28,360

1. Educational support services 2,290 - 49,700

2. Elementary and secondary schools 1,466,440 - 47,040

3. Employment services 8,780 - 45,450

4. Local government (OES designation) 710 - 44,680

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 30 - 44,560

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. North Dakota 5,910 $36,170 1.80 -

2. Idaho 9,950 - 42,170 1.67

3. Louisiana 29,600 - 37,910 1.58

4. Arizona 37,220 - 34,520 1.53

5. Montana 5,850 - 35,770 1.41

1. New York 93,540 - 66,500 1.12

2. Michigan 47,320 - 57,360 1.09

3. Connecticut 21,010 - 55,980 1.28

4. Rhode Island 4,600 - 54,710 0.96

5. New Jersey 48,130 - 54,500 1.23

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Merced, CA 1,830 $48,370 3.00 -

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX 5,120 - 41,260 2.62

3. Bakersfield, CA 6,130 - 49,550 2.52

4. Yuba City, CA 960 - 51,350 2.42

5. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 1,080 - 48,600 2.35

1. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 1,330 - 78,390 1.46

2. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 53,700 - 74,790 1.09

3. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 12,980 - 68,950 1.07

4. Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI 430 - 64,760 0.66

5. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 11,770 - 64,500 0.98

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

25-2021 Elementary school teachers, except special education

Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other 

formative skills. 

Industry
176

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 630,410 $47,910 -

2. Employment services 3,960 - 47,730

3. Other schools and instruction 770 - 39,540

4. Religious organizations 310 - 38,940

5. Local government (OES designation) 130 - 42,560

1. Elementary and secondary schools 630,410 - 47,910

2. Employment services 3,960 - 47,730

3. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 30 - 44,660

4. Local government (OES designation) 130 - 42,560

5. Other schools and instruction 770 - 39,540

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Texas 70,110 $42,950 0.74 -

2. New Mexico 5,610 - 38,580 0.74

3. New Jersey 28,510 - 55,420 0.73

4. Connecticut 11,220 - 56,400 0.68

5. Kansas 8,820 - 35,320 0.67

1. New York 40,020 - 67,260 0.48

2. Michigan 20,200 - 60,550 0.47

3. California 52,740 - 56,780 0.36

4. Connecticut 11,220 - 56,400 0.68

5. New Jersey 28,510 - 55,420 0.73

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 1,560 $41,860 1.36 -

2. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 780 - 48,460 1.27

3. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX 2,390 - 43,590 1.22

4. Waterbury, CT 840 - 56,850 1.20

5. Las Cruces, NM 750 - 37,590 1.19

1. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 6,470 - 75,680 0.54

2. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 23,730 - 74,920 0.48

3. Stockton, CA 1,320 - 73,370 0.62

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 5,810 - 67,290 0.48

5. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA 6,320 - 64,290 0.49

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Teach students in public or private schools in one or more subjects at the middle, intermediate, or junior 

high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable State laws 

and regulations.

Industry

25-2022 Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education
177

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 1,005,880 $49,430 -

2. Employment services 3,780 - 48,060

3. Other schools and instruction 1,480 - 49,420

4. Local government (OES designation) 850 - 44,640

5. State government (OES designation) 610 - 37,600

1. Technical and trade schools 260 - 55,730

2. Elementary and secondary schools 1,005,880 - 49,430

3. Other schools and instruction 1,480 - 49,420

4. Residential mental health facilities 250 - 48,990

5. Employment services 3,780 - 48,060

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Idaho 9,320 $43,150 1.56 -

2. Rhode Island 5,400 - 54,280 1.13

3. Hawaii 5,860 - 45,940 1.00

4. Ohio 53,400 - 47,860 1.00

5. Montana 4,090 - 35,640 0.99

1. New York 77,880 - 68,240 0.94

2. New Jersey 36,820 - 57,680 0.94

3. California 113,550 - 57,230 0.77

4. Connecticut 14,630 - 57,000 0.89

5. Michigan 27,400 - 55,810 0.63

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Waterbury, CT 1,570 $52,980 2.24 -

2. El Centro, CA 840 - 54,940 1.77

3. Lebanon, PA 800 - 40,680 1.76

4. Williamsport, PA 840 - 53,060 1.61

5. Racine, WI 1,210 - 43,590 1.59

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 37,630 - 80,060 0.77

2. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 470 - 71,900 0.52

3. Kingston, NY 710 - 68,170 1.17

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 14,520 - 67,360 1.19

5. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 7,000 - 64,590 0.58

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Instruct students in secondary public or private schools in one or more subjects at the secondary level, 

such as English, mathematics, or social studies. May be designated according to subject matter specialty, 

such as typing instructors, commercial teachers, or English teachers. 

Industry

25-2031 Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational 

education
178

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 992,900 $21,060 -

2. Child day care services 99,770 - 18,200

3. Colleges and universities 39,220 - 25,140

4. Junior colleges 17,990 - 25,460

5. Individual and family services 15,950 - 20,360

1. Scientific research and development services 210 - 33,030

2. Accounting and bookkeeping services - - 33,010

3. Offices of other health practitioners 950 - 27,510

4. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals - - 25,880

5. State government (OES designation) 2,110 - 25,840

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Vermont 5,840 $21,890 1.96 -

2. New York 145,900 - 22,000 1.75

3. New Hampshire 10,140 - 21,790 1.63

4. Wyoming 3,850 - 19,040 1.53

5. Connecticut 24,920 - 24,380 1.51

1. Alaska 4,400 - 29,470 1.47

2. California 165,960 - 26,010 1.13

3. Delaware 3,560 - 25,360 0.85

4. Washington 29,540 - 24,960 1.11

5. Rhode Island 5,130 - 24,760 1.07

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Merced, CA 1,400 $25,160 2.30 -

2. Binghamton, NY 2,470 - 20,380 2.25

3. Nashua, NH-MA NECTA Division 2,980 - 21,610 2.20

4. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 1,330 - 20,030 2.17

5. Kingston, NY 1,300 - 19,600 2.14

1. State College, PA 960 - 34,430 1.48

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 6,550 - 31,160 0.69

3. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division 12,030 - 28,850 0.80

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 7,660 - 28,720 0.88

5. Bay City, MI 370 - 27,620 0.98

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

25-9041 Teacher assistants

Perform duties that are instructional in nature or deliver direct services to students or parents. Serve in a 

position for which a teacher or another professional has ultimate responsibility for the design and 

implementation of educational programs and services.

Industry
179

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 25,190 $17.72 $36,850

2. Specialized design services 24,800 22.90 47,620

3. Advertising and related services 23,470 21.04 43,760

4. Printing and related support activities 19,480 18.18 37,810

5. Architectural and engineering services 6,310 23.07 47,980

1. Nursing care facilities 37.49 - 77,980

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 370 28.45 59,170

3. Accounting and bookkeeping services 370 26.92 56,000

4. Machinery and equipment rental and leasing 60 26.20 54,490

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 140 26.13 54,350

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. New York 17,800 $26.55 $55,230 0.21

2. Utah 2,170 17.01 35,370 0.20

3. District of Columbia 1,130 28.29 58,840 0.19

4. Rhode Island 890 19.23 39,990 0.19

5. Montana 760 12.70 26,420 0.18

1. District of Columbia 1,130 28.29 58,840 0.19

2. New York 17,800 26.55 55,230 0.21

3. Massachusetts 4,930 23.76 49,430 0.16

4. California 23,530 22.81 47,450 0.16

5. Connecticut 2,490 22.48 46,760 0.15

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Dubuque, IA 260 $18.22 $37,900 0.49

2. Lawrence, KS 210 17.13 35,630 0.43

3. Bismarck, ND 180 13.56 28,200 0.32

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 14,040 28.87 60,050 0.29

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,200 23.97 49,860 0.29

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 1,470 29.76 61,890 0.17

2. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 14,040 28.87 60,050 0.29

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 2,380 28.56 59,400 0.25

4. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 80 28.43 59,130 0.11

5. Salinas, CA 26.96 - 56,070 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

27-1024 Graphic designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, 

displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Industry
180

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 5,120 $13.13 $27,320

2. Advertising and related services 4,310 12.78 26,590

3. Clothing stores 3,390 15.09 31,390

4. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 3,200 10.61 22,060

5. Alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers 3,150 12.47 25,950

1. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing 80 18.96 39,430

2. Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores 80 18.93 39,380

3. Management of companies and enterprises 1,110 18.37 38,220

4. Office furniture and fixtures manufacturing 16.63 - 34,600

5. Apparel and piece goods merchant wholesalers 390 16.35 34,010

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 1,290 $10.24 $21,290 0.11

2. Oregon 1,450 12.56 26,130 0.09

3. Alabama 1,480 10.12 21,060 0.08

4. South Dakota 280 10.88 22,620 0.08

5. Rhode Island 350 14.18 29,500 0.07

1. New York 3,860 15.78 32,820 0.05

2. New Hampshire 200 15.34 31,910 0.03

3. Massachusetts 1,450 14.74 30,650 0.05

4. Rhode Island 350 14.18 29,500 0.07

5. Washington 1,580 14.17 29,470 0.06

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Corpus Christi, TX 440 $11.69 $24,320 0.26

2. Waco, TX 150 6.56 13,640 0.15

3. Longview, WA 50 12.32 25,620 0.14

4. Sioux Falls, SD 170 11.99 24,940 0.14

5. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 1,010 9.99 20,790 0.12

1. Worcester, MA-CT 90 18.83 39,160 0.04

2. Manchester, NH 18.78 - 39,060 -

3. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 2,180 17.85 37,120 0.04

4. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY 160 17.28 35,940 0.04

5. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 120 16.74 34,820 0.06

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

27-1026 Merchandise displayers and window trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade 

exhibitions.

Industry
181

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 42,590 $27,380 -

2. Other schools and instruction 28,020 - 26,770

3. Colleges and universities 27,460 - 41,910

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 23,640 - 31,620

5. Civic and social organizations 7,410 - 25,320

1. Professional and similar organizations 980 - 55,510

2. Spectator sports 4,880 - 53,400

3. Colleges and universities 27,460 - 41,910

4. Grantmaking and giving services - - 39,940

5. Junior colleges 2,660 - 37,960

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Wyoming 720 $26,910 0.29 -

2. Maine 1,530 - 20,590 0.26

3. Washington 5,590 - 32,430 0.21

4. Montana 870 - 20,160 0.21

5. Vermont 590 - 32,710 0.20

1. District of Columbia 480 - 55,050 0.08

2. Nevada 990 - 47,720 0.08

3. Rhode Island 490 - 43,680 0.10

4. Mississippi 1,350 - 41,950 0.12

5. Missouri 4,020 - 40,760 0.15

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Muncie, IN 210 $16,740 0.43 -

2. Wenatchee, WA 140 - 0.36 -

3. Coeur d'Alene, ID 180 - 19,430 0.36

4. Lawrence, KS 170 - 36,500 0.35

5. Bangor, ME 220 - 25,190 0.34

1. Waco, TX 100 - 57,800 0.10

2. Tallahassee, FL 280 - 55,660 0.17

3. Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division 1,010 - 53,530 0.10

4. Lincoln, NE 150 - 51,100 0.09

5. Columbia, MO 140 - 50,970 0.17

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

27-2022 Coaches and scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports. Demonstrate techniques and 

methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to 

improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching degrees 

should be reported in the appropriate teaching category. Excludes "Athletic Trainers" (29-9091). 

Industry
182

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Advertising and related services 27,520 $27.48 $57,160

2. Professional and similar organizations 15,050 26.67 55,470

3. Colleges and universities 11,910 21.36 44,420

4. Local government (OES designation) 8,670 23.30 48,460

5. Management of companies and enterprises 7,570 27.39 56,970

1. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 70 64.70 134,580

2. Postal service 50 38.49 80,060

3. Paper and paper product merchant wholesalers 150 36.50 75,930

4. Federal government (OES designation) 3,870 34.90 72,600

5. Rail transportation 90 34.52 71,800

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 6,990 $37.89 $78,820 1.14

2. South Dakota 1,090 17.67 36,760 0.29

3. Vermont 760 22.30 46,380 0.26

4. Florida 17,860 22.15 46,070 0.24

5. Massachusetts 7,120 28.58 59,440 0.23

1. District of Columbia 6,990 37.89 78,820 1.14

2. Virginia 7,560 31.40 65,310 0.21

3. Nevada 840 28.58 59,450 0.07

4. Massachusetts 7,120 28.58 59,440 0.23

5. Maryland 2,820 27.87 57,970 0.11

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 11,780 $37.51 $78,020 0.53

2. Olympia, WA 420 32.77 68,150 0.47

3. Jefferson City, MO 320 21.67 45,080 0.43

4. Tallahassee, FL 690 25.15 52,320 0.42

5. Madison, WI 1,140 24.20 50,330 0.35

1. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA 390 44.20 91,930 0.13

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 11,780 37.51 78,020 0.53

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 440 35.47 73,790 0.28

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 1,370 34.60 71,960 0.16

5. Olympia, WA 420 32.77 68,150 0.47

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

27-3031 Public relations specialists

Industry

Engage in promoting or creating good will for individuals, groups, or organizations by writing 

or selecting favorable publicity material and releasing it through various communications media. 

May prepare and arrange displays, and make speeches.
183

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 55,790 $24.53 $51,030

2. Professional and similar organizations 3,810 25.95 53,980

3. Motion picture and video industries 3,680 28.57 59,420

4. Colleges and universities 3,530 22.36 46,510

5. Radio and television broadcasting 3,140 22.96 47,750

1. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets 41.73 - 86,800

2. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 70 37.53 78,060

3. Independent artists, writers, and performers 320 36.36 75,630

4. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 40 33.85 70,400

5. Misc. durable goods merchant wholesalers 70 32.08 66,730

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 3,170 $26.31 $54,720 0.52

2. New York 14,860 31.88 66,300 0.18

3. New Jersey 4,820 26.28 54,660 0.12

4. Vermont 360 19.44 40,440 0.12

5. Massachusetts 3,780 25.32 52,660 0.12

1. New York 14,860 31.88 66,300 0.18

2. Washington 1,940 28.07 58,390 0.07

3. Hawaii 280 27.64 57,490 0.05

4. Delaware 190 27.47 57,130 0.05

5. California 11,190 27.17 56,510 0.08

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 11,990 $33.74 $70,180 0.24

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 4,840 26.89 55,940 0.22

3. Colorado Springs, CO 510 19.25 40,040 0.21

4. Ithaca, NY 90 19.77 41,110 0.18

5. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 2,800 25.94 53,950 0.17

1. Naples-Marco Island, FL 90 35.07 72,950 0.07

2. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 120 34.98 72,770 0.06

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 660 33.93 70,580 0.08

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 11,990 33.74 70,180 0.24

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,440 33.63 69,940 0.12

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

27-3041 Editors

Industry

Perform variety of editorial duties, such as laying out, indexing, and revising content of written 

materials, in preparation for final publication. Include technical editors.
184

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Health and personal care stores 103,230 $43.57 $90,620

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 51,430 41.93 87,220

3. Grocery stores 18,770 42.45 88,290

4. Department stores 11,890 41.84 87,040

5. Other general merchandise stores 10,130 41.94 87,240

1. Insurance and employee benefit funds 50 47.83 99,480

2. Other ambulatory health care services 80 45.98 95,630

3. Medical and diagnostic laboratories 70 45.41 94,460

4. Management of companies and enterprises 850 44.95 93,490

5. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 600 44.67 92,920

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. West Virginia 1,670 $43.29 $90,040 0.24

2. Alabama 4,300 40.69 84,640 0.23

3. Montana 920 37.88 78,780 0.22

4. Louisiana 3,950 40.21 83,650 0.21

5. South Dakota 780 39.03 81,170 0.21

1. California 23,360 47.90 99,630 0.16

2. Alaska 360 46.95 97,650 0.12

3. Maine 1,040 46.64 97,010 0.17

4. Vermont 400 45.67 95,000 0.13

5. Minnesota 4,140 45.42 94,470 0.16

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lima, OH 270 $42.95 $89,330 0.48

2. Dothan, AL 240 35.54 73,930 0.41

3. Decatur, AL 210 37.54 78,090 0.37

4. Johnson City, TN 270 47.59 98,990 0.36

5. Alexandria, LA 220 37.57 78,150 0.36

1. Merced, CA 70 55.92 116,320 0.12

2. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 170 54.43 113,220 0.15

3. Chico, CA 210 54.40 113,150 0.29

4. Salinas, CA 170 54.10 112,540 0.11

5. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 1,750 52.36 108,910 0.17

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

29-1051 Pharmacists

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to 

patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the 

selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Industry
185

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 1,354,020 $27.80 $57,820

2. Offices of physicians 202,790 27.03 56,230

3. Nursing care facilities 120,200 24.76 51,510

4. Home health care services 117,050 26.23 54,550

5. Employment services 93,500 31.12 64,720

1. Other professional and technical services 150 36.14 75,170

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 40 33.10 68,850

3. Federal government (OES designation) 49,130 32.32 67,230

4. Electronic shopping and mail-order houses 160 32.10 66,770

5. Resin, rubber, and artificial fibers mfg. 50 31.15 64,790

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Massachusetts 76,870 $31.85 $66,250 2.45

2. South Dakota 9,040 22.84 47,500 2.42

3. Mississippi 25,970 23.30 48,460 2.34

4. West Virginia 15,640 23.24 48,340 2.24

5. Maine 13,330 25.40 52,840 2.23

1. California 226,350 33.86 70,430 1.54

2. Maryland 49,010 32.37 67,330 1.96

3. Massachusetts 76,870 31.85 66,250 2.45

4. Hawaii 9,240 31.49 65,490 1.58

5. New Jersey 80,940 30.32 63,070 2.07

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Iowa City, IA 3,460 $23.82 $49,550 4.67

2. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 1,710 26.32 54,750 3.72

3. Ann Arbor, MI 6,810 29.16 60,660 3.43

4. Alexandria, LA 2,070 23.69 49,280 3.41

5. Lima, OH 1,870 24.23 50,410 3.34

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 13,350 42.28 87,950 1.54

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 15,600 38.64 80,370 1.64

3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 16,680 38.59 80,270 1.65

4. Salinas, CA 2,330 38.53 80,140 1.49

5. Modesto, CA 3,340 35.19 73,190 2.03

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

29-1111 Registered nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain 

medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise 

patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or 

registration required. Include advance practice nurses such as: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse 

specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice 

nursing is practiced by RNs who have specialized formal, post-basic education and who function in 

highly autonomous and specialized roles.

Industry
186

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other ambulatory health care services 82,730 $12.54 $26,080

2. Local government (OES designation) 65,460 14.79 30,750

3. General medical and surgical hospitals 37,870 14.05 29,210

4. Offices of physicians 1,280 14.72 30,620

5. Other support services 1,190 12.05 25,060

1. State government (OES designation) 1,110 19.15 39,830

2. Waste treatment and disposal 70 17.46 36,320

3. Colleges and universities 370 16.35 34,000

4. Offices of other health practitioners 420 16.21 33,710

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 30 16.11 33,510

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Oklahoma 4,370 $9.78 $20,340 0.30

2. Wisconsin 7,140 11.72 24,380 0.26

3. Missouri 6,700 13.74 28,570 0.25

4. Kentucky 4,140 11.35 23,610 0.24

5. Maine 1,410 12.25 25,470 0.24

1. Alaska 220 22.00 45,750 0.07

2. District of Columbia 890 19.58 40,730 0.15

3. Washington 2,740 18.58 38,650 0.10

4. Maryland 4,320 18.44 38,340 0.17

5. Nevada 890 18.26 37,980 0.08

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Johnstown, PA 640 $8.12 $16,890 1.12

2. Albany, GA 370 11.23 23,350 0.59

3. Gainesville, GA 370 13.16 27,370 0.56

4. Anderson, IN 240 12.24 25,470 0.55

5. Ocean City, NJ 190 12.69 26,400 0.47

1. Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division 70 29.61 61,580 0.03

2. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 26.55 - 55,210 -

3. Reno-Sparks, NV 25.23 - 52,480 -

4. Anchorage, AK 110 22.66 47,130 0.07

5. Fairbanks, AK 60 20.87 43,400 0.17

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

29-2041 Emergency medical technicians and paramedics

Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured 

or sick persons to medical facilities.

Industry
187

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Health and personal care stores 148,550 $11.50 $23,920

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 46,840 13.61 28,310

3. Grocery stores 17,630 12.28 25,530

4. Other general merchandise stores 13,120 11.94 24,830

5. Department stores 11,850 11.25 23,400

1. Federal government (OES designation) 4,190 16.59 34,510

2. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 170 15.87 33,010

3. Local government (OES designation) 660 15.64 32,540

4. Other ambulatory health care services 260 15.24 31,700

5. Consumer goods rental 15.18 - 31,570

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Kentucky 5,830 $10.47 $21,780 0.33

2. West Virginia 2,150 10.25 21,320 0.31

3. Alabama 5,620 10.26 21,340 0.30

4. Missouri 8,000 10.58 22,000 0.30

5. Tennessee 7,420 11.46 23,830 0.28

1. California 22,140 16.01 33,290 0.15

2. Alaska 440 15.88 33,040 0.15

3. Washington 4,800 15.46 32,150 0.18

4. District of Columbia 690 14.62 30,420 0.11

5. Nevada 1,880 14.06 29,240 0.16

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Gadsden, AL 190 $9.76 $20,310 0.52

2. Springfield, MO 810 9.87 20,520 0.44

3. Johnson City, TN 310 10.22 21,260 0.42

4. Dothan, AL 240 10.56 21,960 0.41

5. Peoria, IL 710 10.93 22,730 0.41

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 1,190 19.09 39,700 0.13

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 990 18.71 38,910 0.11

3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 1,350 18.34 38,140 0.13

4. Salinas, CA 240 17.90 37,240 0.15

5. Napa, CA 70 17.49 36,390 0.11

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

29-2052 Pharmacy technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record 

amounts and dosages of medications.

