ii

Occupational Employment

and Wages, May 2003

U.S. Department of Labor

Elaine L. Chao, Secretary

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kathleen Utgoff, Commissioner

September 2004

Bulletin 2567
iii

Preface

This bulletin provides occupational employment and

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

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) estimates across all industries, as well as by industry. The tables present crossindustry national estimates for Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) detailed occupations, as well as selected

industry-specific national estimates and cross-industry State

and MSA estimates for selected detailed occupations. National estimates for all three- and four-digit NAICS industries and selected five-digit NAICS industries are available

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

for all States and metropolitan areas also are available on the

Web site.

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. In November 2002, the OES survey changed from an annual survey of

400,000 establishments to a semiannual survey of 200,000

establishments. The OES survey samples and contacts establishments in May and November of each year and, over 3

years, contacts approximately 1.2 million establishments. The

full 3-year sample allows the production of estimates at fine

levels of geographic, industrial, and occupational detail.

The estimates are based on data collected during the

1999-2003 surveys and are adjusted to full universe counts

for the reference period. The reference period for wage data

is May 2003. The reference period for employment is the

average of May 2003 and November 2002 employment, based

on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Covered Employment and Wages program. The employment reference period was changed to the 2-month average

in order to capture seasonal fluctuations in occupational

employment.

This survey is part of the Federal-State cooperative program of occupational employment statistics, which provides

information for many data users, including individuals and

organizations engaged in planning vocational education programs, higher education, 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

and Administrative Statistics, under the direction of Laurie

Salmon, with contributing articles by Fatemeh Hajiha, John

Ichiro Jones, Patrick Kilcoyne, and Jerome Pikulinski. Benjamin Cover, John Ichiro Jones, Jillian Kerr, and Michael Soloy

prepared the 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.
iv
v

Page

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

Employment and Wages by Major Occupational Group and Industry

 Fatemeh Hajiha ............................................................................................................................................ 3

The Role of Occupational Composition in State Wage Differentials ................................................................ 8

 Patrick Kilkoyne

New and Emerging Occupations ....................................................................................................................... 14

 Jerome Pikulinski

An Investigation of Industry and Size Effects on Wage Dispersion ................................................................ 22

 John Ichiro Jones

Employment by Occupational Group and Establishment Size .......................................................................... 26

 Fatemeh Hajiha

Charts and tables:

Charts. Nineteen profiles of occupational composition by industry sector .................................... 30

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

survey by occupation, May 2003 ........................................................................................ 50

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry .............. 61

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2003 .................................. 114

Appendixes:

A. The Standard Occupational Classification System ........................................................................... 224

B. Survey Method and Reliability Statement for the May 2003 Occupational Employment Statistics

B. Survey ............................................................................................................................................. 226

C. Availability of Historical Occupational Employment Statistics Survey

C. Data Nationally and from State Agencies ....................................................................................... 235

Contents
Cooperating State Agencies

Occupational Employment and Statistics (OES) Program

ALABAMA Department of Industrial Relations, Room 427,

Industrial Relations Bldg., Montgomery 36130

ALASKA Department of Labor, Research and Analysis

Section, P.O. Box 25501, Juneau 99802-5501

ARIZONA Department of Economic Security, 1789 West

Jefferson St., Phoenix 85007

ARKANSAS Employment Security Department, Labor Market

Information, P.O. Box 2981, Little Rock 72203-2981

CALIFORNIA Employment Development Department, Labor

Market Information Division, 7000 Franklin Blvd.,

Suite 1100, Sacramento 95823

COLORADO Department of Labor and Employment, Tower 2,

Suite 300, 1515 Arapahoe Ave., Denver 80202-2117

CONNECTICUT Department of Labor, Office of Research, 200 Folly Brook

Blvd., Wethersfield 06109

DELAWARE Department of Labor, Office of Occupational

and Labor Market Information, P.O. Box 9965,

Wilmington 19809

DISTRICT OF Department of Employment Services

COLUMBIA Office of Labor Market Research & Information

64 New York Avenue, NE, Room 3035-A

Washington, DC 20002

FLORIDA Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics

367 Marpan Lane, Bldg. B, Tallahassee 32305-0902

GUAM Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

P.O. Box 9970, Tamuning 96931-9970

GEORGIA Department of Labor, Workforce Information and Analysis

Occupational Employment Statistics

148 Andrew Young International Blvd., NE.

Atlanta 30303-1751

HAWAII Department of Labor and Industrial Relations,

Research and Statistics Office, Room 304,

830 Punchbowl St., Honolulu 96813

IDAHO Department of Labor, 317 West Main St., 3rd Floor,

Boise 83735

ILLINOIS Department of Employment Security

33 South State St., 9th Floor

Chicago 60603-2802

INDIANA Department of Workforce Development, Labor

Market Information,10 North Senate Ave.,

Indianapolis 46204

IOWA Workforce Development, 1000 East Grand Ave.,

Des Moines 50319

KANSAS Department of Human Resources, Labor Market

Information Services, 401 SW. Topeka Ave.,

Topeka 66603

KENTUCKY Workforce Development Cabinet

Department for Employment Services,

Research and Statistics Branch (OES Unit)

275 East Maine St., 2 W, Frankfort 40601

LOUISIANA Department of Labor, Research and Statistics

Division, P.O. Box 94094, Baton Rouge 70804-9094

MAINE Department of Labor, Division of Labor Market

Information Services, 20 Union St., Augusta 04330

MARYLAND Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulations,

Office of Labor Market Analysis and Information,

Room 316, 1100 North Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201

MASSACHUSETTS Division of Employment and Training, Charles F.

Hurley Bldg., Staniford St., Boston 02114

MICHIGAN MDCD/ESA/OLMI, Cadillac Place, 3032 West

Grand Blvd., 9th Floor, Detroit 48202

MINNESOTA Department of Economic Security, Research and

Statistical Services, 5th Floor, 390 North Robert St.,

St. Paul 55101

MISSISSIPPI Employment Security Commission, Labor Market

Information Department, P.O. Box 1699,

Jackson 39215-1699

MISSOURI Department of Economic Development,

Economic Research & Information Center

P.O. Box 3150, Jefferson City 65102-3150

MONTANA Department of Labor and Industry, Research

and Analysis, P.O. Box 1728, Helena 59624

NEBRASKA Department of Labor, Labor Market Information,

P.O. Box 94600, Lincoln 68509-4600

NEVADA Employment Security Department, Research

and Analysis Bureau, 500 East 3rd St.,

Carson City 89713

NEW HAMPSHIRE Department of Employment Security,

Economic and Labor Market Information

Bureau, 32 South Main St., Concord 03301

NEW JERSEY Department of Labor, Labor Market and

Demographic Research, P.O. Box 388,

Trenton 08625

NEW MEXICO Department of Labor, Economic Research

and Analysis Bureau, P.O. Box 1928,

Albuquerque 87103

NEW YORK Department of Labor, Division of Research

and Statistics, State Campus, Room 400,

Bldg. 12, Albany 12240-0020

NORTH CAROLINA Employment Security Commission, Labor

Market Information Division, P.O. Box 25903,

Raleigh 27611

NORTH DAKOTA Job Service, P.O. Box 5507, Bismarck 58502

OHIO Bureau of Employment Services, Labor

Market Information Division, 78-80 Chestnut

St., Columbus 43215

OKLAHOMA Employment Security Commission

Will Rogers Memorial Office Bldg.

240 North Lincoln Blvd., Room 310

Oklahoma City 73152-2003

OREGON Employment Department, 875 Union St. NE.,

Room 207, Salem 97311

PENNSYLVANIA Department of Labor and Industry, Center for

Workforce Information and Analysis, Labor

and Industry Bldg., Room 220, 7th and

Forster Sts., Harrisburg 17121-0001

PUERTO RICO Department of Labor and Human Resources,

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17th Floor, 505

Munoz Rivera Ave., San Juan 00918

RHODE ISLAND Department of Labor and Training, Labor Market

Information, 1511 Pontiac Ave., Cranston 02920

SOUTH CAROLINA Employment Security Division, Labor Market

Information, P.O. Box 995, Columbia 29202

SOUTH DAKOTA Department of Labor, Labor Market Information Center,

P.O. Box 4730, Aberdeen 57402-4730

TENNESSEE Department of Labor and Workforce Development,

Research and Statistics Division,

500 James Robertson Parkway, 11th Floor

Nashville 37245-1000

TEXAS Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce

Commission, 9001 North IH-35, Suite 103-A

Austin 78753

UTAH Department of Workforce Services, Workforce

Information, P.O. Box 45249,

Salt Lake City 84114

VERMONT Department of Employment and Training,

Labor Market Information, P.O. Box 488,

Montpelier 05601-0488

VIRGINIA Employment Commission, Economic

Information Services Division, P.O. Box

1358, Richmond 23218-1358

VIRGIN ISLANDS Department of Labor, BLS

53-A, 54-A&B Kronprindsens Gade,

St. Thomas 00801-3359

WASHINGTON Employment Security Department, Labor

Market and Economic Analysis Branch,

P.O. Box 9046, Olympia 98507-9046

WEST VIRGINIA Bureau of Employment Programs

Research, Information and Analysis Division

112 California Ave., Charleston 25305

WISCONSIN Department of Workforce Development,

Bureau of Workforce Information, 201 East

Washington Ave., Madison 53707

WYOMING Department of Employment, Research and

Planning, P.O. Box 2760, Casper 82602
1

Introduction

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey

provides estimates of occupational employment and

wages for wage and salary workers in nonfarm establishments by industry and area. Information in this bulletin

reflects two recent changes in the data produced from the

OES survey. For the first time, data in this bulletin are provided for industries defined according to the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The survey

reference period also has been changed, in order to reduce

the seasonal effects of collecting data in one quarter. The

OES survey used to have a fourth-quarter reference period,

but the data are now collected twice a year for the reference

months of May and November.

The tables in this bulletin present national, State, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and industry employment

and wage data for detailed occupations. The occupational

data are identified based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Under the SOC system, workers are

classified in 1 of more than 760 occupations. For each detailed occupation, table 1 shows cross-industry national estimates of employment, hourly mean wage, annual mean wage,

and percentile wages. The profiles that follow table 1 show

occupational composition by industry sector.

Table 2 shows the 10 largest occupations in each fourdigit NAICS industry. Table 3 presents a sample of the data

available from the OES survey, including national industryspecific and State and MSA cross-industry employment and

wage data for the five largest occupations in each SOC major

group. The industry data are national industry-specific data

for both the five industries with the greatest employment

and the five industries with the highest wages for a given

occupation. This differs from the national estimates in table

1, which are based on data from all industries. In addition,

table 3 presents State and MSA employment and wage estimates for the five areas with the highest employment concentration in the occupation and the five areasin which workers in the given occupation earn the highest wages. The

employment concentration is the percentage of the total State

or MSA employment found in the occupation. This measure

provides more information than does total employment, which

usually parallels population—the largest States and MSAs

usually have the largest numbers of workers, regardless of

the occupation.

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.

In 2003, all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto

Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands participated in the survey.

Data for the territories are not included in the national estimates. Industry-specific occupational employment and wage

estimates for each participating State and territory are available from the SWAs listed on the inside back cover of this

bulletin.

Occupational employment estimates are based on survey

results adjusted to reflect total industry employment. Mean

wage is the estimated total wages for an occupation divided

by the occupation’s weighted survey employment. Occupations or industries with fewer than 50 workers, or with an

employment relative error greater than 50 percent, are not

shown. Wage estimates with a relative error greater than 30

percent are not shown. Appendix B provides more complete

definitions of terms and statistical concepts.

National, State, and MSA data across surveyed industries are available on the OES Web site at www.bls.gov/oes/.

National occupational employment data for all occupations

at the three- and four-digit NAICS and selected five-digit

NAICS levels also are available on the Web site. Additional

information about the structure of the OES classification

system is provided in appendix A of this bulletin. Definitions

for all occupations are available on the Standard Occupational Classification Web site at www.bls.gov/soc/.
3

Text table 1. Percentile wages by major occupational group, May 2003

 Total ........................................... 127,567,910 $7.04 $9.08 $13.53 $21.17 $31.97 $17.41

Management. .................................................................... 6,653,480 16.15 23.14 34.07 49.39 (1) 39.80

Legal .................................................................................. 951,510 13.55 18.40 28.46 49.87 (1) 37.94

Computer and mathematical. ........................................... 2,827,010 15.61 21.17 28.87 38.17 47.12 30.40

Architecture and engineering ........................................... 2,376,650 14.84 19.89 26.89 35.57 44.25 28.48

Business and financial operations .................................. 4,924,210 13.66 17.72 23.68 32.10 42.79 26.71

Healthcare practitioner and technical ............................. 6,173,760 11.49 15.86 21.63 29.24 43.74 26.62

Life, physical, and social science ................................... 1,113,130 11.95 16.08 22.58 32.01 43.10 25.58

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media ............. 1,538,150 7.69 11.09 16.88 25.33 36.15 20.49

Education, training, and library ........................................ 7,831,630 8.01 11.94 18.00 25.01 32.98 19.55

Construction and extraction ............................................ 6,085,510 9.11 11.65 16.04 22.24 28.92 17.62

Installation, maintenance, and repair .............................. 5,226,080 9.11 12.00 16.49 21.87 27.22 17.41

Community and social services ...................................... 1,615,610 9.14 11.75 15.58 20.99 27.14 17.03

Protective service ............................................................ 2,999,630 7.47 9.70 14.25 21.56 28.66 16.39

Sales and related .............................................................. 13,534,180 6.38 7.55 10.20 17.35 28.99 15.02

Production ......................................................................... 10,488,450 7.53 9.32 12.32 16.87 22.69 13.80

Office and administrative support ................................... 22,678,010 7.70 9.66 12.52 16.56 20.92 13.59

Transportation and material moving ................................ 9,414,920 6.85 8.36 11.31 16.08 21.55 13.27

Healthcare support ........................................................... 3,208,770 7.21 8.46 10.27 12.84 15.99 10.94

Personal care and service ............................................... 2,988,590 6.03 6.94 8.48 11.26 16.83 10.28

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance ........... 4,260,380 6.32 7.38 9.02 11.83 15.75 10.12

Farming, fishing, and forestry .......................................... 461,630 6.34 7.03 8.13 10.90 15.59 9.71

Food preparation and serving related ............................. 10,216,620 5.77 6.40 7.40 9.26 12.20 8.31

Employment and Wages by

Major Occupational Group

and Industry

Fatemeh Hajiha

Fatemeh Hajiha is an economist in the Division of Occupational

and Administrative Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment

10th

percentile

25th

percentile

50th

percentile

75th

percentile

90th

percentile

Mean

wage

 1 Represents a wage above $70 per hour.

Hourly earnings

Major occupational group

Since 1996, the Occupational Employment Statistics

(OES) program has collected occupational employment

and wage information data from all industries each

year. The OES survey is designed to estimate employment

and wages at detailed industry and area levels based on a

sample of 1.2 million establishments. The data are collected

in six semiannual panels over a 3-year period. This survey

design permits estimation and analysis of wage distributions

by occupation across all industries, as well as within individual industries and by detailed geographic areas.

The following analysis examines employment and wages

by major occupational group across all industries, and wages

for detailed occupations in selected industries. Following

the articles in this bulletin, table 1 shows cross-industry national estimates of employment, hourly mean wage, annual

mean wage, and percentile wages.

Table 2 shows the 10 largest occupations in each fourdigit NAICS industry. Table 3 presents a sample of the data

available from the OES survey, including national industryspecific and State and MSA cross-industry employment and

wage data for the five largest occupations in each Standard

Occupational Classification (SOC) major group. (For a description of the SOC system used by Federal agencies, see

appendix A.)

Employment and wages by major occupational

group

The OES program collects and publishes data for 22 of the 23
4

Chart 1. Mean hourly wage and percent of total employment by major occupational group

0 5,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000

Farming, fishing, and forestry ($9.71)

Life, physical, and social science ($25.58)

Community and social services ($17.03)

Computer and mathematical science ($30.40)

Protective service ($16.39)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance ($10.12)

Installation, maintenance, and repair ($17.41)

Healthcare practitioner and technical ($26.62)

Education, training, and library ($19.55)

Food preparation and serving related ($8.31)

Sales and related ($15.02)

Occupation group (with mean hourly wage shown in parenthese

Employment level

 

17.8%

 major occupational groups in the SOC. The OES survey

does not cover military specific occupations. Chart 1 displays employment, the percentage of total employment, and

the mean wage for each of these groups. The chart is arrayed

by employment, with the largest occupational group on the

top and the smallest group on the bottom.

In terms of employment, the 22 occupational groups fall

into three broad categories. The first consists of five groups

with the largest employment. They are office and administrative support; sales and related; production; food preparation and serving related; transportation and material moving.

These groups together account for more than one-half of

total employment, or about 66 million workers. Of the five,

the office and administrative support group, with about 22.7

million workers, is the largest, and the transportation and

material moving group, withmore than 9.4 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 ($17.41). The food preparation and serving related group has a mean wage of $8.31 per hour, the lowest

among all occupational groups.

A second category consists of five occupational groups

with midsize employment. Accounting for more than onequarter of total employment, or 32 million workers, these

groups are education, training, and library; management;

healthcare practitioner and technical; construction and extraction; and installation, maintenance, and repair. The mean

wage estimates in these groups range from 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 6.7

million workers, has the second largest employment among

the midsize occupational groups and the highest mean wage

among all occupational groups. The installation, maintenance,

and repair group, with 5.2 million workers, has the smallest

employment and lowest mean wage among the midsize occupational groups.

The remaining 12 occupational groups account for 23.9

percent of total employment, or 29.3 million workers. Among

these, the business and financial operations group, with

around 4.9 million workers, has the largest employment, and

the farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, with fewer

than 0.5 million, the smallest. Four of the twelve smallest

occupational groups—legal; computer and mathematical; architecture and engineering; and business and financial operations—have the second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-highest mean wage, respectively, among all occupational groups.

Another four—farming, fishing, and forestry; building and

grounds cleaning and maintenance; personal care and serBuilding and grounds cleaning and maintenance ($10.21)

8.2%

8.0%

7.4%

Production ($13.80)

Food preparation and serving related ($8.31)

Transportation and material moving ($13.27)

Management ($39.80)

Installation, maintenance, and repair ($17.41)

Life, physical, and social science ($25.58)

Legal ($37.94)

Farming, fishing, and forestry ($9.71)

2.2%

Office and administratrve support ($13.59)

Sales and related ($15.02)

Education, training, and library ($19.55)

Healthcare practitioner and technical ($26.62)

Construction and extraction ($17.62)

Business and financial operations ($26.71)

Healthcare support ($10.94)

Protective service ($16.39)

Personal care and service ($10.28)

Computer and mathematical science ($30.40)

Architectural and engineering ($28.48)

Community and social service ($17.03)

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media ($20.49)

10.6%

6.1%

5.2%

4.8%

4.8%

4.1%

3.9%

3.3%

2.5%

2.4%

2.3%

1.9%

1.3%

1.2%

.9%

.8%

.4%

0 10,000,000 5,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000

Employment level

Chart 1. Mean hourly wage and percent of total employment by major occupational group, May 2003 Occupational group (with mean hourly wage shown in parentheses)
5

(1)

(1)

vice; and healthcare support—have the second-, third-,

fourth-, and fifth-lowest mean wage, respectively, among all

occupational groups.

Percentile wages by occupational group

In addition to total employment and mean wage by major

occupational group, text table 1 also displays the 10th-, 25th-,

50th-, 75th-, and 90th-percentile wages for each of the 22

major occupational groups. A percentile wage shows the

percentage of workers in an occupation who earn less than a

given wage and the percentage who earn more.

For example, the 50th-percentile 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 less

than the 10th-percentile wage and 90 percent of workers earn

less than the 90th-percentile wage. 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 the food preparation and serving related occupations. This

is clearly indicated by the fact that, for each percentile wage

shown, the food preparation and serving related group wage

is lower than that for any of the other groups. In addition to

being the lowest paid occupational group, the food preparation and serving related occupations have the narrowest

distribution of wages among all occupational groups. Ten

percent of the workers in this group, approximately 1 million,

earn less than $5.77 per hour, while ninety percent of the

workers earn less than $12.20 per hour, a difference of only

$6.43 per hour.

In addition to having the highest mean wage, the management occupations have the second widest distribution

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

Ten percent of workers in this group earn less than $16.15

per hour, while ninety percent earn less than $70.00 per hour,

a difference of at least $53.85 per hour. However, the management group does not have the highest wages in all percentile wage categories. The group ranks second in the

10th-percentile category. The largest distribution of wages

is among legal occupations, which has a difference of at

least $56.45 between the 10th- and 90th-percentile wages.

As shown in text table 1, the mean wage in every occupational group is higher than the 50th-percentile, or median,

wage for that group, suggesting that the top half of workers

have a wider wage distribution than do the lower half. In

other words, the distribution of wages in each occupational

group is skewed towards the higher end of the wage range.

Chart 2 uses the percentile wages from text table 1 to

graphically display 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

Chart 2. Wage distribution by occupational group, May 2003

10th

percentile

25th

percentile

75th

percentile

90th

percentile

$16.15

$13.55

$15.61

$14.84

$13.66

$11.49

$11.95

$7.69

$7.47

$8.01

$9.11

$9.11

$28.66

$9.14 $27.14

$27.22

$28.92

$43.74

$43.10

$36.15

$32.98

$6.38 $28.99

$7.53 $22.69

$20.92

$6.85

$7.70

$21.55

$7.21 $15.99

$6.03 $16.83

$6.32 $15.75

$6.34 $15.59

$5.77 $12.20

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

Hourly wages

$47.12

$44.25

$42.79

1 Represents a wage above $70 per hour.

Management

Legal

Computer and mathematical

Architecture and engineering

Business and financial operations

Healthcare practitioners and technical

Life, physical, and social science

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media

Education, training, and library

Construction and extraction

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Protective service

Community and social services

Healthcare support

Farming, fishing, and forestry

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance

 Personal care and service

Sales and related

Office and administrative support

Transportation and material moving

Food preparation and serving related

Production
6

Text table 2. Mean wages for selected OES occupations and three-digit NAICS industries, May 2003

Chief executive. .......................................................... $58.07 $76.80 $82.35 $56.83 $70.58 $45.28 $44.37 $53.87

Training and development specialists ....................... 24.13 33.57 32.51 15.71 22.06 15.97 15.85 20.21

Accountants and auditors ......................................... 27.05 28.86 27.66 21.66 23.79 21.15 21.02 24.64

Sales representatives, wholesale and

 manufacturing, except technical and scientific

 products .................................................................... 24.11 31.68 28.67 21.30 26.32 16.67 18.69 18.66

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and

 executive ................................................................... 10.28 15.61 15.07 11.22 13.45 11.19 11.21 10.84

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and

 housekeeping workers ............................................ 8.48 13.84 11.37 8.69 8.80 8.33 8.37 8.14

Security guards .......................................................... 9.02 19.66 14.84 13.01 14.66 10.07 9.57 13.30

Receptionists and information clerks ........................ 10.15 12.91 12.03 9.99 10.74 9.61 10.25 8.48

Occupation

Industry

wage and the right endpoint of the bar indicates the 90thpercentile 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 shown in chart 2, the width of the wage distribution

for both the middle 80 percent and 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 69

cents, 91 cents, and $1.17, respectively, separating the 10thpercentile wage from the 25th-percentile wage. The amounts

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

wage in those three occupational groups are, respectively,

$4.69, $5.57, and $11.64, at least 6 times the amounts separating the 10th-percentile wage from the 25th-percentile wage.

By contrast, wages for the middle 50 percent of workers in

the computer and mathematical; architecture and engineering; education, training, and library; 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.

In addition to cross-industry estimates for the 22 major

occupational groups, the OES program produces detailed

occupational wages across all industries. These estimates

show that wages for detailed occupations can vary substantially within a major occupational group. This is due to the

fact that major occupational groups incorporate data from as

many as 75 specific occupations in their mean hourly wages.

For example, the legal occupations group includes occupations such as lawyers and legal secretaries. The wages and

employment for both are included in the overall wage and

employment estimates for legal occupations, even though

the mean hourly wage of lawyers is almost 3 times the wage

of legal secretaries. The shares of employment accounted

for by these occupations will 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 difference noted between their respective major groups.

Table 1 of this publication shows these variations.

Occupational wages by three-digit NAICS industry

The OES program also produces detailed occupational wages

by industry major groups at the three-digit, four-digit, and

selected five-digit industry level within the North American

Industry Classification System (NAICS). Text table 2 shows

the mean wage for eight selected OES occupations in eight

selected three-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 other detailed 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 shown

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

wages, with $37.98 separating the highest paying industry

from the lowest. The mean wage for chief executives ranges

from $82.35 per hour in the petroleum and coal products

manufacturing industry to $44.37 per hour in the food services and drinking industry. Another large difference between industries, $17.86, occurs for the occupation of training and development specialist workers. The hourly mean

wage for these workers ranges from $33.57 per hour in the

utilities industry to $15.85 per hour in food services and

drinking industry. The occupation of receptionists and information clerks, exhibits a smaller variation among the selected industries, with $4.43 separating the highest wage

from the lowest. The mean wage of this occupation across

Support

activities

for

agriculture and

forestry

Utilities

Petroleum and

coal

products

manufacturing

Credit

intermediation

and

related

activities

Social

assistance

Personal

and

laundry

services

Food

services

and

drinking

places

Food

and

beverage

stores
7

the eight selected industries ranges from $12.91 per hour in

utilities to $8.48 per hour in personal and laundry services.

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

industries shown for all occupations except chief executives,

for which it has the second highest wage. It is interesting

that, while the highest wages for each occupation are fairly

concentrated in this single industry, the lowest wages are

found in five industries. Because text 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 industries and occupational employment and wage

estimates at the three-digit industry level are available on the

OES Web site at www.bls.gov/oes/.
8

The Role of Occupational

Composition in State Wage

Differentials

Patrick Kilcoyne

Patrick Kilcoyne is an economist in the Division of Occupational

and Administrative Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I

t is commonly understood that people in some States

have higher average wages than do those in other States.

However, it is not always the case that moving from a

State with a low average wage to one with a higher average

wage will make a person better off economically, even if his

or her salary increases. The cause of these interstate differences is multifaceted, and includes such factors as cost of

living, industry, education level, and occupations.

One possible source of State wage differences is the occupational composition of the State’s workforce. Some occupations pay higher wages than others do. If a State has an

employment mix that has a greater-than-typical share of workers in high paying occupations, the State’s average wage

will be relatively high, all other factors being held constant.

This article investigates the role of occupational composition of the State workforce in explaining differences in the

average State wage, and asks to what extent State average

wage differences are caused by the occupational composition or by generally higher State occupational wage rates.

State occupational employment staffing patterns are examined to see how the staffing patterns affect the overall average wage rates.

Finally, we examine whether there is a correlation between

the occupational composition and the wage premiums found

in different States. That is, we examine whether increasing

concentrations of employment in high-paid occupations increases averages wage rates for workers in all occupations.

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey

produces estimates of wages for 770 detailed occupations

and 22 major occupational groups from the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system for each State, for metropolitan areas, and for the Nation as a whole. In addition,

OES generates statewide and nationwide estimates of average wages across all occupations and industries. According

to the May 2003 OES survey, the national average annual

wage was $36,2101

. The States with the lowest average annual wages were Mississippi, with an average of $27,310,

and South Dakota, with an average wage of $27,620. The

District of Columbia had the highest wage, with an average

of $54,040.

The wage differential for an individual worker depends

not only on the cost of living in the State, but also on the

worker’s skills and experience, and most importantly, his or

her occupation. To see the impact that the occupational

composition of each State has on the differential between

the State and national average wage, the effect of the occupational component needs to be separated from the other

factors.

Methodology

The average wage of each State, as computed by the OES

survey, is the employment-weighted average of all of the

occupational wage estimates in the State. The “staffing pattern” of a State is the distribution of the State’s total employment across each occupation or occupational group, expressed as a percentage of State employment. If a State were

to have the same occupational staffing pattern as the Nation

as a whole, along with identical occupational wages, then

the State average wage would equal the national average

wage. If a State had the same occupational wage rates as the

Nation, but a staffing pattern that was more concentrated in

higher (or lower) paying occupations, the overall State average wage would increase (or decrease).

The comparison of cross-sectional quantitative data by

separating the factors causing the differentials is known as

“shift-share analysis.” While shift-share analysis is often

used to isolate factors contributing to changes over time, it

is used here to isolate factors contributing to differences by

area.

In order to isolate the effect of the State occupational

staffing pattern on the overall State wage, the national wage

was substituted for the State wage for every occupation.

This produced the average wage for the State using the State’s

own staffing pattern and national wages. Inversely, to determine the effect of a State’s occupational wage rates on the

overall State wage, the national occupational staffing pattern must be substituted for the State staffing pattern. This

was done by replacing the State occupational employment

estimate with a proportional employment level using the national staffing pattern and the State’s total employment. This

procedure results in an average State wage based on a national staffing pattern with State wages, and demonstrates
9

the effect of the wage rate level on the average wage for each

State. (This does not imply that the wage rate component of

the wage differential can be strictly defined as a regional

cost of living factor or a State wage premium. It is simply the

nonoccupational component of the State average wage, but

will be referred to in this article as the “wage component.”)

The overall wage differential for each State can be viewed

as being made up of a wage component, an occupational

component, and a residual effect. The overall State wage

differential is obtained by subtracting the national average

annual wage from the State average wage. The wage and

occupational factors are obtained by summing the employment and weighted average wage estimates for all of the 770

OES occupations, as well as the 22 SOC major groups. The

wage component is derived by substituting a “converted

occupational employment” estimate for the State occupational employment, based on the national staffing pattern

but using State occupational wages. The occupational component is derived by substituting national occupational

wages for State occupational wages, but using the State

occupational employment. To obtain these values, the national and State staffing patterns and wage rates were used

in the expression below:

Results

Text table 1 presents the results of the shift-share analysis of

State average wages using detailed occupational staffing

patterns. The 50 States plus the District of Columbia are

listed in alphabetical order, along with the average annual

State wage rate, the difference from the national rate, and the

amount of the difference due to the wage component and

the amount due to occupational composition, as well the

residual factor that is due to differences in each of the first

two.

This table shows that the wage difference in most States

is due mainly to the State’s occupational wage rates generally, rather than the occupational composition of the State.

In fact, for all of the States, the average share of the wage

difference due strictly to the wage component is 72.5 percent. Nevertheless, 32.6 percent of the difference in State

average wage rates is due to the occupational composition

of the States (-5.1 percent of the difference is due to the

residual factor). In some States such as Maryland and Wisconsin, the amount of the difference due to occupational

composition is larger than the difference due to wages. In

other States, such as Georgia and Michigan, the occupational component and the wage component have opposite

signs. The combination of the two effects together is relatively small.

Text table 2 displays the percentage of State employment

in each of the 22 SOC major occupational groups, as well as

the national mean wage for the occupational group. This

gives an indication of each State’s “staffing pattern effect”

on the average State wage. Many States have similar staffing patterns, and the occupational employment shares reflect this. Office and administrative support occupations

have the highest share of employment in every State, with an

average of 17.4 percent and all but four States having a share

between 16 and 20 percent. Although the employment shares

in most categories are fairly similar, there can be large variations among the States in certain occupational groups. For

example, production occupation employment shares range

from a high of 14.2 percent in Arkansas to a low of 1.5 percent

in the District of Columbia. Because the SOC major groups

vary considerably in terms of national average wages, differences in employment distributions among the occupational

groups result in differences in overall average wages.

The SOC major groups with the highest national average

annual wages are management occupations ($82,790); legal

occupations ($78,910); and computer and mathematical occupations ($63,240). The District of Columbia has the highest percentage employment for all three of these occupational groups, and also the highest average wage at $54,040.

The SOC major groups (other than the smallest group of

farming, fishing, and forestry) with the lowest national average wages are food preparation and serving related occupations ($17,290); building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations ($21,060) and personal care and service

occupations ($21,380). Hawaii and Nevada are the States

with the two highest percentages of employment for all three

of these groups, presumably because of the dominance of

the tourism industry.

Because both of these States have relatively high concentrations of workers in low-paying occupational groups,

State Wage Wage Occupational

Differential Component Component Residual

SAW – NAW = (COE*SOW) – NAW + (SOE*NOW) – NAW + (NOP-SOP)*(NOW-SOW)]

 STE STE

SAW = OES State average annual wage, May 2003

NAW = OES national average annual wage, May 2003 ($36,210)

SOE = OES State occupational employment, May 2003

NOE = OES national occupational employment, May 2003

SOW = OES State occupational wage, May 2003

NOW = OES national occupational wage, May 2003

STE = OES State total employment, May 2003

NTE = OES national total employment, May 2003 (127,567,910)

NOP = National occupational percentage = (NOE/NTE)

SOP = State occupational percentage = (SOE/STE)

COE = Converted occupational employment = (NOE/NTE)*STE

Σ Σ[ Σ
10

we expect to see a negative influence of the staffing pattern

on overall State wages. Consequently, text table 1 shows

that the occupational component in Hawaii indicates a wage

rate $1,611 below the national average and the occupational

component indicates that the wage in Nevada is $3,662 below the national average. Hawaii has an average annual

wage that is below the national average at $35,660, but its

wage component is actually $617 above the national average. Similarly, Nevada has an average wage that is $2,450

less than the Nation’s, but its wage component is $741 above

the national average. The positive wage component indicates that, on average, workers in a given occupation in Nevada and Hawaii earn more than their counterparts in other

States. It is the occupational mix of workers in these States

that cause average wages to be below the national average.

The results in text table 1 show staffing pattern effects

and wage effects using detailed occupational staffing patterns. A similar calculation was done using staffing patterns

at the major occupational group level. As expected, the staffing pattern effects in the calculation using the detailed occupation staffing patterns were more pronounced. This is due

to the variability in the wage rates at the major group level

caused by differences in the detailed occupational composition with the major group. This demonstrates that disaggregating the detailed occupations and the skill levels implicit in

the occupations from their major group provides further evidence of State wage differentials due to differences in the

skills used by the workers in each State.

An examination of States with notably high and low wages

reveals that the concentration of certain detailed occupations does have a large effect on the overall State wage. For

example Alaska’s average wage is $4,370 higher than the

national average. Alaska employs 990 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers (SOC 51-8093).

As a share of employment, there are 10 times as many of

these workers in Alaska than in the Nation as a whole. Furthermore, the State average wage for this occupation, $67,260,

was roughly $20,000 per year higher than the national average. Conversely, in West Virginia there were 760 fallers (that

is, timber cutters, SOC 45-4021), who accounted for a share

of the State’s employment that was approximately 15 times

their national employment share. The State’s average wage

for this occupation is $21,320, $10,530 less than the national

average for the occupation. The overall State average wage

for West Virginia was $29,540, or $6,670 less than the national average wage. These examples demonstrate that the

predominance of detailed occupations in particular States

can contribute significantly to both wage and staffing pattern effects on the State average wage.

Correlations between staffing pattern effects and

wage effects

In the previous section, we saw that there are some States

with both positive wage effects and positive staffing pattern

effects, some States with negative effects for both components, and some with effects of the opposite sign. We might

expect a relationship between the occupational component

and the wage component if wages of other workers are affected by general wage levels in the area. For example, we

might expect food service workers or personal service workers in areas with high concentrations of doctors, lawyers,

and engineers to be paid more than their counterparts in

other areas. This relationship would be demonstrated by a

positive correlation between the staffing pattern effects and

the wage effects. The correlation coefficient (a number between +1 and -1, representing a positive or negative relationship) between these two columns in text table 1 is +.49.

In general, the staffing pattern effects and the wage rate

effects shown in the table have the same sign. Of the 51

areas listed, 39 had effects of the same sign. Five had negative staffing pattern effects, but positive wage effects: Hawaii, Nevada, Michigan, and Rhode Island. Seven States

had positive staffing pattern effects but negative wage effects: Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Idaho, and Georgia. In the

latter seven States, the occupational staffing patterns suggest that the wages for these States should be higher than

average but, in all except Virginia, the average wage is lower.

The very low occupational wage rates in the other six States

more than compensate for the high employment effects, and

the overall State wages are below the national average.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that State wage differentials are caused primarily by State wage levels and other nonoccupational factors, the size of the wage differential caused by occupation

is significant and varies greatly from State to State. In Virginia, the difference due to the occupational component is

$1,275 or 177 percent of the total wage differential of $720,

and the wage component is -$644. In the state of Maryland,

75.7 percent of the wage difference is attributable to the occupational component, even though the average share for

all States from this component is only 32.6 percent.

At the level of major occupational groups, the share of

the State wage differential due to the wage component increases slightly from 72.5 percent to 78 percent. Because

many of the States that have average wages below the national level are rural States, the wage component may reflect

a lower cost of living or other regional factors. In relation to

this, States with high wage components and high occupational components may have higher housing or consumer

costs, but they may also be home to industries and companies that employ high percentages of professional or technical workers and pay the higher wages that these workers can

command. In States where the wage component is high but

the occupational component is low or negative, it is possible

that employers are competing for scarce workers by paying

them wages above what they would earn in other areas.

1

Hourly wages are converted to their full-time equivalent annual

wage rate by multiplying the hourly wage by 2,080, or 40 hours per

week times 52 weeks per year.
11

Text table 1. State average wages and the composition of differences, May 2003

Alabama .............................................. $31,330 -$4,880 -$3,924 -$1,110 $154

Alaska ................................................. $40,580 $4,370 $2,606 $1,315 $447

Arizona ................................................ $33,570 -$2,640 -$2,520 $68 -$196

Arkansas ............................................. $28,530 -$7,680 -$6,093 -$2,287 $700

California ............................................. $40,640 $4,430 $4,182 $265 -$23

Colorado .............................................. $38,470 $2,260 $1,025 $1,114 $118

Connecticut ......................................... $42,970 $6,760 $5,383 $1,176 $195

Delaware ............................................. $37,520 $1,310 $728 $787 -$211

District of Columbia ............................ $54,040 $17,830 $3,253 $12,083 $2,492

Florida ................................................. $32,540 -$3,670 -$2,380 -$1,363 $69

Georgia ............................................... $34,880 -$1,330 -$1,561 $150 $82

Hawaii .................................................. $35,660 -$550 $617 -$1,611 $436

Idaho ................................................... $31,550 -$4,660 -$4,941 $158 $115

Illinois .................................................. $37,340 $1,130 $39 $1,288 -$205

Indiana ................................................ $33,070 -$3,140 -$2,221 -$1,564 $638

Iowa ..................................................... $30,950 -$5,260 -$4,091 -$1,698 $521

Kansas ................................................ $32,960 -$3,250 -$3,074 -$395 $219

Kentucky ............................................. $31,510 -$4,700 -$3,890 -$1,276 $467

Louisiana ............................................. $30,410 -$5,800 -$5,238 -$668 $98

Maine ................................................... $32,370 -$3,840 -$3,592 -$487 $232

Maryland ............................................. $39,660 $3,450 $816 $2,615 $14

Massachusetts ................................... $42,830 $6,620 $3,983 $2,552 $85

Michigan .............................................. $38,110 $1,900 $1,831 -$265 $335

Minnesota ........................................... $38,140 $1,930 $1,752 $313 -$139

Mississippi .......................................... $27,310 -$8,900 -$7,128 -$2,569 $795

Missouri............................................... $33,770 -$2,440 -$2,308 -$254 $114

Montana .............................................. $28,980 -$7,230 -$6,492 -$841 $103

Nebraska ............................................. $31,680 -$4,530 -$3,939 -$864 $270

Nevada ................................................ $33,760 -$2,450 $741 -$3,662 $471

New Hampshire ................................... $35,750 -$460 -$1,087 $487 $138

New Jersey ......................................... $41,020 $4,810 $4,651 $258 -$97

New Mexico ......................................... $31,760 -$4,450 -$4,695 -$77 $315

New York ............................................. $42,270 $6,060 $4,873 $869 $313

North Carolina ..................................... $33,270 -$2,940 -$2,293 -$786 $131

North Dakota ....................................... $29,380 -$6,830 -$5,412 -$1,797 $378

Ohio ..................................................... $34,870 -$1,340 -$970 -$522 $152

Oklahoma ............................................ $30,310 -$5,900 -$5,651 -$379 $126

Oregon ................................................ $35,550 -$660 $191 -$724 -$131

Pennsylvania ...................................... $35,060 -$1,150 -$1,325 $229 -$53

Rhode Island ....................................... $37,120 $910 $1,124 -$369 $149

South Carolina .................................... $31,160 -$5,050 -$4,475 -$1,070 $489

South Dakota ...................................... $27,620 -$8,590 -$6,282 -$3,112 $797

Tennessee ........................................... $31,910 -$4,300 -$3,591 -$975 $267

Texas ................................................... $34,260 -$1,950 -$2,143 $195 -$5

Utah ..................................................... $33,020 -$3,190 -$3,059 -$274 $140

Vermont ............................................... $33,500 -$2,710 -$1,456 -$1,265 $11

Virginia ................................................ $36,930 $720 -$644 $1,275 $90

Washington ......................................... $39,600 $3,390 $3,549 $98 -$261

West Virginia ....................................... $29,540 -$6,670 -$5,966 -$1,146 $440

Wisconsin ........................................... $33,980 -$2,230 -$883 -$1,621 $269

Wyoming ............................................. $31,190 -$5,020 -$5,332 -$890 $1,202

State average

annual wage

Difference from

national average

Difference due to

wage rates

Difference due to

occupations

Difference due

to residual State
12

Text table 2. State percentage of employment by SOC major group, May 2003

Alabama ........................................................... 5.1 3.0 1.6 1.9 0.6 0.8 0.5 5.5 0.8 5.4 2.3

Alaska .............................................................. 7.3 3.0 1.1 2.2 2.2 2.0 0.9 7.0 1.0 4.2 1.9

Arizona ............................................................. 5.4 4.0 2.0 2.4 0.7 1.1 0.7 5.8 1.0 4.2 2.4

Arkansas .......................................................... 4.2 3.0 1.2 1.0 0.6 1.2 0.5 5.7 0.7 5.3 2.4

California .......................................................... 5.4 4.4 2.7 2.2 1.0 1.2 0.8 6.2 1.5 3.9 2.1

Colorado ........................................................... 5.2 4.5 3.6 2.5 1.2 1.1 0.7 5.6 1.5 4.1 2.0

Connecticut ...................................................... 5.2 4.9 2.7 2.3 1.1 1.9 0.8 7.2 1.3 5.2 3.0

Delaware .......................................................... 6.6 4.5 2.4 1.2 1.6 1.6 0.9 5.2 0.7 4.7 2.0

District of Columbia ......................................... 11.1 10.4 4.8 2.1 3.0 1.3 5.8 4.4 3.0 4.4 1.2

Florida .............................................................. 3.9 3.7 1.9 1.6 0.6 1.2 0.9 4.8 1.2 5.0 2.4

Georgia ............................................................ 5.9 3.6 2.6 1.4 0.6 0.9 0.7 6.3 0.9 4.3 2.0

Hawaii ............................................................... 4.5 3.6 1.3 1.5 1.2 1.6 0.8 6.5 1.7 4.1 2.3

Idaho ................................................................ 6.5 3.0 1.6 2.3 1.7 1.4 0.6 5.9 1.1 4.8 2.6

Illinois ............................................................... 6.8 4.3 2.2 1.6 0.7 1.1 0.7 6.4 1.2 4.8 2.1

Indiana ............................................................. 4.5 3.1 1.3 1.8 0.6 1.0 0.4 5.4 0.9 5.1 2.2

Iowa .................................................................. 4.6 3.7 1.5 1.3 0.7 1.5 0.5 6.1 1.1 4.7 2.7

Kansas ............................................................. 4.7 3.6 2.1 2.0 0.7 1.1 0.6 6.4 1.1 4.9 3.0

Kentucky .......................................................... 5.0 2.7 1.4 1.3 0.5 1.2 0.6 5.9 0.8 5.5 2.7

Louisiana .......................................................... 5.8 2.7 0.9 1.6 0.7 1.3 0.7 5.9 0.8 5.7 2.8

Maine ................................................................ 5.8 3.1 1.2 1.5 0.7 2.1 0.6 7.5 1.0 5.6 3.3

Maryland .......................................................... 7.6 4.3 3.8 2.1 1.4 1.5 0.9 6.4 1.2 5.0 2.2

Massachusetts ................................................ 7.3 4.1 3.3 2.3 1.4 1.7 0.9 6.5 1.3 5.7 2.7

Michigan ........................................................... 3.9 4.3 1.8 3.1 0.9 0.9 0.6 5.7 1.2 5.0 2.7

Minnesota ........................................................ 4.7 5.1 2.6 2.0 1.0 1.7 0.7 5.9 1.2 5.2 2.7

Mississippi ....................................................... 4.7 2.2 0.8 1.3 0.6 0.8 0.6 6.1 0.7 5.5 2.5

Missouri ............................................................ 5.4 3.6 2.1 1.3 0.6 1.1 0.7 5.6 1.3 5.5 2.8

Montana ........................................................... 6.2 2.8 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7 0.7 6.7 1.3 5.0 2.8

Nebraska .......................................................... 4.7 3.6 2.2 1.3 0.9 1.5 0.4 5.9 1.2 5.1 2.9

Nevada ............................................................. 4.1 2.8 1.0 1.3 0.6 0.6 0.6 3.8 1.1 3.5 1.5

New Hampshire ................................................ 6.2 3.6 2.0 2.1 0.7 1.2 0.5 7.1 0.9 4.9 2.2

New Jersey ...................................................... 4.8 4.4 3.0 1.5 1.0 1.4 0.7 6.3 1.0 4.5 2.6

New Mexico ...................................................... 6.0 3.2 1.7 2.7 1.4 1.4 0.9 6.6 0.9 4.8 2.6

New York .......................................................... 4.6 4.0 2.1 1.4 0.8 1.8 1.2 8.0 2.0 5.2 3.4

North Carolina .................................................. 5.1 3.0 2.0 1.4 1.0 1.2 0.5 6.3 0.8 4.9 2.7

North Dakota .................................................... 5.4 2.7 1.4 1.3 0.9 1.5 0.5 6.4 1.1 5.6 3.2

Ohio .................................................................. 4.6 3.9 1.8 1.8 0.6 1.1 0.6 5.4 1.1 5.3 2.9

Oklahoma ......................................................... 5.5 3.3 1.5 1.5 0.8 1.3 0.6 6.7 0.9 5.3 3.1

Oregon ............................................................. 4.8 3.8 2.1 2.1 1.3 1.9 0.6 6.3 1.3 4.4 2.4

Pennsylvania ................................................... 6.0 3.6 1.9 1.6 0.8 1.5 0.8 5.7 0.9 5.7 2.7

Rhode Island .................................................... 4.2 3.9 2.2 1.7 1.0 2.1 0.9 7.1 1.2 6.0 3.4

South Carolina ................................................. 6.0 2.8 1.2 1.9 0.6 1.2 0.7 5.6 0.9 4.9 2.4

South Dakota ................................................... 3.4 2.9 1.4 1.0 0.6 1.2 0.4 6.2 1.3 5.5 2.9

Tennessee ........................................................ 6.1 3.0 1.4 1.4 0.5 1.0 0.5 5.1 1.0 5.4 2.4

Texas ................................................................ 5.5 3.5 2.2 2.1 0.8 0.8 0.7 6.9 1.0 4.4 2.4

Utah .................................................................. 5.3 3.4 2.5 1.9 1.1 1.4 0.6 5.7 1.3 4.0 2.0

Vermont ............................................................ 2.8 3.5 1.8 2.2 1.1 2.4 0.6 9.0 1.5 5.4 2.5

Virginia ............................................................. 4.8 5.0 4.3 2.1 1.0 1.1 0.9 6.1 1.2 4.3 2.0

Washington ...................................................... 3.3 4.7 3.3 2.7 1.4 1.7 0.8 6.3 1.5 4.8 2.6

West Virginia .................................................... 5.1 2.5 1.1 1.4 1.0 1.5 0.8 5.6 0.9 6.5 3.1

Wisconsin ........................................................ 4.1 3.4 1.7 1.8 0.9 1.2 0.5 5.5 1.2 4.7 3.0

Wyoming .......................................................... 5.4 2.4 0.8 1.5 1.5 1.4 0.7 6.5 0.9 4.4 2.2

State

Management

($82,790)

Business

and

financial

operations

($55,550)

Computer

and

mathematical

($63,240)

Architecture and

engineering

($59,230)

Life,

physical,

and

social

science

($53,210)

Community

and

social

services

($35,420)

Legal

($78,910)

Education,

training,

and

library

($40,660)

Arts,

design,

entertainment,

sports,

and

media

($42,620)

Healthcare

practitioners

and

technical

($55,380)

Healthcare

support

($22,750)
13

Alabama ........................................................... 2.2 7.5 3.0 1.6 10.9 16.3 0.4 5.1 5.2 11.4 8.9

Alaska .............................................................. 3.8 7.7 3.3 2.7 8.4 17.5 0.2 6.9 5.3 3.6 7.8

Arizona ............................................................. 2.7 8.8 3.7 2.3 11.1 17.7 0.6 7.2 4.4 5.4 6.5

Arkansas .......................................................... 1.9 7.6 3.0 1.6 10.1 16.0 0.6 4.3 4.8 14.2 9.9

California .......................................................... 2.5 7.8 3.2 2.1 10.3 18.6 1.2 4.9 3.5 7.4 7.0

Colorado ........................................................... 2.1 8.8 3.4 2.4 11.8 17.9 0.2 6.0 4.1 5.2 6.3

Connecticut ...................................................... 2.3 6.9 3.6 2.7 11.0 18.4 0.1 3.4 3.3 7.3 5.5

Delaware .......................................................... 1.9 7.4 3.7 2.0 10.8 21.2 0.2 4.8 4.3 6.5 5.7

District of Columbia ......................................... 3.9 6.4 3.9 1.4 4.7 20.8 0.0 2.0 1.4 1.5 2.5

Florida .............................................................. 2.9 8.5 3.9 2.7 12.1 19.6 0.7 5.6 4.0 5.4 7.6

Georgia ............................................................ 2.4 7.8 3.0 1.9 11.0 17.6 0.3 4.3 4.6 9.2 8.6

Hawaii ............................................................... 3.8 12.2 5.9 3.4 10.5 16.7 0.2 4.5 3.9 3.4 6.5

Idaho ................................................................ 1.9 8.2 3.5 1.6 10.3 16.6 1.0 5.8 4.6 7.2 7.8

Illinois ............................................................... 2.4 7.2 3.2 2.1 10.2 17.9 0.1 4.2 3.7 9.0 8.3

Indiana ............................................................. 1.9 8.7 3.1 1.9 9.8 16.0 0.2 4.8 4.5 13.9 8.7

Iowa .................................................................. 1.5 8.5 3.2 2.3 10.6 17.0 0.4 4.3 4.3 11.3 8.2

Kansas ............................................................. 1.8 8.0 3.2 2.4 10.5 17.3 0.2 4.9 4.6 9.6 7.2

Kentucky .......................................................... 1.9 8.2 3.1 1.8 10.0 16.7 0.3 5.0 4.5 11.5 9.1

Louisiana .......................................................... 3.0 8.9 3.3 2.6 10.1 16.4 0.4 6.4 5.0 6.8 7.8

Maine ................................................................ 1.8 8.9 3.6 2.2 10.6 16.2 0.4 5.1 4.4 7.6 7.0

Maryland .......................................................... 2.7 7.8 3.4 2.2 10.0 17.6 0.1 5.5 3.9 4.4 6.1

Massachusetts ................................................ 2.4 7.9 3.4 2.3 10.1 17.7 0.1 3.8 3.4 6.4 5.3

Michigan ........................................................... 1.8 8.3 3.2 2.2 10.9 16.0 0.2 4.3 4.1 11.9 7.1

Minnesota ........................................................ 1.8 8.0 3.1 2.7 11.2 17.0 0.2 4.4 3.6 8.9 6.4

Mississippi ....................................................... 2.8 8.3 3.2 2.3 10.2 16.1 0.5 4.9 4.6 12.1 9.2

Missouri............................................................ 2.1 8.7 3.4 2.4 10.5 17.8 0.2 4.7 4.0 8.9 7.4

Montana ........................................................... 1.8 10.6 4.1 2.6 10.7 16.4 0.6 6.0 4.8 4.4 6.7

Nebraska .......................................................... 1.6 8.1 3.2 1.8 10.6 18.1 0.5 4.7 4.2 9.3 8.1

Nevada ............................................................. 2.9 12.5 5.7 6.3 11.3 16.6 0.1 7.7 4.1 3.7 8.1

New Hampshire ................................................ 1.8 8.6 3.2 2.4 13.0 16.7 0.1 4.0 4.1 8.9 5.6

New Jersey ...................................................... 2.8 6.5 3.5 2.9 11.3 20.0 0.1 3.7 3.7 5.9 8.4

New Mexico ...................................................... 3.1 9.6 3.9 2.5 10.3 16.3 0.6 6.7 4.3 4.3 6.3

New York .......................................................... 3.0 6.5 3.5 3.1 10.4 19.9 0.1 3.8 3.7 5.7 5.6

North Carolina .................................................. 2.0 7.8 3.1 2.0 10.5 16.5 0.2 4.6 4.6 11.7 8.1

North Dakota .................................................... 1.2 9.5 3.7 3.4 11.2 17.1 0.3 5.0 4.6 6.2 7.7

Ohio .................................................................. 2.1 8.5 3.1 2.0 10.1 17.1 0.1 4.1 4.2 11.3 8.3

Oklahoma ......................................................... 2.2 8.5 3.1 1.7 10.5 17.9 0.2 5.1 4.7 8.6 6.9

Oregon ............................................................. 1.9 8.5 3.1 2.0 10.4 17.8 0.7 4.5 4.0 8.3 8.0

Pennsylvania ................................................... 2.1 7.7 3.2 2.3 10.5 18.1 0.1 4.2 4.1 8.8 7.6

Rhode Island .................................................... 2.3 9.0 3.2 2.5 9.5 17.8 0.1 3.9 3.5 9.0 5.8

South Carolina ................................................. 2.1 8.6 3.7 1.9 10.1 15.4 0.4 4.8 4.9 11.9 8.0

South Dakota ................................................... 1.4 10.1 4.2 2.9 11.7 17.8 0.3 5.3 4.0 7.9 7.5

Tennessee ........................................................ 2.2 8.0 3.2 1.7 9.8 16.8 0.2 4.1 4.2 11.9 10.1

Texas ................................................................ 2.5 8.1 3.2 2.7 10.9 17.8 0.2 5.4 4.5 7.2 7.1

Utah .................................................................. 2.1 7.5 3.3 1.9 11.8 18.6 0.2 6.2 4.3 7.9 7.0

Vermont ............................................................ 1.2 8.3 3.5 2.6 10.3 17.6 0.3 5.2 4.0 8.5 5.6

Virginia ............................................................. 2.4 7.5 3.6 2.1 11.1 16.7 0.2 5.5 4.5 6.7 6.9

Washington ...................................................... 2.0 8.4 2.8 2.4 11.2 17.2 0.5 5.1 4.2 5.8 7.4

West Virginia .................................................... 2.0 8.7 3.3 2.2 10.6 16.6 0.4 6.1 5.0 7.0 8.7

Wisconsin ........................................................ 1.7 8.3 3.4 2.4 9.7 16.9 0.1 4.5 3.8 12.9 8.1

Wyoming .......................................................... 2.3 9.9 4.3 2.3 9.4 14.0 0.2 9.4 6.0 5.3 9.2

Text table 2. State percentage of employment by SOC major group, May 2003—Continued

Protective

service

($34,090)

Food

preparation and

serving

related

($17,290)

Building

and

grounds

cleaning

and

maintenance

($21,060)

Personal

care and

service

($21,380)

State

Sales

and

related

($31,250)

Office

and

administrative

support

($28,260)

Farming,

fishing,

and

forestry

($20,200)

Construction

and

extraction

($36,650)

Installation,

maintenance,

and

repair

($36,210)

Production

($28,710)

Transportation

and

material

moving

($27,600)
14

New and Emerging

Occupations

Jerome Pikulinski

The process for developing the current and future employment estimates for established occupations is systematic—starting with collecting information on the current

workforce and concluding with analysis leading to projections of this employment. In addition to measuring employment for existing occupations, many consumers of data also

want information on new occupations. The Occupational

Employment Statistics (OES) survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides information about

new and emerging (N&E) occupations in addition to employment and wages estimates for established occupations.