Industry
188

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Nursing care facilities 186,560 $18.06 $37,570

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 171,270 16.65 34,640

3. Offices of physicians 89,170 15.63 32,500

4. Employment services 52,770 20.31 42,250

5. Home health care services 52,700 18.18 37,810

1. Electronic shopping and mail-order houses 24.24 - 50,420

2. Other personal services 40 21.75 45,230

3. Professional and similar organizations 80 21.06 43,800

4. Employment services 52,770 20.31 42,250

5. Health and personal care stores 19.83 - 41,250

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arkansas 12,340 $14.42 $30,000 1.08

2. Louisiana 19,380 14.84 30,870 1.03

3. West Virginia 6,650 13.92 28,950 0.95

4. Oklahoma 13,770 14.91 31,020 0.95

5. Mississippi 9,950 13.53 28,140 0.90

1. Connecticut 8,320 23.67 49,240 0.51

2. District of Columbia 1,900 22.67 47,160 0.31

3. New Jersey 17,870 22.10 45,960 0.46

4. Massachusetts 16,710 22.01 45,780 0.53

5. Rhode Island 1,930 21.38 44,470 0.40

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Wichita Falls, TX 1,140 $13.02 $27,080 1.97

2. Abilene, TX 1,150 14.00 29,110 1.89

3. Pine Bluff, AR 680 15.08 31,360 1.75

4. Hot Springs, AR 620 13.66 28,410 1.73

5. Alexandria, LA 1,040 13.59 28,270 1.71

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 2,610 25.05 52,100 0.27

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,170 24.84 51,670 0.25

3. New Haven, CT 1,710 24.41 50,770 0.63

4. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 2,780 23.95 49,820 0.51

5. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 3,330 23.86 49,630 0.33

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

29-2061 Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private 

homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. 

Licensing required.

Industry
189

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Home health care services 224,410 $9.06 $18,850

2. Residential mental health facilities 106,560 9.25 19,240

3. Community care facilities for the elderly 92,170 8.89 18,490

4. Individual and family services 86,910 9.14 19,000

5. Nursing care facilities 44,010 9.40 19,550

1. State government (OES designation) 17,100 14.24 29,620

2. Insurance carriers 120 11.65 24,230

3. Grantmaking and giving services 120 11.54 24,000

4. Other financial investment activities 11.30 - 23,500

5. Religious organizations 11.25 - 23,400

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New York 114,690 $9.75 $20,290 1.38

2. North Carolina 43,680 8.58 17,850 1.15

3. Minnesota 20,010 10.61 22,060 0.76

4. Rhode Island 3,590 11.61 24,160 0.75

5. West Virginia 5,060 7.45 15,500 0.73

1. Connecticut 10,860 12.30 25,580 0.66

2. Alaska 1,640 11.94 24,840 0.55

3. Rhode Island 3,590 11.61 24,160 0.75

4. Massachusetts 13,060 11.33 23,580 0.42

5. Minnesota 20,010 10.61 22,060 0.76

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 3,400 $6.26 $13,010 2.96

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX 5,650 6.40 13,320 2.89

3. Goldsboro, NC 1,070 8.58 17,840 2.50

4. Utica-Rome, NY 2,790 - 2.16 -

5. Greenville, NC 1,150 8.39 17,450 1.66

1. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 450 13.54 28,170 0.73

2. Norwich-New London, CT-RI 800 13.17 27,390 0.59

3. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 4,290 12.78 26,590 0.78

4. Barnstable Town, MA 900 12.64 26,300 0.91

5. Glens Falls, NY 560 12.31 25,600 1.07

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

31-1011 Home health aides

Provide routine, personal healthcare, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming, to elderly, convalescent, 

or disabled persons in the home of patients or in a residential care facility.

Industry
190

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Nursing care facilities 599,310 $10.33 $21,480

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 377,080 11.08 23,060

3. Community care facilities for the elderly 128,150 9.91 20,610

4. Employment services 60,430 11.56 24,050

5. Local government (OES designation) 38,090 11.78 24,500

1. Federal government (OES designation) 10,650 15.25 31,720

2. Offices of dentists 80 14.67 30,510

3. Scientific research and development services 210 13.87 28,840

4. Management and technical consulting services 12.76 - 26,530

5. Other personal services 12.31 - 25,610

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. North Dakota 6,510 $9.85 $20,490 1.98

2. South Dakota 6,400 9.40 19,560 1.71

3. Rhode Island 8,210 12.32 25,630 1.71

4. Kansas 21,210 9.95 20,690 1.61

5. Maine 9,080 10.27 21,370 1.52

1. Alaska 1,910 14.23 29,600 0.64

2. New York 100,660 13.33 27,720 1.21

3. Connecticut 23,730 13.23 27,510 1.44

4. Massachusetts 41,340 12.66 26,330 1.32

5. Maryland 25,030 12.39 25,780 1.00

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Springfield, OH 1,400 $10.08 $20,970 2.72

2. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH 1,140 9.14 19,000 2.38

3. Wheeling, WV-OH 1,520 9.34 19,420 2.35

4. Punta Gorda, FL 880 10.45 21,730 2.32

5. La Crosse, WI-MN 1,540 11.03 22,940 2.11

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,820 15.55 32,340 0.56

2. Fairbanks, AK 190 15.53 32,290 0.52

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 5,440 15.48 32,190 0.57

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 13,950 15.01 31,220 1.15

5. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 58,130 14.20 29,540 1.18

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

31-1012 Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties, such as feed, bathe, dress, 

groom, or move patients, or change linens. 

Industry
191

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Offices of dentists 254,890 $14.42 $30,000

2. Offices of physicians 2,740 12.92 26,870

3. Federal government (OES designation) 2,660 16.18 33,650

4. Colleges and universities 1,760 13.79 28,670

5. Outpatient care centers 1,700 14.54 30,240

1. Federal government (OES designation) 2,660 16.18 33,650

2. Junior colleges 50 16.03 33,330

3. Employment services 1,230 15.89 33,040

4. Other hospitals 80 14.74 30,660

5. Individual and family services 110 14.72 30,620

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Utah 4,110 $12.09 $25,140 0.37

2. Washington 8,810 16.39 34,090 0.33

3. Idaho 1,800 13.11 27,270 0.30

4. California 42,100 15.31 31,840 0.29

5. Oregon 4,220 16.14 33,580 0.26

1. District of Columbia 460 17.97 37,370 0.08

2. New Hampshire 1,160 17.21 35,810 0.19

3. Alaska 710 16.70 34,740 0.24

4. Massachusetts 6,070 16.69 34,710 0.19

5. Connecticut 3,040 16.62 34,580 0.18

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 460 $13.98 $29,080 0.57

2. Yuba City, CA 220 14.24 29,620 0.56

3. Fairbanks, AK 200 16.62 34,570 0.55

4. Provo-Orem, UT 790 13.03 27,100 0.51

5. Logan, UT-ID 200 10.26 21,340 0.45

1. Manchester, NH 150 20.33 42,280 0.15

2. Rochester-Dover, NH-ME 110 19.31 40,160 0.21

3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 3,500 18.95 39,410 0.35

4. Napa, CA 150 18.89 39,280 0.24

5. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 500 18.85 39,200 0.27

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

31-9091 Dental assistants

Assist dentist, set up patient and equipment, and keep records.

Industry
192

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Offices of physicians 234,960 $12.68 $26,370

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 47,540 12.93 26,890

3. Offices of other health practitioners 43,930 11.19 23,270

4. Outpatient care centers 17,590 12.94 26,920

5. Other ambulatory health care services 4,340 12.22 25,410

1. State government (OES designation) 2,680 18.20 37,860

2. Local government (OES designation) 1,580 14.76 30,700

3. Professional and similar organizations 14.35 - 29,840

4. Accounting and bookkeeping services 14.29 - 29,730

5. Management of companies and enterprises 1,070 13.71 28,520

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Utah 4,460 $11.14 $23,170 0.41

2. Oklahoma 5,680 11.27 23,440 0.39

3. Pennsylvania 20,940 12.27 25,530 0.38

4. New Mexico 2,860 11.86 24,660 0.38

5. Rhode Island 1,780 13.44 27,950 0.37

1. District of Columbia 810 15.82 32,900 0.13

2. Alaska 560 15.07 31,340 0.19

3. Connecticut 4,600 14.92 31,040 0.28

4. Massachusetts 7,860 14.87 30,930 0.25

5. Washington 9,200 14.42 29,990 0.35

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Hanford-Corcoran, CA 380 $15.28 $31,790 1.10

2. Madera, CA 360 13.64 28,360 0.96

3. Chico, CA 660 12.86 26,760 0.90

4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX 1,750 10.54 21,930 0.90

5. Yuba City, CA 320 11.94 24,840 0.81

1. Danbury, CT 250 17.75 36,920 0.36

2. Fairbanks, AK 100 17.29 35,970 0.28

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 1,870 17.15 35,670 0.20

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,340 16.47 34,260 0.27

5. Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division 16.42 - 34,150 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

31-9092 Medical assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of physician. Administrative duties 

may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance 

purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing 

patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Industry
193

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 39,650 $14.55 $30,270

2. Offices of physicians 29,360 14.13 29,380

3. Business support services 8,260 14.31 29,770

4. Offices of other health practitioners 2,160 12.31 25,610

5. Outpatient care centers 2,060 13.92 28,940

1. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 18.28 - 38,030

2. Local government (OES designation) 300 16.61 34,540

3. Management and technical consulting services 450 16.20 33,690

4. Accounting and bookkeeping services 270 16.20 33,690

5. Office administrative services 360 16.06 33,410

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. South Dakota 680 $12.22 $25,420 0.18

2. North Dakota 500 12.12 25,200 0.15

3. Iowa 2,160 12.71 26,430 0.15

4. West Virginia 1,010 11.38 23,670 0.15

5. Wisconsin 3,760 14.35 29,860 0.14

1. Alaska 160 18.88 39,280 0.05

2. California 7,550 17.92 37,270 0.05

3. New Jersey 2,600 16.73 34,800 0.07

4. Massachusetts 1,910 16.64 34,600 0.06

5. Nevada 660 16.60 34,520 0.06

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Rochester, MN 350 $16.04 $33,360 0.35

2. Casper, WY 110 10.64 22,130 0.30

3. Eau Claire, WI 210 14.06 29,240 0.28

4. Racine, WI 200 14.80 30,790 0.26

5. Duluth, MN-WI 320 14.17 29,470 0.26

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 340 21.43 44,580 0.04

2. Reno-Sparks, NV 110 21.03 43,750 0.05

3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA 20.23 - 42,080 -

4. Salinas, CA 90 19.84 41,260 0.06

5. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 200 19.51 40,580 0.02

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

31-9094 Medical transcriptionists

Use transcribing machines with headset and foot pedal to listen to recordings by physicians and other 

healthcare professionals dictating a variety of medical reports, such as emergency room visits, 

diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports 

and translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms. Edit as necessary and return 

reports in either printed or electronic form to the dictator for review and signature, or correction.

Industry
194

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 261,070 $19.62 $40,810

2. Federal government (OES designation) 7,730 18.82 39,140

3. Other support services 5,830 14.30 29,740

4. State government (OES designation) 4,740 16.96 35,270

5. Facilities support services 300 16.23 33,760

1. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 50 26.15 54,390

2. Colleges and universities 100 23.22 48,300

3. Other fabricated metal product manufacturing 110 21.52 44,760

4. Scientific research and development services 240 21.22 44,130

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 170 20.58 42,810

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Alaska 2,940 $14.14 $29,420 0.98

2. Massachusetts 12,270 22.07 45,900 0.39

3. Rhode Island 1,800 21.05 43,790 0.38

4. Ohio 19,890 16.27 33,840 0.37

5. Wisconsin 8,350 14.69 30,550 0.31

1. California 29,630 27.02 56,210 0.20

2. New Jersey 4,870 26.64 55,400 0.12

3. Washington 6,280 24.30 50,550 0.24

4. Connecticut 3,950 23.36 48,590 0.24

5. New York 10,700 23.19 48,240 0.13

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Fairbanks, AK 680 $13.56 $28,190 1.87

2. Topeka, KS 960 20.50 42,640 0.89

3. Anchorage, AK 1,350 14.26 29,650 0.84

4. Barnstable Town, MA 670 21.71 45,150 0.68

5. Grand Forks, ND-MN 320 14.18 29,490 0.66

1. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 2,120 37.07 77,100 0.21

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 1,650 36.68 76,290 0.19

3. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division 6,160 31.52 65,560 0.15

4. Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division 30.52 - 63,480 -

5. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 1,210 29.39 61,140 0.12

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

33-2011 Fire fighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment 

is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, 

search and rescue, and disaster management.

Industry
195

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 240,760 $17.90 $37,220

2. Local government (OES designation) 139,410 17.12 35,620

3. Facilities support services 15,030 13.13 27,310

4. Federal government (OES designation) 14,150 22.09 45,960

5. Other residential care facilities 420 10.79 22,430

1. Federal government (OES designation) 14,150 22.09 45,960

2. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 21.25 - 44,200

3. State government (OES designation) 240,760 17.90 37,220

4. Local government (OES designation) 139,410 17.12 35,620

5. Facilities support services 15,030 13.13 27,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Louisiana 9,140 $11.96 $24,870 0.49

2. Mississippi 5,200 10.80 22,450 0.47

3. Texas 44,100 13.87 28,840 0.47

4. New York 36,980 23.16 48,170 0.44

5. Georgia 16,670 12.91 26,860 0.43

1. New Jersey 11,510 26.35 54,800 0.29

2. California 33,760 26.12 54,320 0.23

3. Massachusetts 5,580 24.40 50,760 0.18

4. New York 36,980 23.16 48,170 0.44

5. Connecticut 4,230 22.15 46,080 0.26

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Pine Bluff, AR 1,330 $13.02 $27,080 3.41

2. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 2,010 28.17 58,600 3.28

3. Cumberland, MD-WV 760 18.44 38,350 2.03

4. Abilene, TX 1,110 13.20 27,450 1.83

5. Punta Gorda, FL 690 16.63 34,580 1.82

1. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 2,010 28.17 58,600 3.28

2. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 1,430 28.09 58,420 0.65

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 1,130 28.02 58,280 0.12

4. Stockton, CA 990 27.28 56,750 0.47

5. Bakersfield, CA 3,360 27.18 56,530 1.38

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

33-3012 Correctional officers and jailers

Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institution in accordance with established regulations and 

procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Include 

deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional 

institutions.

Industry
196

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 532,370 $22.64 $47,090

2. State government (OES designation) 57,950 24.12 50,180

3. Federal government (OES designation) 19,640 22.89 47,620

4. Colleges and universities 9,950 19.79 41,160

5. Junior colleges 1,610 20.57 42,780

1. State government (OES designation) 57,950 24.12 50,180

2. Postal service 800 23.01 47,850

3. Federal government (OES designation) 19,640 22.89 47,620

4. Local government (OES designation) 532,370 22.64 47,090

5. Junior colleges 1,610 20.57 42,780

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 5,570 $27.28 $56,740 0.91

2. New Mexico 5,030 17.37 36,120 0.66

3. Mississippi 6,830 13.23 27,520 0.62

4. New York 50,880 26.54 55,200 0.61

5. New Jersey 22,630 31.61 65,740 0.58

1. New Jersey 22,630 31.61 65,740 0.58

2. California 72,090 30.81 64,090 0.49

3. District of Columbia 5,570 27.28 56,740 0.91

4. Illinois 30,850 27.20 56,570 0.54

5. Washington 7,880 27.00 56,160 0.30

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. El Centro, CA 770 $24.00 $49,920 1.62

2. Ocean City, NJ 560 29.57 61,500 1.38

3. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA 200 13.80 28,700 1.27

4. Yuma, AZ 700 20.07 41,750 1.18

5. Las Cruces, NM 640 19.07 39,670 1.01

1. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 4,910 35.35 73,530 0.49

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,020 34.75 72,290 0.46

3. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division 5,010 33.39 69,460 0.33

4. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 1,780 32.68 67,980 0.81

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division 20,050 32.49 67,570 0.50

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

33-3051 Police and sheriff's patrol officers

Maintain order, enforce laws and ordinances, and protect life and property in an assigned patrol district. 

Perform combination of following duties: patrol a specific area on foot or in a vehicle; direct traffic; 

issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes 

of courts.

Industry
197

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Investigation and security services 547,680 $9.99 $20,780

2. Local government (OES designation) 35,520 12.63 26,260

3. General medical and surgical hospitals 33,070 12.60 26,210

4. Elementary and secondary schools 31,330 12.69 26,390

5. Traveler accommodation 29,760 11.40 23,710

1. Architectural and engineering services 750 20.66 42,970

2. Couriers 360 19.12 39,760

3. Power generation and supply 2,630 17.43 36,260

4. Rubber product manufacturing 120 17.27 35,920

5. Beer, wine, and liquor stores 150 17.12 35,600

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 10,270 $12.75 $26,530 1.68

2. Nevada 17,260 11.09 23,070 1.45

3. Hawaii 7,680 10.45 21,730 1.32

4. New York 99,200 11.50 23,920 1.19

5. New Mexico 8,290 10.73 22,310 1.09

1. Alaska 2,500 13.24 27,540 0.83

2. Washington 14,950 12.96 26,960 0.56

3. District of Columbia 10,270 12.75 26,530 1.68

4. New Hampshire 1,880 12.50 26,000 0.30

5. Minnesota 12,280 12.38 25,740 0.47

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Atlantic City, NJ 3,360 $10.34 $21,500 2.29

2. Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division 18,220 9.16 19,060 1.81

3. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 14,500 11.09 23,070 1.70

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 77,610 11.62 24,160 1.58

5. Memphis, TN-MS-AR 9,080 9.06 18,850 1.47

1. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA 510 19.83 41,240 0.60

2. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 770 19.30 40,150 0.76

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 220 16.19 33,680 0.14

4. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 2,210 15.56 32,360 1.00

5. Olympia, WA 100 15.45 32,140 0.11

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

33-9032 Security guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

Industry
198

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 40,350 $9.18 $19,100

2. Other amusement and recreation industries 28,850 8.31 17,280

3. Civic and social organizations 21,360 8.09 16,840

4. Traveler accommodation 2,650 8.77 18,240

5. Elementary and secondary schools 1,940 9.03 18,790

1. Lessors of real estate 10.62 - 22,090

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 360 10.36 21,560

3. State government (OES designation) 270 10.10 21,010

4. Other hospitals 40 10.05 20,910

5. Employment services 350 9.62 20,000

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Wyoming 420 $6.70 $13,930 0.17

2. Alaska 460 11.30 23,500 0.15

3. Illinois 8,000 8.16 16,970 0.14

4. Colorado 2,950 9.11 18,940 0.14

5. Nebraska 1,230 7.33 15,240 0.14

1. Hawaii 530 13.76 28,610 0.09

2. Alaska 460 11.30 23,500 0.15

3. California 11,510 10.92 22,720 0.08

4. Massachusetts 2,620 10.08 20,960 0.08

5. Florida 4,930 10.02 20,840 0.07

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Danbury, CT 180 $10.45 $21,740 0.26

2. Sioux City, IA-NE-SD 170 6.88 14,320 0.24

3. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 230 9.88 20,550 0.22

4. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL 400 7.26 15,110 0.22

5. Mansfield, OH 120 6.87 14,290 0.21

1. Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division 420 13.39 27,860 0.04

2. Honolulu, HI 330 13.35 27,770 0.08

3. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division 1,090 12.46 25,910 0.07

4. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL Metropolitan Division 450 12.10 25,170 0.08

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division 2,430 11.99 24,940 0.06

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

33-9092 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective 

Service Workers

Industry

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes to provide assistance and 

protection to participants. 
199

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Limited-service eating places 327,760 $12.05 $25,070

2. Full-service restaurants 189,600 14.74 30,650

3. Elementary and secondary schools 41,140 12.62 26,250

4. Special food services 27,910 15.16 31,530

5. Traveler accommodation 21,400 15.42 32,080

1. Sea, coastal, and Great Lakes transportation 19.25 - 40,030

2. Offices of real estate agents and brokers 40 18.64 38,780

3. Drycleaning and laundry services 50 17.55 36,500

4. Professional and similar organizations 290 17.54 36,480

5. Outpatient care centers 80 17.44 36,280

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 9,440 $14.26 $29,660 0.79

2. New Mexico 6,030 10.51 21,860 0.79

3. Kentucky 13,700 11.35 23,600 0.78

4. Texas 73,090 11.88 24,710 0.78

5. Hawaii 4,430 15.93 33,140 0.76

1. Washington 12,950 16.73 34,800 0.49

2. District of Columbia 1,790 16.72 34,780 0.29

3. New Jersey 18,720 16.36 34,020 0.48

4. Connecticut 7,650 16.23 33,760 0.46

5. Hawaii 4,430 15.93 33,140 0.76

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Jacksonville, NC 490 $12.33 $25,650 1.23

2. Ocean City, NJ 500 15.75 32,770 1.23

3. Abilene, TX 670 9.66 20,090 1.10

4. Wilmington, NC 1,400 12.39 25,780 1.10

5. Gadsden, AL 380 11.15 23,200 1.05

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,670 19.37 40,300 0.40

2. Danbury, CT 210 17.93 37,300 0.30

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 6,250 17.88 37,180 0.48

4. Ocala, FL 460 17.58 36,560 0.48

5. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 410 17.47 36,330 0.51

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Supervise workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Industry