Background

The identification of new occupations requires an understanding of the processes that create new forms of work in

our economy. These processes, shown in the diagram below, include new scientific discoveries, development of new

production technologies, new product market acceptance,

government regulatory requirements, research on and deGovernment Regulations Competitive Market Conditions

Scientific Discoveries Product Market Acceptance

New and Emerging Occupations

New Production Technologies

National Defense

velopment of national defense capabilities, and a variety of

competitive market conditions. By the time that one can conclusively confirm that there indeed is a new occupation in

the workforce, the occupation is often an accepted requirement in the evolving employment market. Because occupations tend to evolve in the processes identified above, new

job titles in related industries that appear in the OES survey

serve as clues to the identification of N&E occupations.

Sometimes, confusion can develop about how to interpret a job title. An occupational classification is a broad

concept that generally includes numerous job titles. On

one hand, a title may simply be a variation in the way of

naming an existing occupation. When a new title appears in

the workforce, it usually refers to a job that includes activities that relate to the definition of an existing occupation.

On the other hand, job titles and related descriptions may

be sufficiently explicit to suggest a skill departure from existing occupational classifications. Sometimes, the occupation title stays the same, but the core activities that define

the occupation change. In such cases, a determination must

be made as to whether the new title and duties constitute a

new occupation.

Jerome Pikulinski is an economist formerly in the Division of

Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
15

Relating the new title to knowledge of one or more of the

processes previously identified provides the clues needed

to treat the occupation as new and emerging. Occasionally,

a new occupation appears that has a new title and clearly has

activities that do not fall within the definition of any existing

occupation. Typically these new occupations are coded into

one of the residual classifications of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. In addition to jobs with

new titles and work activities, some occupations, though

not new, are migrating into new industries where the related

technologies and processes were not previously found.

Methodology

The observations in this article are based on data from establishments responding to the Occupational Employment

Statistics (OES) survey. This survey is conducted by the

State Workforce Agencies in cooperation with BLS. The

responding establishments complete survey forms, using a

limited list of occupations and their definitions. They indicate how many workers they have in these occupations by

specific wage intervals. They further provide the job title

and job definition for any worker not included in the list of

occupations on the form.

Labor market analysts in the States review the entries of

titles added to the survey form by respondents and determine the occupational classifications into which the data

should be placed. As indicated above, the occupational

classification structure used in the OES survey is the 2000

SOC system. Entries that cannot be assigned to a specific

detailed occupation usually are assigned to “all other” categories. These original entries include clues for identifying

N&E occupations. Sometimes, it is not clear which occupation the respondent entry relates to. If the State analyst

finds that the entry does not relate to any occupation in the

SOC, including the “all other” categories, he or she may

seek assistance from a BLS coding expert. These inquiries

provide other clues for identifying N&E occupations.

The information in this report was obtained from the 2001

OES survey. States sent the relevant survey entries dealing

with potentially new occupations to BLS. At BLS, the information is reviewed and grouped by potential occupation.

There is a great deal of judgement that must be used at every

stage of this process. As a result, there are no employment

estimates for these occupations. Nonetheless, the information provided can be useful to the overall effort of identifying N&E occupations.

In other words, the information provided in this report

consists simply of counts of observations made along the

way. In total, the number of questionnaire sheets that had

information about N&E occupations, 102, is estimated to be

much less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the total of reviewed supplemental sheets. This number was used in percent computations for chart 1, whereas counts and percentages in chart 2 are based on the distribution of a total of 526

workers who were found in N&E occupations.

Patterns of new and emerging occupations

The 102 selections of potential N&E occupations were analyzed as a group with respect to a variety of distributions:

Establishment size, industry, wage, regional, and classification distribution. When possible, comparisons include related distributions of national employment data.

Establishment size. Chart 1 shows that 50 percent of the

N&E occupations were reported by establishment units having fewer than 50 employees. More than 90 percent of the

establishments were in the category having fewer than 50

employees. It appears that small establishments, by virtue

of their numbers in this interval, have an edge in the creation

of N&E occupations. These surveyed units could have been

either small establishments or special operating units within

larger firms. The lowest percentage of N&E occupations

was reported by firms with more than 1,000 employees. However, larger firms contribute a higher proportion of N&E jobs

relative to the number of establishments their size.

There is another comparison to be made between the relative total employment of firms and the incidence of employment in N&E occupations by firm size. Chart 2 shows that, in

the category of establishments with fewer than 50 employees, employment in N&E occupations is a higher proportion

of total N&E employment than it is of national employment

in that size category. The same is true in the category of

establishments with 50 to 99 employees. This suggests that

firms with 100 or more employees do not generate N&E occupations in proportion to their representation in total national employment.

Industry distribution. New and emerging occupations occur

in a number of industries. More than 60 percent of the N&E

occupations arise in services. (See chart 3.) This dominant

major industry group includes health, social services, legal

assistance, and education. Examples of N&E occupations

include tissue process technicians, hazardous materials drivers, and genetic counselors, among others. In addition, services includes personal, business, and amusement and recreation services.

Manufacturing, primarily in durable goods, is the second

largest source of N&E occupations. Wholesale and retail

trade continue to be a source of new and emerging occupations. Other noteworthy industries include transportation,

communications, and utilities.

Wage distribution. One-half of the reported new and emerging occupations are found in the group of wage ranges under $17. The N&E occupations in the two highest wage

categories include researchers in ultrasound and transducer

technology, compliance engineers, chief software architects,

and technology managers.

The wage data reported here are the modal values of wages

reported for each N&E occupation. The distribution shown

in the chart 4 approaches a normal one. There is some skewing toward the low end of the range.
16

Regional distribution. Chart 5 indicates that some regions

of the country may account for a larger percent of N&E occupations. The number of such occupations is relatively

high in Western and Southwestern States and low in Southeastern and Midwestern States, compared to the total

workforce employed.2 The N&E occupational data reported

in this chart are based on counts of job titles in each region.

SOC distribution. From an occupational classification perspective, the pattern of N&E occupations consists of a complex distribution that cuts across previously noted industry

patterns. (See chart 6.) The 2001 N&E data showed a number

of production occupations that cut across industries. Study

and experience continue to show that, within industry classifications, many positions fall into occupational patterns

that cut across industry lines. For example, production occupations were found in the construction, manufacturing,

and wholesale trade industries, but the manufacturing industry also employs managers; installation, maintenance,

and repair personnel; transportation workers; and personnel

to staff business and financial operations. These occupations, in turn, are common to many other industries.

Summary of patterns in N&E occupations

The patterns noted in the 2001 OES data indicate that most

N&E occupations appeared in firms with fewer than 100 employees. No single industry dominated in the creation and

growth of these occupations. More than one-half of these

were distributed among human services, transportation, communications, business and personal services, and a wide

variety of wholesale and retail trade activities. Slightly more

than half of all N&E occupations were paid in a range of

$8.50 to $17. No State dominated in the creation of N&E

occupations. No single occupation classification dominated

the field of N&E occupations; however, healthcare, management, and production occupations were the three most frequent occupational classifications observed.

Developments in particular occupational groups

Lists of specific occupations that are new or emerging are

presented in the following sections.

Occupations in the construction field

• Metal stud framer

• Epoxy floor installers

2

 The regions in Chart 5 are defined as follows: Western: Alaska,

Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and

Washington. Southwestern: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana,

Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Southeastern: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North

Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Mid-Atlantic: Delaware,

District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia,

and West Virginia. New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

New building systems, particularly in commercial construction, and increased use of new materials explain the

appearance of new occupations in the traditional construction industry.

Occupations in the field of educational services

• School diagnosticians

• Home-school liaison

• Adaptive physical education specialist

• Technology infusion specialist

• Distance learning coordinators

• Director of technology

• Poison information specialist

• Technology coordinator

• Poison information technician

• Athletic compliance coordinator

Education continues to create N&E occupations. Some

of these arise in connection with the objective of tailoring

educational services to students’ special needs. Others are

associated with the use of improved telecommunication applications to deliver education. The spread of technology

and its general uses in education explain the creation of other

specialist occupations. Governmental regulations governing athletic and other physical education programs have

contributed to the creation of other occupations in special

education and the administration of athletic programs.

Health services occupations

• Monitor technicians

• Medical specimen couriers

• Patient-care technicians

• Urine sample collectors

• Polysomnographic technicians

• Tissue process technicians

• CRN anesthesiologist

• Tissue and eye bank technicians

• Spiritual caregiver

• Tissue service coordinator

• Genetic counselor

• Sanitization technician

• Medical certification clerk

• Plasma processor

• Schedulers for surgical cases

• Night monitors

In the health field, N&E occupations have addressed specialized patient care, continuing responses to advancing

medical technologies, improved scheduling of surgical pro-
17

cedures, and alternative medical service delivery approaches.

Increased attention has been directed toward management

and care of tissue banks. In light of recent genome developments, genetic counselors are appearing upon the medical

scene.

Social service occupations

• Bill review nurse

• Adult protective services

• Energy auditor

• HazMat drivers

• Weatherization director

• Director, information management

• Cheer workers

• Disaster preparedness staff

There are several groups of occupations in social services—nurses and information management workers employed in new fields; workers helping seniors and others in

their homes; and disaster preparedness staff. Nurses continue to be employed in areas other than those directly related to providing clinical care services, primarily in the control of medical costs. In addition, a new occupation for nurses

was found in the legal field, where they are employed as legal

nurse staff specialists. Information management, like nursing, is not a new field, but one that continues to appear in a

number of new industry settings. Senior and disabled persons are creating situations calling for cheer workers, who

provide opportunities for therapeutic interaction, and others, who investigate charges and complaints of mistreatment. 

Drivers qualified to deliver hazardous materials may provide

oxygen to residences and other service locations. Providing

services for the insulation and heating of residences has

created occupations in weatherization and heating cost recovery. Finally, increased awareness of disaster preparedness is driving the creation of related positions. 

Transportation occupations

• Horsedrawn carriage drivers

• Handicapped bus aides

Clearly carriage driver is not a new occupation; however,

its appearance in connection with the development of urban

entertainment districts makes this occupation noteworthy.

Attention to the mobility needs of handicapped persons has

contributed to the creation of aide occupations to assist

them on buses.

Service occupations

• Surveillance person

• Producer-Internet provider (ISP)

• Psychic counselors

• Chief software architect

• Matchmakers

• Web analyst

• Bar-proof checker

• Digital imagers and modelers

• Customer insight analyst

• Interactive media planner

• Senior supply chain manager

• Televideo engineer

• Divers—underwater inspectors

A variety of service occupations are appearing. Some

deal with security needs. Others reflect cultural attitudes

about future uncertainties or finding a mate. Applications of

behavioral science to marketing are creating other kinds of

marketing research jobs. The continuing drive to improve

the efficiency of manufacturing operations through better

material management has created specialist positions. Increased attention to national security has created highly

specialized underwater inspection jobs at docks and ports.

Of special note are the employment effects of the Internet

and telecommunication technologies. A variety of new, specialized occupations continue to appear as a result of these,

such as producers for Internet service provider sites, Web

analysts who study utilization patterns, and interactive media planners. The pattern in development of these N&E

occupations appears to have its parallel in the development

of new occupations that followed the introduction of automotive technology. The latter industry has continued to

contribute to N&E occupations for more than 100 years. The

same engine for job innovation seems to be developing within

the Internet and telecommunication industries.

Engineering services and manufacturing

occupations

• Hazardous material engineer

• Neon glass benders

• Compliance engineer

• Cultured marble caster

• Laser engineer

• Glue mixer

• Optical design engineer

• Perfumers

• Optical engineer

• Translators

• Roof truss designers

• Missile specialists

• Pharmacokineticist

• Truss layout and assembly workers

New materials and processes have contributed to the creation of new occupations, while the regulatory concern for
18

the associated environmental and health impacts of these

have created additional occupations. The use of lasers and

various optical technologies continues to generate new occupations. Use of manufactured housing components has

produced both design and production occupations. The drug

industry has seen the creation of an occupation, pharmacokineticist, concerned with establishing dosage standards

related to the drug availability of retained drug dosages in

patients.

Some occupations are not new but are once again emerging due to consumer preferences. The cultural resurgence

of neon lighting has created the need for neon benders. 

Market demand for cast marble surfaces has resulted in more

work for those who cast it. Finally, the growth of small-scale

perfume distributors has led to growth in employment of

perfume mixers.

Other occupations that are not new but are emerging in

engineering and sciences include translators, as manufacturers’ foreign markets and contacts increase. The maintenance and renewal of U.S. national defense capabilities

have contributed to the expanded employment of missile

specialists.

Summary and conclusions

The “supplemental sheet” data from the 2001 OES survey

have yielded a number of observations about potentially

new and emerging occupations. As pointed out in the methodology discussion above, the methods employed to analyze these developments more closely resemble case study

techniques. No claim is made about statistical significance

and reliability; however, comparisons with total employment

patterns suggest the reasonableness of the observations. A

number of occupations have been highlighted to substantiate patterns with specific details.

If any conclusions are possible, they are that new and

emerging occupations are being created throughout the

economy, in many industries and in many States. To identify

these new and emerging occupations, it is necessary to monitor developments in a number of areas: Scientific discoveries, new production technologies, market acceptance of new

products, competitive market conditions, national defense,

and government regulations. With respect to new and emerging occupations, new technologies and increasing human

needs serve as the engine and fuel for their creation and

expansion.

N&E

National establishment count

100

90

80

70

60

50

0

Chart 1. Distribution of new and emerging occupations by

establishment class size, 2001

10

20

30

40

1-49

workers

50-99

workers

100-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

Percent

Establishment size
19

Chart 3. N&E and National Em ploym ent by SIC

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Services M anufacturing W holesale &

Retail Trade

Con stru ction &

M ining

Tra nspo rta tion &

Public Utilities

Public

Adm inistration

Finance,

Insurance & R eal

Estate 

Ag ricultu ral

Production

M ajor SIC G roup

Percent

Chart 3. New and emerging employment totals and national

employment by SIC group

70

60

10

20

0

30

40

50

N&E

National

Services Manufacturing

Wholesale and

retail

trade

Construction and

mining

Agricultural

production

Transportation and

public

utilities

Public

administration

Finance,

insurance

and real

estate

Major SIC group

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1-49 50-99 100-248 250-999 1000 & Over

Employment Sze

Percent

10-49

workers

Percent

Chart 2. New and emerging employment totals and national

employment by employment size

45

40

35

20

30

10

0

25

15

5

1-9

workers

50-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

N&E

National

Employment size
20

C h a rt 4 . R e la tiv e d is trib u tio n o f N & E o c c u p a tio n s b y s u rv e y w a g e ra n g e

0

2

4

6

8

1 0

1 2

1 4

1 6

1 8

Under

6 .7 5

6 .7 5 - 8 .49 8 .50 -

1 0 .7 4

1 0 .7 5 -

1 3 .49

1 3 .50 -

16 .9 9

1 7.0 0 -

2 1 .4 9

2 1 .5 0 -

2 7 .2 4

2 7 .25 -

34 .4 9

34 .5 0 -

4 3 .7 4

4 3 .7 5 -

5 5.4 9

5 5 .5 0 -

6 9 .9 9

7 0.0 0 a nd

over

S u rvey w a ge rang e

Percent of N&E occupations

Chart 4. Relative distribution of new and emerging occupations

by survey wage range

18

14

8

12

4

Percent of N&E occupations

10

6

2

16

0

Under

$6.75

$70.00

and

over

$55.50-

$69.99

$43.75-

$55.49

$34.50-

$43.74

$27.25-

$34.49

$6.75-

$8.49

$8.50

$10.74

$10.75-

$13.49

$13.50-

$16.99

$17.00-

$21.49

$21.50-

$27.24

Wage range

C ha rt 5 . R e g io n a l D is trib u tio n o f N & E O c c u p a tion s a n d N a tio na l E m plo ym e n t

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

W estern S o u thw e ste rn N e w E n g la nd M idA tla n tic M id w e st S outheastern

R egion

Percent

Percent

Chart 5. Regional distribution of new and emerging occupations

and national employment

30

25

20

0

15

10

5

Western Southwestern

New

England

MidAtlanticSoutheastern

N&E

National

Midwest

Region
21

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Legal

Farming, fishing, and forestry

Sales and Related

Protective Service

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Construction and extraction

Education, Training and Library

Physical and Social Science

Transportation and Material Moving

Healthcare Support

Community and Social Services

Food Preparation and Serving Related

Computer and Mathematical Science

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

Management

Architecture and Engineering

Business and Financial Operations

Office and Administrative Support

Healthcare Practitioner and Technical

Production

Percent distribution

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Chart 6. Relative distribution of new and emerging occupations by major SOC title

Sales and related

Protective service

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Construction and extraction

Transportation and material moving

Healthcare support

Community and social services

Food preparation and serving related

Computer and mathematical science

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media

Management

Archictecture and engineering

Business and financial operations

Office and administrative support

Healthcare practitioner and technical

Legal

Production

Education, training, and library

Physical and social science

Farming, fishing, and forestry
22

An Investigation of Industry

and Size Effects on Wage

Dispersion

John Ichiro Jones

The existence of wage dispersion in an industry is a

perplexing problem. For example, why would accountants working in the same industry earn vastly different incomes? Why are wages divergent or convergent for

the same occupation dependent on the industry? There are

several possible reasons.

One, there are size differences between firms. In general,

the larger the firm, the more likely it will pay higher wages.

This is due, in theory, to the phenomenon of “rent sharing.”

Firms share rents (profits) with workers to prevent shirking,

labor turnover, and disruptions to the firms’ own rent seeking. Smaller firms have more variation in the amount of rent

available to share with workers. This will lead to higher wage

dispersion in industries dominated by small firms.

Two, firms in the same industry may have dissimilar employment wage practices. The less structured the industry’s

wage practices, the greater the wage dispersion. By contrast, industries that are highly unionized may have tighter

or more structured wage practices. In theory, this would lead

to lower wage dispersion.

Three, there are skill level and seniority differences between individuals in the labor market. Finally, there may be

differences within an industry as to skill requirements, job

duties, or working environments that result in intraindustry

wage differences. The labor market may work to sort individuals into industries such that workers within an occupation in some industries have a narrow range of skills and

responsibilities, while workers in the same occupation in other

industries may have a wider range of responsibilities and

skills.

We use the OES occupational wage data to see which

industries have high and low wage dispersion. We then see

whether they have common characteristics—whether they

are dominated by small or large firms, for example, or whether

there are differences in industry wage practices, an example

being union affiliation employment rates.

Measuring industry occupation wage dispersion

For each three-digit NAICS industry, dispersion ratios were

calculated for six occupations that are found in every industry. The six occupations are: Accountants and auditors;

first-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative

support workers; bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing

clerks; executive secretaries and administrative assistants;

secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive; and general

office clerks. Using these six occupations in this study limits, in part, the effects of industry wage differences due to

varying job content within the occupation because workers

in these six occupations have similar duties and working

environments.

To generate a dispersion ratio, the 10th-percentile wage

rate was subtracted from the 90th-percentile wage rate, and

the difference was divided by the median wage rate. If the

ratio is below 1, the difference between the 90th- and 10thpercentile wages is less than the median wage. If the ratio

equals 1, the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles equals the median. Finally, if the ratio is greater than 1,

the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles is greater

than the median.

Following the generation of the dispersion ratio, the six

occupations were sorted and ranked by their respective dispersion ratios. This provides a relative measure of industry

wage dispersion; each industry was given a dispersion score

equal to the sum of the dispersion ranks for each of the six

occupations in the industry. Text table 1 shows the relative

ranks of wage dispersion for all three-digit NAICS. It is

sorted in an ascending manner from lowest wage dispersion

to highest wage dispersion. The fourth column, sum of ranks,

is the sum of the relative wage dispersion ranks for the six

occupations. The table illustrates that wages for the six

occupations in this study were, on average, closely clustered in hospitals, air transportation, monetary authorities,

social assistance, and rail transportation. Wages were more

highly dispersed in securities, commodities, contracts and

investments; apparel manufacturing; membership associations; gasoline stations; and lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets.

Union participation

In order to test the theory that wage dispersion would be

lower in industries with high union affiliation rates, the reJohn Ichiro Jones is an economist in the Division of Occupational

Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
23

sults from text table 1 were related to the Current Population

Survey (CPS) union affiliation rates for two- or three-digit

NAICS industries. Because CPS estimates are published by

three-digit NAICS category for a limited number of industries, only 6 of the 88 industries in text table 1 could be directly related to union affiliation rates. As a result, 82 of the

three-digit NAICS industries are related to two-digit NAICS

union affiliation rates. For the purposes of this inquiry, the

industries in text table 1 were divided into four groups, based

on their respective dispersion ranks. The average union

affiliation rate for each of the four groups was calculated

using the CPS data. The results are shown in text table 2.

The summary data in text table 2 illustrates that industries

with lower wage dispersions have higher union affiliation

rates, supporting the hypothesis that, as unionization rates

decrease, wage dispersion increases. There may be exceptions to this general observation that are not apparent in the

table because average union affiliation rates were used in

the absence of data at the more detailed three-digit NAICS

level. Despite this caveat, the data suggest that there is a

unionization effect on wage dispersion. For instance, the

average union affiliation rate of the 22 industries with the

lowest dispersion ranks is 16.4 percent. The union affiliation

rates for three-digit NAICS groupings decline until they reach

a low of 6.8 percent for the 22 industries with the highest

wage dispersion.

Effects of employer size

To test the firm-size theory, which is that three-digit NAICS

industries that are populated by a preponderance of small

firms will have high wage dispersion, employment in each

three-digit NAICS category was divided into three size

classes. The small size class refers to the sum of employment by three-digit NAICS for firms with fewer than 50 employees. Medium size class is defined as the sum of employment by three-digit NAICS for firms with 50 to 249 employees.

The large size class is defined as the sum of employment by

three-digit NAICS for firms with 250 or more employees. For

this study, a three-digit NAICS industry is defined as being

dominated by small, medium, or large firms whenever 50 percent or more of total employment is found in one of the size

classes. The results are shown in text table 3.

Text table 3 illustrates the relationship between firm size,

the dominance of firm size in a three-digit NAICS industry,

and wage dispersion. The hypothesis is that, as small firms

dominate a three-digit NAICS category, the wage dispersion will increase due to greater variability in rent sharing in

small firms than in large firms. The data demonstrate that

this is the case. As wage dispersion increases, dominance

by small firms increases. Industries with the smallest wage

dispersion (groups 1-22) are the likeliest to be dominated by

large firms, with 11 three-digit NAICS industries being so

dominated while only 3 three-digit NAICS industries in the

same group are dominated by small firms. At the opposite

end of the wage dispersion spectrum, there are 12 three-digit

NAICS categories dominated by small firms in the industries

with the highest wage dispersion (groups 67-88), whereas

there are no three-digit NAICS industries dominated by large

firms in that group.

To further test whether there is a relationship between the

industry’s dispersion ratio and firm size, dispersion ranks

were correlated to the industry’s average firm size. Data from

the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2003 Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages were used to calculate the average firm

size by three-digit NAICS code. The result of this test was a

correlation coefficient of -.40, which indicates that, as firm

size increases, the wage dispersion rank decreases. The

industries’ average firm size and dispersion ranks are shown

in text table 4.

Discussion and summary

The purpose of this article was to investigate the relationships between wage dispersion, industry wage practices,

and firm size. The case for wage dispersion being related to

industry wage practices was supported using CPS union

affiliation data for industries. While a detailed industry analysis could not be conducted, available data shows that there

seems to be an effect. The evidence for a dominant firm size

effect was stronger. When wage dispersion was higher, small

firms dominated more of the three-digit NAICS category.

Conversely, if large firms dominated more of the three-digit

category, wage dispersion was lower.

Of course, there are limitations to this study. The occupations used to generate the wage dispersion ratio are located

in only two occupational groups: Business and financial

operations and office and administrative support. While

using these occupations for analysis may have its advantages, using a larger number of occupations may provide

additional information on wage dispersion, but this will be

left for a future study. As mentioned previously, almost all of

the CPS unionization data related to the two-digit NAICS

level. If the CPS ever yields industry data at the three-digit

NAICS level for all 88 industries used in this study, a more

precise result would be obtained. Finally, the existence of

skill and seniority differences within occupations was not

accounted for in this study.

In summary, OES data support the theory that wage dispersion will be greatest in industries that have an unstructured wage policy and in those that are dominated by small

firms, due to the variability of rent sharing.
24

Text table 1. Wage dispersion ranks by industry

1 622000 Hospitals 34

2 481000 Air transportation 49

3 521000 Monetary authorities—central bank 58

4 624000 Social assistance 70

5 482000 Rail transportation 79

6 322000 Paper manufacturing 82

7 331000 Primary metal manufacturing 102

8 326000 Plastics and rubber products

 manufacturing 105

9 623000 Nursing and residential care facilities 112

10 486000 Pipeline transportation 117

11 517000 Telecommunications 130

12 325000 Chemical manufacturing 147

13 492000 Couriers and messengers 149

14 621000 Ambulatory healthcare services 159

15 311000 Food manufacturing 160

16 327000 Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing 160

17 721000 Accommodation 163

18 483000 Water transportation 170

19 333000 Machinery manufacturing 175

20 493000 Warehousing and storage 179

21 335000 Electrical equipment, appliance, and

 component manufacturing 181

22 312000 Beverage and tobacco product

 manufacturing 184

23 334000 Computer and electronic product

 manufacturing 195

24 611000 Educational services 200

25 999000 Federal, State, and local government

 (OES designation) 202

26 336000 Transportation equipment manufacturing 206

27 522000 Credit intermediation and related activities 207

28 221000 Utilities 214

29 337000 Furniture and related product

 manufacturing 219

30 445000 Food and beverage stores 221

31 516000 Internet publishing and broadcasting 223

32 314000 Textile product mills 234

33 321000 Wood product manufacturing 234

34 332000 Fabricated metal product manufacturing 236

35 339000 Miscellaneous manufacturing 239

36 561000 Administrative and support services 241

37 551000 Management of companies and

 enterprises 250

38 452000 General merchandise stores 251

39 712000 Museums, historical sites, and similar

 institutions 252

40 323000 Printing and related support activities 253

41 484000 Truck transportation 260

42 524000 Insurance carriers and related activities 263

43 313000 Textile mills 266

44 4485000 Transit and ground passenger

 transportation 266

45 324000 Petroleum and coal products

 manufacturing 275

46 423000 Merchant wholesalers, durable goods 282

47 212000 Mining (except oil and gas) 296

48 713000 Amusement, gambling, and recreation

 industries 297

49 316000 Leather and allied product

 manufacturing 297

50 443000 Electronics and appliance stores 298

51 424000 Merchant wholesalers, nondurable

 goods 298

52 236000 Construction of buildings 298

53 211000 Oil and gas extraction 303

54 454000 Nonstore retailers 305

55 562000 Waste management and remediation

 services 313

56 532000 Rental and leasing services 318

57 531000 Real estate 320

58 519000 Other information services 320

59 425000 Wholesale electronic markets and

 agents and brokers 320

60 451000 Sporting goods, hobby, book, and

 music stores 321

61 444000 Building material and garden equipment

 and supplies dealers 322

62 237000 Heavy and civil engineering

 construction 328

63 512000 Motion picture and sound recording

 industries 338

64 488000 Support activities for transportation 344

65 442000 Furniture and home furnishings stores 350

66 487000 Scenic and sightseeing transportation 355

67 453000 Miscellaneous store retailers 355

68 115000 Support activities for agriculture and

 forestry 356

69 525000 Funds, trusts, and other financial

 vehicles 361

70 811000 Repair and maintenance 369

71 213000 Support activities for mining 373

72 446000 Health and personal care stores 377

73 511000 Publishing industries (except Internet) 379

74 518000 Internet service providers, Web search

 portals, and data processing service 383

75 515000 Broadcasting (except Internet) 383

76 722000 Food services and drinking places 385

77 441000 Motor vehicle and parts dealers 386

78 711000 Performing arts, spectator sports, and

 related industries 387

79 812000 Personal and laundry services 395

80 113000 Forestry and logging 399

81 238000 Specialty trade contractors 400

82 541000 Professional, scientific, and technical

 services 411

83 448000 Clothing and clothing accessories

 stores 415

84 533000 Lessors of nonfinancial intangible

 assets (except copyrighted works) 419

85 447000 Gasoline stations 424

86 813000 Religious, grantmaking, civic,

 professional, and similar

 organizations 432

87 315000 Apparel manufacturing 450

88 523000 Securities, commodity contracts, and

 other financial investments and

 related activities 462

Industry

ranks NAICS NAICS title Sum of

ranks

Industry

ranks NAICS NAICS title Sum of

ranks
25

Text table 3. Effects of firm size on wage dispersion

1-22 ............................... 3 1 11 7

23-44 ............................. 0 1 6 15

45-66 ............................. 9 0 1 12

67-88 ............................. 12 0 0 10

Industry rank

Count of three-digit NAICS industries

dominated by 1 of 3 size classes

Small Medium Large Not

1-22 ............................. 16.4 dominated

23-44 ........................... 14.8

45-66 ........................... 10.8

67-88 ........................... 06.8

Industry rank by

dispersion ratio

CPS average percent of employed represented

by unions, 2003, by dispersion groups1

Text table 2. Effects of union representation on wage dispersion

1

 Data refer to members of a labor union or an employee association similar to a

union, as well as to workers who report no union affiliation but whose jobs are

covered by a union or an employee association contract.

Text table 4. Effect of firm size on wage dispersion

1 622000 707 31 516000 9 61 444000 20

2 481000 105 32 314000 23 62 237000 19

3 521000 129 33 321000 31 63 512000 15

4 624000 22 34 332000 24 64 488000 17

5 482000 12 35 339000 21 65 442000 11

6 322000 88 36 561000 21 66 487000 11

7 331000 78 37 551000 48 67 453000 8

8 326000 56 38 452000 199 68 115000 20

9 623000 76 39 712000 38 69 525000 15

10 486000 49 40 323000 17 70 811000 6

11 517000 58 41 484000 13 71 213000 21

12 325000 66 42 524000 14 72 446000 20

13 492000 51 43 313000 56 73 511000 28

14 621000 11 44 485000 36 74 518000 19

15 311000 58 45 324000 67 75 515000 39

16 327000 35 46 423000 12 76 722000 22

17 721000 34 47 212000 33 77 441000 19

18 483000 40 48 713000 25 78 711000 10

19 333000 35 49 316000 31 79 812000 8

20 493000 48 50 443000 12 80 113000 7

21 335000 64 51 424000 16 81 238000 9

22 312000 54 52 236000 7 82 541000 8

23 334000 69 53 211000 19 83 448000 17

24 611000 125 54 454000 15 84 533000 9

25 999000 95 55 562000 18 85 447000 14

26 336000 125 56 532000 16 86 813000 11

27 522000 35 57 531000 6 87 315000 24

28 221000 52 58 519000 25 88 523000 13

29 337000 24 59 425000 4

30 445000 26 60 451000 13

 Correlation coefficient = -.40

Industry

ranks NAICS

Average

firm

size

Industry

ranks NAICS

Average

firm

size

Industry

ranks NAICS

Average

firm

size
26

Employment by Occupational

Group and Establishment

Size

Fatemeh Hajiha

Fatemeh Hajiha is an economist in the Division of Occupational

and Administrative Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Labor markets function efficiently to match workers

with certain skills and abilities with employers who

require those skills. Some products and services may

be provided most efficiently by small and specialized establishments, while others may be provided most efficiently by

very large establishments. Looking at how workers with

different skills are allocated among firms of different sizes

may provide insight on how these workers are used most

efficiently. It also may provide jobseekers or workers with

certain skills with information on the size characteristics of

establishments most likely to employ them.

This analysis uses unpublished data collected by the

Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program to review the distribution of workers in 22 major occupational

groups by establishment size. The sample is not designed to

produce independent size class estimates. The size class

estimates are, therefore, subject to more error than are other

estimates, such as those by industry.

For this analysis an establishment is defined as an economic unit that processes goods or provides services, such

as a factory, mine, or store. The establishment is generally at

a single physical location and is engaged primarily in one

type of economic activity. State and local government establishments, however, may be in several physical locations.

Five size classes of establishments are distinguished as

shown below:

 Size class Employment

1 1 to 9

2 10 to 49

3 50 to 249

4 250 to 999

5 1,000 or more

Chart 1 depicts the distribution of all establishments across

the five size classes. It shows that the distribution is highly

skewed toward small establishments; more than 70 percent

have fewer than 10 employees. On the other hand, establishments with 1,000 or more employees account for only about

0.1 percent of all establishments in the United States.

Chart 1 also depicts the distribution of total employment

among the five size classes. Although the small establishments, with one to nine workers, account for more than 70

percent of establishments, they employ only 12 percent of

the workforce. The large establishments, with more than 250

workers, account for about 1 percent of establishments, and

they employ more than 36 percent of the workforce.

Text table 1 shows how employment in each of the 22

major occupational groups is distributed by establishment

size class.

As one might expect, different occupational groups are

not identically distributed among the establishment size

classes. The life, physical, and social science occupations,

for instance, are concentrated in larger establishments. As

depicted in chart 2, about 41 percent of life, physical, and

social science workers are in establishments that have 1,000

or more employees. At the other extreme, less than 7 percent

of life, physical, and social science occupations are in establishments with fewer than 10 employees.

Distributions of seven other occupational groups have

higher employment concentrations in larger establishments:

Computer and mathematical occupations; architecture and

engineering occupations; community and social services

occupations; education, training, and library occupations;

healthcare practitioners and technical occupations; business

and financial operations occupations; and protective service occupations.1

The employment in sales and related occupations, on the

other hand, is concentrated in smaller establishments. As

depicted in chart 3, 53 percent of the total employment in the

sales and related group is in establishments with 49 or fewer

employees. Another 29 percent of employment is in establishments that have 50 to 249 employees. By contrast, only

4 percent of the employment in sales and related occupa1

 Protective service occupations are concentrated in large establishments in the OES survey due to the unique treatment of government in the OES survey. Establishments such as police departments

are combined with other local government establishments, thereby

increasing the average size of local government establishments.
27

tions is in establishments with 1,000 or more employees.

Food preparation and serving related occupations and

the construction and extraction occupations have employment distributions by establishment size that are similar to

that of sales and related occupations.

The legal occupations are unique because they have lower

concentrations in midsize establishments, and higher concentrations in the smallest and largest establishments. The

office and administrative support occupations is the most

evenly distributed of occupational groups. (See chart 4.) In

general, the distributions of employment by establishment

size of the remaining occupational groups resemble that of

total employment.

THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS A SUMMARY of information regarding differences in occupational employment by establishment size. The OES data present a wealth of opportunities to

consider specific questions regarding variations in size of

establishment, occupational employment, and wages by area

and industry.

Text table 1. Percent distribution of major occupational employment by establishment size, May 2003

 All employment ........................................................................ 12.0 23.0 28.0 18.0 19.0

Management occupations ................................................................ 9.9 28.1 28.7 16.2 17.2

Business and financial operations occupations ............................. 12.3 17.3 21.9 18.4 30.1

Computer and mathematical occupations ...................................... 7.1 13.2 25.9 24.1 29.6

Architecture and engineering occupations ..................................... 7.7 16.6 23.2 20.1 32.4

Life, physical, and social science occupations .............................. 6.7 12.6 20.7 19.2 40.8

Community and social services occupations ................................. 6.9 18.6 25.9 16.2 32.5

Legal occupations ............................................................................ 21.6 22.6 16.8 12.8 26.1

Education, training, and library occupations .................................. 1.9 11.2 27.8 20.8 38.5

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations ........ 17.9 21.5 27.7 17.3 15.7

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations ...................... 8.9 15.2 19.7 18.6 37.6

Healthcare support occupations ..................................................... 11.8 17.3 34.5 16.8 19.6

Protective service occupations ....................................................... 1.4 8.7 22.9 24.9 42.1

Food preparation and serving related occupations ....................... 9.2 42.3 34.3 8.2 6.0

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations ..... 12.5 24.3 29.4 17.7 16.1

Personal care and service occupations ......................................... 14.0 26.3 25.7 16.1 17.8

Sales and related occupations ........................................................ 22.3 31.2 29.1 13.3 4.0

Office and administrative support occupations .............................. 15.2 21.5 25.9 17.8 19.7

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations .................................... 11.9 21.2 29.3 22.8 14.8

Construction and extraction occupations ....................................... 19.8 32.0 28.2 11.8 8.2

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations ......................... 19.2 26.0 26.3 14.6 13.9

Production occupations ................................................................... 6.4 17.5 33.4 27.3 15.5

Transportation and material moving occupations .......................... 8.2 24.0 33.7 19.6 14.5

Major occupational group

Size 1

1 to 9

workers

Size 2

10 to 49

workers

Size 3

50 to 249

workers

Size 4

250 to 999

workers

Size 5

1,000 or

more

workers
28

Chart 2. Percent distribution of total employment and of life, physical, and social science

occupations by size class, May 2003

Total employment

Life, physical, and social science occupations

1-9

workers

10-49

workers

50-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

45

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

40

Chart 1. Percent distribution of total occupational employment and establishments

by size class, May 2003

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

1-9

workers

10-49

workers

50-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

Employment

Establishments

Percent Percent

Employment size class

Employment size class
29

Chart 4. Percent distribution of employment of office and administrative and legal

occupations by size class, May 2003

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Office and administrative support occupations

Legal occupations

1-9

workers

10-49

workers

50-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

size2 size4 size5

Chart 3. Percent distribution of total and of sales and related occupations by size

class, May 2003

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Total employment

Sales and related occupations

1-9

workers

10-49

workers

50-249

workers

250-999

workers

1,000 workers

or more

Percent Percent

Employment size class

Employment size class
3 0

Occupational Composition by Industry Sector

Occupations in the mining sector ................................................................................................................ 31

Occupations in the utilities sector................................................................................................................ 32

Occupations in the construction sector........................................................................................................ 33

Occupations in the manufacturing sector..................................................................................................... 34

Occupations in the wholesale trade sector .................................................................................................. 35

Occupations in the retail trade sector .......................................................................................................... 36

Occupations in the transportation and warehousing sector .......................................................................... 37

Occupations in the information sector ......................................................................................................... 38

Occupations in the finance and insurance sector ........................................................................................ 39

Occupations in the real estate and rental and leasing sector ....................................................................... 40

Occupations in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector .................................................. 41

Occupations in the management of companies and enterprises sector ....................................................... 42

Occupations in the administrative and support services and

 waste management and remediation services sector ................................................................................ 43

Occupations in the education services sector ............................................................................................. 44

Occupations in the healthcare and social assistance sector ....................................................................... 45

Occupations in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector .................................................................... 46

Occupations in the accommodation and food service sector .......................................................................47

Occupations in the other services (except public administration) sector .................................................... 48

Occupations in the government sector ........................................................................................................ 49
3 1

Business and financial 

operations 

3%

Architecture and engineering 

4%

Management 

6%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair 

9%

Office and administrative 

support 

10%

Other

4%

Life, physical, and social science 

3%

Construction and extraction

34%

Transportation and

material moving

16%

Production

11%

• The mining sector is composed of three more detailed industries: Oil and gas extraction; mining, except oil and gas; and support activities for mining.

• Mining, except oil and gas, is the largest detailed industry, employing 205,320 workers.

• Within the mining sector, the occupation with the highest employment is roustabouts,

oil and gas. There are 22,940 roustabouts in the United States, accounting for 4.6 percent of mining sector employment.

Occupations in the mining sector
3 2

Production 

12%

Architecture and engineering

9%

Business and financial 

operations

7%

Construction and extraction

6%

Management

6%

Computer and mathematical 

3%

Transportation and material 

moving

2%

Other

5%

Installation, maintenance,

and repair

27%

Office administrative and

support

23%

• Employing only 580,750 workers, the utilities sector is one of only two industry sectors

employing fewer than a million workers.

• Electrical power-line installers and repairers have the highest employment in the sector, employing 52,260 workers, 9 percent of the utilities sector.

• Legal occupations are the highest paid in this sector, earning $48.23 an hour. At $10.06

an hour, food preparation and serving related occupations have the lowest wages in

the utilities sector.

Occupations in the utilities sector
3 3

Office and administrative 

support

9%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

7%

Management

6%

Transportation and material 

moving

4%

Other

8%

Construction and extraction

66%

• Totaling 694,130 workers, carpenters have the highest employment in the construction

sector. This occupation accounts for 10 percent of construction employment.

• There are 3 three-digit industries within the construction major group: Construction of

buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction, and specialty trade contractors.

• The specialty trade contractors industry employs the most workers out of the three more

detailed industries within this sector, employing 4,257,400 workers, 63 percent of total sector employment.

Occupations in the construction sector
3 4

Office and administrative 

support

10%

Transportation and material 

moving

10%

Architecture and engineering

6%

Management

5%

Installation, maintenance and 

repair

5%

Sales and related

3%

Business and financial 

operations

3%

Construction and extraction

2%

Other

5%

Production

51%

• The manufacturing sector is composed of 3 two-digit industries and 21 three-digit industries.

• The largest three-digit industry in the manufacturing sector is transportation equipment

manufacturing. With 1,793,900 employees, this industry accounts for about 22 percent

of the primary metal manufacturing industry, and about 12 percent of total sector employment.

• Team assemblers have the highest employment in this sector. With 922,660 workers, this

occupation accounts for more than 6 percent of sector employment.

Occupations in the manufacturing sector
3 5

Transportation and material 

moving

20%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

7%

Production

7%

Management

6%

Business and financial 

operations

3%

Computer and mathematical

3% Other

5%

Office and administrative

24%

Sales and related

25%

• The wholesale trade sector comprises 3 three-digit industries: Merchant wholesalers, durable goods; merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods; and wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers.

• Employing 2,945,650 workers, merchant wholesalers, durable goods, is the largest detailed industry, accounting for about 52 percent of total sector employment.

• Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific

products, has the highest employment in the wholesale trade sector. With 812,030 workers, this occupation accounts for more than 14 percent of the total sector employment.

Occupations in the wholesale trade sector
3 6

Sales and related

54%

Transportation and material 

moving

8%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

5%

Food preparation and serving 

related

3%

Management

3%

Production

3%

Healthcare practitioners and 

technical

2%

Other

5%

Sales and related

54%

Office and administrative

17%

• Employing more than 15 million workers, retail trade is the largest sector in the United

States.

• There are 12 more detailed three-digit industries in the retail trade sector. Food and beverage stores and general merchandise stores (such as department stores, warehouseclubs, and supercenters) are the two largest groups in the sector, each accounting for just

under 19 percent of total sector employment.

• Workers in gasoline stations earn the lowest wages. The average wage for workers in

this industry is $9.16 an hour. Motor vehicle and parts dealers are the highest paid

workers, averaging $17.84 an hour.

• Retail salespersons have the highest employment in the retail trade sector. With an employment of 3,669,360, this occupation accounts for more than 24 percent of total sector

employment.

Occupations in the retail trade sector
3 7

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

7%

Personal care and service

4%

Management

3%

Sales and related

2%

Production

2%

Business and financial 

operations

2%

Other

3%

Transportation and material

moving

57%

Office and administrative

support

20%

• Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer, are the highest employed occupation in the transportation and warehousing sector. With 810,040 truck drivers, this occupation accounts for

19 percent of total sector employment.

• This sector is composed of 10 three-digit industries. The largest of these smaller industries is

truck transportation with 1,337,480, accounting for almost 32 percent of total sector employment.

• Air transportation workers and pipeline transportation workers are the highest paid in

the sector, earning an average of $26.02 per hour and $25.75 per hour respectively.

Occupations in the transportation and warehousing sector
3 8

Business and financial 

operations

19%

Sales and related

12%

Management

9%

Computer and mathematical

5%

Other

3%

Office and administrative

support

52%

Business and financial

operations

19%

• In the information sector, customer service representatives have the highest employment. With 207,530 workers, customer service representatives account for more than 6

percent of total industry employment.

• The information sector comprises 7 three-digit industries. Telecommunications is the

largest three-digit industry in this sector. Employing 1,100,350 workers, telecommunications accounts for almost 34 percent of total sector employment.

• The Internet publishing and broadcasting three-digit industry reports the highest mean

wage of the sector, with the average employee earning $30.13 an hour.

Occupations in the information sector
3 9

Business and financial 

operations

19%

Sales and related

12%

Management

9%

Computer and mathematical

5%

Other

3%

Office and administrative

support

52%

• Credit intermediation and related activities is the largest component of the finance and

insurance sector. Employing 2,748,490 workers, this more detailed industry accounts for

about 48 percent of total sector employment. With 21,870, or 0.4 percent, the monetary

authorities–central bank occupation accounts for the smallest share of sector employment.

• Employees of the securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments

and related activities industry are the highest paid in the finance and insurance sector,

with an average wage of $33.38.

• Tellers have the highest employment in this sector, numbering 518,980, around 9 percent

of total sector employment.

Occupations in the finance and insurance sector
4 0

Management

11%

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

9%

Transportation and material 

moving

7%

Business and financial 

operations

4%

Construction and extraction 

2%

Food preparation and serving 

related

2% Other

7%

Office and administrative

support

22%

Sales and related

22%

Installation,

maintenance, and

repair

14%

• This sector comprises 3 three-digit industries: Real estate, rental and leasing services,

and lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works). Of these

industries, real estate is the largest, employing 1,370,150 workers or about 67 percent of

total sector employment.

• Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) is the highest

earning of the three more detailed industries. The average worker’s salary in that industry is

$25.75.

• Maintenance and repair workers, general, employing 204,730 workers, is the largest

occupation in the real estate and rental and leasing sector.

Occupations in the real estate and rental and leasing sector
4 1

Business and financial 

operations

11%

Legal

8%

Management

8%

Sales and related

4%

Arts, design, entertainment, 

sports, and media

4%

Life, physical, and social science

4%

Other

9%

Office and administrative

support

27%

Computer and

mathematical

14%

Architecture and

engineering

11%

• There are 9 detailed four-digit industries within this industry sector. Architectural, engineering, and related services is the largest, employing 1,229,970 workers or about 18.5

percent of total sector employment.

• The average wage of workers in this sector is $27.08 an hour. The mean wages in this

sector range from $7.53 for hand sewers and $6.40 for service station attendants to

$77.31 for chief executives and $62.78 for family and general practitioners.

• Lawyers are the most common occupation in this sector. With 353,440 lawyers, this occupation alone accounts for more than 5 percent of the total sector employment.

Occupations in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector
4 2

Business and financial 

operations

15%

Computer and mathematical

9%

Sales and related

5%

Architecture and engineering

3%

Transportation and material 

moving

3%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

2%

Production

2%

Other

12%

Office and administrative

support

33%

Management

16%

• Customer service representatives is the largest occupation in this sector. With 66,140

workers, this occupation accounts for almost 4 percent of sector employment. The mean

wage of workers in this sector is $14.21 an hour.

• This sector is made up of offices of bank holding companies; offices of other holding

companies; and corporate, subsidiary, and regional managing offices.

• The mean wage for workers in the sector is $25.50 an hour. Surgeons are the highest

paid occupation, earning an average of $86.73 an hour. Cooks, fast food are the lowest

paid, earning an average of only $6.70 an hour.

Occupations in the management of companies and enterprises sector
4 3

Transportation and material 

moving

13%

Production

9%

Protective service

8%

Sales and related

6%

Construction and extraction

4%

Management

3%

Business and financial 

operations

2%

Other

12%

Office and administrative

support

23%

Building and grounds

cleaning and

maintenance

20%

• This sector is made up of 2 three-digit industries and 11 four-digit industries. Employment

services is the largest four-digit industry, employing 3,298,700 workers, about 43 percent of total sector employment.

• Workers in the office administrative service industry earn the highest wages in this sector. Workers in this four-digit industry average $23.09 an hour.

• With an employment of 728,320, janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, have the highest employment in this sector—about 9 percent of total sector employment.

Occupations in the administrative and support services and waste

management and remediation services sector
4 4

Office and administrative 

support

11%

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

5%

Management

5%

Food preparation and serving 

related

4%

Transportation and material 

moving

3%

Community and social services

2%

Healthcare practitioners and 

technical

2%

Business and financial 

operations

2%

Other

9%

Education, training, and

library

57%

• Elementary and secondary schools is the largest four-digit industry, with 8,109,380

workers. Educational support services is the smallest four-digit industry, employing 71,720 workers.

• Elementary school teachers, except special education is the occupation with the highest employment in this sector. At 1,414,730 teachers, this occupational code accounts

for almost 12 percent of sector employment.

• The highest paid occupation in this sector is obstetricians and gynecologists, averaging $62.83 an hour. These workers are employed in colleges, universities, and professional schools, including medical schools.

• The lowest paid are transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage

porters, averaging $7.72 an hour. The highest paid education, training, and library occupation is law teachers, postsecondary, earning on average $91,420 a year.

Occupations in the education services sector
4 5

Office and administrative 

support

17%

Personal care and service

6%

Community and social services

5%

Management

4%

Food preparation and serving 

related

4%

Education, training, and library

3%

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

3% Other

6%

Healthcare practitioners

and technical

33%

Healthcare support

19%

• This sector comprises 4 three-digit industries: Ambulatory healthcare services, hospitals, nursing and residential facilities, and social assistance. Employing 5,133,220,

hospitals are the largest more detailed industry, accounting for about 35 percent of sector employment.

• With a mean wage of $21.96, workers in the ambulatory healthcare services industry

have higher mean wages than do workers in the other 3 three-digit industries.

• With an employment of 1,918,310, registered nurses is the largest occupation in this

sector.