35-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving 

workers
200

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 607,700 $9.72 $20,220

2. Limited-service eating places 54,780 8.94 18,600

3. Traveler accommodation 54,620 11.46 23,830

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 19,380 11.04 22,970

5. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages 14,990 9.77 20,320

1. Clothing stores 50 12.73 26,480

2. Traveler accommodation 54,620 11.46 23,830

3. Rooming and boarding houses 90 11.40 23,720

4. Beverage manufacturing 330 11.38 23,670

5. Other food manufacturing 40 11.38 23,660

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Hawaii 6,330 $11.87 $24,700 1.09

2. Nevada 12,890 12.01 24,980 1.08

3. Wyoming 2,310 8.69 18,060 0.92

4. Colorado 19,170 10.08 20,970 0.89

5. Montana 3,410 8.45 17,580 0.82

1. Connecticut 6,380 12.49 25,990 0.39

2. Alaska 1,810 12.32 25,630 0.60

3. Nevada 12,890 12.01 24,980 1.08

4. Massachusetts 16,870 11.99 24,950 0.54

5. Hawaii 6,330 11.87 24,700 1.09

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 1,990 $9.49 $19,750 1.81

2. Brunswick, GA 660 9.10 18,920 1.62

3. Gulfport-Biloxi, MS 1,640 8.65 17,980 1.50

4. Naples-Marco Island, FL 1,750 11.37 23,640 1.44

5. Atlantic City, NJ 2,110 11.48 23,880 1.44

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,520 13.99 29,110 0.36

2. Danbury, CT 230 13.71 28,520 0.33

3. Charlottesville, VA 670 13.25 27,560 0.74

4. Anchorage, AK 1,030 13.01 27,060 0.64

5. Waterbury, CT 200 13.01 27,050 0.29

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

35-2014 Cooks, restaurant

Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foodstuffs in restaurants. May 

order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Industry
201

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 204,680 $8.39 $17,460

2. Limited-service eating places 182,270 7.62 15,850

3. Grocery stores 111,670 9.46 19,670

4. Elementary and secondary schools 72,810 9.59 19,960

5. Nursing care facilities 51,550 8.69 18,070

1. Legal services 140 13.81 28,730

2. Facilities support services 13.24 - 27,530

3. Scientific research and development services 40 11.64 24,220

4. Clothing stores 60 11.59 24,120

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 3,050 10.74 22,350

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Mississippi 14,270 $6.78 $14,100 1.29

2. Louisiana 21,160 6.79 14,110 1.13

3. South Dakota 4,020 7.50 15,600 1.08

4. Maine 6,080 9.04 18,810 1.02

5. New York 80,470 9.47 19,690 0.97

1. Alaska 1,930 11.22 23,330 0.64

2. Connecticut 13,760 10.46 21,760 0.84

3. Nevada 8,230 10.23 21,270 0.69

4. Washington 12,240 10.01 20,820 0.46

5. Hawaii 5,620 9.98 20,760 0.96

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Gulfport-Biloxi, MS 2,170 $6.68 $13,900 1.99

2. Hattiesburg, MS 950 7.53 15,670 1.78

3. Utica-Rome, NY 1,910 7.37 15,340 1.48

4. Napa, CA 900 10.62 22,090 1.44

5. Rome, GA 540 7.06 14,680 1.35

1. Florence, SC 990 13.46 28,000 1.20

2. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 800 12.26 25,500 0.52

3. Danbury, CT 690 11.67 24,260 0.99

4. Waterbury, CT 540 11.28 23,450 0.77

5. Fairbanks, AK 190 11.22 23,340 0.52

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

35-2021 Food preparation workers

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and 

shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Industry
202

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Limited-service eating places 1,625,820 $7.05 $14,670

2. Full-service restaurants 123,660 7.14 14,840

3. Elementary and secondary schools 111,370 8.85 18,400

4. Grocery stores 91,310 9.07 18,850

5. Special food services 85,250 8.63 17,950

1. Federal government (OES designation) 8,370 13.13 27,300

2. Rail transportation 490 12.65 26,310

3. Depository credit intermediation 11.49 - 23,900

4. Scientific research and development services 80 10.97 22,830

5. Other schools and instruction 400 10.83 22,520

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Texas 245,080 $6.78 $14,100 2.60

2. West Virginia 17,130 6.49 13,510 2.46

3. Kentucky 42,920 6.56 13,640 2.45

4. North Carolina 91,950 6.88 14,310 2.41

5. Missouri 63,170 7.17 14,910 2.37

1. District of Columbia 7,190 9.31 19,360 1.18

2. Connecticut 18,320 9.22 19,170 1.11

3. Washington 60,290 8.96 18,640 2.27

4. Alaska 4,470 8.78 18,260 1.49

5. Massachusetts 48,730 8.74 18,180 1.55

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. San Angelo, TX 1,640 $6.31 $13,130 3.96

2. Jacksonville, NC 1,570 6.40 13,300 3.95

3. Laredo, TX 3,120 6.16 12,820 3.94

4. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX 4,270 6.51 13,540 3.84

5. Ames, IA 1,540 7.16 14,890 3.79

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 11,580 9.72 20,220 1.22

2. Napa, CA 960 9.69 20,150 1.54

3. New Haven, CT 3,460 9.45 19,650 1.28

4. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 2,520 9.40 19,560 1.35

5. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 24,580 9.34 19,420 1.87

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Perform duties which combine both food preparation and food service.

Industry

35-3021 Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast 

food
203

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 1,643,370 $7.75 $16,120

2. Limited-service eating places 162,020 7.15 14,880

3. Traveler accommodation 126,260 8.50 17,690

4. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages 77,950 7.33 15,240

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 70,440 8.92 18,550

1. Sea, coastal, and Great Lakes transportation 10.76 - 22,380

2. Travel arrangement and reservation services 290 10.49 21,820

3. Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water 970 10.15 21,120

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 170 10.00 20,800

5. Other personal services 320 9.87 20,530

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 36,360 $8.12 $16,890 3.05

2. Hawaii 15,690 10.50 21,830 2.69

3. Florida 190,170 7.95 16,540 2.50

4. Rhode Island 10,980 8.61 17,910 2.29

5. Wyoming 5,480 6.71 13,960 2.18

1. Massachusetts 54,530 10.78 22,430 1.73

2. Hawaii 15,690 10.50 21,830 2.69

3. New York 133,370 10.40 21,640 1.60

4. Washington 43,860 10.38 21,600 1.65

5. Alaska 3,590 9.88 20,550 1.20

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, FL 4,680 $7.53 $15,660 5.55

2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 6,030 6.79 14,130 5.47

3. Ocean City, NJ 1,740 10.20 21,220 4.30

4. Naples-Marco Island, FL 4,270 8.76 18,210 3.51

5. Jacksonville, NC 1,360 6.96 14,470 3.43

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 71,090 11.62 24,170 1.45

2. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,970 11.11 23,110 1.27

3. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 910 11.06 23,010 2.10

4. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 27,020 11.01 22,890 1.66

5. New Bedford, MA 1,130 10.99 22,860 1.76

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

35-3031 Waiters and waitresses

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment. 

Industry
204

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 53,300 $15.29 $31,800

2. Traveler accommodation 30,980 13.40 27,860

3. Elementary and secondary schools 26,530 17.28 35,940

4. Nursing care facilities 9,320 14.75 30,670

5. Local government (OES designation) 8,550 17.96 37,350

1. Scheduled air transportation 40 23.27 48,400

2. Architectural and structural metals mfg. 30 20.49 42,610

3. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 250 20.44 42,510

4. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 30 20.30 42,230

5. Educational support services 30 20.29 42,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 3,670 $13.97 $29,050 0.31

2. Hawaii 1,530 16.59 34,510 0.26

3. District of Columbia 1,470 16.31 33,930 0.24

4. Delaware 970 15.09 31,390 0.23

5. Wyoming 570 12.93 26,890 0.23

1. Connecticut 2,470 19.08 39,690 0.15

2. New Jersey 6,680 19.02 39,560 0.17

3. New York 13,520 18.80 39,100 0.16

4. Massachusetts 4,680 18.50 38,480 0.15

5. Rhode Island 530 17.87 37,170 0.11

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Brunswick, GA 210 $14.56 $30,280 0.52

2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 500 12.95 26,940 0.45

3. Elizabethtown, KY 180 12.42 25,840 0.42

4. Syracuse, NY 1,210 - 0.39 -

5. Atlantic City, NJ 570 16.84 35,030 0.39

1. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA 140 25.58 53,210 0.11

2. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 370 23.19 48,230 0.17

3. Waterbury, CT 70 22.48 46,760 0.10

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,720 21.92 45,590 0.14

5. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 120 21.55 44,820 0.10

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Supervise work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.

Industry

37-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial 

workers
205

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 54,840 $18.15 $37,740

2. Other amusement and recreation industries 12,320 20.94 43,550

3. Local government (OES designation) 11,620 20.72 43,090

4. Traveler accommodation 3,000 17.20 35,770

5. Colleges and universities 2,320 18.90 39,310

1. Federal government (OES designation) 160 27.48 57,170

2. Highway, street, and bridge construction 50 23.81 49,530

3. Spectator sports 370 22.34 46,480

4. Grantmaking and giving services 60 22.27 46,320

5. Management of companies and enterprises 230 21.41 44,530

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 1,750 $17.83 $37,090 0.15

2. Hawaii 780 21.08 43,840 0.13

3. Arizona 2,920 17.26 35,900 0.12

4. Georgia 4,670 16.96 35,280 0.12

5. South Carolina 2,160 16.75 34,830 0.12

1. Connecticut 1,390 24.66 51,300 0.08

2. Delaware 370 23.24 48,340 0.09

3. New York 4,410 22.82 47,460 0.05

4. Massachusetts 2,720 22.77 47,370 0.09

5. Washington 1,370 22.04 45,850 0.05

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL 310 $17.21 $35,790 0.25

2. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 970 19.22 39,980 0.25

3. Anniston-Oxford, AL 120 15.25 31,730 0.24

4. Naples-Marco Island, FL 290 19.67 40,920 0.24

5. Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL 100 17.85 37,140 0.22

1. Danbury, CT 60 30.15 62,710 0.09

2. Anderson, SC 26.99 - 56,140 -

3. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 510 26.74 55,630 0.12

4. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 40 26.15 54,390 0.05

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 1,140 25.85 53,760 0.09

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Plan, organize, direct, or coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping 

activities, such as planting and maintaining ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns, and applying 

fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals, according to contract specifications. May also coordinate 

activities of workers engaged in terracing hillsides, building retaining walls, constructing pathways, 

installing patios, and similar activities in following a landscape design plan. Work may involve reviewing 

contracts to ascertain service, machine, and work force requirements; answering inquiries from potential 

customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, 

material, and machine costs.

Industry

37-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and 

groundskeeping workers
206

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 717,560 $8.96 $18,640

2. Elementary and secondary schools 351,240 11.81 24,560

3. Local government (OES designation) 82,780 11.60 24,120

4. Colleges and universities 78,670 11.26 23,420

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 53,400 10.45 21,730

1. Motor vehicle manufacturing 810 19.61 40,780

2. Postal service 16,060 18.41 38,300

3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 4,050 15.65 32,550

4. Basic chemical manufacturing 580 14.77 30,730

5. Other transportation equipment manufacturing 200 14.32 29,790

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 16,430 $10.70 $22,260 2.69

2. Nevada 26,390 10.52 21,890 2.22

3. Hawaii 12,720 10.37 21,570 2.18

4. New York 177,130 11.87 24,680 2.13

5. Alaska 6,250 13.04 27,110 2.08

1. Alaska 6,250 13.04 27,110 2.08

2. Massachusetts 53,450 12.43 25,860 1.70

3. New York 177,130 11.87 24,680 2.13

4. Washington 38,100 11.80 24,550 1.44

5. Michigan 69,750 11.71 24,350 1.61

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Champaign-Urbana, IL 2,840 $12.18 $25,340 2.89

2. Binghamton, NY 2,960 9.37 19,490 2.70

3. Florence, SC 2,060 7.61 15,820 2.49

4. Holland-Grand Haven, MI 2,760 10.57 21,980 2.47

5. Lawton, OK 950 8.63 17,960 2.42

1. Kokomo, IN 720 14.50 30,160 1.55

2. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 1,060 13.80 28,690 1.18

3. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 2,180 13.63 28,360 1.85

4. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 1,710 13.36 27,800 1.65

5. Fairbanks, AK 630 13.15 27,350 1.73

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, 

shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace 

and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and 

cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

Industry

37-2011 Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
207

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Traveler accommodation 408,500 $8.41 $17,490

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 115,540 9.75 20,290

3. Services to buildings and dwellings 87,910 8.62 17,940

4. Nursing care facilities 76,130 8.70 18,100

5. Community care facilities for the elderly 33,690 8.56 17,810

1. Scientific research and development services 240 14.04 29,210

2. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 120 12.15 25,280

3. Other investment pools and funds 12.08 - 25,140

4. Other financial investment activities 180 11.56 24,040

5. Educational support services 40 11.37 23,660

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 23,200 $10.50 $21,830 1.95

2. Hawaii 10,760 12.16 25,280 1.84

3. Wyoming 2,950 7.97 16,580 1.17

4. Montana 4,690 7.44 15,470 1.13

5. South Dakota 4,090 7.55 15,700 1.10

1. District of Columbia 4,890 12.34 25,660 0.80

2. New York 46,680 12.29 25,560 0.56

3. Hawaii 10,760 12.16 25,280 1.84

4. Connecticut 9,290 10.64 22,130 0.56

5. Nevada 23,200 10.50 21,830 1.95

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 4,040 $7.89 $16,420 3.67

2. Atlantic City, NJ 3,570 9.25 19,250 2.43

3. Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, FL 1,850 8.75 18,190 2.20

4. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 18,680 11.02 22,930 2.19

5. Brunswick, GA 890 7.92 16,470 2.19

1. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 28,900 14.10 29,320 0.59

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 9,270 12.53 26,060 0.98

3. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 4,730 11.98 24,920 0.39

4. Honolulu, HI 5,410 11.95 24,860 1.27

5. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 310 11.18 23,250 0.51

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

37-2012 Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial 

establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties include 

making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.

Industry
208

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 442,390 $10.50 $21,840

2. Other amusement and recreation industries 102,390 9.86 20,510

3. Local government (OES designation) 81,060 12.39 25,780

4. Employment services 30,900 9.75 20,280

5. Elementary and secondary schools 22,990 13.42 27,920

1. Power generation and supply 380 18.03 37,500

2. Federal government (OES designation) 1,150 17.60 36,610

3. Technical and trade schools 60 17.05 35,460

4. Electronic instrument manufacturing 40 15.00 31,190

5. State government (OES designation) 7,100 14.52 30,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Hawaii 7,910 $12.02 $25,000 1.36

2. Nevada 13,320 11.38 23,660 1.12

3. Florida 81,740 9.82 20,430 1.07

4. Arizona 25,840 9.60 19,970 1.06

5. California 125,300 11.75 24,430 0.85

1. District of Columbia 850 14.11 29,340 0.14

2. Connecticut 13,040 13.25 27,570 0.79

3. Massachusetts 20,550 13.15 27,350 0.65

4. Washington 16,490 12.31 25,600 0.62

5. Rhode Island 3,160 12.23 25,440 0.66

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Naples-Marco Island, FL 3,450 $10.72 $22,300 2.84

2. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL Metropolitan Division 11,150 9.86 20,500 2.03

3. Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL 2,450 9.41 19,580 2.01

4. Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL 920 9.82 20,430 2.01

5. Barnstable Town, MA 1,780 13.01 27,070 1.80

1. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 690 15.51 32,260 0.59

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 5,130 15.47 32,180 0.54

3. Danbury, CT 630 15.26 31,750 0.91

4. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 750 14.92 31,040 1.00

5. New Bedford, MA 450 14.68 30,540 0.70

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

37-3011 Landscaping and groundskeeping workers

Industry

Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers 

typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod 

laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, 

and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
209

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other amusement and recreation industries 103,140 $7.84 $16,300

2. Local government (OES designation) 42,970 9.05 18,820

3. Amusement parks and arcades 36,060 7.64 15,890

4. Traveler accommodation 8,750 8.55 17,780

5. Civic and social organizations 6,960 7.97 16,580

1. Independent artists, writers, and performers 11.72 - 24,380

2. Junior colleges 11.15 - 23,190

3. Colleges and universities 1,000 10.43 21,700

4. Elementary and secondary schools 600 10.13 21,070

5. Community care facilities for the elderly 150 9.73 20,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Florida 31,520 $8.12 $16,900 0.41

2. Minnesota 9,270 8.30 17,270 0.35

3. Nevada 3,950 7.93 16,500 0.33

4. Alaska 940 9.93 20,650 0.31

5. Hawaii 1,720 9.62 20,020 0.30

1. Connecticut 1,810 10.48 21,790 0.11

2. Alaska 940 9.93 20,650 0.31

3. Massachusetts 3,180 9.77 20,330 0.10

4. Hawaii 1,720 9.62 20,020 0.30

5. Vermont 620 9.48 19,720 0.21

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Orlando-Kissimmee, FL 13,530 $7.97 $16,580 1.38

2. Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL 430 8.65 17,990 0.94

3. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 1,030 7.62 15,840 0.93

4. Valdosta, GA 480 6.59 13,720 0.90

5. Ocean City, NJ 310 9.18 19,090 0.77

1. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 280 12.62 26,250 0.07

2. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 510 11.12 23,130 0.12

3. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 120 10.98 22,840 0.12

4. Ann Arbor, MI 10.60 - 22,050 -

5. Flagstaff, AZ 10.56 - 21,970 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

39-3091 Amusement and recreation attendants

Perform variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility. May schedule use of recreation 

facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or 

operate amusement concessions and rides.

Industry
210

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Personal care services 303,580 $11.50 $23,910

2. Health and personal care stores 2,000 9.86 20,510

3. Technical and trade schools 1,850 10.86 22,600

4. Employment services 1,530 13.18 27,410

5. Clothing stores 1,020 12.10 25,180

1. Death care services 480 13.72 28,540

2. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 90 13.37 27,820

3. State government (OES designation) 110 13.23 27,510

4. Employment services 1,530 13.18 27,410

5. Amusement parks and arcades 50 12.55 26,100

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Pennsylvania 22,790 $9.36 $19,470 0.41

2. New Jersey 15,820 12.25 25,480 0.40

3. Wisconsin 10,810 11.00 22,870 0.40

4. North Dakota 1,250 10.52 21,880 0.38

5. Maryland 9,450 11.33 23,560 0.38

1. District of Columbia 750 23.61 49,120 0.12

2. Delaware 1,170 14.54 30,240 0.28

3. Vermont 760 13.89 28,900 0.26

4. Connecticut 6,130 13.63 28,340 0.37

5. Massachusetts 10,140 13.27 27,610 0.32

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Ocean City, NJ 310 $10.68 $22,220 0.77

2. Lewiston, ID-WA 180 8.00 16,640 0.72

3. Sandusky, OH 260 7.61 15,820 0.66

4. Fond du Lac, WI 290 10.05 20,910 0.64

5. Punta Gorda, FL 230 10.55 21,950 0.61

1. Birmingham-Hoover, AL 740 16.54 34,400 0.15

2. Memphis, TN-MS-AR 1,270 16.35 34,000 0.21

3. Burlington-South Burlington, VT 230 16.27 33,830 0.21

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 1,180 16.07 33,430 0.12

5. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 5,910 15.49 32,220 0.27

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

39-5012 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Industry

Provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging 

and treating scalp. May also apply makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal, and provide nail 

and skin care services.
211

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Child day care services 234,970 $7.84 $16,320

2. Elementary and secondary schools 113,330 9.85 20,490

3. Other residential care facilities 33,500 9.88 20,540

4. Civic and social organizations 32,860 8.06 16,760

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 29,650 8.03 16,710

1. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 490 16.24 33,780

2. State government (OES designation) 600 15.25 31,710

3. Other hospitals 290 12.35 25,690

4. Residential mental health facilities 14,470 10.40 21,630

5. Furniture stores 60 10.37 21,560

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Montana 3,360 $7.81 $16,240 0.81

2. New York 61,730 10.51 21,850 0.74

3. New Jersey 27,530 9.08 18,890 0.70

4. Rhode Island 3,300 9.78 20,350 0.69

5. South Dakota 2,390 7.32 15,220 0.64

1. Connecticut 6,310 10.56 21,970 0.38

2. Massachusetts 12,780 10.52 21,890 0.41

3. New York 61,730 10.51 21,850 0.74

4. California 48,140 10.08 20,970 0.33

5. Alaska 1,300 10.08 20,960 0.43

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lawrence, KS 770 $8.42 $17,510 1.57

2. Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY 2,910 10.29 21,410 1.18

3. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA 180 7.40 15,390 1.15

4. Billings, MT 880 8.40 17,470 1.13

5. Elizabethtown, KY 480 7.12 14,800 1.11

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 2,840 12.38 25,740 0.30

2. Waterbury, CT 230 11.63 24,200 0.33

3. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 36,760 11.30 23,510 0.75

4. Worcester, MA-CT 1,100 10.97 22,810 0.46

5. New Haven, CT 1,110 10.96 22,800 0.41

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

39-9011 Child care workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and child care institutions. Perform a 

variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. 

Industry
212

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Home health care services 198,120 $7.52 $15,640

2. Individual and family services 177,550 8.82 18,340

3. Residential mental health facilities 60,750 9.41 19,580

4. Community care facilities for the elderly 25,560 8.87 18,450

5. Vocational rehabilitation services 24,950 9.35 19,450

1. Other investment pools and funds 60 12.41 25,820

2. State government (OES designation) 6,680 11.85 24,660

3. Traveler accommodation 60 11.75 24,440

4. Professional and similar organizations 11.19 - 23,270

5. Religious organizations 250 10.25 21,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New Mexico 10,790 $8.51 $17,700 1.41

2. Texas 114,740 6.43 13,380 1.22

3. Minnesota 27,690 10.17 21,160 1.05

4. Alaska 3,040 13.58 28,260 1.01

5. Maine 4,760 8.75 18,190 0.80

1. Alaska 3,040 13.58 28,260 1.01

2. New Jersey 9,380 11.32 23,550 0.24

3. Delaware 10.71 - 22,280 -

4. Massachusetts 9,080 10.69 22,240 0.29

5. Rhode Island 1,700 10.66 22,180 0.35

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 7,310 $6.15 $12,800 6.37

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX 10,650 6.21 12,920 5.45

3. Laredo, TX 4,260 6.64 13,810 5.38

4. Sherman-Denison, TX 1,020 6.39 13,290 2.41

5. Abilene, TX 1,390 6.10 12,690 2.29

1. Anchorage, AK 2,300 13.76 28,620 1.43

2. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 540 13.44 27,940 0.88

3. Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division 60 12.76 26,540 0.08

4. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 610 12.43 25,850 0.15

5. Edison, NJ Metropolitan Division 2,360 11.83 24,600 0.24

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

39-9021 Personal and home care aides

Assist elderly or disabled adults with daily living activities at the person's home or in a daytime nonresidential facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, 

doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. May provide meals and supervised activities at nonresidential care facilities. May advise families, the elderly, and disabled on such things as nutrition, 

cleanliness, and household utilities.

Industry
213

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 96,230 $11.13 $23,140

2. Nursing care facilities 30,680 10.72 22,290

3. Civic and social organizations 30,200 9.26 19,260

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 17,330 9.84 20,470

5. Individual and family services 17,280 10.42 21,680

1. Performing arts companies 220 19.68 40,940

2. Other support services 40 17.37 36,120

3. State government (OES designation) 3,380 17.17 35,720

4. Accounting and bookkeeping services 16.39 - 34,080

5. Federal government (OES designation) 3,100 15.42 32,070

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Vermont 1,250 $11.33 $23,560 0.42

2. Connecticut 5,660 13.04 27,120 0.34

3. Iowa 4,390 9.10 18,920 0.30

4. New York 23,000 11.23 23,360 0.28

5. Rhode Island 1,290 9.80 20,390 0.27

1. District of Columbia 510 15.26 31,730 0.08

2. Hawaii 1,310 13.78 28,660 0.22

3. Connecticut 5,660 13.04 27,120 0.34

4. Alaska 360 12.83 26,690 0.12

5. Oregon 3,930 12.52 26,050 0.25

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Springfield, IL 1,360 $18.78 $39,070 1.24

2. Auburn-Opelika, AL 490 6.33 13,160 1.07

3. Danville, IL 170 8.76 18,220 0.61

4. Bend, OR 370 10.19 21,200 0.61

5. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL 1,120 8.16 16,970 0.60

1. Springfield, IL 1,360 18.78 39,070 1.24

2. Charlottesville, VA 170 15.43 32,080 0.19

3. Danbury, CT 90 15.36 31,950 0.13

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,720 14.82 30,830 0.31

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 1,520 14.70 30,580 0.36

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

39-9032 Recreation workers

Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation 

facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, 

social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual 

members.

Industry
214

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 123,270 $16.68 $34,700

2. Clothing stores 105,830 16.91 35,160

3. Other general merchandise stores 84,730 14.31 29,770

4. Gasoline stations 82,660 14.13 29,380

5. Building material and supplies dealers 78,360 18.99 39,510

1. Software publishers 70 43.63 90,750

2. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 50 35.70 74,260

3. Automobile dealers 48,320 35.32 73,470

4. Computer systems design and related services 850 32.48 67,550

5. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 190 31.84 66,240

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New Hampshire 7,790 $17.63 $36,680 1.25

2. Maine 6,890 15.52 32,290 1.15

3. North Carolina 43,410 16.00 33,280 1.14

4. Alabama 20,750 15.44 32,120 1.11

5. Mississippi 11,880 14.39 29,930 1.07

1. Washington 20,230 22.05 45,860 0.76

2. Delaware 3,160 22.05 45,860 0.76

3. New Jersey 30,580 21.54 44,810 0.78

4. Florida 56,000 20.47 42,590 0.74

5. Connecticut 14,180 20.27 42,170 0.86

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Jacksonville, NC 700 $16.06 $33,410 1.76

2. Dothan, AL 920 14.12 29,360 1.56

3. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 1,690 16.27 33,830 1.53

4. Rochester-Dover, NH-ME 780 17.90 37,220 1.49

5. Hattiesburg, MS 770 14.59 30,340 1.44

1. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 400 27.06 56,280 0.92

2. Monroe, MI 370 26.76 55,660 0.77

3. Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL 23.84 - 49,580 -

4. Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division 2,370 23.39 48,650 0.71

5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 3,320 23.27 48,390 0.79

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

41-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers

Directly supervise sales workers in a retail establishment or department. Duties may include 

management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to 

supervisory duties.

Industry
215

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 823,330 $8.76 $18,220

2. Gasoline stations 541,780 7.67 15,950

3. Other general merchandise stores 319,210 8.27 17,210

4. Department stores 231,550 8.08 16,810

5. Health and personal care stores 231,330 8.19 17,030

1. Postal service 3,690 24.18 50,300

2. Depository credit intermediation 290 17.71 36,830

3. Scenic and sightseeing transportation, other 60 16.50 34,320

4. Urban transit systems 80 13.51 28,100

5. Telecommunications resellers 380 13.38 27,840

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Mississippi 41,980 $7.15 $14,860 3.79

2. Louisiana 68,540 6.95 14,460 3.65

3. Vermont 9,950 8.71 18,110 3.34

4. New Hampshire 20,740 8.66 18,020 3.34

5. West Virginia 22,870 6.77 14,080 3.28

1. Washington 72,630 10.81 22,490 2.74

2. Alaska 6,750 10.42 21,670 2.25

3. District of Columbia 6,860 10.10 21,000 1.12

4. California 362,920 9.88 20,540 2.47

5. Oregon 34,680 9.80 20,370 2.17

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Ocean City, NJ 2,090 $8.88 $18,460 5.16

2. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA 800 6.49 13,500 5.10

3. Hattiesburg, MS 2,700 7.41 15,400 5.06

4. Bay City, MI 1,690 7.69 15,990 4.47

5. Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI 2,860 7.89 16,420 4.37

1. Napa, CA 1,300 11.82 24,590 2.08

2. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 1,520 11.59 24,100 3.51

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 31,580 11.43 23,760 2.40

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 22,760 10.98 22,830 2.39

5. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 2,630 10.84 22,550 3.28

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

41-2011 Cashiers

Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions. Usually involves use of 

electronic scanners, cash registers, or related equipment. Often involved in processing credit or debit 

card transactions and validating checks.

Industry
216

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Consumer goods rental 105,480 $8.82 $18,340

2. Drycleaning and laundry services 54,220 8.13 16,910

3. Automotive equipment rental and leasing 46,070 11.52 23,960

4. Automobile dealers 32,410 20.18 41,970

5. Lessors of real estate 32,270 10.61 22,070

1. Automobile dealers 32,410 20.18 41,970

2. Accounting and bookkeeping services 280 17.82 37,070

3. Chemical merchant wholesalers 280 17.56 36,520

4. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 17.42 - 36,230

5. Building finishing contractors 40 16.87 35,090

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Washington 18,890 $11.73 $24,410 0.71

2. North Dakota 1,770 8.07 16,780 0.54

3. Colorado 11,380 10.77 22,410 0.53

4. California 72,560 12.45 25,890 0.49

5. New Hampshire 3,050 10.75 22,360 0.49

1. California 72,560 12.45 25,890 0.49

2. Connecticut 3,660 12.40 25,790 0.22

3. Maryland 10,720 12.38 25,760 0.43

4. New Jersey 12,340 11.89 24,730 0.32

5. Washington 18,890 11.73 24,410 0.71

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Mobile, AL 1,570 $9.30 $19,350 0.94

2. Danville, IL 260 7.56 15,720 0.94

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 10,650 12.05 25,060 0.81

4. Bellingham, WA 590 10.23 21,280 0.79

5. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA 980 10.76 22,380 0.78

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 650 16.40 34,120 0.15

2. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 360 15.23 31,690 0.35

3. Greeley, CO 190 15.15 31,520 0.26

4. Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA 60 14.08 29,280 0.09

5. Portsmouth, NH-ME 240 13.93 28,970 0.44

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

41-2021 Counter and rental clerks

Receive orders for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and 

accept payment.

Industry
217

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Clothing stores 684,040 $9.44 $19,620

2. Department stores 610,360 9.31 19,370

3. Building material and supplies dealers 426,130 12.19 25,360

4. Other general merchandise stores 332,180 9.02 18,760

5. Automobile dealers 281,360 20.65 42,950

1. Other electrical equipment and component mfg. 23.87 - 49,660

2. Computer systems design and related services 850 22.67 47,150

3. Magnetic media manufacturing and reproducing 21.92 - 45,590

4. Advertising and related services 710 21.10 43,880

5. Residential building construction 1,080 20.88 43,430

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Hawaii 25,990 $10.73 $22,320 4.45

2. Delaware 18,180 11.88 24,720 4.35

3. New Hampshire 25,220 11.33 23,580 4.06

4. Montana 16,680 10.20 21,210 4.02

5. New Mexico 30,190 9.98 20,750 3.96

1. Washington 85,000 12.81 26,640 3.20

2. Connecticut 52,060 12.67 26,360 3.16

3. Alaska 9,850 12.22 25,430 3.28

4. New Jersey 119,190 12.17 25,320 3.04

5. Colorado 79,380 11.95 24,860 3.69

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division 3,530 $11.08 $23,060 6.09

2. Barnstable Town, MA 5,810 12.12 25,210 5.87

3. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC 6,320 10.73 22,310 5.73

4. Punta Gorda, FL 2,130 12.77 26,570 5.63

5. Santa Fe, NM 3,100 10.43 21,700 5.53

1. Carson City, NV 510 15.05 31,310 1.63

2. Fairbanks, AK 1,200 13.64 28,370 3.30

3. Yakima, WA 2,380 13.51 28,090 3.09

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 24,570 13.34 27,760 2.84

5. Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division 8,790 13.29 27,630 3.50

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

41-2031 Retail salespersons

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel in a retail establishment.

Industry
218

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 184,990 $29.93 $62,250

2. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers 101,540 26.31 54,730

3. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 88,010 25.60 53,260

4. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 57,930 27.15 56,470

5. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 49,000 23.18 48,210

1. Basic chemical manufacturing 1,440 35.77 74,410

2. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 880 35.69 74,240

3. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 1,910 35.50 73,850

4. Independent artists, writers, and performers 160 34.94 72,670

5. Converted paper product manufacturing 9,620 33.44 69,550

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New York 119,130 $30.78 $64,010 1.43

2. Florida 104,270 24.79 51,570 1.37

3. Colorado 29,120 27.17 56,520 1.35

4. Illinois 77,630 28.31 58,880 1.35

5. Utah 14,360 24.56 51,080 1.31

1. Connecticut 18,300 33.90 70,500 1.11

2. New Jersey 42,870 32.00 66,560 1.09

3. New York 119,130 30.78 64,010 1.43

4. Massachusetts 32,410 30.65 63,760 1.03

5. Minnesota 32,050 29.33 61,010 1.22

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL 3,850 $28.64 $59,580 2.07

2. Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division 20,050 22.47 46,740 2.00

3. Odessa, TX 960 20.38 42,390 1.87

4. Oshkosh-Neenah, WI 1,550 25.82 53,700 1.76

5. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 1,570 34.57 71,900 1.75

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 5,390 41.42 86,150 1.28

2. Danbury, CT 950 38.31 79,690 1.37

3. Salinas, CA 1,030 37.54 78,070 0.66

4. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 5,650 34.64 72,060 1.44

5. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 1,570 34.57 71,900 1.75

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires 

substantial knowledge of items sold.

Industry

41-4012 Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except 

technical and scientific products
219

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Accounting and bookkeeping services 90,330 $14.43 $30,010

2. Local government (OES designation) 74,710 15.04 31,290

3. Management of companies and enterprises 70,210 15.08 31,370

4. Depository credit intermediation 56,550 13.50 28,090

5. Building equipment contractors 44,250 15.63 32,520

1. Postal service 1,470 24.43 50,810

2. Rail transportation 550 19.48 40,520

3. Federal government (OES designation) 6,540 18.03 37,500

4. Natural gas distribution 1,170 17.94 37,320

5. Other financial investment activities 10,790 17.80 37,010

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. South Dakota 8,460 $11.38 $23,660 2.27

2. Montana 8,550 12.13 25,230 2.06

3. Wyoming 5,070 12.16 25,290 2.02

4. Nebraska 17,870 12.77 26,570 2.00

5. Vermont 5,710 14.14 29,400 1.92

1. District of Columbia 5,640 18.29 38,040 0.92

2. Alaska 4,920 18.08 37,600 1.64

3. Connecticut 24,650 17.80 37,030 1.50

4. Massachusetts 44,270 17.25 35,880 1.41

5. New Jersey 54,820 17.00 35,360 1.40

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Idaho Falls, ID 1,190 $13.58 $28,240 2.34

2. Bend, OR 1,400 13.38 27,840 2.30

3. Rapid City, SD 1,320 11.60 24,130 2.28

4. Casper, WY 800 11.83 24,610 2.20

5. Bellingham, WA 1,630 15.50 32,240 2.18

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 13,930 18.99 39,490 1.46

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 10,850 18.76 39,010 1.25

3. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 8,180 18.47 38,430 1.94

4. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 14,120 18.27 38,010 1.40

5. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 22,310 18.25 37,960 1.37

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

43-3031 Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any 

combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use 

in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings 

pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers. 

Industry
220

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Insurance carriers 124,460 $15.26 $31,730

2. Business support services 117,040 11.03 22,950

3. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 110,870 15.06 31,320

4. Depository credit intermediation 103,510 13.64 28,370

5. Employment services 93,400 12.31 25,610

1. Postal service 390 25.69 53,420

2. Satellite telecommunications 1,600 22.00 45,760

3. Support activities for water transportation 1,050 21.39 44,490

4. Federal government (OES designation) 50 20.58 42,810

5. Inland water transportation 160 20.34 42,300

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arizona 60,820 $13.59 $28,260 2.50

2. Delaware 10,190 15.48 32,210 2.44

3. South Dakota 8,570 11.19 23,270 2.29

4. Utah 22,660 12.33 25,640 2.06

5. Georgia 78,910 13.78 28,660 2.02

1. Massachusetts 50,220 17.35 36,080 1.60

2. Connecticut 28,430 16.87 35,090 1.73

3. District of Columbia 6,340 16.37 34,050 1.04

4. New York 129,180 16.15 33,600 1.55

5. Washington 39,070 15.96 33,200 1.47

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Sioux Falls, SD 5,250 $11.26 $23,410 4.23

2. Lubbock, TX 4,410 10.38 21,600 3.67

3. Pocatello, ID 1,320 9.46 19,690 3.58

4. Jacksonville, FL 18,180 13.04 27,110 3.18

5. Bloomington-Normal, IL 2,460 12.68 26,370 3.02

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 10,420 21.60 44,930 1.20

2. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 28,000 18.92 39,350 1.72

3. Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division 990 18.06 37,560 2.14

4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 11,960 17.75 36,930 1.26

5. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 83,050 17.74 36,890 1.69

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

43-4051 Customer service representatives

Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and 

to handle and resolve complaints.

Industry
221

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 392,810 $9.86 $20,500

2. Department stores 274,390 9.29 19,330

3. Other general merchandise stores 158,220 9.65 20,080

4. Warehousing and storage 55,340 13.57 28,230

5. Clothing stores 41,240 8.94 18,600

1. Postal service 3,400 23.58 49,050

2. Motor vehicle manufacturing 940 20.98 43,640

3. Wired telecommunications carriers 990 20.43 42,500

4. Federal government (OES designation) 7,970 19.58 40,730

5. Natural gas distribution 580 19.49 40,540

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Florida 123,810 $9.70 $20,170 1.63

2. Kentucky 26,520 10.86 22,580 1.51

3. New Hampshire 9,300 11.09 23,070 1.50

4. Georgia 57,450 10.46 21,760 1.47

5. Arkansas 16,700 9.02 18,750 1.46

1. Alaska 3,400 13.84 28,780 1.13

2. Washington 30,250 12.66 26,340 1.14

3. District of Columbia 1,260 12.49 25,970 0.21

4. Connecticut 20,550 12.11 25,190 1.25

5. Oregon 17,260 12.00 24,950 1.08

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Punta Gorda, FL 910 $9.37 $19,480 2.40

2. Cleveland, TN 850 9.81 20,400 2.18

3. Danville, IL 590 9.73 20,240 2.12

4. El Centro, CA 970 9.20 19,130 2.04

5. Rochester-Dover, NH-ME 1,010 11.24 23,380 1.93

1. Fairbanks, AK 320 15.66 32,570 0.88

2. Battle Creek, MI 950 15.35 31,920 1.62

3. Ann Arbor, MI 1,920 13.45 27,970 0.97

4. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 14,870 13.44 27,950 1.13

5. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 8,700 13.28 27,630 0.92

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

43-5081 Stock clerks and order fillers

Receive, store, and issue sales floor merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, 

warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders. May mark prices on 

merchandise and set up sales displays.

Industry
222

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 222,670 $13.48 $28,030

2. Colleges and universities 99,380 13.80 28,710

3. Local government (OES designation) 91,030 14.52 30,210

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 65,380 13.65 28,400

5. Employment services 54,490 12.97 26,990

1. Postal service 1,120 23.77 49,450

2. Federal government (OES designation) 32,030 19.49 40,540

3. Monetary authorities - central bank 350 19.04 39,600

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 670 18.34 38,150

5. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 4,510 17.37 36,120

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. District of Columbia 13,240 $19.30 $40,140 2.17

2. Wyoming 5,330 10.81 22,490 2.12

3. New York 168,590 14.57 30,300 2.02

4. Louisiana 37,820 10.95 22,770 2.02

5. Mississippi 22,020 10.80 22,450 1.99

1. District of Columbia 13,240 19.30 40,140 2.17

2. New Jersey 74,050 16.46 34,240 1.89

3. Massachusetts 39,360 16.37 34,060 1.25

4. Connecticut 24,120 16.30 33,910 1.46

5. Alaska 3,330 16.22 33,740 1.11

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Carson City, NV 1,240 $15.09 $31,380 3.96

2. San Angelo, TX 1,030 10.76 22,370 2.48

3. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 5,390 17.90 37,220 2.44

4. Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL 1,210 10.74 22,340 2.38

5. Odessa, TX 1,210 10.18 21,170 2.35

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 9,010 18.45 38,370 0.95

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 28,160 18.19 37,830 1.26

3. Trenton-Ewing, NJ 5,390 17.90 37,220 2.44

4. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 5,880 17.79 37,000 1.40

5. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 7,140 17.77 36,960 0.71

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

43-6014 Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive

Industry

Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, 

scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing 

information to callers.
223

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 205,740 $13.01 $27,070

2. Employment services 171,510 10.82 22,500

3. Colleges and universities 128,810 12.06 25,080

4. Elementary and secondary schools 117,920 11.87 24,690

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 115,760 12.35 25,680

1. Postal service 3,720 23.87 49,640

2. Wired telecommunications carriers 9,510 17.54 36,480

3. Satellite telecommunications 310 17.33 36,050

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 3,120 17.04 35,450

5. Telecommunications resellers 3,310 16.71 34,760

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Delaware 16,110 $11.77 $24,480 3.86

2. Missouri 87,230 11.18 23,250 3.28

3. Virginia 114,920 13.03 27,100 3.25

4. West Virginia 20,930 9.90 20,590 3.00

5. North Dakota 9,170 9.93 20,650 2.79

1. Alaska 6,990 14.64 30,440 2.33

2. Massachusetts 64,080 14.12 29,380 2.04

3. Connecticut 32,920 14.04 29,200 2.00

4. District of Columbia 16,150 13.77 28,630 2.64

5. New Hampshire 13,360 13.16 27,380 2.15

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. St. Joseph, MO-KS 2,150 $10.41 $21,650 4.10

2. Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division 13,780 11.89 24,740 4.10

3. Olympia, WA 3,580 13.04 27,120 3.98

4. Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 33,990 13.59 28,260 3.91

5. Springfield, MO 7,080 9.76 20,300 3.88

1. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 2,790 15.81 32,880 2.37

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 20,030 15.59 32,440 2.31

3. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division 32,730 14.90 30,980 2.01

4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division 66,320 14.67 30,510 2.97

5. Anchorage, AK 3,920 14.65 30,470 2.43

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

43-9061 Office clerks, general

Industry

Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, 

requiring limited knowledge of office management systems and procedures. Clerical duties may 

be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may 

include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, 

stenography, office machine operation, and filing.
224

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 15,200 $7.91 $16,450

2. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 6,590 7.95 16,540

3. Grocery stores 5,730 10.22 21,250

4. Employment services 3,030 7.24 15,060

5. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 3,000 10.65 22,160

1. Other professional and technical services 50 15.08 31,360

2. Dairy product manufacturing 14.79 - 30,770

3. State government (OES designation) 290 14.07 29,270

4. Grain and oilseed milling 230 12.92 26,880

5. Support activities for animal production 40 12.07 25,110

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Idaho 1,720 $7.09 $14,760 0.29

2. Washington 4,710 8.72 18,130 0.18

3. South Dakota 620 9.80 20,380 0.17

4. North Dakota 370 8.87 18,460 0.11

5. Vermont 310 9.27 19,280 0.10

1. Minnesota 310 12.90 26,820 0.01

2. Missouri 90 12.16 25,300 -

3. Iowa 320 11.75 24,430 0.02

4. Indiana 220 11.55 24,030 0.01

5. Wisconsin 510 11.24 23,380 0.02

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Wenatchee, WA 1,420 $8.33 $17,320 3.66

2. Salinas, CA 2,200 9.03 18,780 1.41

3. Yakima, WA 980 9.05 18,830 1.27

4. Merced, CA 680 8.17 16,990 1.12

5. Idaho Falls, ID 470 6.50 13,530 0.92

1. Raleigh-Cary, NC 70 18.81 39,130 0.02

2. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 50 16.73 34,800 -

3. Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA 12.99 - 27,010 -

4. Salt Lake City, UT 90 12.72 26,450 0.02

5. Kansas City, MO-KS 40 12.39 25,760 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

45-2041 Graders and sorters, agricultural products

Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or 

condition.