Occupations in the healthcare and social assistance sector
4 6

Office and administrative 

support

10%

Arts, design, entertainment, 

sports, and media

9%

Sales and related

8%

Management

4%

Protective service

4%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

4%

Other

8%

Personal care and service

24%

Food preparation and

serving related

18%

• This sector comprises 3 three-digit industries: Performing arts, spectator sports, and

related industries; museums, historical sites, and similar institutions; and amusement, gambling, and recreation.

• Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries account for 72 percent of the sector,

with 1,292,100 workers. Earning an average of $17.96 an hour, workers in the performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries are the highest paid workers in this

sector.

• Amusement and recreation attendants have the highest employment in this sector. With 149,450 attendants, this occupation accounts for about 8 percent of sector employment.

Occupations in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector
4 7

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

6%

Sales and related

4%

Office and administrative 

support

4%

Management

3%

Transportation and material 

moving

2%

Other

4%

Food preparation and

serving related

77%

• This sector is made up of 2 three-digit industries: Accommodation, and food services

and drinking places. The food services and drinking places industry is much larger

than the accommodation industry: the former has 8,576,020 employees, and the latter

employs 1,752,800.

• Within the food services and drinking places industry, the largest detailed industry is fullservice restaurants, employing 4,060,200 workers or 47 percent of total sector employment.

• Waiters and waitresses have the highest employment in this sector. Numbering 1,939,810,

waiters and waitresses account for almost 19 percent of total sector employment.

Occupations in the accommodation and food service sector
4 8

Office and administrative 

support

15%

Production

9%

Transportation and material 

moving

9%

Sales and related

6%

Management 

6%

Business and financial 

operations

4%

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

3%

Other

13%

Installation,

maintenance,

and repair

18%

Personal care and service

17%

• OES produces estimates for 3 three-digit industries in this sector: Repair and maintenance; personal and laundry services; religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and

similar organizations.

• Employment is fairly evenly split among the 3 three-digit industries, which account for

roughly 32.5 percent, 33.5 percent, and 34 percent of sector employment respectively.

• Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists have the highest employment, with

301,400 workers—almost 8 percent of sector employment. Almost all of these workers

are in the personal care services industry.

Occupations in the other services (except public administration) sector
4 9

Business and financial 

operations

8%

Management

6%

Construction and extraction

5%

Community and social services

5%

Transportation and material 

moving

4%

Installation, maintenance, and 

repair

4%

Healthcare practitioners and 

technical

4%

Other

22%

Office and administrative

support

24%

Protective service

18%

• The government sector is made up of Federal Government, State government, and

local government. With over 5 million employees, local government is the largest

component of this sector. Federal and State Governments are similar in size, employing

2,608,390 and 2,227,250 respectively.

• With an employment of 599,820, police and sheriff’s patrol officers is the largest occupation in the sector. Almost all of these 528,460 workers are employed by local government, making it also the largest occupation in local government.

• Correctional officers and jailers have the highest employment in State government,

accounting for more than 10 percent of state employees.

• Accounting for almost 1 in every 10 Federal employees, postal service mail sorters,

processors, and processing machine operators have the highest employment in the

Federal Government.

Occupations in the government sector
5 0

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Management occupations 

Chief executives............................................................................................................. 38 $67.58 $140,580 $26.79 $41.64 $64.78 9,880 (2) (2)

General and operations managers................................................................................. 42.64 88,700 16.75 23.48 35.00 1,892,060 54.20 (2)

Legislators...................................................................................................................... 6 15.14 31,490 5,280 5.87 6.42 7.90 19.51 34.92 

Advertising and promotions managers........................................................................... 35.18 73,170 15.22 20.06 29.01 71,100 43.61 64.61 

Marketing managers....................................................................................................... 182,600 44.32 92,190 20.34 28.07 40.01 55.39 (2)

Sales managers.............................................................................................................. 44.15 91,840 19.03 26.39 38.69 314,180 55.59 (2)

Public relations managers.............................................................................................. 58,490 35.94 74,750 16.81 22.81 31.16 43.75 61.14 

Administrative services managers.................................................................................. 278,300 30.67 63,780 13.79 19.06 27.37 38.57 51.68 

Computer and information systems managers............................................................... 45.78 95,230 24.47 32.89 43.15 266,020 55.38 69.89 

Financial managers........................................................................................................ 521,750 41.92 87,190 19.64 26.54 37.16 51.20 (2)

Human resources managers.......................................................................................... 36.15 75,190 18.56 24.27 33.08 171,530 44.50 57.63 

Industrial production managers...................................................................................... 166,350 36.88 76,710 19.84 25.69 33.90 44.47 57.73 

Purchasing managers..................................................................................................... 34.17 71,080 17.05 22.99 31.22 91,060 42.22 54.79 

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers....................................................... 33.5 69,670 17.76 23.36 30.57 97,450 40.44 52.56 

Farm, ranch, and other agricultural managers............................................................... 25.04 5,420 52,080 12.88 16.76 22.83 29.93 40.16 

Construction managers.................................................................................................. 35.96 74,790 19.11 24.43 31.96 196,110 42.32 57.18 

Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program............................. 19.37 40,290 56,030 12.63 9.95 16.59 23.23 32.98 

Education administrators, elementary and secondary school........................................ 206,310 (3) 76,210 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Education administrators, postsecondary....................................................................... 35.60 74,040 17.99 98,160 23.42 32.04 43.70 57.78 

Engineering managers.................................................................................................... 47.94 99,710 29.35 194,940 36.49 45.42 56.77 69.91 

Food service managers.................................................................................................. 20.20 42,010 11.01 229,960 14.01 17.91 23.39 32.20 

Funeral directors............................................................................................................. 2 25.82 53,710 12.49 3,080 16.79 21.48 28.84 42.48 

Gaming managers.......................................................................................................... 30.91 3,560 64,300 16.15 21.31 27.46 36.70 51.00 

Lodging managers.......................................................................................................... 30,760 19.70 40,980 10.23 13.20 17.16 22.83 31.40 

Medical and health services managers.......................................................................... 34.92 72,630 19.04 226,160 24.19 31.04 40.71 54.77 

Natural sciences managers............................................................................................ 41,810 45.19 93,990 22.52 29.91 41.28 55.39 (2)

Postmasters and mail superintendents.......................................................................... 24.51 50,980 17.06 26,060 20.35 24.10 27.65 32.98 

Property, real estate, and community association managers......................................... 156,120 22.86 47,550 12.62 8.47 18.46 27.65 42.40 

Social and community service managers....................................................................... 23.77 49,440 12.83 116,020 16.50 21.85 28.57 37.34 

Business and financial operations occupations 

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes............................. 12,380 31.81 66,160 11.51 16.30 26.27 38.91 56.38 

Purchasing agents and buyers, farm products............................................................... 22.86 47,550 11.98 15.63 20.60 15,550 27.30 36.03 

Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products....................................................... 138,630 23.72 49,350 11.71 14.96 20.28 27.69 38.80 

Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products................................... 24.07 50,060 13.95 17.35 22.43 237,210 29.35 37.16 

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators............................................................. 234,190 22.58 46,960 13.01 16.18 21.18 27.62 34.85 

Insurance appraisers, auto damage............................................................................... 21.14 43,960 13.09 16.77 20.99 11,450 25.46 29.12 

Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety,

 and transportation........................................................................................................ 24.23 50,390 13.77 17.24 22.49 154,600 29.16 37.48 

Cost estimators............................................................................................................... 25.03 52,050 13.95 17.77 23.22 184,620 30.45 39.29 

Emergency management specialists.............................................................................. 23.41 9,760 48,680 11.39 15.68 21.68 29.96 38.39 

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists.................................................... 22.95 47,730 12.20 15.09 19.60 164,020 26.87 36.66 

Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists..................................................... 23.86 49,620 14.29 17.58 22.53 86,450 28.38 35.55 

Training and development specialists............................................................................. 22.83 47,490 12.28 15.97 21.23 199,460 28.16 35.90 

Management analysts..................................................................................................... 35.19 73,190 17.79 22.92 30.09 423,880 41.67 58.99 

Meeting and convention planners................................................................................... 20.47 42,570 11.90 14.66 18.78 32,980 24.54 32.10 

Accountants and auditors............................................................................................... 26.65 55,430 15.16 18.66 23.59 924,640 30.92 41.33 

Appraisers and assessors of real estate........................................................................ 61,070 23.99 49,900 10.93 14.87 20.97 28.74 37.72 

Budget analysts.............................................................................................................. 27.56 57,330 17.38 21.15 26.21 55,560 32.95 40.80 

Credit analysts................................................................................................................ 68,910 25.25 52,530 13.23 16.49 21.65 29.61 41.63 

Financial analysts........................................................................................................... 33.67 70,040 17.40 21.97 28.87 165,420 38.95 54.61 

Personal financial advisors............................................................................................. 85,670 38.12 79,290 13.62 18.42 28.22 48.75 (2)

Insurance underwriters................................................................................................... 25.56 53,170 14.41 17.55 22.75 96,890 30.47 40.42 

Financial examiners........................................................................................................ 22,7 30.66 63,770 16.11 20.71 28.36 20 38.11 49.04 

Loan counselors............................................................................................................. 18.12 37,700 11.68 13.24 16.09 30,810 20.62 27.80 

Loan officers................................................................................................................... 237,150 26.73 55,590 12.89 16.34 22.43 31.85 45.15 

Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents............................................................. 22.62 47,060 11.93 15.38 20.57 71,060 29.45 37.65 

Tax preparers................................................................................................................. 50,410 15.69 32,630 7.38 9.07 12.76 18.98 27.19 

Computer and mathematical operations occupations 

Computer and information scientists, research.............................................................. 40.64 84,530 21.67 29.49 39.23 23,210 50.12 61.64 

Computer programmers................................................................................................. 431,640 31.01 64,510 17.10 22.42 29.49 38.08 46.63 

Computer software engineers, applications................................................................... 36.42 75,750 22.10 27.37 34.87 392,140 43.24 53.78 

Computer software engineers, systems software........................................................... 285,760 37.69 78,400 23.02 29.07 36.65 44.80 54.84 

Computer support specialists......................................................................................... 20.50 42,640 11.24 14.47 18.96 482,990 24.97 32.75 

Computer systems analysts............................................................................................ 31.82 66,180 19.28 24.21 30.85 474,780 38.46 45.34 

Database administrators................................................................................................. 29.54 61,440 15.29 20.37 27.98 100,890 37.76 45.89 

Network and computer systems administrators............................................................. 28.43 59,140 17.18 21.39 26.95 237,980 34.18 42.52 

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

Mean wages

Actuaries......................................................................................................................... 41.22 14,680 85,730 19.68 25.22 34.86 50.19 (2)

Mathematicians............................................................................................................... 37.00 2,470 76,960 18.94 27.34 37.64 45.12 55.12 

Operations research analysts......................................................................................... 29.66 58,080 61,700 16.89 21.41 28.03 36.32 44.65 

Statisticians..................................................................................................................... 29.79 18,370 61,970 15.17 20.22 28.64 37.92 45.10 

Mathematical technicians............................................................................................... 19.87 2,180 41,320 11.56 13.61 17.57 23.18 31.70 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 1

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Architecture and engineering occupations 

Architects, except landscape and naval......................................................................... 91,010 $31.18 $64,850 $17.70 $21.53 $27.86 $36.53 $46.12

Landscape architects...................................................................................................... 18,910 26.39 54,900 14.41 18.57 24.27 32.08 40.47 

Cartographers and photogrammetrists........................................................................... 8,940 22.37 46,520 12.94 16.21 21.24 27.25 34.03 

Surveyors........................................................................................................................ 21.06 43,810 10.97 51,490 14.43 19.64 26.45 33.41 

Aerospace engineers...................................................................................................... 36.54 76,000 24.22 70,740 29.27 35.83 43.40 51.85 

Agricultural engineers..................................................................................................... 27.11 2,270 56,380 17.54 19.71 24.51 34.39 42.47 

Biomedical engineers..................................................................................................... 6,980 32.20 66,980 18.86 23.65 30.61 39.15 48.15 

Chemical engineers........................................................................................................ 32,490 36.66 76,250 23.37 28.34 35.46 43.40 52.72 

Civil engineers................................................................................................................ 31.07 64,620 19.65 206,350 23.87 29.73 36.99 44.24 

Computer hardware engineers....................................................................................... 38.15 79,350 23.18 72,550 28.46 36.53 46.19 56.33 

Electrical engineers........................................................................................................ 34.66 72,090 22.22 146,150 26.85 33.48 41.48 50.24 

Electronics engineers, except computer......................................................................... 35.16 73,140 22.69 137,320 27.32 34.31 42.21 51.34 

Environmental engineers................................................................................................ 45,480 31.16 64,820 18.73 23.23 30.19 38.13 44.68 

Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors............... 29,920 30.01 62,420 18.23 22.40 28.68 35.94 43.25 

Industrial engineers........................................................................................................ 156,780 30.91 64,290 19.60 24.33 30.23 36.66 43.79 

Marine engineers and naval architects........................................................................... 34.52 4,960 71,800 21.85 26.23 33.89 41.65 49.76 

Materials engineers........................................................................................................ 31.19 64,870 19.31 23,120 24.27 30.25 37.69 44.85 

Mechanical engineers..................................................................................................... 31.75 66,040 20.28 207,810 24.69 30.72 38.14 45.24 

Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers............................. 31.78 4,730 66,090 18.51 23.57 30.06 37.67 45.63 

Nuclear engineers........................................................................................................... 16,010 41.12 85,520 28.82 34.02 40.18 46.17 55.42 

Petroleum engineers....................................................................................................... 11,630 41.86 87,070 22.65 29.77 40.34 52.21 64.40 

Architectural and civil drafters......................................................................................... 18.84 39,190 11.80 97,800 14.57 18.12 22.07 26.98 

Electrical and electronics drafters................................................................................... 21.56 44,840 12.56 33,720 15.65 20.06 26.16 33.58 

Mechanical drafters........................................................................................................ 20.88 43,430 12.64 74,010 15.70 19.96 25.27 31.26 

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians....................................................... 13,900 25.91 53,890 17.37 21.05 25.33 29.89 35.43 

Civil engineering technicians.......................................................................................... 90,060 18.89 39,290 11.22 14.06 18.30 23.07 27.50 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians........................................................... 177,940 21.70 45,150 13.30 16.51 20.98 26.11 31.81 

Electro-mechanical technicians...................................................................................... 19.68 40,930 12.04 25,820 15.09 18.88 23.19 28.48 

Environmental engineering technicians.......................................................................... 19.01 39,530 11.17 17,630 13.90 17.88 23.09 29.06 

Industrial engineering technicians.................................................................................. 21.68 45,090 13.23 64,260 16.02 20.13 25.95 33.53 

Mechanical engineering technicians............................................................................... 20.84 43,340 13.19 50,510 16.18 20.14 25.00 29.64 

Surveying and mapping technicians............................................................................... 57,740 15.39 32,000 10.97 8.95 14.19 19.00 24.04 

Life, physical, and social science occupations 

Agricultural and food scientists....................................................................................... 25.77 53,600 13.82 16,200 17.20 23.80 32.49 41.77 

Biochemists and biophysicists........................................................................................ 32.27 67,120 17.15 14,430 21.83 29.95 40.00 50.40 

Microbiologists................................................................................................................ 27.49 57,190 15.22 14,110 19.07 25.21 33.40 42.89 

Zoologists and wildlife biologists..................................................................................... 12,880 24.57 51,100 14.66 18.36 23.72 29.25 35.94 

Conservation scientists................................................................................................... 13,78 25.08 52,160 14.82 0 19.02 24.63 30.54 35.43 

Foresters......................................................................................................................... 9,840 23.44 48,760 14.54 17.64 22.75 27.98 33.89 

Epidemiologists............................................................................................................... 28.30 3,770 58,860 17.42 21.84 26.22 32.39 41.21 

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists..................................................................... 32.38 67,360 15.03 60,830 20.16 28.47 41.08 54.65 

Astronomers................................................................................................................... 40.90 85,070 20.25 28.06 42.45 53.46 62.86 770

Physicists........................................................................................................................ 42.48 88,350 23.98 12,390 31.93 41.17 52.35 63.26 

Atmospheric and space scientists.................................................................................. 6,490 31.65 65,830 15.37 21.22 31.57 40.00 48.22 

Chemists......................................................................................................................... 28.11 58,460 15.01 82,600 19.19 25.79 34.99 44.76 

Materials scientists......................................................................................................... 34.09 7,410 70,900 18.04 24.23 33.15 42.93 53.05 

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health............................................. 25.23 52,490 14.61 61,660 18.05 23.46 30.95 39.14 

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers..................................................... 37.73 78,480 17.91 26,090 23.57 32.91 48.79 63.64 

Hydrologists.................................................................................................................... 7,060 28.60 59,490 17.92 21.14 27.43 34.24 42.10 

Economists..................................................................................................................... 37.41 77,810 18.91 12,300 24.86 33.78 44.31 59.78 

Market research analysts................................................................................................ 29.65 61,670 14.60 142,190 18.96 26.28 37.24 49.25 

Survey researchers......................................................................................................... 15.76 32,770 16,850 7.40 8.70 11.83 20.49 28.91 

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists............................................................... 27.80 57,820 14.56 100,180 18.86 25.10 33.03 42.85 

Industrial-organizational psychologists........................................................................... 34.26 1,330 71,260 18.18 23.78 30.98 39.23 54.67 

Sociologists..................................................................................................................... 3,060 28.16 58,570 14.68 19.53 26.16 35.22 44.84 

Urban and regional planners.......................................................................................... 30,770 25.58 53,210 15.56 19.35 24.73 31.12 37.85 

Anthropologists and archeologists.................................................................................. 21.28 4,550 44,270 11.75 14.18 19.54 26.75 33.71 

Geographers................................................................................................................... 27.26 700 56,690 17.03 21.06 27.33 33.09 39.21 

Historians........................................................................................................................ 21.78 2,350 45,310 11.23 14.85 20.14 27.69 36.11 

Political scientists............................................................................................................ 38.93 4,840 80,980 19.34 27.53 39.12 50.71 59.19 

Agricultural and food science technicians....................................................................... 15,990 14.87 30,920 10.86 8.75 13.81 17.71 22.71 

Biological technicians..................................................................................................... 49,550 16.62 34,570 10.39 12.53 15.69 19.86 24.85 

Chemical technicians...................................................................................................... 18.51 38,500 10.95 64,020 13.89 17.82 22.41 27.26 

Geological and petroleum technicians............................................................................ 20.21 42,040 10.18 10,150 14.36 19.58 25.51 31.18 

Nuclear technicians........................................................................................................ 28.64 6,970 59,570 15.25 22.95 28.47 34.60 42.65 

Occupation

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Percentiles

Employment

Mean wages

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health.............................. 17.97 37,380 10.32 27,800 13.31 16.97 21.89 27.12 

Forensic science technicians.......................................................................................... 21.43 8,830 44,580 12.43 15.58 20.18 26.16 32.85 

Forest and conservation technicians.............................................................................. 30,140 14.29 29,730 9.59 11.13 12.93 16.55 20.82 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 2

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Community and social service occupations 

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors................................................... 65,170 $15.95 $33,170 $9.68 $12.05 $14.99 $18.71 $22.75

Educational, vocational, and school counselors............................................................. 22.59 46,990 12.32 16.25 21.46 214,360 27.60 34.38 

Marriage and family therapists........................................................................................ 22,150 19.33 40,210 10.53 13.53 17.71 22.26 29.43 

Mental health counselors................................................................................................ 16.48 34,280 83,450 11.88 9.70 15.05 19.81 25.65 

Rehabilitation counselors................................................................................................ 115,69 14.06 29,240 0 10.03 8.29 12.79 16.75 21.99 

Child, family, and school social workers......................................................................... 17.64 36,700 10.52 12.92 16.25 256,160 21.19 26.98 

Medical and public health social workers....................................................................... 103,270 19.10 39,730 11.72 14.64 18.48 22.94 27.31 

Mental health and substance abuse social workers....................................................... 16.88 35,120 10.24 12.58 15.88 96,990 20.33 25.38 

Health educators............................................................................................................. 42 19.47 40,490 10.93 13.80 18.00 ,780 24.09 31.01 

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists............................................... 20.00 41,600 12.40 14.90 18.64 86,810 24.60 30.89 

Social and human service assistants............................................................................. 300,310 12.24 25,450 7.50 9.16 11.47 14.40 18.27 

Clergy.............................................................................................................................. 17.76 36,950 38,170 12.05 8.86 16.25 21.90 28.75 

Directors, religious activities and education.................................................................... 11,840 15.60 32,460 10.32 7.27 13.45 19.20 25.92 

Legal occupations 

Lawyers........................................................................................................................... 51.83 107,800 516,220 21.82 29.78 43.98 66.89 (2)

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers........................................ 33.46 69,590 16.40 21.57 31.81 16,850 43.01 55.72 

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.......................................................................... 26.06 4,640 54,210 10.80 15.07 22.77 34.05 48.56 

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates.................................................................. 42.09 87,540 12.33 23.83 46.31 24,640 59.08 67.21 

Paralegals and legal assistants...................................................................................... 19.57 40,710 11.77 14.43 18.23 206,700 23.58 29.67 

Court reporters................................................................................................................ 22.26 46,310 10.95 14.27 20.31 15,370 28.47 38.27 

Law clerks....................................................................................................................... 15.88 33,030 41,550 11.27 7.95 15.27 19.76 24.12 

Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers.................................................................. 18.69 38,880 47,840 12.43 9.88 16.39 22.26 30.21 

Education, training, and library occupations 

Business teachers, postsecondary................................................................................. 68,260 (3) 62,450 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Computer science teachers, postsecondary.................................................................. 34,470 (3) 56,210 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary............................................................. 41,880 (3) 55,510 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Architecture teachers, postsecondary............................................................................ 5,270 (3) 64,300 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Engineering teachers, postsecondary............................................................................ 28,990 (3) 74,630 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary............................................................... 11,260 (3) 66,780 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Biological science teachers, postsecondary................................................................... 51,780 (3) 68,880 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary......................................... 2,660 (3) 66,740 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary.................. 8,420 (3) 68,370 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Chemistry teachers, postsecondary............................................................................... 17,100 (3) 61,820 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary........................................................... 3,620 (3) 62,960 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Physics teachers, postsecondary................................................................................... 11,870 (3) 67,430 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary................................................. 4,690 (3) 64,320 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary........................................... 7,490 (3) 60,520 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Economics teachers, postsecondary.............................................................................. 11,420 (3) 70,590 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Geography teachers, postsecondary.............................................................................. 3,910 (3) 59,200 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Political science teachers, postsecondary...................................................................... 12,320 (3) 62,880 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Psychology teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 27,250 (3) 59,180 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Sociology teachers, postsecondary................................................................................ 13,990 (3) 56,830 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary................................................................... 88,130 (3) 73,660 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.......................................................... 36,330 (3) 53,480 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Education teachers, postsecondary................................................................................ 44,880 (3) 51,830 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Library science teachers, postsecondary....................................................................... 4,110 (3) 53,660 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary..................................... 9,610 (3) 49,180 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Law teachers, postsecondary......................................................................................... 11,470 (3) 91,420 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Social work teachers, postsecondary............................................................................. 6,470 (3) 55,830 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary............................................................ 60,120 (3) 52,770 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Communications teachers, postsecondary..................................................................... 20,420 (3) 52,400 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary.............................................. 56,540 (3) 51,780 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary.............................................. 19,710 (3) 50,920 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

History teachers, postsecondary.................................................................................... 18,110 (3) 56,550 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary........................................................... 15,890 (3) 53,600 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Graduate teaching assistants......................................................................................... 121,760 (3) 26,440 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Home economics teachers, postsecondary.................................................................... 4,500 (3) 52,600 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary............................................... 14,780 (3) 47,050 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary.............................................................. 121,090 20.80 43,270 11.10 14.55 19.10 25.71 33.87 

Preschool teachers, except special education............................................................... 368,870 10.67 22,190 6.57 7.71 9.53 12.51 16.59 

Kindergarten teachers, except special education........................................................... 162,660 (3) 42,380 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Elementary school teachers, except special education.................................................. 1,432,800 (3) 44,350 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education................................. 604,370 (3) 44,830 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Vocational education teachers, middle school................................................................ 17,430 (3) 44,930 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education........................... 1,011,240 (3) 46,790 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Vocational education teachers, secondary school.......................................................... 101,190 (3) 46,100 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

Mean wages

Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school............... 207,530 (3) 45,920 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Special education teachers, middle school..................................................................... 93,790 (3) 44,920 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Special education teachers, secondary school............................................................... 131,190 (3) 47,530 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 3

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Education, training, and library occupations - Continued 

Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors........................... 62,510 $20.47 $42,570 $10.39 $13.77 $18.10 $24.99 $34.76

Self-enrichment education teachers............................................................................... 16.15 33,590 136,680 10.00 7.54 14.34 20.10 27.18 

Archivists, curators, and museum technicians............................................................... 21,030 19.21 39,960 12.92 9.74 17.14 23.35 31.95 

Librarians........................................................................................................................ 21.89 45,520 12.59 16.76 21.22 153,330 26.56 32.70 

Library technicians.......................................................................................................... 108,940 12.29 25,570 6.96 8.78 11.65 15.18 18.85 

Audio-visual collections specialists................................................................................. 16.80 8,970 34,940 10.79 7.12 15.67 22.41 27.83 

Farm and home management advisors.......................................................................... 12,010 20.10 41,800 13.75 9.23 19.20 25.86 32.48 

Instructional coordinators................................................................................................ 24.09 50,100 12.68 16.68 22.82 96,690 30.45 37.83 

Teacher assistants......................................................................................................... 1,23 4,030 (3) 20,220 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Art, design, entertainment, sports and media occupations 

Art directors.................................................................................................................... 33.70 70,100 16.42 22.02 29.93 24,000 40.63 54.99 

Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators.............................................. 9,690 20.97 43,610 11.64 8.25 17.03 23.67 35.62 

Multi-media artists and animators................................................................................... 25.42 52,880 12.90 17.39 22.08 32,910 30.84 41.87 

Commercial and industrial designers............................................................................. 33,390 26.41 54,920 13.40 18.57 25.16 32.92 40.93 

Fashion designers.......................................................................................................... 30.12 62,650 13.18 17.74 25.42 11,270 37.89 52.76 

Floral designers.............................................................................................................. 10.00 20,810 69,730 6.51 7.68 9.45 11.47 14.44 

Graphic designers........................................................................................................... 19.85 41,300 10.39 13.43 17.61 151,950 23.66 31.28 