Industry
225

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 13,710 $9.19 $19,120

2. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 2,150 12.61 26,230

3. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 990 12.56 26,130

4. Employment services 260 11.63 24,180

5. Colleges and universities 200 12.48 25,970

1. State government (OES designation) 50 14.86 30,900

2. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 60 13.32 27,700

3. Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores 12.73 - 26,470

4. Beverage manufacturing 160 12.65 26,300

5. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 2,150 12.61 26,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. North Dakota 210 $11.99 $24,930 0.06

2. Kansas 820 13.83 28,760 0.06

3. Idaho 310 9.73 20,240 0.05

4. Nebraska 410 11.26 23,410 0.05

5. California 6,640 9.61 19,990 0.05

1. Pennsylvania 170 16.46 34,230 -

2. Washington 180 14.33 29,820 0.01

3. Kansas 820 13.83 28,760 0.06

4. Illinois 550 13.61 28,310 0.01

5. Maryland 90 13.53 28,140 -

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. El Centro, CA 460 $8.60 $17,880 0.97

2. Visalia-Porterville, CA 1,100 9.01 18,740 0.89

3. Merced, CA 350 9.06 18,840 0.57

4. Hanford-Corcoran, CA 170 9.59 19,940 0.49

5. Bakersfield, CA 700 8.82 18,340 0.29

1. Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division 20.29 - 42,200 -

2. Kansas City, MO-KS 16.21 - 33,710 -

3. Evansville, IN-KY 90 14.06 29,250 0.05

4. Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 320 13.78 28,660 0.04

5. Napa, CA 140 13.11 27,260 0.22

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

45-2091 Agricultural equipment operators

Drive and control farm equipment to till soil and to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. May perform 

tasks, such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest 

tasks, such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

Industry
226

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 161,280 $7.96 $16,550

2. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 15,900 8.80 18,300

3. Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores 11,860 9.33 19,410

4. Beverage manufacturing 4,200 10.53 21,910

5. Services to buildings and dwellings 3,240 10.31 21,450

1. Federal government (OES designation) 140 16.18 33,660

2. Elementary and secondary schools 15.43 - 32,100

3. State government (OES designation) 180 12.85 26,720

4. Local government (OES designation) 840 12.04 25,050

5. Specialized freight trucking 12.02 - 25,010

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. California 135,200 $8.30 $17,260 0.92

2. New Mexico 3,330 6.49 13,490 0.44

3. Florida 28,020 7.92 16,470 0.37

4. Arizona 8,720 6.71 13,960 0.36

5. Idaho 990 9.56 19,880 0.17

1. Massachusetts 890 11.51 23,930 0.03

2. Nebraska 510 11.25 23,410 0.06

3. North Dakota 320 10.85 22,560 0.10

4. Ohio 2,060 10.77 22,410 0.04

5. Washington 3,000 10.77 22,390 0.11

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Salinas, CA 19,950 $8.32 $17,300 12.77

2. El Centro, CA 5,840 8.09 16,830 12.31

3. Yuma, AZ 6,700 6.67 13,870 11.25

4. Madera, CA 4,120 8.18 17,010 11.01

5. Visalia-Porterville, CA 12,540 8.21 17,080 10.14

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 150 13.67 28,420 0.04

2. Champaign-Urbana, IL 13.43 - 27,940 -

3. Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division 60 13.24 27,540 0.02

4. Charlottesville, VA 40 13.16 27,380 0.04

5. Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA 130 13.05 27,140 0.03

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Manually plant, cultivate, and harvest vegetables, fruits, nuts, horticultural specialties, and field crops. 

Use hand tools, such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks, shears, and knives. Duties may 

include tilling soil and applying fertilizers; transplanting, weeding, thinning, or pruning crops; applying 

pesticides; cleaning, grading, sorting, packing and loading harvested products. May construct trellises, 

repair fences and farm buildings, or participate in irrigation activities.

Industry

45-2092 Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse
227

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 9,850 $9.97 $20,730

2. Support activities for animal production 9,500 9.87 20,530

3. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 8,190 8.35 17,370

4. Animal slaughtering and processing 4,950 9.83 20,450

5. Spectator sports 3,190 9.60 19,960

1. Federal government (OES designation) 330 16.59 34,520

2. Other financial investment activities 60 13.24 27,540

3. Local government (OES designation) 140 13.03 27,110

4. Scientific research and development services 50 12.49 25,980

5. Animal food manufacturing 670 12.28 25,550

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Kentucky 2,500 $9.71 $20,200 0.14

2. Montana 570 8.53 17,750 0.14

3. Nebraska 980 8.77 18,230 0.11

4. Iowa 1,360 10.44 21,700 0.09

5. Mississippi 950 9.09 18,910 0.09

1. Wyoming 40 14.15 29,420 0.02

2. Arizona 280 11.67 24,270 0.01

3. New Jersey 830 11.39 23,700 0.02

4. Connecticut 150 11.19 23,270 0.01

5. Massachusetts 230 11.18 23,260 0.01

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lexington-Fayette, KY 1,560 $9.99 $20,780 0.66

2. Harrisonburg, VA 210 10.43 21,700 0.37

3. College Station-Bryan, TX 160 6.81 14,160 0.19

4. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 80 10.21 21,250 0.19

5. Visalia-Porterville, CA 190 9.33 19,400 0.15

1. Stockton, CA 100 14.23 29,590 0.05

2. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 13.79 - 28,670 -

3. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO 40 13.00 27,030 0.03

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 140 12.97 26,980 -

5. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division 12.75 - 26,520 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

45-2093 Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals

Attend to live farm, ranch, or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses 

and other equines, poultry, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, 

such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, 

grazing, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain 

records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and 

administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal 

housing areas. Include workers who shear wool from sheep, and collect eggs in hatcheries.

Industry
228

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Logging 20,680 $14.47 $30,090

2. Sawmills and wood preservation 3,440 12.63 26,260

3. Specialized freight trucking 580 14.03 29,190

4. Plywood and engineered wood product mfg. 430 13.55 28,180

5. Other wood product manufacturing 390 12.70 26,420

1. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 21.92 - 45,590

2. General freight trucking 20.65 - 42,940

3. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 280 17.73 36,880

4. Logging 20,680 14.47 30,090

5. Employment services 280 14.18 29,500

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Maine 1,460 $15.37 $31,980 0.24

2. Mississippi 1,800 12.24 25,460 0.16

3. Idaho 800 16.36 34,020 0.13

4. Montana 530 16.37 34,040 0.13

5. Oregon 2,050 17.11 35,600 0.13

1. Washington 1,830 18.82 39,140 0.07

2. Alaska 200 17.39 36,170 0.07

3. Oregon 2,050 17.11 35,600 0.13

4. California 980 16.72 34,790 0.01

5. Montana 530 16.37 34,040 0.13

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Corvallis, OR $20.57 $42,790 0.26 90

2. Redding, CA 150 16.24 33,780 0.23

3. Missoula, MT 120 16.22 33,740 0.22

4. Hattiesburg, MS 100 15.67 32,590 0.19

5. Alexandria, LA 110 14.49 30,140 0.18

1. Corvallis, OR 90 20.57 42,790 0.26

2. Bellingham, WA 60 19.87 41,330 0.08

3. Monroe, LA 19.70 - 40,980 -

4. Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 60 19.42 40,400 0.01

5. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division 460 18.96 39,440 0.04

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

45-4022 Logging equipment operators

Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories, such as bulldozer 

blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to 

skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush.

Industry
229

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Residential building construction 82,470 $26.16 $54,420

2. Building equipment contractors 75,300 29.78 61,940

3. Nonresidential building construction 75,240 27.76 57,740

4. Building foundation and exterior contractors 60,100 25.83 53,730

5. Building finishing contractors 44,100 26.15 54,380

1. Computer systems design and related services 37.84 - 78,700

2. Turbine and power transmission equipment mfg. 36.16 - 75,210

3. Death care services 60 33.82 70,340

4. Pipeline transportation of crude oil 40 32.92 68,480

5. Basic chemical manufacturing 70 32.68 67,980

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Wyoming 2,960 $26.22 $54,540 1.18

2. Nevada 8,710 28.06 58,360 0.73

3. Florida 53,090 24.70 51,380 0.70

4. Virginia 23,350 26.80 55,740 0.66

5. New Mexico 4,920 22.05 45,850 0.64

1. Alaska 1,520 35.99 74,870 0.51

2. New Jersey 14,650 34.26 71,260 0.37

3. Illinois 14,470 33.59 69,870 0.25

4. New York 27,120 32.28 67,140 0.33

5. Hawaii 2,140 32.23 67,040 0.37

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL 2,810 $21.61 $44,940 1.35

2. Naples-Marco Island, FL 1,640 26.47 55,060 1.35

3. Farmington, NM 550 23.06 47,960 1.15

4. Victoria, TX 530 23.82 49,540 1.12

5. Panama City-Lynn Haven, FL 740 24.76 51,510 1.11

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 3,250 39.14 81,420 0.34

2. Waterbury, CT 130 38.79 80,690 0.19

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,000 38.45 79,970 0.35

4. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 350 37.95 78,940 0.34

5. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 14,190 36.72 76,380 0.29

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Industry

47-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and 

extraction workers
230

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Residential building construction 286,600 $17.93 $37,290

2. Building foundation and exterior contractors 155,980 18.12 37,680

3. Nonresidential building construction 146,870 20.55 42,740

4. Building finishing contractors 135,150 19.59 40,740

5. Employment services 28,870 16.36 34,040

1. General freight trucking 27.79 - 57,810

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 350 27.00 56,160

3. Power generation and supply 140 26.34 54,800

4. Motion picture and video industries 250 25.63 53,320

5. Department stores 100 25.36 52,750

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nevada 19,680 $19.78 $41,140 1.65

2. Arizona 32,010 16.21 33,720 1.31

3. Montana 4,950 15.68 32,620 1.19

4. Vermont 3,550 16.20 33,690 1.19

5. Missouri 27,070 19.92 41,440 1.02

1. Alaska 2,980 25.83 53,730 0.99

2. Hawaii 4,870 25.27 52,570 0.83

3. Illinois 39,270 24.03 49,970 0.68

4. New Jersey 20,940 23.83 49,570 0.54

5. Massachusetts 21,010 22.82 47,460 0.67

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA 3,120 $24.35 $50,650 2.49

2. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 15,060 19.87 41,330 1.76

3. Napa, CA 1,080 22.51 46,830 1.73

4. St. George, UT 770 13.22 27,500 1.69

5. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 20,290 20.83 43,330 1.68

1. Fairbanks, AK 430 29.42 61,190 1.18

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,680 26.73 55,600 0.54

3. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 3,280 26.37 54,850 0.84

4. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 720 25.63 53,300 0.80

5. Honolulu, HI 3,370 25.59 53,220 0.79

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

47-2031 Carpenters

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms; building 

frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; wood stairways, window and door frames, 

and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall and batt or roll insulation. Include 

brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground 

passageways to control the proper circulation of air through the passageways and to the working places.

Industry
231

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other specialty trade contractors 145,390 $14.10 $29,330

2. Building foundation and exterior contractors 127,870 13.70 28,500

3. Residential building construction 117,920 13.29 27,630

4. Nonresidential building construction 111,760 15.06 31,330

5. Highway, street, and bridge construction 91,640 15.79 32,840

1. Professional and similar organizations 23.89 - 49,700

2. Junior colleges 180 19.59 40,740

3. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers 110 18.31 38,080

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 18.06 - 37,570

5. Grain and oilseed milling 270 18.04 37,520

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Idaho 7,450 $11.66 $24,240 1.25

2. New Mexico 8,990 10.09 20,980 1.18

3. Arizona 26,340 12.62 26,250 1.08

4. Alaska 3,140 20.69 43,040 1.05

5. Texas 97,180 9.72 20,220 1.03

1. Illinois 31,220 21.49 44,700 0.54

2. Alaska 3,140 20.69 43,040 1.05

3. Hawaii 4,140 20.61 42,870 0.71

4. Minnesota 11,380 19.87 41,330 0.43

5. Massachusetts 16,300 19.67 40,900 0.52

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Farmington, NM 1,370 $10.42 $21,670 2.86

2. Odessa, TX 1,340 8.81 18,320 2.61

3. Greeley, CO 1,360 12.98 27,010 1.86

4. Prescott, AZ 1,070 12.15 25,270 1.82

5. Boise City-Nampa, ID 4,290 11.80 24,540 1.69

1. Springfield, IL 400 24.71 51,400 0.36

2. Bloomington-Normal, IL 380 23.17 48,200 0.47

3. Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, MA 410 22.93 47,690 0.83

4. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL Metropolitan Division 19,050 22.78 47,380 0.52

5. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 7,280 22.04 45,840 0.42

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

47-2061 Construction laborers

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and 

shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, 

earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a 

variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to 

support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, clean up rubble and debris, and remove asbestos, 

lead, and other hazardous waste materials. May assist other craft workers.

Industry
232

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 427,540 $21.73 $45,200

2. Local government (OES designation) 15,720 22.99 47,820

3. Nonresidential building construction 9,920 21.78 45,300

4. Employment services 9,760 17.96 37,370

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 9,010 28.59 59,460

1. Monetary authorities - central bank 50 32.04 66,640

2. Natural gas distribution 990 29.38 61,100

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 7,150 29.22 60,770

4. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 9,010 28.59 59,460

5. Misc. durable goods merchant wholesalers 28.35 - 58,970

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Wyoming 2,020 $21.02 $43,720 0.80

2. Alaska 2,050 28.09 58,430 0.68

3. Nevada 7,720 22.97 47,780 0.65

4. West Virginia 4,460 19.52 40,590 0.64

5. Delaware 2,330 22.73 47,290 0.56

1. New Jersey 16,030 28.38 59,030 0.41

2. Alaska 2,050 28.09 58,430 0.68

3. New York 36,790 27.65 57,500 0.44

4. Hawaii 2,050 27.40 56,980 0.35

5. Illinois 26,890 27.19 56,560 0.47

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Appleton, WI 1,430 $20.73 $43,130 1.25

2. Victoria, TX 590 17.94 37,320 1.24

3. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA 500 25.95 53,980 1.15

4. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH 540 21.78 45,310 1.13

5. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 830 23.73 49,370 1.04

1. Ocean City, NJ 35.76 - 74,380 -

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 2,770 32.98 68,610 0.29

3. Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division 4,370 31.48 65,480 0.44

4. New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division 22,600 31.34 65,190 0.46

5. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,730 30.70 63,860 0.43

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

47-2111 Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in 

accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical 

control systems.

Industry
233

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 299,250 $21.73 $45,190

2. Local government (OES designation) 15,200 18.53 38,540

3. Nonresidential building construction 12,590 21.98 45,710

4. Utility system construction 11,950 21.39 44,490

5. Ship and boat building 6,310 17.71 36,850

1. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 310 30.16 62,720

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 3,410 29.30 60,940

3. Foundries 190 27.97 58,170

4. Technical and trade schools 27.88 - 57,990

5. Museums, historical sites, zoos, and parks 30 27.83 57,880

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Louisiana 10,500 $18.05 $37,550 0.56

2. Utah 5,350 20.10 41,800 0.49

3. Alaska 1,370 26.98 56,130 0.46

4. Delaware 1,840 22.79 47,400 0.44

5. Nevada 5,140 21.79 45,320 0.43

1. Illinois 18,500 28.77 59,830 0.32

2. New York 25,790 28.31 58,890 0.31

3. New Jersey 10,440 27.11 56,390 0.27

4. Alaska 1,370 26.98 56,130 0.46

5. Minnesota 9,590 25.96 53,990 0.36

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Jefferson City, MO 850 $17.40 $36,200 1.15

2. Baton Rouge, LA 3,750 18.89 39,290 1.10

3. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 810 24.90 51,790 1.01

4. Fond du Lac, WI 440 23.24 48,340 0.97

5. Decatur, IL 510 29.11 60,550 0.97

1. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 36.99 - 76,940 -

2. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 530 33.56 69,800 0.51

3. Missoula, MT 190 33.09 68,820 0.35

4. Gary, IN Metropolitan Division 1,350 32.10 66,760 0.50

5. Fairbanks, AK 200 31.10 64,700 0.55

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

47-2152 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids 

or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems.

Industry
234

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automotive repair and maintenance 44,340 $24.29 $50,520

2. Automobile dealers 33,030 29.04 60,400

3. Building equipment contractors 23,820 27.23 56,630

4. Local government (OES designation) 23,750 25.50 53,030

5. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 14,960 22.08 45,930

1. Motion picture and video industries 36.87 - 76,680

2. Legal services 30 35.57 73,990

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 1,650 34.99 72,780

4. Clothing stores 40 33.90 70,510

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 250 33.47 69,630

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Wyoming 1,430 $24.73 $51,430 0.57

2. West Virginia 3,500 23.58 49,050 0.50

3. Alabama 9,330 22.84 47,510 0.50

4. Georgia 18,950 25.24 52,500 0.49

5. North Carolina 17,890 24.40 50,750 0.47

1. Alaska 1,050 31.65 65,830 0.35

2. Connecticut 4,850 30.81 64,080 0.29

3. Massachusetts 8,230 29.94 62,280 0.26

4. New Jersey 14,050 29.73 61,840 0.36

5. Washington 9,230 29.42 61,190 0.35

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 620 $32.56 $67,720 0.77

2. Warner Robins, GA 370 25.79 53,640 0.73

3. Sheboygan, WI 430 24.71 51,400 0.70

4. Savannah, GA 1,010 22.37 46,540 0.69

5. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX 1,010 27.43 57,060 0.66

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 940 34.95 72,690 0.22

2. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 2,170 33.67 70,030 0.23

3. Danbury, CT 220 33.43 69,530 0.32

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 2,520 32.99 68,620 0.29

5. Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division 1,300 32.90 68,440 0.33

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.

Industry

49-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and 

repairers
235

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automotive repair and maintenance 228,680 $15.21 $31,630

2. Automobile dealers 221,730 19.39 40,330

3. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 57,720 14.70 30,580

4. Gasoline stations 25,880 14.98 31,160

5. Local government (OES designation) 20,350 19.34 40,220

1. Scientific research and development services 330 28.08 58,400

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 240 26.60 55,330

3. Satellite telecommunications 110 26.40 54,920

4. Accounting and bookkeeping services 50 24.97 51,930

5. Wired telecommunications carriers 770 24.01 49,940

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Vermont 2,040 $14.66 $30,480 0.69

2. New Hampshire 3,990 17.41 36,220 0.64

3. Pennsylvania 34,980 15.61 32,470 0.63

4. West Virginia 4,190 11.77 24,480 0.60

5. Virginia 21,160 18.21 37,870 0.60

1. Alaska 1,370 21.60 44,930 0.46

2. California 69,740 19.21 39,950 0.47

3. Massachusetts 14,710 19.03 39,590 0.47

4. Connecticut 9,090 19.00 39,510 0.55

5. Michigan 22,600 18.92 39,350 0.52

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA 220 $20.21 $42,040 1.40

2. Lebanon, PA 460 15.17 31,560 1.01

3. Idaho Falls, ID 500 17.39 36,170 0.98

4. Abilene, TX 570 13.94 29,000 0.94

5. Merced, CA 570 14.87 30,940 0.94

1. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 3,910 24.36 50,670 0.41

2. Danbury, CT 520 23.32 48,510 0.75

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 3,220 22.52 46,850 0.37

4. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 6,130 22.49 46,780 0.51

5. Durham, NC 960 21.83 45,410 0.38

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

49-3023 Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. 

Industry
236

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General freight trucking 31,070 $16.62 $34,560

2. Automotive repair and maintenance 24,390 17.23 35,840

3. Local government (OES designation) 22,590 20.46 42,570

4. Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers 18,120 18.19 37,840

5. Elementary and secondary schools 13,340 16.61 34,540

1. Support activities for water transportation 580 25.74 53,540

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 550 24.27 50,480

3. Power generation and supply 2,590 24.03 49,970

4. Natural gas distribution 240 24.02 49,960

5. Technical and trade schools 90 23.71 49,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nebraska 3,990 $18.49 $38,470 0.45

2. Wyoming 750 19.59 40,740 0.30

3. Arkansas 3,260 15.37 31,970 0.29

4. North Dakota 930 16.12 33,530 0.28

5. Iowa 4,010 16.06 33,410 0.28

1. Alaska 660 23.63 49,140 0.22

2. Hawaii 830 23.31 48,490 0.14

3. Massachusetts 4,190 20.86 43,380 0.13

4. Connecticut 2,290 20.68 43,020 0.14

5. Rhode Island 510 20.60 42,860 0.11

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Texarkana-Texarkana, TX-AR 360 $18.64 $38,770 0.69

2. Lima, OH 340 18.47 38,410 0.61

3. Farmington, NM 280 15.14 31,490 0.59

4. Albany, GA 350 15.05 31,290 0.56

5. Pocatello, ID 200 16.66 34,650 0.54

1. Napa, CA 80 27.68 57,580 0.13

2. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 80 25.12 52,250 0.08

3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division 2,260 25.08 52,170 0.22

4. Anchorage, AK 370 24.52 50,990 0.23

5. Honolulu, HI 650 24.41 50,760 0.15

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

49-3031 Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, and all types of diesel engines. Include mechanics 

working primarily with automobile diesel engines.

Industry
237

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 159,950 $18.13 $37,710

2. Direct selling establishments 12,290 19.19 39,910

3. Hardware and plumbing merchant wholesalers 9,130 20.38 42,390

4. Commercial machinery repair and maintenance 7,510 19.79 41,160

5. Elementary and secondary schools 5,210 18.86 39,240

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 27.52 - 57,240

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 280 25.57 53,190

3. Power generation and supply 320 24.90 51,790

4. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 430 24.61 51,180

5. Wired telecommunications carriers 240 24.55 51,070

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

State

employment

1. Maryland 8,200 $20.78 $43,220 0.33

2. New Hampshire 2,010 18.51 38,510 0.32

3. South Dakota 1,180 16.02 33,330 0.32

4. Maine 1,710 17.47 36,330 0.29

5. Delaware 1,140 17.64 36,690 0.27

1. Alaska 320 25.36 52,760 0.11

2. District of Columbia 370 23.71 49,320 0.06

3. Massachusetts 6,730 23.69 49,270 0.21

4. Hawaii 460 23.48 48,840 0.08

5. Connecticut 4,050 22.50 46,810 0.25

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

 Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Lebanon, PA 330 $21.16 $44,010 0.73

2. Panama City-Lynn Haven, FL 470 15.03 31,250 0.71

3. Charlottesville, VA 490 15.27 31,750 0.54

4. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL 960 16.45 34,210 0.46

5. Prescott, AZ 270 16.52 34,350 0.46

1. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 280 30.97 64,410 0.24

2. Ann Arbor, MI 330 28.02 58,280 0.17

3. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 380 26.61 55,350 0.25

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 800 26.52 55,160 0.09

5. Fairbanks, AK 26.09 - 54,260 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air 

furnaces, and heating stoves.

Industry

49-9021 Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and 

installers
238

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Lessors of real estate 126,150 $13.36 $27,790

2. Local government (OES designation) 94,780 16.00 33,280

3. Activities related to real estate 70,730 13.72 28,550

4. Traveler accommodation 62,850 12.96 26,950

5. Elementary and secondary schools 57,200 15.89 33,060

1. Satellite telecommunications 450 24.76 51,500

2. Scheduled air transportation 5,820 24.64 51,250

3. Telecommunications resellers 390 24.32 50,580

4. Motor vehicle manufacturing 6,320 24.07 50,070

5. Support activities for water transportation 1,300 23.58 49,040

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. South Carolina 26,830 $15.22 $31,650 1.49

2. Louisiana 24,260 13.36 27,780 1.29

3. Indiana 36,920 15.77 32,810 1.28

4. Alaska 3,710 20.14 41,900 1.24

5. Wyoming 3,080 17.02 35,390 1.22

1. Alaska 3,710 20.14 41,900 1.24

2. Connecticut 11,140 18.30 38,060 0.68

3. Massachusetts 22,540 18.08 37,600 0.72

4. Illinois 51,140 18.03 37,510 0.89

5. Michigan 45,160 17.80 37,010 1.04

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Danville, VA 890 $15.39 $32,000 2.08

2. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX 2,090 10.90 22,670 1.88

3. Sumter, SC 700 13.38 27,840 1.85

4. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH 870 13.41 27,890 1.81

5. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC 3,770 17.69 36,790 1.81

1. Bloomington-Normal, IL 830 21.98 45,710 1.02

2. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division 7,790 21.91 45,570 0.96

3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division 7,240 20.97 43,620 0.76

4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 7,580 20.45 42,540 0.88

5. Danbury, CT 480 19.83 41,250 0.69

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

49-9042 Maintenance and repair workers, general

Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, 

mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; 

boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; 

installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

Industry
239

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Plastics product manufacturing 27,810 $21.78 $45,310

2. Printing and related support activities 26,160 24.32 50,580

3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 23,270 24.20 50,350

4. Machine shops and threaded product mfg. 18,050 26.20 54,500

5. Architectural and structural metals mfg. 16,410 22.77 47,360

1. Scheduled air transportation 40 33.09 68,820

2. Natural gas distribution 1,530 33.01 68,670

3. Power generation and supply 7,520 32.45 67,500

4. Oil and gas extraction 1,250 32.22 67,030

5. Scientific research and development services 1,680 31.89 66,320

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Indiana 25,850 $23.01 $47,850 0.89

2. Wisconsin 21,680 23.98 49,890 0.80

3. Alabama 14,410 21.87 45,490 0.77

4. Mississippi 8,460 19.69 40,960 0.76

5. North Carolina 28,930 22.08 45,930 0.76

1. Alaska 770 30.84 64,160 0.26

2. Delaware 1,370 27.56 57,330 0.33

3. Connecticut 9,350 27.40 56,990 0.57

4. Washington 11,250 27.23 56,640 0.42

5. Michigan 29,530 27.05 56,270 0.68

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Elkhart-Goshen, IN 2,900 $21.85 $45,450 2.27

2. Dalton, GA 1,330 21.12 43,930 1.79

3. Morristown, TN 850 19.28 40,090 1.76

4. Hickory-Lenior-Morgantown, NC 2,690 19.98 41,560 1.66

5. Gainesville, GA 850 20.02 41,640 1.30

1. Fairbanks, AK 60 34.52 71,810 0.17

2. Monroe, MI 350 33.85 70,420 0.73

3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 4,370 32.17 66,920 0.50

4. Ann Arbor, MI 910 30.71 63,870 0.46

5. Longview, WA 290 30.57 63,580 0.83

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

Supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, 

precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system 

operators.

Industry

51-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating 

workers
240

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 166,420 $10.13 $21,070

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 107,740 13.48 28,040

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 60,530 19.98 41,560

4. Other wood product manufacturing 44,040 11.46 23,840

5. Plastics product manufacturing 43,970 11.32 23,550

1. Motor vehicle manufacturing 60,530 19.98 41,560

2. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 1,350 16.37 34,050

3. Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy mfg. 640 16.20 33,700

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 6,820 15.49 32,220

5. Rubber product manufacturing 12,630 15.07 31,360

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Tennessee 69,840 $13.14 $27,330 2.60

2. Indiana 68,980 14.23 29,590 2.39

3. Iowa 29,730 12.81 26,640 2.06

4. Kentucky 33,640 13.73 28,550 1.92

5. South Carolina 31,450 13.22 27,500 1.75

1. Delaware 3,080 17.56 36,520 0.74

2. Michigan 54,110 14.50 30,160 1.25

3. Indiana 68,980 14.23 29,590 2.39

4. Ohio 87,260 13.84 28,800 1.63

5. Missouri 41,920 13.74 28,570 1.57

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Elkhart-Goshen, IN 13,790 $13.48 $28,040 10.81

2. Battle Creek, MI 2,560 13.17 27,390 4.36

3. Spartanburg, SC 5,200 18.67 38,830 4.33

4. Elizabethtown, KY 1,670 15.38 32,000 3.87

5. Springfield, OH 1,990 19.21 39,960 3.87

1. Springfield, OH 1,990 19.21 39,960 3.87

2. Lexington-Fayette, KY 7,360 18.69 38,880 3.09

3. Spartanburg, SC 5,200 18.67 38,830 4.33

4. Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division 2,700 18.49 38,460 0.80

5. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division 5,330 18.21 37,880 0.65

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

51-2092 Team assemblers

Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a 

product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and 

rotate through all or most of them rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. 

May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Team leaders who work as part of 

the team should be included.

Industry
241

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 36,580 $13.52 $28,110

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 24,970 17.88 37,190

3. Plastics product manufacturing 21,090 13.55 28,190

4. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 18,490 14.47 30,100

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 14,930 20.21 42,030

1. Federal government (OES designation) 12,600 26.93 56,010

2. Power generation and supply 1,220 26.23 54,550

3. Scheduled air transportation 220 25.55 53,140

4. Oil and gas extraction 100 25.16 52,340

5. Natural gas distribution 980 23.63 49,150

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. South Carolina 15,100 $13.47 $28,020 0.84

2. Wisconsin 20,550 13.95 29,010 0.75

3. Indiana 20,190 15.29 31,810 0.70

4. Michigan 29,690 18.12 37,690 0.69

5. North Carolina 23,890 13.60 28,280 0.63

1. Alaska 340 25.33 52,680 0.11

2. District of Columbia 260 21.23 44,160 0.04

3. Washington 7,330 19.26 40,070 0.28

4. Massachusetts 9,890 18.46 38,390 0.32

5. Michigan 29,690 18.12 37,690 0.69

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Dalton, GA 1,220 $12.95 $26,940 1.65

2. Burlington, NC 870 10.58 22,010 1.46

3. Spartanburg, SC 1,720 12.22 25,420 1.43

4. Columbus, IN 580 12.98 27,000 1.42

5. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI 9,650 13.36 27,790 1.17

1. Fairbanks, AK 60 28.84 59,990 0.17

2. Bremerton-Silverdale, WA 200 28.67 59,640 0.25

3. Anchorage, AK 130 24.37 50,680 0.08

4. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 550 24.07 50,070 0.61

5. Kankakee-Bradley, IL 190 23.66 49,220 0.41

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

51-9061 Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, 

or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision 

measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

Industry
242

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 62,810 $10.04 $20,890

2. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 24,320 11.61 24,150

3. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 21,990 12.88 26,800

4. Beverage manufacturing 18,650 14.20 29,540

5. Animal slaughtering and processing 17,050 11.10 23,090

1. Federal government (OES designation) 100 20.76 43,190

2. Tobacco manufacturing 2,530 18.61 38,710

3. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 2,360 18.57 38,630

4. Other general purpose machinery manufacturing 100 15.45 32,130

5. Management of companies and enterprises 1,280 14.58 30,330

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arkansas 6,440 $10.96 $22,790 0.56

2. Wisconsin 15,220 12.52 26,040 0.56

3. Kentucky 8,760 12.84 26,700 0.50

4. North Carolina 18,270 12.51 26,020 0.48

5. New Jersey 18,580 11.64 24,200 0.47

1. Michigan 10,690 13.74 28,580 0.25

2. Wyoming 330 13.33 27,730 0.13

3. Delaware 740 13.30 27,670 0.18

4. Indiana 11,010 13.20 27,450 0.38

5. Iowa 5,470 13.19 27,430 0.38

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Decatur, IL 1,330 $12.76 $26,540 2.53

2. Battle Creek, MI 1,040 14.36 29,870 1.77

3. Merced, CA 1,010 11.41 23,730 1.66

4. Yakima, WA 1,210 12.82 26,670 1.57

5. Burlington, NC 930 8.68 18,060 1.56

1. Columbus, OH 2,030 18.42 38,310 0.23

2. Winston-Salem, NC 1,910 18.16 37,770 0.91

3. Sandusky, OH 130 17.40 36,200 0.33

4. Terre Haute, IN 430 16.99 35,350 0.62

5. Pocatello, ID 16.87 - 35,080 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

51-9111 Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Include 

cannery workers who pack food products.

Industry
243

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 101,330 $8.95 $18,620

2. Animal slaughtering and processing 25,060 9.60 19,970

3. Printing and related support activities 24,820 10.60 22,040

4. Converted paper product manufacturing 23,250 11.40 23,710

5. Plastics product manufacturing 18,860 10.65 22,150

1. Rail transportation 330 17.03 35,420

2. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 5,520 15.52 32,270

3. Metal ore mining 260 15.50 32,240

4. Power generation and supply 550 15.20 31,620

5. Coal mining 630 14.58 30,340

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arkansas 17,610 $10.05 $20,900 1.54

2. Delaware 4,370 8.72 18,130 1.05

3. Indiana 22,380 10.86 22,580 0.77

4. Tennessee 18,920 10.54 21,920 0.70

5. South Carolina 12,440 10.22 21,250 0.69

1. District of Columbia 90 12.53 26,060 0.02

2. Oregon 6,670 12.15 25,280 0.42

3. Alaska 270 12.10 25,160 0.09

4. Massachusetts 7,170 11.69 24,320 0.23

5. Wisconsin 16,060 11.58 24,090 0.59

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Fort Smith, AR-OK 3,020 $9.36 $19,470 2.59

2. Columbus, IN 1,010 9.76 20,310 2.47

3. Jackson, TN 1,320 11.00 22,870 2.30

4. Jonesboro, AR 890 10.80 22,460 1.88

5. Elkhart-Goshen, IN 2,310 10.53 21,910 1.81

1. Monroe, MI 14.44 - 30,020 -

2. Visalia-Porterville, CA 310 14.43 30,010 0.25

3. Cedar Rapids, IA 330 14.39 29,940 0.25

4. Decatur, AL 880 14.35 29,840 1.56

5. Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division 710 14.13 29,400 0.28

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

51-9198 Helpers--production workers

Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill. Duties include supplying or holding 

materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment. 

Industry
244

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General freight trucking 567,710 - -

2. Specialized freight trucking 208,220 16.77 34,880

3. Cement and concrete product manufacturing 74,430 15.83 32,930

4. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 61,640 18.11 37,670

5. Other specialty trade contractors 43,740 15.41 32,060

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 190 23.53 48,930

2. Other transportation equipment manufacturing 230 23.22 48,290

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 23.13 - 48,120

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 710 23.06 47,970

5. Spectator sports 250 22.74 47,290

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Nebraska 28,010 $15.83 $32,920 3.13

2. Arkansas 34,230 15.99 33,260 3.00

3. Tennessee 66,100 16.39 34,090 2.46

4. Iowa 35,250 15.40 32,030 2.44

5. Wyoming 5,500 17.34 36,080 2.19

1. Alaska 3,020 21.14 43,960 1.01

2. Massachusetts 25,150 19.46 40,490 0.80

3. Connecticut 12,980 18.88 39,270 0.79

4. New Jersey 45,500 18.84 39,180 1.16

5. New York 55,190 18.71 38,920 0.66

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Joplin, MO 3,660 $16.36 $34,040 4.82

2. Cedar Rapids, IA 5,410 12.69 26,390 4.16

3. Columbus, IN 1,480 14.19 29,520 3.61

4. Green Bay, WI 5,500 19.14 39,810 3.34

5. Laredo, TX 2,580 15.41 32,050 3.26

1. Ogden-Clearfield, UT 2,560 23.64 49,170 1.37

2. Fairbanks, AK 470 22.73 47,280 1.29

3. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 1,440 22.05 45,860 1.22

4. Framingham, MA NECTA Division 1,090 21.41 44,520 0.70

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division 8,880 21.01 43,690 0.73

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

53-3032 Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 GVW, to transport and 

deliver goods, livestock, or materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. May be required to unload 

truck. May require use of automated routing equipment. Requires commercial drivers' license.

Industry
245

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Couriers 154,670 $17.65 $36,710

2. General freight trucking 37,930 14.60 30,370

3. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 36,350 13.33 27,730

4. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 36,100 8.85 18,410

5. Building material and supplies dealers 35,680 11.71 24,360

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 260 22.29 46,360

2. Postal service 2,920 22.28 46,340

3. Support activities for water transportation 130 21.51 44,740

4. Professional and similar organizations 320 21.38 44,460

5. Motor vehicle manufacturing 130 20.30 42,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Rhode Island 4,330 $14.01 $29,140 0.90

2. Hawaii 5,010 12.82 26,670 0.86

3. Colorado 18,040 13.55 28,170 0.84

4. Mississippi 9,210 11.64 24,200 0.83

5. Florida 63,190 12.80 26,630 0.83

1. Massachusetts 20,280 15.27 31,760 0.65

2. Alaska 1,910 15.17 31,550 0.64

3. District of Columbia 1,330 14.66 30,500 0.22

4. Illinois 43,120 14.63 30,420 0.75

5. New Jersey 29,630 14.52 30,190 0.76

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Bay City, MI 530 $11.45 $23,810 1.40

2. Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, MA 640 13.85 28,820 1.30

3. Lakeland, FL 2,660 12.80 26,620 1.30

4. Kingston, NY 770 - 1.27 -

5. Roanoke, VA 1,890 12.96 26,950 1.25

1. Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 990 17.99 37,420 1.11

2. Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 800 17.97 37,380 0.68

3. Lynn-Peabody-Salem, MA NECTA Division 880 17.95 37,340 0.85

4. Worcester, MA-CT 1,580 16.93 35,210 0.66

5. Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division 440 16.82 34,980 0.76

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

53-3033 Truck drivers, light or delivery services

Drive a truck or van with a capacity of under 26,000 GVW, primarily to deliver or pick up merchandise 

or to deliver packages within a specified area. May require use of automatic routing or location 

software. May load and unload truck.

Industry
246

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Warehousing and storage 76,060 $13.49 $28,060

2. Employment services 32,580 11.61 24,140

3. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 25,940 14.23 29,600

4. General freight trucking 24,430 15.03 31,270

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 18,660 16.70 34,730

1. Natural gas distribution 60 25.78 53,620

2. Motor vehicle manufacturing 4,200 22.20 46,190

3. Power generation and supply 620 21.00 43,680

4. Oil and gas extraction 40 20.01 41,620

5. Local government (OES designation) 19.38 - 40,310

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Arkansas 10,310 $12.01 $24,970 0.90

2. Kentucky 14,380 13.56 28,210 0.82

3. Tennessee 21,550 13.14 27,340 0.80

4. Georgia 30,370 12.63 26,270 0.78

5. Indiana 21,560 14.33 29,810 0.75

1. Michigan 23,420 17.51 36,420 0.54

2. Hawaii 1,380 17.25 35,880 0.24

3. Wyoming 610 16.94 35,240 0.24

4. Washington 14,130 15.89 33,060 0.53

5. Minnesota 10,540 15.54 32,320 0.40

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Dalton, GA 2,350 $12.09 $25,150 3.17

2. Jackson, TN 900 12.04 25,040 1.57

3. Cleveland, TN 600 12.60 26,220 1.54

4. Laredo, TX 1,140 9.59 19,940 1.44

5. Joplin, MO 1,090 10.75 22,360 1.43

1. Ann Arbor, MI 550 21.24 44,170 0.28

2. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI 350 20.63 42,910 0.39

3. Longview, WA 320 20.35 42,320 0.92

4. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 6,900 20.15 41,900 0.58

5. Barnstable Town, MA 190 19.51 40,580 0.19

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

53-7051 Industrial truck and tractor operators

Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, 

factory, construction site, or similar location.

Industry
247

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 501,600 $9.28 $19,310

2. Warehousing and storage 123,690 12.20 25,380

3. Couriers 120,940 11.92 24,800

4. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 74,060 11.63 24,190

5. General freight trucking 63,870 13.23 27,510

1. Motor vehicle manufacturing 5,080 21.03 43,740

2. Support activities for water transportation 16,820 19.31 40,160

3. Satellite telecommunications 30 18.63 38,750

4. Metal ore mining 150 17.71 36,850

5. Nondepository credit intermediation 230 16.69 34,710

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. Illinois 150,560 $10.58 $22,010 2.61

2. Tennessee 68,400 10.72 22,290 2.55

3. Nevada 30,290 11.64 24,210 2.54

4. Ohio 131,990 11.19 23,280 2.47

5. South Carolina 42,830 10.55 21,950 2.38

1. Alaska 3,680 14.00 29,110 1.23

2. Michigan 69,100 13.09 27,240 1.59

3. Hawaii 7,070 12.94 26,920 1.21

4. Minnesota 33,320 12.70 26,430 1.26

5. Connecticut 19,710 12.44 25,870 1.20

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA 3,270 $8.85 $18,400 3.93

2. Danville, VA 1,650 9.40 19,560 3.86

3. Dalton, GA 2,600 10.58 22,000 3.51

4. Rocky Mount, NC 2,170 9.82 20,430 3.44

5. Memphis, TN-MS-AR 20,800 11.31 23,520 3.36

1. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division 16,340 14.74 30,650 1.36

2. Charleston-North Charleston, SC 6,090 14.42 29,990 2.25

3. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division 14,510 14.18 29,490 1.78

4. Nashua, NH-MA NECTA Division 2,690 14.15 29,440 1.99

5. Danville, IL 14.15 - 29,430 -

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

53-7062 Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand

Manually move freight, stock, or other materials or perform other unskilled general labor. Include all 

unskilled manual laborers not elsewhere classified. 

Industry
248

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA, 

May 2005 - Continued

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 185,450 $7.57 $15,740

2. Employment services 144,320 8.43 17,540

3. Plastics product manufacturing 35,740 9.98 20,760

4. Warehousing and storage 32,890 10.34 21,500

5. Other general merchandise stores 18,580 8.80 18,300

1. Support activities for water transportation 310 20.63 42,910

2. Federal government (OES designation) 940 19.16 39,850

3. Postal service 60 18.99 39,500

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 430 15.21 31,630

5. Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers 3,950 13.65 28,400

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State

employment

1. New Jersey 38,620 $8.83 $18,360 0.99

2. Wisconsin 26,680 10.17 21,160 0.98

3. Indiana 27,070 9.84 20,470 0.94

4. Ohio 46,340 9.37 19,500 0.87

5. Illinois 48,650 9.55 19,870 0.84

1. Alaska 1,290 10.85 22,560 0.43

2. Connecticut 8,780 10.20 21,210 0.53

3. Wisconsin 26,680 10.17 21,160 0.98

4. Maryland 9,670 10.13 21,070 0.39

5. Pennsylvania 39,680 10.10 21,000 0.71

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

MSA

employment

1. Wenatchee, WA 1,350 $10.14 $21,090 3.48

2. Yakima, WA 2,340 10.11 21,020 3.03

3. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ 1,570 9.96 20,720 2.56

4. Burlington, NC 1,370 8.46 17,600 2.30

5. Janesville, WI 1,320 11.68 24,300 1.94

1. Danville, IL 140 13.86 28,830 0.50

2. Kokomo, IN 370 13.36 27,790 0.80

3. Texarkana-Texarkana, TX-AR 210 12.38 25,750 0.40

4. Sheboygan, WI 930 12.27 25,520 1.52

5. Fairbanks, AK 160 12.07 25,110 0.44

53-7064 Packers and packagers, hand

Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.