Interior designers............................................................................................................ 21.39 44,480 10.64 14.33 19.29 46,240 26.02 34.03 

Merchandise displayers and window trimmers............................................................... 11.99 24,940 59,150 7.07 8.40 10.59 13.69 19.23 

Set and exhibit designers............................................................................................... 18.78 8,060 39,070 12.87 9.80 16.90 23.15 31.06 

Actors.............................................................................................................................. 51,840 (3) 48,940 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Producers and directors.................................................................................................. 54,370 (3) 64,550 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Athletes and sports competitors..................................................................................... 11,840 (3) 90,410 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Coaches and scouts....................................................................................................... 105,07 0 (3) 33,570 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials.................................................................. 8,790 (3) 27,820 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Dancers.......................................................................................................................... 15,390 12.76 26,540 6.07 7.01 9.45 16.11 24.98 

Choreographers.............................................................................................................. 17.16 35,700 14,810 6.83 9.58 14.92 22.08 29.34 

Music directors and composers...................................................................................... 9,000 (3) 41,450 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Musicians and singers.................................................................................................... 50,600 (3) 51,580 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Announcers..................................................................................................................... 14.25 29,640 49,370 6.13 7.20 10.07 15.44 25.27 

News analysts, reporters and correspondents............................................................... 60,230 19.27 40,090 10.81 8.61 15.02 23.56 34.38 

Public relations specialists.............................................................................................. 23.19 48,230 12.04 15.42 20.48 147,970 27.59 37.42 

Editors............................................................................................................................. 108,990 22.83 47,490 11.82 15.04 19.93 27.36 37.22 

Technical writers............................................................................................................. 26.15 54,390 14.71 19.06 24.80 44,690 32.01 40.08 

Writers and authors........................................................................................................ 43,7 24.26 50,460 10.62 14.07 20.35 40 28.57 42.01 

Interpreters and translators............................................................................................. 17.22 35,820 21,910 12.38 9.73 16.10 20.65 26.55 

Audio and video equipment technicians......................................................................... 16.88 35,110 37,370 11.03 8.80 14.81 20.67 27.69 

Broadcast technicians..................................................................................................... 16.62 34,560 32,750 7.11 9.24 13.51 21.97 31.81 

Radio operators.............................................................................................................. 15.80 2,060 32,870 11.39 8.30 14.57 18.82 24.95 

Sound engineering technicians....................................................................................... 22.49 46,780 11,840 12.01 8.94 18.41 27.61 40.88 

Photographers................................................................................................................ 14.23 29,590 57,740 7.02 8.55 12.04 17.27 24.98 

Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture............................................... 18.34 38,140 21,430 10.29 7.21 16.51 25.23 32.07 

Film and video editors..................................................................................................... 22.32 46,420 15,100 13.35 9.91 19.52 27.74 40.23 

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations 

Chiropractors.................................................................................................................. 39.72 82,630 15.43 21.92 31.72 20,210 46.71 (2)

Dentists........................................................................................................................... 97,090 63.08 131,210 24.36 36.75 57.85 (2) (2)

Dietitians and nutritionists............................................................................................... 20.68 43,020 12.64 16.38 20.21 46,190 24.70 29.11 

Optometrists................................................................................................................... 22 45.70 95,060 21.70 30.23 41.07 ,740 54.70 (2)

Pharmacists.................................................................................................................... 37.80 78,620 27.89 33.50 38.72 215,030 43.12 46.95 

Anesthesiologists............................................................................................................ 23,790 88.89 184,880 51.67 (2) (2) (2) (2)

Family and general practitioners..................................................................................... 67.13 139,640 111,990 24.86 44.47 64.11 (2) (2)

Internists, general........................................................................................................... 50,140 76.99 160,130 38.22 56.28 (2) (2) (2)

Obstetricians and gynecologists..................................................................................... 86.86 180,660 19,180 43.74 69.14 (2) (2) (2)

Pediatricians, general..................................................................................................... 26,910 68.90 143,300 37.08 50.41 64.50 (2) (2)

Psychiatrists.................................................................................................................... 66.97 139,300 19,530 28.67 49.59 64.41 (2) (2)

Surgeons........................................................................................................................ 49, 91.48 190,280 730 54.49 (2) (2) (2) (2)

Physician assistants....................................................................................................... 60,030 31.15 64,790 17.30 24.47 31.57 38.10 43.94 

Podiatrists....................................................................................................................... 51.17 7,800 106,430 20.04 30.00 45.22 66.26 (2)

Registered nurses........................................................................................................... 2,246, 24.63 51,230 16.97 19.77 23.82 430 28.41 34.24 

Audiologists.................................................................................................................... 25.23 52,490 16.15 19.52 23.93 10,030 28.62 35.35 

Occupational therapists.................................................................................................. 81,380 25.87 53,810 17.30 20.88 25.27 30.48 36.37 

Physical therapists.......................................................................................................... 29.02 60,350 19.41 23.45 27.75 134,970 33.71 41.50 

Radiation therapists........................................................................................................ 30.83 64,130 18.02 21.25 26.06 13,990 32.24 41.44 

Recreational therapists................................................................................................... 15.82 32,920 22,860 11.75 9.24 15.32 19.39 23.51 

Respiratory therapists..................................................................................................... 20.07 41,750 14.79 17.06 19.79 87,180 22.77 26.63 

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Percentiles

Employment

Mean wages

Speech-language pathologists....................................................................................... 25.10 86,640 52,210 15.91 19.42 24.06 29.53 36.25 

Veterinarians................................................................................................................... 36.00 43,890 74,880 18.46 23.89 31.13 42.34 59.15 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 4

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations - Continued 

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists.................................................................. 146,900 21.38 $ $44,480 $14.85 $17.84 $20.98 $25.01 $28.50

Medical and clinical laboratory technicians..................................................................... 14.88 30,940 9.42 11.51 146,160 14.24 17.47 21.41 

Dental hygienists............................................................................................................. 146,360 28.13 58,520 17.77 22.51 27.10 32.93 40.07 

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians................................................................ 18.44 38,350 10.12 13.07 43,300 17.99 23.10 27.36 

Diagnostic medical sonographers.................................................................................. 37,240 24.39 50,740 17.49 20.30 24.02 27.51 32.91 

Nuclear medicine technologists...................................................................................... 26.57 55,260 17.89 20.93 17,550 24.79 29.02 34.51 

Radiologic technologists and technicians....................................................................... 173,030 20.03 41,660 13.68 16.14 19.53 23.39 27.29 

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics.......................................................... 12.95 26,930 7.50 9.28 181,750 11.75 15.52 20.38 

Dietetic technicians......................................................................................................... 11.64 24,210 6.93 8.22 26,870 10.78 14.01 17.14 

Pharmacy technicians..................................................................................................... 211,270 11.47 23,860 7.59 9.01 10.94 13.50 16.24 

Psychiatric technicians................................................................................................... 13.60 28,290 8.32 9.83 56,000 12.39 16.67 21.16 

Respiratory therapy technicians...................................................................................... 25,470 17.11 35,590 11.34 13.97 16.75 20.21 23.64 

Surgical technologists..................................................................................................... 15.74 32,740 10.86 12.82 73,250 15.45 18.14 21.22 

Veterinary technologists and technicians....................................................................... 11.76 24,470 7.89 9.40 53,730 11.22 13.62 16.53 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses......................................................... 15.97 33,210 11.26 13.05 682,590 15.57 18.47 21.51 

Medical records and health information technicians....................................................... 12.77 26,550 8.06 9.57 148,380 11.79 15.12 19.18 

Opticians, dispensing...................................................................................................... 13.74 28,570 7.92 9.71 63,780 12.67 16.59 21.35 

Orthotists and prosthetists.............................................................................................. 27.38 4,880 56,950 12.25 17.42 23.90 33.28 43.07 

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians........................................... 23.57 49,020 12.45 17.06 42,580 22.88 29.10 35.40 

Athletic trainers............................................................................................................... 11,750 (3) 34,860 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Healthcare support ocupations 

Home health aides.......................................................................................................... 583, 9.22 19,180 6.53 7.54 8.77 880 10.42 12.53 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants........................................................................ 10.12 21,050 7.16 8.29 9.85 1,341,650 11.67 13.74 

Psychiatric aides............................................................................................................. 57,7 11.48 23,880 7.57 8.93 70 11.01 13.79 16.36 

Occupational therapist assistants................................................................................... 18.04 37,530 12.42 15.11 18,940 17.98 20.96 24.18 

Occupational therapist aides.......................................................................................... 6,060 12.21 25,390 7.68 9.03 10.95 14.80 18.67 

Physical therapist assistants........................................................................................... 17.67 36,750 11.65 14.67 52,440 17.60 20.72 23.87 

Physical therapist aides.................................................................................................. 36,870 10.71 22,270 7.41 8.53 10.08 12.10 14.52 

Massage therapists......................................................................................................... 16.49 34,310 6.89 8.80 29,940 13.78 22.56 30.95 

Dental assistants............................................................................................................ 27 13.57 28,230 8.66 10.56 2,030 13.32 16.35 19.44 

Medical assistants.......................................................................................................... 11.99 24,940 8.58 9.81 362,670 11.62 13.71 16.44 

Medical equipment preparers......................................................................................... 37,140 11.66 24,260 8.01 9.44 11.23 13.50 16.23 

Medical transcriptionists................................................................................................. 13.59 28,270 9.44 11.11 97,810 13.26 15.95 18.26 

Pharmacy aides.............................................................................................................. 61,170 9.42 19,600 6.37 7.45 8.84 10.87 13.48 

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers................................................. 9.28 64,490 19,310 6.35 7.32 8.66 10.59 13.16 

Protective service occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers................................................. 33,760 23.00 47,850 14.22 16.48 21.88 28.86 33.83 

First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives............................................... 30.39 63,200 17.68 23.13 101,740 29.98 37.10 44.49 

First-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers........................ 28.24 58,750 16.83 21.68 59,000 27.40 34.06 42.55 

Fire fighters..................................................................................................................... 18.41 38,280 9.03 12.96 273,120 17.82 23.35 28.48 

Fire inspectors and investigators.................................................................................... 22.76 47,340 13.37 17.14 12,320 21.99 27.82 34.28 

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists............................................................ 19.72 1,460 41,010 10.61 14.17 18.31 24.04 32.72 

Bailiffs............................................................................................................................. 16.81 34,970 8.47 16,760 11.70 16.57 21.30 26.33 

Correctional officers and jailers...................................................................................... 417,420 16.87 35,090 10.76 12.63 15.94 20.82 25.42 

Detectives and criminal investigators............................................................................. 26.17 54,440 15.08 19.11 87,480 25.19 33.00 40.09 

Fish and game wardens................................................................................................. 6,850 21.41 44,540 12.90 15.84 19.90 24.58 29.22 

Parking enforcement workers......................................................................................... 14.22 9,870 29,570 8.68 10.64 13.55 17.44 21.05 

Police and sheriff's patrol officers................................................................................... 609,960 21.62 44,960 12.50 16.09 21.16 26.61 32.44 

Transit and railroad police.............................................................................................. 22.09 5,470 45,940 12.82 17.07 21.23 26.68 33.73 

Animal control workers................................................................................................... 12.93 26,900 7.26 9.61 12,290 12.38 15.90 19.70 

Private detectives and investigators............................................................................... 30,460 16.87 35,080 8.91 10.96 14.62 20.38 27.92 

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators................................................. 12.51 7,560 26,030 7.60 9.47 11.86 14.92 18.41 

Security guards............................................................................................................... 964,260 10.34 21,520 6.74 7.79 9.45 11.83 15.62 

Crossing guards.............................................................................................................. 9.86 70,820 20,510 6.11 7.16 9.07 11.44 14.49 

Food preparation and serving related occupations 

Chefs and head cooks.................................................................................................... 118,870 15.68 32,620 7.84 10.06 13.82 19.51 26.16 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers..................... 12.90 26,840 7.64 9.30 694,040 11.88 15.47 19.62 

Cooks, fast food.............................................................................................................. 6 7.23 15,030 5.66 6.15 6.95 12,960 8.11 9.33 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria....................................................................................... 9.31 19,350 6.04 7.04 8.80 406,010 10.92 13.45 

Cooks, restaurant........................................................................................................... 734 9.62 20,020 6.68 7.70 9.26 ,870 10.99 13.25 

Cooks, short order.......................................................................................................... 8.30 17,260 5.91 6.71 7.90 227,360 9.71 11.31 

Food preparation workers............................................................................................... 8.34 17,340 5.93 6.76 7.92 852,890 9.60 11.49 

Bartenders...................................................................................................................... 470,020 8.14 16,930 5.72 6.31 7.23 9.00 12.07 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food............................ 2,047,100 7.34 15,260 5.69 6.20 7.00 8.16 9.56 

Percentiles

Employment

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Mean wages

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop................................. 7.76 461,700 16,140 5.82 6.49 7.38 8.53 10.43 

Waiters and waitresses.................................................................................................. 2,125,100 7.58 15,780 5.64 6.07 6.78 8.10 11.08 

Food servers, nonrestaurant........................................................................................... 194,260 17,220 5.82 6.50 8.28 7.65 9.49 11.90 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers........................................ 7.38 393,500 15,350 5.73 6.28 7.01 8.14 9.73 

Dishwashers................................................................................................................... 4 7.45 92,620 15,490 5.77 6.39 7.21 8.31 9.62 

Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop............................................ 7.77 294,300 16,170 5.80 6.47 7.40 8.59 10.39 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 5

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers....................... 203,770 $14.90 $31,000 $8.64 $10.59 $13.78 $18.06 $22.77

First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and 

 groundskeeping workers............................................................................................. 95,450 17.71 36,840 10.31 12.66 16.23 21.12 27.00 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners................................. 9.77 20,320 2,064,350 6.22 7.24 8.85 11.49 14.97 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners................................................................................. 896,370 8.42 17,520 6.01 6.89 7.98 9.53 11.55 

Pest control workers....................................................................................................... 12.75 26,510 58,500 7.63 9.53 12.01 15.25 19.05 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers.................................................................... 819,780 10.39 21,610 6.89 7.89 9.59 12.03 15.50 

Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation.............................................. 12.60 26,210 23,450 10.03 8.36 12.25 14.84 17.50 

Tree trimmers and pruners............................................................................................. 40,710 13.11 27,270 8.22 9.88 12.32 15.61 19.68 

Personal care and service occupations 

Gaming supervisors........................................................................................................ 19.64 40,860 10.96 14.53 19.31 26,280 23.91 27.71 

Slot key persons............................................................................................................. 15,000 11.98 24,930 7.71 9.03 11.13 14.09 17.35 

First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers........................................ 15.67 32,590 110,630 11.07 8.87 14.18 18.81 24.93 

Animal trainers................................................................................................................ 6 12.65 ,990 26,310 6.91 8.14 10.75 15.25 20.67 

Nonfarm animal caretakers............................................................................................ 9.08 85,440 18,890 6.11 6.98 8.26 10.41 13.40 

Gaming dealers.............................................................................................................. 7.86 76,120 16,350 5.66 6.10 6.83 7.71 12.56 

Gaming and sports book writers and runners................................................................. 10.04 20,880 15,820 6.56 7.50 9.05 11.26 16.02 

Motion picture projectionists........................................................................................... 9.98 10,450 20,750 6.01 6.87 8.24 11.55 15.79 

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers.................................................................... 7.94 16,520 109,290 5.75 6.30 7.07 8.51 11.15 

Amusement and recreation attendants........................................................................... 7.89 16,400 236,070 5.80 6.44 7.23 8.59 10.75 

Costume attendants........................................................................................................ 13.80 3,400 28,700 7.22 9.35 12.22 16.27 22.56 

Locker room, coatroom, and dressing room attendants................................................. 8.60 21,420 17,890 6.16 7.12 8.25 9.81 11.35 

Embalmers..................................................................................................................... 7 17.48 ,630 36,360 12.03 8.97 16.51 20.99 26.41 

Funeral attendants.......................................................................................................... 9.66 28,120 20,090 6.18 7.24 8.91 10.90 14.29 

Barbers........................................................................................................................... 17,570 11.16 23,210 6.11 7.04 9.73 13.74 19.26 

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists................................................................ 10.49 21,810 335,860 6.07 7.09 8.99 12.17 16.69 

Makeup artists, theatrical and performance................................................................... 720 16.68 34,700 7.63 9.76 14.09 20.15 32.26 

Manicurists and pedicurists............................................................................................ 9.21 32,670 19,150 6.14 7.04 8.52 10.55 13.24 

Shampooers................................................................................................................... 15,300 7.27 15,120 5.68 6.15 6.90 8.17 9.88 

Skin care specialists....................................................................................................... 12.65 26,310 16,820 6.41 7.93 11.08 15.57 21.66 

Baggage porters and bellhops........................................................................................ 10.53 21,900 55,880 6.84 8.51 5.99 12.39 20.08 

Concierges...................................................................................................................... 16,710 11.31 23,520 7.10 8.51 10.48 13.87 16.71 

Tour guides and escorts................................................................................................. 9.71 27,390 20,190 6.27 7.23 9.04 11.42 13.95 

Travel guides.................................................................................................................. 5,450 15.17 31,540 10.47 8.19 13.24 17.43 22.43 

Flight attendants............................................................................................................. 107,100 (3) 47,670 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters..................... 28,580 9.99 20,770 6.14 7.17 9.05 11.81 15.92 

Child care workers.......................................................................................................... 469 ,150 8.37 17,400 5.89 6.66 7.90 9.70 11.54 

Personal and home care aides....................................................................................... 487,200 8.18 17,020 5.91 6.72 7.91 9.27 10.72 

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors........................................................................ 14.71 30,590 177,790 6.85 8.16 11.78 18.75 26.87 

Recreation workers......................................................................................................... 10.12 21,040 265,640 6.24 7.24 8.94 11.73 16.07 

Residential advisors........................................................................................................ 10.89 22,650 49,650 7.02 8.22 10.06 12.66 16.52 

Sales and related occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers................................................. 1,175,310 17.10 35,560 9.10 11.29 14.75 19.85 27.18

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.......................................... 32.46 67,520 13.62 19.23 26.78 327,180 39.42 57.40 

Cashiers.......................................................................................................................... 3,462,010 8.14 16,940 5.88 6.57 7.58 8.84 11.09 

Gaming change persons and booth cashiers................................................................. 9.84 30,760 20,470 6.84 7.95 9.63 11.43 13.31 

Counter and rental clerks................................................................................................ 442,310 9.95 20,690 6.06 7.00 8.48 11.22 15.79 

Parts salespersons......................................................................................................... 236,090 13.04 27,120 7.36 9.04 11.78 15.95 20.80 

Retail salespersons........................................................................................................ 10.70 22,260 3,992,930 6.25 7.23 8.70 11.60 17.24 

Advertising sales agents................................................................................................. 23.26 48,390 141,340 12.96 9.58 18.58 28.08 42.00 

Insurance sales agents................................................................................................... 277,120 25.85 53,770 10.55 13.84 19.25 30.15 50.44 

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents........................................ 40.94 85,150 12.77 17.56 29.10 245,280 55.51 (2)

Travel agents.................................................................................................................. 103,840 14.00 29,110 10.12 7.99 13.05 16.64 20.88 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific 

 products...................................................................................................................... 39 31.42 65,360 14.31 19.58 27.46 0,080 39.51 53.40 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and 

 scientific products........................................................................................................ 1,421,660 25.23 52,480 11.14 15.08 21.09 30.24 43.76 

Demonstrators and product promoters........................................................................... 95,300 12.07 25,110 7.13 8.01 9.74 13.45 20.70 

Models............................................................................................................................ 14.89 1,560 30,980 7.53 9.07 11.67 15.51 23.98 

Real estate brokers......................................................................................................... 33.62 69,920 40,590 14.04 8.75 23.91 40.84 (2)

Real estate sales agents................................................................................................ 21.61 44,950 123,490 10.57 7.94 15.68 26.14 41.78 

Sales engineers.............................................................................................................. 34.85 72,490 18.73 24.53 32.59 73,200 42.53 54.01 

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Mean wages

Employment

Percentiles

Telemarketers................................................................................................................. 10.86 404,150 22,590 7.85 6.91 9.55 12.29 16.94 

Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers................. 21,600 13.97 29,050 7.70 6.44 11.67 17.77 24.94 

Office and administrative support occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers............... 20.46 1,412,470 42,550 11.59 14.69 18.99 24.70 31.68 

Switchboard operators, including answering service...................................................... 217,700 10.69 22,230 8.50 7.20 10.27 12.47 14.77 

Telephone operators....................................................................................................... 14.31 45,310 29,770 9.97 8.46 13.48 18.97 21.25 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 6

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Office and administrative support occupations - Continued 

Bill and account collectors.............................................................................................. 417,10 $13.74 $28,580 $9.09 $10.66 $12.98 $16.07 $19.85 0

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.......................................................... 13.13 27,310 487,420 10.38 8.90 12.64 15.37 18.18 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks............................................................... 1,750,680 13.93 28,980 10.64 8.59 13.35 16.66 20.44 

Gaming cage workers..................................................................................................... 10.94 22,760 18,370 7.95 9.19 10.61 12.65 14.54 

Payroll and timekeeping clerks....................................................................................... 194,330 14.75 30,670 11.58 9.41 14.22 17.40 21.01 

Procurement clerks......................................................................................................... 14.79 30,770 72,820 11.58 9.37 14.49 17.64 20.78 

Tellers............................................................................................................................. 538,890 10.07 20,940 7.51 8.56 9.94 11.24 13.25 

Brokerage clerks............................................................................................................. 75,380 17.46 36,310 10.89 13.25 16.39 20.68 26.08 

Correspondence clerks................................................................................................... 13.49 28,050 27,460 10.68 9.26 12.88 15.82 18.95 

Court, municipal, and license clerks............................................................................... 100,310 14.15 29,430 10.57 8.71 13.20 16.68 21.00 

Credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks........................................................................ 14.22 29,580 73,860 10.57 8.95 13.08 16.45 20.87 

Customer service representatives.................................................................................. 1,902,850 13.73 28,560 10.17 8.37 12.74 16.31 20.91 

Eligibility interviewers, government programs................................................................ 16.23 33,750 11.12 13.05 15.87 89,410 19.25 21.89 

File clerks........................................................................................................................ 249,270 10.43 21,690 6.86 8.02 9.84 12.16 15.11 

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks............................................................................... 180,410 8.77 18,240 6.25 7.23 8.39 10.00 11.59 

Interviewers, except eligibility and loan........................................................................... 11.44 23,790 190,160 7.38 8.79 10.86 13.42 16.52 

Library assistants, clerical............................................................................................... 10.23 21,280 109,900 6.30 7.44 9.58 12.46 15.52 

Loan interviewers and clerks.......................................................................................... 14.34 29,830 179,080 11.17 9.33 13.62 16.90 20.63 

New accounts clerks....................................................................................................... 13.17 27,400 105,300 10.48 9.32 12.47 15.03 17.71 

Order clerks.................................................................................................................... 12.77 26,560 303,320 9.48 12.05 7.71 15.34 18.84 

Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping....................................... 15.44 32,120 10.00 12.16 14.93 165,760 18.12 21.61 

Receptionists and information clerks.............................................................................. 1,058,790 10.65 22,150 7.06 8.37 10.25 12.56 14.98 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks...................................... 14.00 29,130 165,990 8.30 9.94 12.60 18.47 21.47 

Cargo and freight agents................................................................................................ 16.29 33,880 9.17 11.63 15.38 19.99 24.88 61,770

Couriers and messengers.............................................................................................. 118,210 10.00 20,790 6.69 7.68 9.39 11.50 14.25 

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers......................................................................... 14.27 29,690 89,620 10.82 8.82 13.60 16.98 21.11 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance............................................................ 161,790 15.80 32,870 11.07 8.73 14.61 19.52 25.07 

Meter readers, utilities.................................................................................................... 14.67 30,510 51,790 10.75 8.67 13.80 18.19 22.40 

Postal service clerks....................................................................................................... 78, 18.83 39,170 17.21 17.93 19.13 520 20.33 21.05 

Postal service mail carriers............................................................................................. 18.87 39,240 15.10 17.38 19.05 344,580 20.72 22.91 

Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators................. 224,250 17.79 37,010 12.36 17.41 18.78 20.15 20.97 

Production, planning, and expediting clerks................................................................... 17.32 36,030 277,030 12.70 9.98 16.74 21.01 26.12 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks............................................................................. 767,470 12.11 25,200 7.63 9.19 11.38 14.28 17.69 

Stock clerks and order fillers.......................................................................................... 1,576,620 10.33 21,490 6.63 7.70 9.38 12.11 15.65 

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping.................................... 77,770 13.07 27,180 7.77 9.32 11.80 15.86 20.88 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants...................................................... 1,418,640 17.22 35,810 11.02 13.27 16.39 20.39 25.05 

Legal secretaries............................................................................................................ 17.87 37,170 10.67 13.50 17.15 264,080 21.75 26.73 

Medical secretaries......................................................................................................... 13.08 27,210 349,370 10.32 8.96 12.50 15.33 18.42 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive.......................................................... 1,845,860 12.76 26,540 7.65 9.68 12.22 15.41 18.76 

Computer operators........................................................................................................ 15.32 31,870 160,170 11.21 9.03 14.41 18.41 22.49 

Data entry keyers............................................................................................................ 11.34 23,590 339,010 7.69 9.17 10.86 13.15 15.98 

Word processors and typists.......................................................................................... 13.65 28,400 191,180 10.50 8.67 13.05 16.25 20.11 

Desktop publishers......................................................................................................... 16.15 33,590 33,590 11.43 8.94 15.19 19.94 25.26 

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks............................................................... 14.33 29,800 239,580 11.35 9.52 13.71 16.82 20.43 

Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service..................................... 10.91 22,700 152,360 7.23 8.68 10.47 12.84 15.52 

Office clerks, general...................................................................................................... 2,926,160 11.43 23,780 6.87 8.53 10.80 13.71 16.96 

Office machine operators, except computer................................................................... 11.42 23,760 90,470 7.52 8.89 10.68 13.33 16.61 

Proofreaders and copy markers..................................................................................... 24,700 12.76 26,550 7.64 9.34 11.77 15.36 19.28 

Statistical assistants....................................................................................................... 15.11 31,430 20,970 11.35 9.37 14.37 18.05 21.96 

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers..................... 20,620 18.14 37,730 9.40 12.34 16.76 21.98 28.78

Farm labor contractors................................................................................................... 10.29 3,340 21,390 6.13 6.90 7.79 11.38 17.43 