Industry

Top industries by employment for this occupation 1

Top paying industries for this occupation

State

MSAs with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 3

Top paying MSAs for this occupation

States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation 2

Top paying States for this occupation

 MSA 
249

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2005—Continued

1 This table shows occupational employment and wage estimates for 10 

industries: the 5 with the highest employment and the 5 with the highest wages 

for this occupation. Industries are shown at the four-digit North American 

Industry Classification System (NAICS) code level. 

2 These are the States with the highest percentages of workers in this 

occupation. The percent of employment is calculated by dividing the State 

employment for the detailed occupation by the total State employment for all 

occupations. 

3 These are the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with the highest 

percentages of workers in this occupation. The percent of workers is calculated 

by dividing the MSA employment for the detailed occupation by the total MSA 

employment for all occupations.
250

	 SOC Number of

	 code	 Major occupational group	 detailed

	 	 occupations

	 	 Tota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  

	11-0000	 Management                                    .  	

13-0000	 Business and financial operations . .  	 3

15-0000	 Computer and mathematical . . . . . .  	 1

17-0000	 Architecture and engineering . . . . . .  	 3

19-0000	 Life, physical, and social science . . .  	 4

21-0000	 Community and social services . . . .  	 1

23-0000	 Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  	 

25-0000	 Education, training, and library . . . .  	 6

27-0000	 Arts, design, entertainment, sports,

	 	 and Media                                       .  	

29-0000	 Healthcare practitioner and technical 	 53

31-0000	 Healthcare support . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  	 1

33-0000	 Protective service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  	 2

35-0000	 Food preparation and serving related 	 18

37-0000	 Building and grounds cleaning and

	 	 maintenance                                 .  	

39-0000	 Personal care and service . . . . . . . .  	 3

41-0000	 Sales and related . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  	 2

43-0000	 Office and administrative support . . .  	 5

45-0000	 Farming, fishing, and forestry . . . . . .  	 1

47-0000	 Construction and extraction . . . . . . .  	 5

49-0000	 Installation, maintenance, and repair.  	 

51-0000	 Production                                        .  	 

53-0000	 Transportation and material moving   	 

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey fully implemented the Standard Occupational Classification System (SOC) in 2000. The SOC fulfilled a growing 

need for a universal occupational classification system that 

permits government agencies and private industry to produce 

comparable data. 

OMB requires all Federal statistical agencies collecting 

occupational data to use the SOC. The new classification system is designed to cover all occupations in which work is performed for pay or profit, reflecting the current occupational 

structure in the United States.

The OES survey uses 22 of the 23 major occupational 

groups from the SOC to categorize workers who work for 

pay in one of 801 detailed occupations. The major group excluded is military-specific occupations, which are not covered in the OES survey. 

Description of the SOC structure

The SOC is an empirically based, economy-wide occupational classification system. The occupations are identified 

by codes and titles, and by definitions that describe primary 

job duties. The skill level required for some of the occupations is implicit in the definition. The classification system 

emphasizes occupations of special interest to many data users, such as technology-related occupations and those requiring substantial training.

The SOC system has four levels of classification: Major 

group, minor group, broad occupational detail, and detailed 

occupation. Occupation codes consist of six digits, with a hyphen between the 2nd and 3rd digits for presentation clarity. 

The first two digits represent the major group; the third, the 

minor group; and the fourth and fifth, the broad occupational 

detail. The last digit, along with the preceding five, identifies 

the detailed occupation. 

Major group codes end with 0000 (for example, 33-0000, 

Protective service occupations), minor groups end with 000 

(33-2000, Fire fighting workers), and broad occupations end 

with 0 (33-2020, Fire inspectors). All residuals (“Other,” 

“Miscellaneous,” or “All other”), whether at the detailed or 

broad occupation or minor group level, contain a 9 at the 

level of the residual. Detailed residual occupations will end 

in 9 (for example, 33-9099, Protective service workers, All 

Other); broad occupations that are minor group residuals will 

end in 90 (33-9090, Miscellaneous Protective Service Workers); and minor groups that are major group residuals will end 

in 9000 (33-9000, Other Protective Service Workers).

There are residual categories within the various levels of 

the system to permit the reporting of occupations not identified at the detailed level. The following sections examine the 

first level of the system (major group), as well as the residual 

occupational categories. 

Major groups

The major groups and numbers of detailed occupations of 

the SOC surveyed in the OES program in May 2005 are as 

follows:

Appendix A. The Standard 

Occupational Classification System
251

Classification guidelines 

To ensure that all users of occupational data classify workers in the same way, the following classification principles 

apply:

1. The classification covers all occupations in which work 

is performed for pay or profit, including work performed 

in family-operated enterprises by family members who 

are not directly compensated. It excludes occupations 

unique to volunteers. Each occupation is assigned to 

only one occupation at the lowest level of the classification. OES does not cover the self-employed. For additional information, see appendix B.

2. Occupations are classified based upon work performed 

and skills, education, training, and credentials required.

3. Supervisors of professional and technical workers usually have qualifications similar to those of the workers they supervise, and are therefore classified with 

the workers supervised. Likewise, team leaders, lead 

workers, and supervisors of production, sales, and service workers who spend at least 20 percent of their time 

performing work similar to that of the workers they supervise are classified with the workers they supervise.

4. First-line managers and supervisors of production, service, and sales workers who spend 80 percent or more 

of their time performing supervisory activities are classified separately in the appropriate supervisor category, 

because their work activities are distinct from those of 

the workers they supervise. First-line managers generally are found in smaller establishments where they 

perform both supervisory and management functions, 

such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work.

5. Apprentices and trainees are classified with the occupations for which they are being trained, while helpers and 

aides are classified separately.

6. If an occupation is not included as a distinct detailed 

occupation in the SOC structure, it is classified in the 

appropriate residual occupation. Residual occupations 

contain all occupations within a major, minor, or broad 

group that are not classified separately.

7. When workers may be classified in more than one 

occupation, they are classified in the occupation that 

requires the highest level of skill. If there is no measurable difference in skill requirements, workers are included in the occupation at which they spend the most 

time.

8. OES data collection and reporting agencies classify 

workers at the most detailed level possible. Different 

agencies may use different levels of aggregation, depending on their ability to collect data and the requirements of data users. 

First-line managers and supervisors are included in the 

last 11 major occupational groups. Professional, paraprofessional, and technical supervisors are classified with the workers they supervise due to the extensive subject matter knowledge required. First-line managers and supervisors may be 

supervised by top and middle managers in the managerial and 

administrative major groups.

Residual occupational categories

The SOC has detailed categories for occupations that are numerically significant, either in one industry or across all industries. For less populous occupations, residual categories 

(that is, “All other...”) have been created within most levels 

of the SOC system. Residual categories provide a complete 

accounting of all workers employed within an establishment 

and allow aggregation and analysis of occupational employment data at various levels of detail. Some examples of residual categories are: “All other sales and related workers” at 

the major group level, and “All other machinery maintenance 

mechanics” at the detailed level. 

For more information about the SOC, see the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics Web site at http://www.bls.gov/soc/. 
252

Introduction

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey is a 

mail survey measuring occupational employment and wage 

rates for wage and salary workers in non-farm establishments 

in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Guam, Puerto 

Rico, and the Virgin Islands are also surveyed but their data 

are not included in national estimates.

About 6.5 million in scope establishments are stratified 

within State by substate area, industry, and employment size 

class. Substate areas include all officially defined metropolitan areas and one or more residual balance-of-State areas 

(MSA/BOS areas). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used to stratify establishments by 

industry.

Probability sample panels of about 200,000 establishments 

are selected semiannually. Responses are obtained through 

mail and telephone contact. Respondents report their number of employees by occupation across 12 wage bands. The 

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used 

to define occupations.

Estimates of occupational employment and occupational 

wage rates are based on a rolling six-panel (or 3-year) cycle. 

The total sample size when six panels are combined is approximately 1.2 million establishments.

Occupational and industrial classification systems

The occupational classification system 

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used to define occupations. The survey uses the system to categorize workers 

across 22 major occupation groups spanning 801 detailed occupations. See appendix A for a detailed description of the 

system.

The industrial classification system 

The OES survey uses the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). More information about NAICS 

can be found at the BLS Web site http:/www.bls.gov/bls/

naics.htm or in the 2002 North American Industry Classification System manual. Each establishment in the survey is 

assigned a six-digit NAICS code based on its primary economic activity. 

Industrial scope and stratification 

The survey covers the following NAICS industry sectors:

11 Logging (1133), support activities for crop 

production (1151), and support activities for 

animal production (1152) only

21 Mining

22 Utilities

23 Construction

31-33 Manufacturing

42 Wholesale Trade

44-45 Retail Trade

48-49 Transportation and warehousing

51 Information

52 Finance and insurance

53 Real estate and rental and leasing

54 Professional, scientific, and technical services

55 Management of companies and enterprises

56 Administrative and support and waste 

management and remediation services

61 Educational services

62 Health care and social assistance

71 Arts, entertainment, and recreation

72 Accommodation and food service

81 Other services, except public administration 

[private households (814) are excluded]

99 Federal Government (assigned industry code 

999100)

State government (assigned industry code 999200)

Local government (assigned industry code 

999300)

These sectors are stratified into 343 industry groups. Most 

groups are entire four-digit NAICS codes. The rest are either 

stand-alone five-digit NAICS codes or residual four-digit 

NAICS codes with the stand-alone five-digit codes removed. 

“NAICS4/5” is a short term that is used to describe this particular grouping of industries. 

Appendix B. Survey Methods and 

Reliability Statement for the May 2005 

Occupational Employment Statistics 

Survey
253

Concepts

An establishment is generally a single physical location at 

which economic activity occurs (e.g., store, factory, farm, 

etc.). Each establishment is assigned a six-digit NAICS 

code. When a single physical location encompasses two or 

more distinct economic activities, it is treated as two or more 

separate establishments if separate payroll records are available and certain other criteria are met.

Employment refers to the number of workers who can be 

classified as full- and part-time employees, including workers on paid vacations or other types of leave; salaried officers, 

executives, and staff members of incorporated firms; employees temporarily assigned to other units; and non-contract 

employees for whom the reporting unit is their permanent 

duty station regardless of whether that unit prepares their 

paychecks. 

The OES survey includes all full- and part-time wage and 

salary workers in nonfarm industries. Self-employed owners, partners in unincorporated firms, household workers, and 

unpaid family workers are excluded.

Occupations are classified based on work performed and on 

required skills. Employees are assigned to an occupation 

based on the work they perform and not on their education 

or training. For example, an employee trained as an engineer 

but working as a drafter is reported as a drafter. Employees who perform the duties of two or more occupations are 

reported in the occupation that requires the highest level of 

skill or in the occupation where the most time is spent if there 

is no measurable difference in skill requirements. Working

supervisors (those spending 20 percent or more of their time 

doing work similar to the workers they supervise) are classified with the workers they supervise. Workers receiving

on-the-job training, apprentices, and trainees are classified 

with the occupations for which they are being trained.

A wage is money that is paid or received for work or services 

performed in a specified period. Base rate pay, cost-of-living 

allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive 

Wages

	 Interval	 Hourly rate	 Annual rate

	 	 Intervals	 Intervals

Range A . . . . . . . . .  Under $6.75 Under $14,0

Range B.......... $6.75 to $8.49 $14,04

Range C . . . . . . . .  $8.50 to $10.74 $17,680 to $22,

Range D . . . . . . . .  $10.75 to $13.49 $22,360 to $28,

Range E.......... $13.50 to $16.99 $28,08

Range F . . . . . . . . .  $17.00 to $21.49 $35,360 to $44,

Range G . . . . . . . .  $21.50 to $27.24 $44,720 to $56,

Range H . . . . . . . .  $27.25 to $34.49 $56,680 to $71,

Range I . . . . . . . . .  $34.50 to $43.74 $71,760 to $90,

Range J . . . . . . . . .  $43.75 to $55.49 $91,000 to $115,

Range K.......... $55.50 to $69.99 $115,440

Range L . . . . . . . . .  $70.00 and over $145,600 and ov

pay such as commissions and production bonuses, tips, and 

on-call pay are included in a wage. Back pay, jury duty pay, 

overtime pay, severance pay, shift differentials, non-production bonuses, employer costs for supplementary benefits, and 

tuition reimbursements are excluded. Employers are asked 

to classify each of their workers into an SOC occupation and 

one of the following 12 wage intervals:

3-year survey cycle of data collection

The survey is based on a probability sample drawn from a 

universe of about 6.5 million in-scope establishments stratified by geography, industry, and employment size. The sample is designed to represent all non-farm establishments in the 

United States. 

The OES survey allocates and selects a sample of approximately 200,000 establishments semiannually. Semiannual 

samples are referred to as panels. To the extent possible, private sector units selected in any one panel are not sampled 

again in the next five succeeding panels.

The survey is conducted over a rolling six-panel (or 3-

year) cycle. This is done in order to provide adequate geographic, industrial, and occupational coverage. Over the 

course of a six-panel (or 3-year) cycle, approximately 1.2 

million establishments are sampled. In this cycle, data collected in May 2005 are combined with data collected in November 2004, May 2004, November 2003, May 2003, and 

November 2002.

For a given panel, survey questionnaires are initially 

mailed out to almost all sampled establishments. State workforce agency staff may make personal visits to some of the 

larger establishments. Three additional mailings are sent to 

nonrespondents at approximately 3-week intervals. Telephone or personal visit follow-ups are made to nonrespondents considered critical to the survey because of their size.

Periodic censuses are taken of Federal and State Government.

• A census of the executive branch of Federal Government and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is conducted 

semiannually in June and December. Employment and 

wage data for these industries are collected from the 

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Data 

from only the most recent panel is retained for use in 

OES estimates.

•	 A census of State government establishments is conducted annually each November, except for schools 

and hospitals. In most States, a consolidated report of 

employment and wage data is obtained for each MSA/

BOS level.

•	 A probability sample is taken of local government establishments, except for hospitals, in every State except Hawaii. 

•	 A census of Hawaii’s local government is conducted annually each November. All Hawaii-local-governmentowned establishments are included, except for schools. 
254

•	 A census of hospitals owned by State or local government is taken over the 3-year period, along with their 

counterparts in the private sector. 

Sampling procedures

The frame

The sampling frame, or universe, is a list of about 6.5 million 

in-scope non-farm establishments that file unemployment insurance (UI) reports to the State workforce agencies. Virtually all establishments are required to file these reports with 

the exception of Guam establishments and rail transportation 

(NAICS 4821) establishments. Every quarter a national sampling frame list is created by combining all of the State lists 

into a single file called the Longitudinal Data Base (LDB). 

The following frame files were used to select each sample 

beginning with the May 2005 survey.

•	 2004 2nd quarter LDB file (for May 2005 panel),

•	 2003 4th quarter LDB file (for November 2004 panel),

•	 2003 2nd quarter LDB file (for May 2004 panel),

•	 2002 4th quarter LDB file (for November 2003 panel),

•	 2002 2nd quarter LDB file (for May 2003 panel), and

•	 2001 4th quarter LDB file (for November 2002 panel).

In addition, the LDB files were supplemented with frame 

files covering Guam and rail transportation (NAICS 4821).

Stratification

Establishments on the frame are stratified by geographic area 

and industry group (size class is eventually used during the 

sample selection process).

•	 Geographic stratification—686 MSA/BOS areas are 

specified. Each officially defined metropolitan area 

in a State is specified as a substate area. In addition, 

States may specify up to four residual balance-of-State 

areas (Note: Cross-State MSAs are split among several 

States). With the selection of the May 2005 sample, the 

OES survey shifted to using the revised MSA definitions based on the 2000 Census. 

•	 Industry stratification—343 industry groups are defined at the NAICS 4/5-digit level.

•	 Size class definition—An establishment’s size is defined as the maximum of its 12 monthly employment 

levels on the sampling frame. Establishments are classified into one of the following seven employment size 

class (SC) ranges: 1-4, 5-9, 10-19, 20-49, 50-99, 100-

249, and 250 or more. 

At any given time there are about 172,000 nonempty 

MSA/BOS-by-NAICS4/5 strata on the frame. When comparing nonempty strata between frames, there may be substantial frame-to-frame differences. The differences are due 

primarily to normal birth and death processes and normal 

establishment growth and shrinkage. Other differences are 

due to NAICS reclassification and changes in geographic location. 

Allocation of the sample to strata

Each State is assigned a fixed overall sample size. Beginning 

in 2005, the frame was stratified into 172,000 non-empty 

MSA/BOS-by-NAICS4/5 strata. A set of minimum sample 

size requirements based on the number of establishments in 

each cell was established to ensure coverage for industry and 

MSAs. For each MSA/BOS-by-NAICS4/5 stratum a sample 

allocation is calculated proportional to the employment in 

that stratum; the actual sample allocation is the larger of the 

minimum sample allocation and the proportional allocation. 

In general, strata with large employment are allocated more 

sample than strata with less employment.

Prior to 2005, each State cell was stratified by MSA/BOSby-NAICS4/5-by-Employment Size class1

. The additional 

Employment Size class stratification created approximately 

575,000 non-empty strata for each prior frame. At least one 

unit was selected from each stratum. Because nearly the entire sample was used to meet the minimum allocation requirements for each stratum, very little sample was left for optimal 

allocation.

Sample selection

Sample selection within strata is approximately proportional to 

size. In order to provide the most occupational coverage, larger 

employers are more likely to be selected than smaller employers; some of the largest employers are selected with certainty. 

The unweighted employment of sampled establishments makes 

up approximately 65 percent of total employment.

Permanent random numbers (PRNs) are used in the sample selection process. To minimize sample overlap between 

the OES survey and other large surveys conducted by the 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, each establishment is assigned a 

PRN. For each stratum, a specific PRN value is designated 

as the “starting” point to select a sample. From this “starting” point, we sequentially select the first ‘n’ eligible establishments in the frame into the sample where ‘n’ denotes the 

number of establishments to be sampled.

Panel weights (sampling weights) 

Sampling weights are computed so that each panel will 

roughly represent the entire universe of establishments.

1 Employment Size class definitions

Number of employees Size class

 1-4 1

 5-9 2

 10-19 3

 20-49 4

 50-99 5

 100-249 6

 250+ 7
255

Federal Government, USPS, and State government units are 

assigned a panel weight of 1. Other sampled establishments 

are assigned a design-based panel weight, which reflects the 

inverse of the probability of selection.

National sample counts 

The combined sample for the May 2005 survey is the equivalent of six panels. The sample allocations for the panels in 

this cycle are:

204,507 establishments for May 2005

206,002 establishments for November 2004 

204,197 establishments for May 2004

204,881 establishments for November 2003

199,587 establishments for May 2003

201,016 establishments for November 2002

The combined sample size for the May 2005 estimates is 

approximately 1.2 million establishments, which includes 

only the most recent data for Federal and State Government. 

Federal and State Government units from older panels are 

deleted to avoid double counting these industries. 

Response and nonresponse

Response

Of the approximately 1.2 million establishments in the combined initial sample, 1,115,817 were viable establishments 

(that is, establishments that are not out-of-scope or out-ofbusiness). Of the viable establishments, 874,761 responded 

and 241,056 did not. The establishment response rate is 78.4 

percent (874,761/1,115,817). The response rate in terms of 

weighted sample employment is 73.2 percent.

Nonresponse

Establishments that did not report occupational employment 

data are “unit” nonrespondents. Establishments that reported 

employment data but failed to break out employment by wage 

intervals are “partial” nonrespondents. Missing data for unit 

nonrespondents are imputed through a two-step imputation 

process. Missing data for partial nonrespondents are imputed 

through the second step of the process only.

•	 Step 1, Impute an occupational employment staffing 

pattern 

For each unit nonrespondent, a staffing pattern is 

imputed using a nearest-neighbor “hot deck” imputation method. The procedure links a responding donor establishment to each nonrespondent. 

Possible donors were respondents from the current 

panel and any of the five previous panels. The nearest-neighbor hot deck procedure searches within defined cells for a donor that most closely resembles 

the nonrespondent by geographic area, industry, and 

employment size. The procedure initially searches 

for a donor whose reported employment is approximately the same as the nonrespondent’s frame employment within the same MSA-BOS and 5-digit 

NAICS. If the search is unsuccessful, the pool of 

donors is enlarged in incremental steps by expanding geographic area and industry until a suitable donor is found. Limits are placed on the number of 

times a donor can be used. 

After a donor has been found, its occupational staffing pattern is used to prorate the nonrespondent’s 

frame employment by occupation. The prorated 

employment is the nonrespondent’s imputed occupational employment.

Note: At the end of step 1, total employment has 

been imputed by occupation for the nonrespondent. 

We do not, however, have an employment distribution across wage intervals for the occupations.

•	 Step 2, Impute an employment distribution across 

wage intervals: 

For each “unit” nonrespondent in step 1 or for each 

“partial” nonrespondent, impute an employment 

distribution across wage intervals for all occupations. This distribution, called the wage employment distribution, is imputed as follows:

•	 Identify the imputation cell for the nonrespondent. 

Imputation cells are initially defined by MSA/BOS, 

NAICS4/5, and size class from the most recent panel only.

•	 Determine if the imputation cell has enough respondents to compute wage employment distributions. 

If not, incrementally enlarge the cell until there are 

enough respondents.

•	 For each occupation in the imputation cell, use the 

respondents to calculate an employment distribution 

as a percentage across wage intervals.

•	 Use the distributions above to prorate the nonrespondent’s imputed occupational employment 

across wage intervals. (Or, for partial respondents, 

use the distributions above to prorate the reported 

occupational employment across wage intervals.)

Combining and benchmarking data for occupational 

employment estimates

Reweighting for the combined sample

Employment and wage rate estimates are computed using 

a rolling six-panel (3-year) sample. Estimates for the May 

2005 survey were calculated using data from the May 2005, 

November 2004, May 2004, November 2003, May 2003, 

and November 2002 samples. Establishments from each 

panel’s sample are initially assigned weights as if one panel 
256

was being used to represent the entire population. When the 

samples are combined, each sampled establishment must be 

reweighted so that now the aggregated sample across six panels represents the entire population. This revised weight is 

called the d-weight.

The final weight of certainty units is set to 1. 

Noncertainty units were reweighted stratum-by-stratum. 

The original single-panel sampling weights were computed 

so that responses in a stratum could be weighted to represent 

the entire stratum population. In one common scenario, six 

panel samples are combined and all six panels have sample 

units for a particular stratum. A summation of the single-panel weights would over-represent the stratum population by a 

factor of six. Because we do not want to over-represent the 

stratum population, the final weight of each establishment is 

set equal to one sixth of its single-panel sampling weight. In 

general, when six panel samples are combined, a count of the 

number of panels with at least one unit selected for a given 

stratum is assigned to k. The d- weight of each establishment 

in the stratum is computed by multiplying its single-panel 

sampling weight by 1/k. 

Benchmarking to QCEW employment

A ratio estimator is used to calculate estimates of occupational employment. The auxiliary variable for the estimator 

is the average of the latest May and November employment 

totals from the Bureau’s Quarterly Census of Employment 

and Wages (QCEW). For the May 2005 survey, the auxiliary 

variable is the average of May 2005 and November 2004 employment. In order to balance the State need for estimates at 

differing levels of geography and industry, the ratio estimation process is carried out through a series of four hierarchical employment ratio adjustments. The ratio adjustments are 

also known as benchmark factors (BMFs).

The first of the hierarchical benchmark factors is calculated in the States for cells defined by MSA-BOS, NAICS4/5, 

and employment size class (4 size classes: 1-19, 20-49, 50-

249, 250+). If a first level BMF is out of range, it is reset to a 

maximum ceiling or minimum floor value. First level BMFs 

are calculated as follows:

h = MSA-BOS by NAICS4/5 

H = State by 4-digit NAICS 

s = employment size classes (1-19, 20-49, 50-249, 

 250+)

S = aggregated employment size classes (1-49, 50+)

M = average of May and November QCEW

wi = final weight for establishment i

xi = total establishment employment

BMFmin = a parameter, the lowest value allowed for BMF

BMFmax = a parameter, the highest value allowed for BMF

, , ,then

Second level BMFs are calculated for cells defined within 

States at the four-digit NAICS level by summing the product 

of final weight and first level BMF for each establishment in 

the cell. Second level BMFs account for the portion of universe employment that is not adequately covered by weighted employment in first-level benchmarking. Inadequate coverage occurs when “MSA-BOS NAICS4/5 size class” cells 

have no sample data or when a floor or ceiling is imposed on 

first-level BMFs. Second level benchmarks are calculated as 

follows:





















= ∑ ∑

hs ∈H i∈hs

i i hs

H

H w x BMF

M

1,

b , then











>

<

=

otherwise

BMF , if BMF ,

BMF , if BMF ,

max max

min min

2,

H

H

H

BMF H

b

b

b

Third level BMFs (BMF3,H) are calculated at the “State 3-

digit NAICS” cell level by summing the product of final weight, 

first level BMF, and second level BMF for each establishment 

in the cell. Fourth level BMFs (BMF4,H) are calculated at the 

“State 2-digit NAICS” cell level by summing the product of 

final weight, first level BMF, second level BMF, and third level 

BMF for each establishment in the cell. As with second level 

BMFs, third and fourth level BMFs are computed to account 

for inadequate coverage of the universe employment.

A final benchmark factor, BMFi, is calculated for each establishment as the product of its four hierarchical benchmark 

factors (BMFi = BMF1 * BMF2 * BMF3 * BMF4). A benchmark weight value is then calculated as the product of the 

establishment’s d-weight and final benchmark factor.

Occupational employment estimates 

Benchmark weights are used to compute estimates of occupational employment. Estimates are produced for cells defined 

by geographic area, industry group, and size of establishment 

(i.e., size class). The total employment for an occupation 

in a cell is estimated by taking the product of reported occupational employment and benchmark weight for each establishment in the cell, and summing the product across all 

establishments in the cell. This sum is the estimate of total 

occupational employment in the cell.

The equation below is used to calculate occupational employment estimates for an estimation cell defined by geographic area, industry group, and size class. 



 



 = ∑i∈hs

hs hs i i  b M w x



 



 = ∑i∈h

h h i i  b M w x 

 



 = ∑i∈hS

hS hS i i b M w x

( )

( )



















>

= <

otherwise

BMF , if BMF ,

BMF , if BMF ,

, if all within are bounded by BMF , BMF ,

, if all within are bounded by BMF , BMF ,

max max

min min

min max

min max

1 ,

h

h

h

hS hS

hs hs

hs

h

h

BMF

b

b

b

b b

b b
257

 ∑( ) ∈= i h

ho i i io X w BMF x ˆ

o = occupation;

h = estimation cell;

wi = benchmark weight for establishment i;

BMFi = final benchmark factor for establishment i;

xio = reported employment for occupation o in esta-

 blishment i;

Xho

ˆ = estimated employment for occupation o in cell h

Wage rate estimation

Two externally derived parameters are used to calculate wage 

rate estimates. They are

•	 the mean wage rates for each of the 12 wage intervals and

•	 wage updating factors (also known as aging factors) 

Wage rates of workers are reported to the OES survey as 

grouped data across 12 consecutive, non-overlapping wage 

bands. Individual wage rates are not collected.

An illustration: An establishment employs 10 secretaries at 

the following wage rates:

$ 7/hour – 1 secretary

$ 8/hour – 1 secretary

$11/hour – 2 secretaries

$12/hour – 2 secretaries

$13/hour – 2 secretaries

$15/hour – 1 secretary

$16/hour – 1 secretary

Wage rates for secretaries, however, are reported to the OES 

survey as follows:

Wage interval A (under $ 6.75/hour) – 0 secretaries

Wage interval B ($ 6.75-$8.49/hour) – 2 secretaries

Wage interval C ($ 8.50-$10.74/hour) – 0 secretaries

Wage interval D ($10.75-$13.49/hour) – 6 secretaries

Wage interval E ($13.50-$16.99/hour) – 2 secretaries

The remaining wage intervals have 0 secretaries.

Because wage rates are collected as grouped data, we must 

use grouped data formulae to calculate estimates of mean and 

percentile wage rates. Assumptions are made when using 

grouped data formulae. For the mean wage rate formula, we 

assume that we can calculate the average wage rate for workers in each interval. For the percentile wage rate formula, we 

assume that workers are evenly distributed in each interval.

Wage data from the following panels May 2005, November 2004, May 2004, November 2003, May 2003, and 

November 2002 were used to calculate May 2005 wage rate 

estimates. Wage data from different panels, however, are not 

equivalent in real-dollar terms due to inflation and rising living costs. Consequently wage data collected prior to the current survey reference period (May 2005) have to be updated 

or aged to approximate that period.

Determining a mean wage rate for each interval

The mean hourly wage rate for all workers in any given wage 

interval cannot be computed using grouped data collected 

by the OES survey. This value is calculated externally using data from the Bureau’s National Compensation Survey 

(NCS). Although smaller than the OES survey in terms of 

sample size, the NCS program, unlike OES, collects individual wage data. The mean hourly wage rate for interval L (the 

upper, open-ended wage interval) is calculated without wage 

data for pilots. This occupation is excluded because pilots 

work fewer hours than other occupations. Consequently their 

hourly wage rates are much higher.

Wage aging process

Aging factors are developed from the Bureau’s Employment 

Cost Index (ECI) survey. The ECI survey measures the rate 

of change in compensation for nine major occupation groups 

on a quarterly basis. Aging factors are used to adjust OES 

wage data in past survey reference periods to the current survey reference period (May 2005). 

Mean hourly wage rate estimates 

Mean hourly wage is the total weighted hourly wages for an occupation divided by its weighted survey employment. Estimates 

of mean hourly wage are calculated using a standard grouped 

data formula that was modified to use ECI aging factors. 

o

t

z t i z

i i i o

o

X

w BMF y

R ˆ

ˆ

ˆ 5

∑ ∑ = − ∈ 















=

 

= ∑r

i o z o i o r z r yˆ u x c

 

o = occupation

Ro

ˆ = mean hourly wage rate for occupation o

z = panel (or year)

t = current panel

wi = final weight for establishment i

BMFi= final benchmark factor applied to establishment i

i o yˆ = unweighted total hourly wage estimate for oc-

 cupation o in establishment i

r = wage interval

Xo

ˆ = estimated employment for occupation o

xi o r = reported employment for occupation o in estab-

 lishment i in wage interval r (note that estab-

 lishment i reports data for only one panel z or 

 one year z)

uz o = ECI aging factor for panel (or year) z and occu-

 pation o

(i ∈ z)
258

cz r = mean hourly wage for interval r in panel (or 

 year) z

In this formula, cz r represents the mean hourly wage of interval r in panel (or year) z. The mean is computed externally 

using data from the Bureau’s NCS survey. Research is conducted at periodic intervals to verify the continued viability 

of this updating procedure.

Percentile hourly wage rate estimates 

The p-th percentile hourly wage rate for an occupation is the 

wage where p percent of all workers earn that amount or less 

and where (100-p) percent of all workers earn that amount or 

more. The wage interval containing the p-th percentile hourly wage rate is located using a cumulative frequency count of 

estimated employment across all wage intervals. After the 

targeted wage interval is identified, the p-th percentile wage 

rate is then estimated using a linear interpolation procedure. 

= p-th percentile hourly wage rate for occu-

 pation o

r = wage interval that encompasses 

Lr = lower bound of wage interval r

Ur = upper bound of wage interval r

r f = number of workers in interval r

j = difference between the number of workers 

 needed to reach the p-th percentile wage 

 rate and the number of workers needed to 

 reach the Lr wage rate

Annual wage rate estimates 

These estimates are calculated by multiplying mean or percentile hourly wage rate estimates by a “year-round, full 

time” figure of 2,080 hours (52 weeks x 40 hours) per year. 

These estimates, however, may not represent mean annual 

pay should the workers work more or less than 2,080 hours 

per year.

Alternatively, some workers are paid based on an annual amount but do not work the usual 2,080 hours per year. 

For these workers, survey respondents report annual wages. 

Since the survey does not collect the actual number of hours 

worked, hourly wage rates cannot be derived from annual 

wage rates with any reasonable degree of confidence. Only 

annual wages are reported for some occupations. 

Variance estimation

Occupational employment variance estimation 

A subsample replication technique called the “jackknife random group” is used to estimate variances of occupational 

employment. In this technique, each sampled establishment 

is assigned to one of G random groups. G subsamples are 

created from the G random groups. Each subsample is reweighted to represent the universe. 

G estimates of total occupational employment ( Xhjog

ˆ ) 

(one estimate per subsample) are calculated. The variability 

among the G employment estimates is a good variance estimate for occupational employment. The two formulae below 

are used to estimate the variance of occupational employment for an estimation cell defined by geographic area and 

industry group.

( 1)

) ˆ ˆ (

) ˆ ( 1

2

−

−

=

∑=

G G

X X

v X

G

g

hjog hjo

hjo

h = estimation cell defined by geographic area 

and industry group

j = employment size class (1-19, 20-49, 50-

249, 250+)

o = occupation

) ˆ (Xhjo v = estimated variance of Xhjo

ˆ

G = number of random groups

Xhjo

ˆ = estimated employment of occupation o in 

cell h and size class j

Xhjog

ˆ = estimated employment of occupation o in 

cell h, size class j, and subsample g

Xhjo

ˆ = estimated mean employment 

for occupation o in cell h and size class j based 

on the G subsamples (Note: a finite population correction factor is applied to the 

terms Xhjog

ˆ and Xhjo

ˆ .)

The variance for an occupational employment estimate in 

cell h is obtained by summing the variances ) ˆ (Xhjo v across 

all size classes j in the cell. 

∑∈

= j h

ho Xhjo v X v ) ˆ ) ( ˆ (

Occupational mean wage variance estimates 

Because the OES wage data are collected in intervals 

(grouped), we do not capture the exact wage of each worker. 

Therefore, some components of the wage variance are approximated using factors developed from NCS data. A Taylor 

Series Linearization technique is used to develop a variance 

estimator appropriate for OES mean wage estimates. The primary component of the mean wage variance, which accounts 

for the variability of the observed sample data, is estimated 

using the standard estimator of variance for a ratio estimate. 

This component is the first term in the formula given below:

( ) ( )

( ) 































+ 















+

+



























 − 















−

−

=

∑ ∑ ∑ ∑

∑ ∑

=

∈

r r

o r r

o

e r

n

i

i io r

r o

o r c r

h i h

i io ho

ho

ho ho

o

o

X w x X

w q q n

n f

X v R o

2 2

1

2

2

2 2

2 2

2

ˆ

1

ˆ

1

1

1

ˆ

1

) ˆ (

w q s s q s

pRo

pRo

( ) r r

r

r U L

f

j pR = L + − o
259

Ro

ˆ = estimated mean wage for occupation o

) ˆ (Ro v = estimated variance of Ro

ˆ

Xo

ˆ = estimated occupational employment for occu-

 pation o

h = stratum (area/industry/size class)

ho f = sampling fraction for occupation o in stratum h

nho = number of sampled establishments that repor-

 ted occupation o in stratum h

wi = sampling weight for establishment i

qio = (yˆio − Rˆ

o xio ) for occupation o in establish-

 ment i

io yˆ = estimated total occupational wage in establish-

 ment i for occupation o

io x = reported employment in establishment i for 

 occupation o

qho = mean of the qio quantities for occupation o

 in stratum h

qo r = proportion of employment within interval r

 for occupation o;

io r x = reported employment in establishment i with

 in wage interval r for occupation o

( ) 2 2 2 , , c r e r and w r s s s Within wage interval r these are 

estimated using the NCS and, respectively, represent: The 

variability of the wage value imputed to each worker; the 

variability of wages across establishments; and the variability 

of wages within establishments. 

Reliability of the estimates

Estimates developed from a sample will differ from the results of a census. An estimate based on a sample survey is 

subject to two types of error—sampling and nonsampling error. An estimate based on a census is only subject to nonsampling error. 

Nonsampling error 

This type of error is attributable to several causes, such as: 

Errors in the sampling frame; an inability to obtain information for all establishments in the sample; differences in 

respondents’ interpretation of survey question; an inability 

or unwillingness of the respondents to provide correct information; errors made in recording, coding, or processing the 

data; and errors made in imputing values for missing data. 

Explicit measures of the effects of nonsampling error are not 

available. 

Sampling errors 

When a sample, rather than an entire population, is surveyed, 

estimates differ from the true population values that they represent. This difference, or sampling error, occurs by chance 

and its variability is measured by the variance of the estimate 

or the standard error of the estimate (square root of the variance). The relative standard error is the ratio of the standard 

error to the estimate itself.

Estimates of the sampling error for occupational employment and mean wage rate are provided in this publication to 

allow data users to determine if those statistics are reliable 

enough for their needs. Only a probability-based sample can 

be used to calculate estimates of sampling error. The formulae used to estimate OES variances are adaptations of formulae appropriate for the survey design used. 

The particular sample used in this survey is one of a large 

number of many possible samples of the same size that could 

have been selected using the same sample design. Sample 

estimates from a given design are said to be unbiased when 

an average of the estimates from all possible samples yield, 

hypothetically, the true population value. In this case, the 

sample estimate and its standard error can be used to construct confidence intervals, or ranges of values that include 

the true population value with known probabilities. To illustrate, if the process of selecting a sample from the population 

was repeated many times, if each sample was surveyed under essentially the same unbiased conditions, and an estimate 

and a suitable estimate of its standard error made from each 

sample, then:

1. Approximately 68 percent of the intervals from one 

standard error below to one standard error above the 

estimate would include the true population value. This 

interval is called a 68-percent confidence interval.

2. Approximately 90 percent of the intervals from 1.6 

standard errors below to 1.6 standard errors above the 

estimate would include the true population value. This 

interval is called a 90-percent confidence interval.

3. Approximately 95 percent of the intervals from 2 standard errors below to 2 standard errors above the estimate would include the true population value. This 

interval is called the 95-percent confidence interval.

4. Almost all (99.7 percent) of the intervals from 3 standard errors below to 3 standard errors above the estimate would include the true population value. 

For example, suppose that an estimated occupational employment total is 5,000, with an associated estimate of relative standard error of 2.0 percent. Based on these data, the 

standard error of the estimate is 100 (2 percent of 5,000). 

To construct a 95-percent confidence interval, add and subtract 200 (twice the standard error) from the estimate: (4,800, 

5,200). Approximately 95 percent of the intervals constructed in this manner will include the true occupational employment if survey methods are nearly unbiased. 
260

Estimated standard errors should be taken to indicate the 

magnitude of sampling error only. They are not intended to 

measure nonsampling error, including any biases in the data. 

Particular care should be exercised in the interpretation of 

small estimates or of small differences between estimates 

when the sampling error is relatively large or the magnitude 

of the bias is unknown. 

Quality control measures

Several edit and quality control procedures are used to reduce 

nonsampling error. For example, completed survey questionnaires are checked for data consistency. Follow-up mailings 

and phone calls are sent out to nonresponding establishments 

to improve the survey response rate. Response analysis studies are conducted to assess the respondents’ comprehension 

of the questionnaire. (See the section below for additional 

information on the quality control procedures used by the 

OES survey.) 

The OES survey is a Federal-State cooperative effort that 

enables States to conduct their own surveys. A major concern with a cooperative program such as OES is to accommodate the needs of BLS and other Federal agencies, as well 

as State-specific publication needs, with limited resources 

while simultaneously standardizing survey procedures across 

all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Controlling sources of nonsampling error in this decentralized environment can be difficult. One important computerized quality control tool used by the OES survey is the 

Survey Processing and Management (SPAM) system. It was 

developed to provide a consistent and automated framework 

for survey processing and to reduce the workload for analysts 

at the State, regional, and national levels. 

To ensure standardized sampling methods in all areas, the 

sample is drawn in the national office. Standardizing data 

processing activities such as validating the sampling frame, 

allocating and selecting the sample, refining mailing addresses, addressing envelopes and mailers, editing and updating 

questionnaires, conducting electronic review, producing 

management reports, and calculating employment estimates 

have resulted in the overall standardization of the OES survey methodology. This has reduced the number of errors on 

the data files as well as the time needed to review them.

Other quality control measures used in the OES survey 

include:

• Follow-up solicitations of nonrespondents, especially 

critical or large nonrespondents.

• Review of schedules to verify the accuracy and reasonableness of the reported data.

• Adjustments for atypical reporting units on the data 

file;

• Validation of the benchmark employment figures and 

of the benchmark factors.

• Validation of the analytical tables of estimates at the 

NAICS4/5 level.

Confidentiality

BLS has a strict confidentiality policy that ensures that the 

survey sample composition, lists of reporters, and names 

of respondents will be kept confidential. Additionally, the 

policy assures respondents that published figures will not reveal the identity of any specific respondent and will not allow the data of any specific respondent to be imputed. Each 

published estimate is screened to ensure that it meets these 

confidentiality requirements. The specific screening criteria 

are not listed in this publication to further protect the confidentiality of the data.
261

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program currently produces occupational employment and wage 

estimates for the nation, States, 375 metropolitan areas, and 

industries. The current estimates are based on the Standard 

Occupational Classification (SOC) system and the North 

American Industry Classification System (NAICS). National 

industry estimates are available at the sector, three-, four-, 

and selected five-digit levels. These estimates are available 

online at http://www.bls.gov/oes/.

Industry data

Industry data are available at the national level only through 

the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the years 1997 to 2001, 

industry data are available for two- and three- digit industries 

as defined by the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 

system. Prior to 1996, the OES survey collected data from 

specified industries in 1 of 3 years in the survey round, depending on the industry.

Industry data for States are not available from BLS, but 

may be available from State workforce agencies listed on the 

inside cover of this publication. 

Occupational classification 

Data are available for SOC occupations for 1999 forward. 

Prior to 1999, OES used its own occupational classification 

system. 

Wage data 

Wage data are provided for all areas and industries beginning 

with the data for 1997. 

State data 

Cross-industry State data for 1998 forward are available on 

the OES web site. Prior to 1983, not all States participated in 

the OES program in all survey years. Starting with the 1991 

OES survey, certain States also collected wage data. Check 

with the State workforce agencies listed on the inside back 

cover of this publication regarding the availability of State 

data on occupational employment and wages. 

Metropolitan area data 

OES data are available for May 2005 for 375 metropolitan 

statistical areas and 34 metropolitan divisions based on redefined metropolitan areas definition as designated by the 

Office of Management and Budget. Also, cross-industry data 

based on the old metropolitan area definitions for 334 metropolitan areas for the years 1997-2004 are available on the 

OES website. 

Appendix C. Availability of Historical 

Occupational Employment Statistics 

Survey Data Nationally 

and from State Agencies