Agricultural inspectors.................................................................................................... 13,670 15.09 31,390 10.62 9.19 13.83 18.73 23.57 

Animal breeders.............................................................................................................. 14.25 1,750 29,640 7.84 9.54 12.02 17.92 24.07 

Graders and sorters, agricultural products..................................................................... 51,210 8.53 17,740 6.11 6.93 7.78 9.55 11.73 

Agricultural equipment operators.................................................................................... 9.47 21,330 19,690 6.24 7.12 8.59 11.05 14.07 

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse........................................... 233,450 8.02 16,670 6.14 6.91 7.43 8.49 10.78 

Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals........................................................................... 8.84 42,890 18,390 6.34 7.08 8.12 10.03 12.74 

Forest and conservation workers................................................................................... 9,170 11.24 23,380 7.00 7.73 9.58 13.52 18.45 

Fallers............................................................................................................................. 15.31 9,620 31,850 10.02 7.54 13.46 17.95 27.61 

Logging equipment operators......................................................................................... 28,190 13.52 28,130 10.36 8.23 13.00 16.31 19.65 

Log graders and scalers................................................................................................. 13.94 4,900 28,990 10.47 8.39 13.01 16.46 20.98 

Construction and extraction occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers............. 25.06 52,130 14.91 18.50 23.43 516,540 29.81 37.05 

Occupation

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Mean wages Percentiles

Employment

Boilermakers................................................................................................................... 20.92 43,510 12.96 20,270 17.06 20.79 25.13 29.43 

Brickmasons and blockmasons...................................................................................... 20.36 42,350 11.39 107,900 15.20 19.98 25.22 30.83 

Stonemasons.................................................................................................................. 13,710 17.36 36,110 9.63 12.04 16.35 21.33 27.21 

Carpenters...................................................................................................................... 17.75 36,920 10.04 852,080 12.66 16.47 21.85 28.00 

Carpet installers.............................................................................................................. 37,7 17.00 35,360 8.67 20 11.33 15.82 21.52 27.96 

Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles........................................................... 17.19 35,760 8.88 15,070 11.90 16.75 21.42 26.64 

Floor sanders and finishers............................................................................................ 6,700 14.14 29,420 9.04 10.45 13.08 16.65 21.23 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 7

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Construction and extraction occupations - Continued 

Tile and marble setters................................................................................................... $17.95 $37,340 $9.99 $12.72 $17.12 $22.08 $27.89 36,900

Cement masons and concrete finishers......................................................................... 180,540 16.23 33,760 11.59 9.37 14.80 19.78 25.79 

Terrazzo workers and finishers....................................................................................... 14.64 6,140 30,460 10.48 9.09 13.32 17.44 23.63 

Construction laborers...................................................................................................... 837, 13.64 28,380 650 7.50 9.32 11.86 16.77 23.21 

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators.................................................... 15.86 32,980 57,980 10.91 9.23 14.06 19.20 26.70 

Pile-driver operators....................................................................................................... 22.72 4,390 47,260 11.95 15.72 23.16 29.90 33.90 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators................................ 18.39 38,260 10.66 12.97 16.84 22.84 28.97 343,640

Drywall and ceiling tile installers..................................................................................... 17.56 36,530 111,970 12.48 9.92 16.19 21.64 28.21 

Tapers............................................................................................................................. 19.33 40,200 10.63 33,540 14.37 18.81 24.44 29.24 

Electricians..................................................................................................................... 21.20 44,090 11.89 15.06 20.04 26.61 33.23 584,010

Glaziers........................................................................................................................... 17.16 35,690 46,230 11.85 9.31 15.53 21.30 29.38 

Insulation workers........................................................................................................... 15.83 32,940 52,170 10.58 8.55 14.04 19.10 26.60 

Painters, construction and maintenance........................................................................ 15.36 31,960 247,880 11.23 9.21 14.12 18.26 24.27 

Paperhangers................................................................................................................. 16.45 8,910 34,220 11.83 9.17 15.40 20.82 26.16 

Pipelayers....................................................................................................................... 15.38 32,000 51,940 10.98 9.21 13.73 18.50 24.56 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters........................................................................... 20.89 43,450 11.33 433,600 14.83 19.69 26.44 33.17 

Plasterers and stucco masons....................................................................................... 17.17 35,720 53,530 12.34 9.98 15.90 20.85 27.12 

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers................................................................................ 18.91 39,330 10.04 30,250 12.42 16.80 24.83 31.35 

Roofers........................................................................................................................... 15.78 32,820 118,390 11.23 9.21 14.43 19.39 24.97 

Sheet metal workers....................................................................................................... 18.16 37,780 189,590 12.26 9.60 16.83 23.23 29.43 

Structural iron and steel workers.................................................................................... 20.49 42,610 10.78 70,420 14.30 19.58 26.41 32.42 

Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters......... 12.99 27,010 59,890 8.17 9.68 11.64 15.00 20.80 

Helpers--carpenters........................................................................................................ 98,180 10.93 22,740 7.28 8.61 10.37 12.70 15.47 

Helpers--electricians....................................................................................................... 12.01 24,980 93,520 7.87 9.38 11.27 14.10 17.10 

Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons................................. 29,130 10.97 22,820 7.24 8.14 9.81 12.28 16.16 

Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.......................................... 11.50 23,920 77,580 7.67 9.07 10.77 13.25 16.54 

Helpers--roofers.............................................................................................................. 21,49 10.64 22,140 0 7.29 8.32 9.96 12.13 15.01 

Construction and building inspectors.............................................................................. 79,720 21.36 44,430 12.99 16.27 20.50 25.93 31.51 

Elevator installers and repairers..................................................................................... 26.86 55,860 16.14 21,470 21.83 26.90 32.68 37.99 

Fence erectors................................................................................................................ 2 12.18 25,340 2,550 7.32 9.10 10.85 14.45 19.29 

Hazardous materials removal workers........................................................................... 17.30 35,970 10.33 36,590 12.43 15.72 22.41 26.99 

Highway maintenance workers....................................................................................... 140,450 14.21 29,550 10.75 8.68 13.77 17.08 20.86 

Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators............................................... 16.91 35,170 10.41 11,170 14.13 17.29 20.16 22.55 

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.............................................................. 16,310 14.26 29,670 10.48 7.96 13.45 17.24 21.50 

Segmental pavers........................................................................................................... 14.30 1,710 29,740 10.03 8.45 12.76 17.23 25.06 

Derrick operators, oil and gas......................................................................................... 15.58 32,400 10.14 15,080 11.91 14.69 17.74 22.94 

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas................................................................................... 14,830 17.99 37,420 11.25 13.70 16.78 21.14 26.67 

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining.................................................................... 15.93 33,140 12,640 11.35 9.47 14.41 19.46 25.02 

Earth drillers, except oil and gas..................................................................................... 19,970 16.46 34,230 10.15 12.58 15.65 19.53 24.31 

Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters....................................... 17.52 5,140 36,450 11.73 13.93 16.97 20.51 23.84 

Continuous mining machine operators........................................................................... 7,610 17.18 35,730 11.73 13.99 17.17 20.38 22.82 

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators............................................................ 17.49 4,460 36,370 12.26 14.88 17.56 20.55 22.50 

Rock splitters, quarry...................................................................................................... 3,240 13.76 28,620 10.26 8.23 12.88 15.87 20.32 

Roof bolters, mining........................................................................................................ 18.49 3,980 38,460 14.58 16.15 18.54 20.75 22.31 

Roustabouts, oil and gas................................................................................................ 32,720 11.84 24,640 7.46 8.54 10.70 14.09 18.49 

Helpers--extraction workers............................................................................................ 13.21 27,480 28,860 10.08 8.39 12.63 15.73 18.87 

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers........................ 445,520 24.53 51,020 14.23 18.03 23.37 29.86 36.61 

Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers............................................ 16.98 35,310 10.07 144,370 12.62 16.24 20.59 25.49 

Radio mechanics............................................................................................................ 6,89 18.80 0 39,100 10.60 13.68 17.82 23.09 28.82 

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers............. 22.31 46,400 14.03 195,500 18.67 23.19 26.53 29.32 

Avionics technicians....................................................................................................... 21,42 20.98 43,630 14.41 0 17.84 20.73 24.71 27.72 

Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers............................................................ 16.19 33,660 26,070 11.69 9.08 15.53 19.91 24.87 

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment................. 17,370 18.91 39,330 11.32 14.29 18.89 23.10 27.22 

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment.................... 19.96 41,520 11.90 83,820 15.46 20.29 24.47 27.32 

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay........................ 20,700 24.28 50,500 16.59 21.09 25.02 28.18 32.46 

Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles....................................... 13.64 28,360 14,590 10.06 8.49 12.64 16.37 20.41 

Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers................................ 14.10 29,330 33,340 10.36 8.29 13.14 16.94 21.53 

Security and fire alarm systems installers...................................................................... 16.81 34,960 10.15 46,850 12.61 16.00 20.62 25.13 

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians.................................................................... 21.37 44,460 13.25 17.01 20.94 25.91 30.57 117,180

Automotive body and related repairers........................................................................... 17.19 35,760 173,590 11.83 8.83 15.93 21.31 27.54 

Automotive glass installers and repairers....................................................................... 13.61 28,320 18,550 8.03 9.98 13.06 16.84 20.55 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics............................................................. 16.02 33,320 690,780 10.79 8.29 14.97 20.13 25.54 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists................................................. 17.27 35,930 10.84 248,450 13.36 16.81 20.86 25.15 

Farm equipment mechanics........................................................................................... 13.58 28,240 33,310 10.62 8.90 13.21 16.16 19.06 

Employment

Mean wages Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines.................................................... 18.07 37,590 11.80 115,090 14.48 17.69 21.21 25.55 

Rail car repairers............................................................................................................ 15,810 18.52 38,530 12.30 16.08 19.04 21.25 23.60 

Motorboat mechanics..................................................................................................... 14.63 30,420 18,890 11.05 9.01 14.02 17.38 21.34 

Motorcycle mechanics.................................................................................................... 13,690 14.06 29,250 10.29 8.29 13.29 16.95 21.33 

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics...................................... 12.46 25,920 24,740 7.35 9.41 11.93 14.99 18.23 

Bicycle repairers............................................................................................................. 6,870 9.99 20,780 6.72 7.86 9.63 11.72 13.93 

Recreational vehicle service technicians........................................................................ 13.83 28,770 12,520 10.72 8.88 13.11 16.53 20.42 

Tire repairers and changers........................................................................................... 82,340 10.72 22,300 7.28 8.30 10.02 12.29 15.25 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 8

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations - Continued 

Mechanical door repairers.............................................................................................. 10,860 $15.75 $32,760 $9.10 $11.17 $14.24 $19.07 $25.35

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door.............................. 20.34 42,310 11.53 14.68 20.45 37,840 25.79 29.69 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers............................ 212,200 17.69 36,790 10.41 12.97 16.90 21.60 26.48 

Home appliance repairers............................................................................................... 15.17 31,550 37,510 10.72 8.33 14.37 18.67 22.85 

Industrial machinery mechanics..................................................................................... 192,300 19.06 39,640 11.99 14.84 18.48 22.96 27.43

Maintenance and repair workers, general...................................................................... 15.05 31,300 1,230,880 10.71 8.26 14.33 18.73 22.96 

Maintenance workers, machinery................................................................................... 89,160 16.41 34,130 12.28 9.63 15.86 20.12 24.42 

Millwrights....................................................................................................................... 20.74 43,150 12.22 15.80 20.38 64,910 25.93 30.51 

Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons...................................................... 3,390 18.29 38,030 12.29 14.81 17.74 21.78 25.47 

Electrical power-line installers and repairers.................................................................. 22.82 47,460 13.37 18.07 23.54 95,190 27.65 32.41 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers........................................................... 148,060 19.02 39,560 10.46 13.53 19.01 24.64 27.64 

Camera and photographic equipment repairers............................................................. 15.81 4,640 32,890 10.30 8.08 15.01 19.81 25.62 

Medical equipment repairers.......................................................................................... 23,500 18.91 39,330 10.54 13.44 18.25 23.54 28.36 

Musical instrument repairers and tuners........................................................................ 16.10 5,550 33,490 10.40 7.98 13.89 20.20 29.90 

Watch repairers.............................................................................................................. 3,700 14.68 30,540 10.02 8.22 13.16 18.07 22.36 

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers................................. 13.77 28,650 35,370 10.45 8.27 13.36 16.61 20.43 

Commercial divers.......................................................................................................... 18.27 2,690 38,000 11.17 13.60 16.48 20.73 28.84 

Fabric menders, except garment.................................................................................... 14.14 1,720 29,410 7.85 9.45 12.70 18.98 21.84 

Locksmiths and safe repairers........................................................................................ 14.68 30,540 19,340 10.59 8.31 13.83 17.81 22.16 

Manufactured building and mobile home installers........................................................ 11.65 24,230 13,160 7.41 8.90 11.23 13.44 16.35 

Riggers........................................................................................................................... 17.07 35,510 12,550 12.76 9.89 16.25 20.50 25.29 

Signal and track switch repairers.................................................................................... 21.32 8,680 44,350 16.40 18.80 21.01 24.15 27.42 

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers................................................. 148,890 11.25 23,400 6.83 8.07 10.21 13.38 17.55 

Production occupations 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers........................... 22.45 46,690 12.58 16.12 21.02 705,270 27.21 34.49 

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers....................................... 26,150 18.23 37,920 12.90 9.88 18.60 23.88 27.18 

Coil winders, tapers, and finishers.................................................................................. 12.17 25,320 33,590 7.81 9.36 11.48 14.24 17.56 

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers............................................................ 245,700 12.20 25,380 7.85 9.33 11.28 14.13 17.77 

Electromechanical equipment assemblers..................................................................... 13.09 27,230 54,690 8.11 9.89 12.52 15.78 19.45 

Engine and other machine assemblers.......................................................................... 50,410 16.31 33,920 11.34 9.00 15.58 21.73 25.44 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters............................................................................ 14.60 30,380 85,330 11.32 9.41 13.94 17.18 21.07 

Fiberglass laminators and fabricators............................................................................. 31,820 12.30 25,580 8.15 9.64 11.87 14.42 17.17 

Team assemblers........................................................................................................... 1,138,100 12.10 25,160 7.49 9.01 11.14 14.13 18.01 

Timing device assemblers, adjusters, and calibrators.................................................... 5,280 13.55 28,180 10.30 8.69 12.79 15.97 20.02 

Bakers............................................................................................................................. 157,110 10.86 22,600 6.92 8.05 10.09 12.98 16.62 

Butchers and meat cutters.............................................................................................. 13.07 27,180 132,370 7.54 9.48 12.30 16.42 20.24 

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers.................................................................. 150,440 9.17 19,060 6.95 7.69 8.69 10.27 12.13 

Slaughterers and meat packers...................................................................................... 9.94 20,680 122,490 7.37 8.48 9.82 11.14 13.07 

Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders........... 12.79 26,600 17,800 7.57 9.41 11.89 15.55 19.92 

Food batchmakers.......................................................................................................... 11.24 23,390 74,650 6.84 8.15 10.53 13.83 16.94 

Food cooking machine operators and tenders............................................................... 10.99 22,860 34,480 6.98 8.14 10.31 13.26 16.60 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic.................................... 14.74 30,650 9.23 11.23 14.14 17.62 21.35 126,150

Numerical tool and process control programmers.......................................................... 19.24 40,020 12.01 14.92 18.43 17,820 22.64 27.60 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic...... 13.08 27,210 93,600 10.19 8.33 12.72 15.46 18.07 

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................. 14.28 29,700 41,230 10.22 8.24 13.10 17.19 23.72 

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................... 14.44 30,040 42,090 10.83 8.61 13.88 17.49 21.41 

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

 and plastic.................................................................................................................... 12.70 26,410 260,560 8.07 9.75 12.12 15.00 18.07 

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic...... 48,730 14.22 29,570 10.55 8.68 13.29 17.04 21.81 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and 

 tenders, metal and plastic............................................................................................ 97,660 13.83 28,770 10.10 8.27 12.80 16.56 21.26 

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....... 15.04 31,290 70,300 11.47 9.41 14.57 17.88 22.00 

Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 14.91 31,020 28,580 11.31 9.20 14.48 17.82 21.66 

Machinists....................................................................................................................... 368,740 16.30 33,900 12.42 9.78 15.91 19.78 23.36 

Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders................................................................. 15.65 32,550 10.39 12.47 15.24 17,810 18.60 21.75 

Pourers and casters, metal............................................................................................. 12,770 14.33 29,810 11.33 9.40 13.64 16.98 20.88 

Model makers, metal and plastic.................................................................................... 20.98 7,900 43,630 10.30 14.13 20.90 28.49 32.52 

Patternmakers, metal and plastic................................................................................... 6,090 18.19 37,830 13.10 9.44 17.45 22.36 29.33 

Foundry mold and coremakers....................................................................................... 14.01 29,130 20,770 10.72 8.80 13.05 16.40 22.13 

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal 

 and plastic.................................................................................................................... 12.36 25,720 144,140 7.62 9.24 11.51 14.51 18.32 

Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................... 100,320 15.20 31,620 10.91 8.95 13.97 18.69 24.86 

Tool and die makers....................................................................................................... 21.10 43,900 13.19 16.55 20.67 104,210 25.91 30.83 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers........................................................................ 15.06 31,330 354,300 11.62 9.53 14.25 17.62 22.06 

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders.................... 15.18 31,580 53,750 11.37 9.40 13.99 17.70 23.89 

Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................. 14.39 29,930 27,290 10.95 9.17 13.63 17.18 21.32 

Employment

Mean wages Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation

Lay-out workers, metal and plastic................................................................................. 16.08 33,450 12,540 12.15 9.63 15.37 19.10 23.00 

Plating and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic........... 13.00 27,030 40,800 8.20 9.90 12.34 15.53 19.13 

Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners.............................................................................. 15.02 31,250 22,320 11.05 9.11 14.22 18.06 22.73 

See footnotes at end of table. 
5 9

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Production occupations - Continued 

Bindery workers.............................................................................................................. 81,840 $11.81 $24,570 $7.06 $8.49 $10.82 $14.26 $18.23

Bookbinders.................................................................................................................... 14.74 6,550 30,660 10.17 7.97 13.87 18.33 22.27 

Job printers..................................................................................................................... 54, 15.65 32,560 790 11.22 8.78 14.83 19.42 23.49 

Prepress technicians and workers.................................................................................. 15.95 33,170 82,970 11.43 8.84 15.22 19.91 24.64 

Printing machine operators............................................................................................. 189,900 14.93 31,050 10.59 8.38 14.11 18.52 22.52 

Laundry and dry-cleaning workers.................................................................................. 217,820 8.64 17,960 6.05 6.98 8.14 9.84 11.96 

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials........................................................... 8.61 87,500 17,900 6.21 7.13 8.27 9.85 11.38 

Sewing machine operators............................................................................................. 265,200 9.12 18,960 6.44 7.22 8.51 10.52 12.90 

Shoe and leather workers and repairers......................................................................... 9.98 8,090 20,750 6.74 7.81 9.40 11.35 14.29 

Shoe machine operators and tenders............................................................................ 6,020 10.24 21,300 6.97 8.05 9.89 11.93 14.11 

Sewers, hand.................................................................................................................. 9.57 19,900 6.44 7.46 8.65 10.71 13.98 18,790

Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers..................................................................... 32,150 11.62 24,170 7.04 8.40 10.51 14.04 17.68 

Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders....................................... 10.56 21,960 24,280 7.11 8.56 10.30 12.19 13.95 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................. 32,170 10.47 21,770 7.07 8.02 9.87 12.34 15.27 

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders........................... 11.42 23,740 47,720 7.89 9.56 11.37 13.20 14.87 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders...... 11.08 23,040 60,550 8.50 9.51 10.62 12.16 13.89 

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and 

 glass fibers................................................................................................................................................ 13.68 28,460 26,700 11.15 9.04 13.55 16.21 18.08 

Fabric and apparel patternmakers.................................................................................. 16.30 33,910 10,310 10.18 7.89 13.72 20.65 28.25 

Upholsterers................................................................................................................... 12.97 26,980 39,660 7.61 9.50 12.18 16.05 19.66 

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters............................................................................ 12.56 26,120 126,350 7.82 9.45 11.81 14.98 18.49 

Furniture finishers........................................................................................................... 2 11.82 24,590 8,770 7.49 8.96 11.13 13.76 17.36 

Model makers, wood....................................................................................................... 14.19 3,820 29,520 7.64 9.08 12.24 16.67 26.71 

Patternmakers, wood...................................................................................................... 3,470 14.93 31,060 10.23 7.94 14.25 17.84 24.30 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood ................................................ 11.12 23,130 55,130 7.32 8.70 10.65 13.18 15.92 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing........................ 89,410 11.28 23,470 7.42 8.82 10.76 13.19 16.11 

Nuclear power reactor operators.................................................................................... 3,710 29.99 62,380 23.44 25.98 29.72 33.83 38.61

Power distributors and dispatchers................................................................................. 26.73 55,590 17.24 21.39 26.45 10,270 32.31 37.32 

Power plant operators..................................................................................................... 33,250 24.15 50,220 15.44 19.62 24.45 28.80 33.44 

Stationary engineers and boiler operators...................................................................... 21.32 44,340 12.92 16.45 20.87 48,880 26.16 31.38 

Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators....................................... 95,870 16.89 35,130 12.60 9.93 16.30 20.68 25.40 

Chemical plant and system operators............................................................................ 21.10 43,880 13.98 17.45 21.18 56,270 25.35 28.33 

Gas plant operators........................................................................................................ 11,180 23.53 48,940 17.64 19.95 23.45 27.20 31.32 

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers............................ 22.97 47,780 14.32 19.93 24.02 40,980 26.77 29.12 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders................................................................... 18.75 39,000 11.85 14.77 18.62 59,720 22.86 26.35 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, 

 and tenders................................................................................................................. 15.99 33,260 37,360 11.93 9.32 15.25 19.70 23.97 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders................... 13.57 28,230 43,320 10.10 8.26 12.96 16.40 20.10 

Grinding and polishing workers, hand............................................................................ 12.03 25,030 43,910 7.62 9.05 11.10 13.96 17.80 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders....................................... 13.94 28,990 106,610 10.53 8.51 13.43 16.79 20.59 

Cutters and trimmers, hand............................................................................................ 12.01 24,980 30,110 7.20 8.54 10.79 14.17 18.45 

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................... 13.06 27,170 70,960 8.08 9.88 12.53 15.77 19.10 

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and 

 tenders........................................................................................................................ 73,990 13.84 28,780 10.32 8.52 13.05 16.62 21.15 

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders.......................................... 14.63 30,430 30,320 11.11 9.06 13.95 17.72 21.67 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers..................................................... 14.65 30,470 497,300 10.18 8.09 13.34 17.80 23.91 

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers............................................................ 30,360 14.48 30,120 7.58 9.77 13.06 17.28 22.16 

Dental laboratory technicians.......................................................................................... 15.40 32,030 45,480 10.84 8.52 14.10 18.24 24.00 

Medical appliance technicians........................................................................................ 11,270 14.82 30,820 10.39 8.37 13.41 17.76 22.55 

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians.................................................................................. 11.42 23,760 30,300 7.56 8.84 10.67 13.47 16.73 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders.................................................... 11.40 23,700 400,680 6.99 8.24 10.45 13.74 17.27 

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders...................... 93,110 13.06 27,160 8.32 9.99 12.37 15.47 19.16 

Painters, transportation equipment................................................................................. 17.56 36,520 46,600 12.50 9.85 16.39 21.90 27.00 

Painting, coating, and decorating workers...................................................................... 29,590 11.36 23,640 7.20 8.37 10.41 13.31 17.24 

Photographic process workers....................................................................................... 11.19 23,280 27,170 6.88 7.91 9.79 13.24 17.73 

Photographic processing machine operators................................................................. 54,750 10.14 21,100 6.56 7.57 9.11 11.73 15.54 

Semiconductor processors............................................................................................. 14.14 29,410 50,160 11.03 9.43 13.29 16.53 20.32 

Cementing and gluing machine operators and tenders.................................................. 25,390 11.98 24,920 7.66 9.12 11.24 14.41 17.32 

Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders..................... 17,590 11.99 24,950 7.53 9.01 11.07 14.27 17.96 

Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders................................................. 7,920 11.46 23,830 6.69 8.14 10.31 13.95 18.56 

Etchers and engravers.................................................................................................... 11.94 8,800 24,840 7.10 8.46 10.69 13.85 18.26 

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic............................................... 37,600 12.70 26,420 7.39 9.24 11.91 15.60 19.62 

Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................... 14.29 29,720 109,600 11.26 8.95 13.91 16.95 20.70 

Tire builders.................................................................................................................... 17.59 36,590 14,830 12.63 9.37 19.01 21.74 25.20 

Helpers--production workers.......................................................................................... 10.09 20,980 452,700 6.59 7.67 9.42 11.77 14.85 

Mean wages Percentiles

Table 1. National employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey by occupation, May 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation Employment

Transportation and material moving occupations 

Aircraft cargo handling supervisors................................................................................ 19.63 9,440 40,830 10.55 12.98 17.64 24.77 32.41 

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand......... 154,750 19.19 39,920 11.09 14.07 18.16 23.11 28.55 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine 

 and vehicle operators.................................................................................................. 214,030 22.58 46,960 12.38 15.98 21.08 26.93 34.16 

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers..................................................................... 79,770 (3) 129,880 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Commercial pilots........................................................................................................... 19,980 (3) 57,950 (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

Air traffic controllers........................................................................................................ 44.83 93,240 24.00 23,040 33.75 46.28 58.36 65.44 

Airfield operations specialists......................................................................................... 20.85 5,660 43,380 13.11 9.73 18.79 27.20 33.74 

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 0

Hourly Annual1 10th 25th 50th 

(Median) 75th 90th

Transportation and material moving occupations - Continued 

Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians................. 17,650 $9.73 $20,230 $6.33 $7.42 $9.14 $11.10 $13.73

Bus drivers, transit and intercity...................................................................................... 14.98 31,160 194,400 10.63 8.46 14.29 19.28 22.92 

Bus drivers, school......................................................................................................... 11.05 22,990 467,840 6.20 7.75 10.86 13.65 16.56 

Driver/sales workers....................................................................................................... 11.38 23,660 380,120 6.02 6.99 9.79 14.61 19.63 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer........................................................................... 16.51 34,330 10.02 12.55 16.01 1,528,630 20.01 23.81 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services........................................................................... 12.76 26,530 943,840 7.10 8.82 11.58 15.79 20.79 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs............................................................................................ 10.22 21,260 131,570 6.37 7.42 9.14 11.72 15.51 

Locomotive engineers..................................................................................................... 24.60 51,160 14.03 16.84 22.11 31.81 41.31 30,450

Locomotive firers............................................................................................................ 68 21.67 0 45,080 13.38 18.66 22.75 26.26 28.16 

Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers....................................................... 19.30 5,680 40,140 12.94 15.27 18.01 20.73 24.06 

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators.................................................................. 13,850 23.10 48,040 14.43 17.86 21.59 28.27 35.04 

Railroad conductors and yardmasters............................................................................ 24.36 50,670 15.10 17.83 21.31 34,720 31.12 40.35 

Subway and streetcar operators..................................................................................... 9,880 22.13 46,020 17.66 19.46 22.97 25.61 27.19 

Sailors and marine oilers................................................................................................ 27,570 15.36 31,950 10.92 8.33 14.44 19.26 22.80 

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels................................................................. 25.50 53,050 12.71 17.78 24.51 24,040 31.16 38.98 

Motorboat operators....................................................................................................... 3,680 14.71 30,590 7.57 8.99 12.51 19.79 25.03 

Ship engineers................................................................................................................ 26.39 8,900 54,900 14.26 20.00 26.01 33.07 39.17 

Bridge and lock tenders.................................................................................................. 16.93 3,270 35,220 13.30 9.52 17.97 20.53 23.14 

Parking lot attendants..................................................................................................... 113,490 8.50 17,670 6.13 6.97 8.00 9.55 11.55 

Service station attendants.............................................................................................. 8.71 96,250 18,110 6.26 7.10 8.11 9.68 12.06 

Traffic technicians........................................................................................................... 6 16.85 ,460 35,040 10.16 12.15 16.15 20.67 25.47 

Transportation inspectors............................................................................................... 23.67 49,240 10.40 16.35 23.84 27,890 28.89 38.09 

Conveyor operators and tenders.................................................................................... 12.56 26,120 58,780 8.38 9.83 11.87 14.42 18.18 

Crane and tower operators............................................................................................. 47,420 18.73 38,950 11.20 13.66 17.86 22.51 28.31 

Dredge operators............................................................................................................ 14.17 3,030 29,470 10.42 8.56 13.37 16.83 21.32 

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators............................................... 16.59 34,520 68,740 12.09 9.94 15.46 20.37 25.88 

Loading machine operators, underground mining.......................................................... 15.64 3,560 32,530 10.47 12.52 15.46 18.23 21.56 

Hoist and winch operators.............................................................................................. 17.78 8,560 36,990 11.61 9.50 15.40 21.83 32.25 

Industrial truck and tractor operators.............................................................................. 13.46 27,990 604,350 10.39 8.93 12.68 15.78 19.72 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment............................................................................... 9.15 19,030 320,840 6.08 6.98 8.27 10.41 13.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand................................................ 2,255,780 10.41 21,650 6.67 7.76 9.58 12.14 15.74 

Machine feeders and offbearers..................................................................................... 11.27 23,430 159,160 7.34 8.62 10.57 13.17 16.50 

Packers and packagers, hand........................................................................................ 901,890 8.85 18,410 6.07 6.94 8.14 10.25 12.95 

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators..................................................... 21.20 6,190 44,100 13.77 17.49 20.97 25.13 28.76 

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers................................................................... 12,260 18.60 38,680 13.40 9.68 18.00 24.62 27.85 

Wellhead pumpers.......................................................................................................... 15.73 8,560 32,720 11.78 8.88 14.89 19.85 23.99 

Refuse and recyclable material collectors...................................................................... 138,480 12.51 26,030 6.31 8.22 11.56 15.86 21.05 

Shuttle car operators...................................................................................................... 18.17 3,040 37,800 14.10 16.00 18.79 20.83 22.22 

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders................................................................................... 16,210 17.13 35,630 12.21 9.75 15.90 21.28 27.20 

2 Represents a wage above $70.00 per hour.

3

 Hourly wage rates for occupations where workers typically work fewer than 2,080 hours per year are not available.

Mean wages Percentiles

Employment

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 2003 - 

Continued

Occupation
6 1

See footnotes at end of table. 

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Logging (NAICS 113300)

Logging equipment operators................................................................................................................................. 21,460 32.0 13.66 $ 28,410 $ 10.43 $ 16.51 $ 

Fallers..................................................................................................................................................................... 7,970 11.9 16.09 33,460 10.57 19.11 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 7,850 11.7 13.50 28,080 10.60 16.11 

First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers............................................................. 2,240 3.3 21.68 45,100 15.17 25.21 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood........................................................................................ 1,810 2.7 11.07 23,020 9.03 12.89 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,7 2.6 20 10.54 21,920 7.69 12.03 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,340 9.76 2.0 20,300 6.75 11.18 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,290 1.9 11.82 24,590 8.56 14.43 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,2 1.8 00 29.74 61,850 17.21 39.13 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,08 1.6 0 9.62 20,010 6.85 11.49 

Support activities for crop production (NAICS 115100)

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse.................................................................................. 162,670 58.0 7.73 16,080 6.93 8.22 

Graders and sorters, agricultural products............................................................................................................. 16,960 6.0 7.32 15,230 6.84 7.87 

Agricultural equipment operators........................................................................................................................... 13,860 8.74 4.9 18,180 6.86 10.03 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,9 2.8 30 7.98 16,600 6.54 8.79 

First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers............................................................. 5,760 2.1 15.64 32,530 10.29 18.80 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 4,330 1.5 11.60 24,130 8.65 13.59 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,240 0.8 12.92 26,870 9.33 15.98 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,2 0.8 20 36.33 75,560 20.86 45.42 

Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals.................................................................................................................. 2,120 0.8 7.93 16,490 6.90 7.75 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,910 9.91 0.7 20,610 7.63 11.33 

Support activities for animal production (NAICS 115200)

Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals.................................................................................................................. 9,160 35.7 9.24 19,220 7.37 10.57 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 2,590 10.1 9.45 19,670 7.38 10.64 

Animal trainers....................................................................................................................................................... 1,480 12.86 5.8 26,750 8.84 16.34 

Animal breeders..................................................................................................................................................... 1,080 4.2 15.14 31,490 9.99 19.50 

First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers............................................................. 740 2.9 16.65 34,620 11.92 20.64 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 740 9.48 2.9 19,720 7.33 11.39 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 520 2.0 10.57 21,980 8.08 11.92 

Agricultural and food science technicians.............................................................................................................. 480 1.9 12.31 25,610 9.59 13.57 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 460 1.8 32.37 67,330 21.65 37.28 

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping............................................................................ 420 1.6 11.07 23,020 8.48 12.69 

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211100)

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.................................................................... 8,640 7.3 21.37 44,450 15.63 25.56 

Petroleum engineers.............................................................................................................................................. 5,390 4.6 46.04 95,770 34.70 56.37 

Wellhead pumpers................................................................................................................................................. 5,270 16.25 4.5 33,800 11.98 20.74 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 5,140 25.97 4.4 54,020 20.14 30.46 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,1 4.3 20 60.34 125,510 38.06 (2)

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers............................................................................................. 4,700 4.0 45.72 95,110 33.56 56.05 

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers........................................................................................................... 4,290 19.47 3.6 40,500 14.72 25.35 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 4,090 3.5 15.88 33,040 12.21 18.92 

Roustabouts, oil and gas........................................................................................................................................ 3,610 3.1 13.83 28,760 9.87 17.48 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,340 13.39 2.8 27,860 8.93 16.99 

Coal mining (NAICS 212100)

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 7,030 10.1 18.23 37,920 14.00 21.58 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 4,220 6.0 30.22 62,850 21.74 35.37 

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators....................................................................................... 3,940 5.6 18.83 39,170 14.24 23.29 

Roof bolters, mining............................................................................................................................................... 3,760 5.4 18.39 38,250 16.15 20.66 

Continuous mining machine operators................................................................................................................... 3,350 4.8 17.69 36,800 15.12 20.40 

Helpers--extraction workers................................................................................................................................... 3,220 16.91 4.6 35,170 14.71 19.72 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 2,800 4.0 20.58 42,800 16.63 24.86 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 2,750 3.9 21.20 44,100 18.68 23.14 

Shuttle car operators.............................................................................................................................................. 2,720 3.9 18.45 38,370 16.37 20.86 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,660 3.8 19.49 40,540 17.60 21.76 

Metal ore mining (NAICS 212200)

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 1,480 5.5 18.04 37,520 15.54 20.62 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 1,430 5.3 20.95 43,570 18.26 24.18 

Continuous mining machine operators................................................................................................................... 1,320 4.9 20.15 41,920 18.37 22.49 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 1,180 4.4 19.90 41,390 18.58 22.22 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders............................ 1,140 4.3 17.53 36,470 15.13 20.74 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 910 3.4 19.43 40,420 17.29 22.04 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 880 3.3 19.10 39,730 17.61 21.27 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................... 830 3.1 18.33 38,120 16.12 21.07 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 820 3.1 20.30 42,230 18.14 22.22 

Mine cutting and channeling machine operators.................................................................................................... 810 3.0 20.87 43,400 19.38 22.49 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles
6 2

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying (NAICS 212300)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 10,560 9.7 14.52 $ 30,190 $ 11.65 $ 16.70 $ 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 9,280 8.5 15.96 33,190 12.41 18.28 

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators....................................................................................... 7,210 6.6 14.37 29,890 11.18 16.72 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................... 4,600 4.2 14.41 29,980 11.30 16.49 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,650 3.4 16.35 34,000 13.32 19.29 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 3,600 3.3 24.05 50,030 17.38 28.93 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,9 2.7 30 40.89 85,050 26.07 47.63 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 2,770 2.6 16.64 34,600 13.57 18.89 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,7 2.5 60 12.63 26,270 9.56 15.58 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2,460 13.13 2.3 27,310 10.49 15.70 

Support activities for mining (NAICS 213100)

Roustabouts, oil and gas........................................................................................................................................ 19,330 11.0 12.15 25,260 9.06 14.55 

Helpers--extraction workers................................................................................................................................... 13,150 13.19 7.5 27,440 10.27 15.30 

Derrick operators, oil and gas................................................................................................................................ 12,680 7.2 15.39 32,020 12.07 17.44 

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas........................................................................................................................... 11 6.4 ,270 18.59 38,660 14.11 21.61 

Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining........................................................................................................... 9,130 5.2 15.90 33,080 11.55 19.18 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 8,920 5.1 26.17 54,440 18.97 32.50 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 6,300 3.6 12.73 26,470 10.28 13.93 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,4 3.1 50 41.51 86,340 27.11 50.65 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 2,920 1.7 15.80 32,870 11.55 20.09 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 2,88 1.6 0 11.12 23,140 7.87 13.61 

Electric power generation, transmission and distribution (NAICS 221100)

Electrical power-line installers and repairers.......................................................................................................... 48,870 24.27 11.6 50,490 20.51 28.32 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 22,640 17.62 5.4 36,650 13.43 21.26 

Power plant operators............................................................................................................................................ 20,560 25.32 4.9 52,670 21.62 29.22 

Meter readers, utilities............................................................................................................................................ 14,160 16.34 3.4 33,990 12.64 20.05 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 13,360 3.2 31.84 66,220 27.31 36.69 

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay................................................................ 13,260 3.2 25.45 52,930 22.96 28.48 

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door...................................................................... 8,860 24.95 2.1 51,890 21.31 29.18 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 8,360 24.75 2.0 51,480 21.87 28.27 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 8,270 2.0 25.84 53,740 23.51 29.17 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 8,180 2.0 35.90 74,680 30.43 41.90 

Natural gas distribution (NAICS 221200)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 9,620 8.5 18.26 37,970 13.40 23.16 

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door...................................................................... 7,980 23.08 7.1 48,010 19.38 27.09 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 6,250 21.89 5.6 45,530 17.94 26.46 

Meter readers, utilities............................................................................................................................................ 5,800 17.62 5.2 36,650 13.49 22.00 

Gas plant operators................................................................................................................................................ 3,120 25.06 2.8 52,120 21.03 28.82 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,340 16.88 2.1 35,110 13.13 20.81 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 2,100 1.9 28.17 58,600 23.95 32.99 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 2,070 1.8 29.45 61,260 25.49 33.97 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 1,980 1.8 27.38 56,950 22.48 32.78 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,770 1.6 22.49 46,790 19.14 26.35 

Water, sewage and other systems (NAICS 221300)

Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators.............................................................................. 8,300 17.2 16.23 33,760 11.93 20.25 

Meter readers, utilities............................................................................................................................................ 2,900 12.88 6.0 26,790 8.70 16.24 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,1 4.4 30 36.65 76,230 23.92 44.13 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 2,100 15.40 4.3 32,040 11.11 19.28 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,88 3.9 0 10.85 22,560 7.29 13.21 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,870 3.9 16.82 34,990 11.91 21.81 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,790 3.7 13.13 27,320 9.52 16.33 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,680 15.12 3.5 31,440 10.98 18.87 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,560 3.2 25.55 53,150 19.37 29.89 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,540 10.86 3.2 22,590 7.27 13.47 

Residential building construction (NAICS 236100)

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 257,840 31.3 17.10 35,560 12.63 20.68 

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 91,100 13.27 11.1 27,610 9.65 15.11 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 70,730 8.6 24.21 50,370 18.14 28.22 

Helpers--carpenters................................................................................................................................................ 38,790 10.54 4.7 21,920 8.41 12.45 

Construction managers.......................................................................................................................................... 35,620 34.70 4.3 72,190 21.85 39.66 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 25,9 3.2 40 11.91 24,770 8.67 13.87 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 25,560 11.13 3.1 23,160 7.49 13.80 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 25,000 3.0 14.06 29,240 10.35 16.95 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 22, 2.8 630 45.08 93,760 25.51 56.21 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 13,620 1.7 16.10 33,490 12.79 18.78 

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 3

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Nonresidential building construction (NAICS 236200)

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 140,590 18.8 19.55 $ 40,660 $ 14.21 $ 24.43 $ 

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 110,190 14.41 14.7 29,980 9.83 18.23 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 72,710 9.7 26.06 54,200 19.83 31.36 

Construction managers.......................................................................................................................................... 43,880 35.85 5.9 74,560 25.87 42.62 

Cement masons and concrete finishers................................................................................................................. 20,220 17.02 2.7 35,410 12.51 21.52 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 18, 2.5 830 48.25 100,360 28.95 59.95 

Helpers--carpenters................................................................................................................................................ 17,070 2.3 11.86 24,670 9.21 13.59 

Cost estimators...................................................................................................................................................... 16,900 2.3 28.49 59,250 20.74 34.91 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 14,750 2.0 21.57 44,860 16.18 26.90 

Structural iron and steel workers............................................................................................................................ 14,410 1.9 18.43 38,340 13.79 22.52 

Utility system construction (NAICS 237100)

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 79,910 13.90 20.8 28,920 9.35 17.34 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 38,140 9.9 19.58 40,720 13.56 25.08 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 26,170 6.8 23.88 49,680 17.98 28.16 

Pipelayers............................................................................................................................................................... 20,620 5.4 15.18 31,570 10.68 18.91 

Electrical power-line installers and repairers.......................................................................................................... 13,920 3.6 18.45 38,380 13.32 22.94 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 12,790 15.36 3.3 31,940 11.22 17.95 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 12,010 19.31 3.1 40,160 13.15 24.63 

Earth drillers, except oil and gas............................................................................................................................ 9 2.5 ,490 16.00 33,290 12.10 18.64 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 9,330 2.4 16.52 34,360 12.29 19.61 

Construction managers.......................................................................................................................................... 8,910 34.19 2.3 71,120 24.60 40.43 

Land subdivision (NAICS 237200)

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 4,530 5.4 10.29 21,400 8.07 11.81 

Property, real estate, and community association managers................................................................................. 4,200 5.0 39.64 82,460 18.44 52.44 

Real estate sales agents........................................................................................................................................ 4,180 5.0 28.72 59,750 13.33 34.58 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 4,02 4.8 0 13.09 27,230 9.82 15.98 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 4,000 4.8 18.56 38,600 14.79 21.38 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,760 4.5 16.11 33,500 12.67 19.32 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,700 11.84 4.4 24,620 8.36 14.30 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,490 4.2 14.68 30,540 10.99 17.36 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,3 4.0 70 55.78 116,020 29.72 (2)

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 3,300 3.9 27.92 58,060 20.24 33.81 

Highway, street, and bridge construction (NAICS 237300)

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 86,800 15.64 24.6 32,540 9.85 20.93 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 52,180 14.8 20.31 42,240 13.72 26.27 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 26,380 7.5 15.65 32,560 11.32 19.07 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 26,080 7.4 24.47 50,900 18.66 29.14 

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators............................................................................................ 19,110 5.4 16.43 34,170 11.09 20.92 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 15,090 4.3 20.02 41,650 13.82 25.83 

Cement masons and concrete finishers................................................................................................................. 11,480 3.3 16.84 35,030 11.55 21.99 

Construction managers.......................................................................................................................................... 8,310 35.40 2.4 73,620 25.19 41.33 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 5,990 1.7 18.34 38,150 13.72 22.30 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,6 1.6 00 45.99 95,650 27.64 56.83 

Other heavy and civil engineering construction (NAICS 237900)

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 21,590 13.83 19.4 28,760 9.51 16.83 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 14,120 12.7 18.84 39,180 12.73 23.43 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 6,550 5.9 24.38 50,710 18.23 28.98 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 4,110 3.7 20.46 42,550 14.32 26.54 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 3,590 3.2 15.83 32,920 10.99 19.83 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 2,950 2.7 20.72 43,100 15.62 25.06 

Construction managers.......................................................................................................................................... 2,850 37.82 2.6 78,670 25.12 45.73 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,2 2.0 20 44.40 92,350 26.59 54.59 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,990 11.29 1.8 23,490 7.69 13.77 

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators....................................................................................... 1,960 1.8 16.14 33,580 12.16 18.90 

Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors (NAICS 238100)

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 131,590 13.8 17.50 36,390 12.38 21.75 

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 112,770 13.51 11.8 28,090 9.60 15.94 

Roofers................................................................................................................................................................... 99,790 15.85 10.4 32,970 11.32 19.50 

Brickmasons and blockmasons.............................................................................................................................. 79,870 20.41 8.4 42,450 15.65 24.96 

Cement masons and concrete finishers................................................................................................................. 74,890 15.93 7.8 33,130 11.53 19.08 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 49,880 5.2 24.72 51,420 18.05 28.90 

Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters................................................. 42, 4.4 500 13.04 27,130 9.78 14.88 

Structural iron and steel workers............................................................................................................................ 31,370 21.78 3.3 45,310 15.79 27.80 

Glaziers.................................................................................................................................................................. 30,190 17.89 3.2 37,220 12.20 22.66 

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers........................................................................................................................ 18,370 19.21 1.9 39,960 12.40 25.42 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 4

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Building equipment contractors (NAICS 238200)

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 399,280 22.0 21.12 $ 43,920 $ 14.48 $ 26.79 $ 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 300,610 21.25 16.5 44,200 14.90 27.10 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.................................................................... 119,140 6.6 17.15 35,680 12.37 20.96 

Sheet metal workers............................................................................................................................................... 91,460 5.0 19.16 39,850 12.89 25.11 

Helpers--electricians............................................................................................................................................... 84,400 4.6 11.90 24,760 9.36 13.96 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 67,180 3.7 27.46 57,110 19.74 33.29 

Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.................................................................................. 6 3.4 1,810 11.41 23,740 9.15 13.16 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 42,6 2.4 50 11.67 24,280 8.76 13.60 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 41,720 11.42 2.3 23,760 8.36 13.64 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 38, 2.1 960 44.14 91,800 25.72 54.97 

Building finishing contractors (NAICS 238300)

Painters, construction and maintenance................................................................................................................ 152,480 17.3 15.42 32,080 11.32 18.09 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 115,350 13.1 18.76 39,030 13.04 24.12 

Drywall and ceiling tile installers............................................................................................................................. 93,690 10.7 17.91 37,260 12.74 22.09 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 38,200 4.3 25.19 52,400 17.69 29.30 

Plasterers and stucco masons............................................................................................................................... 37,420 4.3 17.31 36,010 12.41 20.92 

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 35,590 4.1 12.97 26,980 9.35 15.05 

Insulation workers.................................................................................................................................................. 30,690 15.22 3.5 31,660 10.06 18.08 

Tile and marble setters........................................................................................................................................... 29,770 18.06 3.4 37,560 12.96 22.11 

Tapers.................................................................................................................................................................... 29,620 19.33 3.4 40,200 14.35 24.52 

Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons......................................................................... 20,710 2.4 10.90 22,680 8.04 11.76 

Other specialty trade contractors (NAICS 238900)

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 119,300 13.99 19.8 29,090 9.71 17.18 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 73,900 12.3 19.00 39,510 13.26 24.13 

Cement masons and concrete finishers................................................................................................................. 40,600 16.96 6.7 35,280 11.93 20.48 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 38,560 6.4 15.41 32,060 11.93 17.81 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 32,770 5.4 24.05 50,030 17.58 27.64 

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators....................................................................................... 21,360 3.5 17.55 36,510 12.67 22.04 

Fence erectors....................................................................................................................................................... 15,960 2.7 11.92 24,800 9.02 14.09 

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators............................................................................................ 14,240 2.4 16.55 34,430 11.09 19.86 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 14,200 2.4 18.29 38,040 12.70 23.49 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 12, 2.0 140 40.47 84,180 23.95 48.43 

Animal food manufacturing (NAICS 311100)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 3,990 8.0 14.77 30,720 11.92 17.27 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 3,160 6.3 12.40 25,790 9.48 14.99 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,8 5.6 10 10.91 22,700 8.14 12.97 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2, 4.8 420 13.43 27,930 11.64 15.29 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 2,350 4.7 12.50 26,010 9.90 14.57 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,060 4.1 20.18 41,980 14.61 24.19 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 1,700 3.4 23.92 49,760 15.65 30.19 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,690 3.4 15.96 33,200 12.84 18.72 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 1,560 3.1 12.20 25,390 9.57 14.68 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................... 1,410 2.8 11.83 24,600 9.31 14.02 

Grain and oilseed milling (NAICS 311200)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 6,140 10.0 14.70 30,570 10.42 18.25 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,040 4.9 22.45 46,690 16.06 27.66 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 2,460 4.0 13.15 27,350 9.66 15.90 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2,400 15.01 3.9 31,220 11.53 18.11 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders............................ 2,220 3.6 15.48 32,210 12.25 19.28 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,180 3.5 16.99 35,340 13.83 20.33 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,0 3.4 70 12.40 25,780 9.09 15.26 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................... 1,800 2.9 13.95 29,020 11.64 16.42 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,670 2.7 11.49 23,900 8.91 13.72 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 1,670 2.7 18.14 37,730 15.25 21.22 

Sugar and confectionery product manufacturing (NAICS 311300)

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 7,870 9.0 10.21 21,240 7.81 12.05 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 7,600 11.14 8.7 23,180 8.25 13.64 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 7,420 8.4 12.44 25,880 9.32 15.46 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,340 10.63 4.9 22,110 7.68 13.01 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 3,550 8.14 4.0 16,940 6.79 8.74 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 2,530 7.72 2.9 16,050 6.47 8.62 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,490 2.8 17.31 36,010 14.63 20.35 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,400 2.7 22.27 46,330 15.93 26.38 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,1 2.5 90 10.68 22,220 8.44 12.57 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 2,150 2.5 14.38 29,910 11.86 16.74 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 5

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing (NAICS 311400)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 23,050 12.8 11.47 $ 23,850 $ 8.51 $ 13.90 $ 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 10,120 5.6 10.37 21,570 7.63 12.54 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 10,030 5.6 13.07 27,190 10.97 15.47 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 9,3 5.2 60 10.27 21,360 7.77 12.05 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 9,050 5.0 11.95 24,860 8.98 14.99 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 8,670 4.8 9.83 20,440 7.87 11.44 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 7,340 4.1 11.92 24,800 8.96 13.97 

Food cooking machine operators and tenders....................................................................................................... 6,400 3.6 12.32 25,620 9.78 14.49 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 5,930 3.3 16.51 34,340 13.85 19.55 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,650 3.1 20.06 41,730 14.74 24.72 

Dairy product manufacturing (NAICS 311500)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 13,82 10.2 0 13.70 28,490 10.91 16.41 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 8,450 12.63 6.3 26,270 9.80 15.40 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 8,2 6.1 20 13.33 27,730 10.69 15.86 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 6,860 5.1 12.24 25,450 10.08 13.87 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 6,780 5.0 10.33 21,490 7.82 12.58 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 6,330 4.7 17.45 36,290 14.54 20.67 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 5,230 3.9 14.23 29,590 12.11 16.52 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,790 3.6 21.24 44,180 16.17 25.80 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders............................ 4,490 3.3 14.39 29,930 12.05 16.79 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 4,130 3.1 16.75 34,850 13.15 20.29 

Animal slaughtering and processing (NAICS 311600)

Slaughterers and meat packers............................................................................................................................. 118,460 22.9 9.94 20,680 8.53 11.14 

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers.......................................................................................................... 109,150 21.1 8.90 18,520 7.72 10.00 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 20,46 4.0 0 10.10 21,000 8.10 11.27 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 18, 3.6 710 9.81 20,400 8.20 10.93 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 16,090 3.1 9.32 19,380 7.70 10.69 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 15,540 3.0 18.70 38,900 14.77 21.85 

Butchers and meat cutters..................................................................................................................................... 15,000 2.9 10.54 21,920 8.57 12.05 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 11,210 2.2 9.17 19,070 7.54 10.44 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 11,050 2.1 14.26 29,660 11.72 16.40 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,700 1.7 11.22 23,340 9.19 12.67 

Seafood product preparation and packaging (NAICS 311700)

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers.......................................................................................................... 9,160 22.5 8.89 18,500 7.02 9.91 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 3,760 9.2 8.58 17,840 6.94 9.77 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,6 6.5 60 9.39 19,520 7.11 10.96 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 2,120 5.2 8.49 17,660 6.55 9.58 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,380 3.4 19.15 39,840 12.17 24.38 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 1,250 3.1 10.54 21,930 8.01 12.56 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 1,110 2.7 8.40 17,480 6.53 9.94 

Graders and sorters, agricultural products............................................................................................................. 1,060 2.6 7.85 16,320 6.33 8.92 

Slaughterers and meat packers............................................................................................................................. 860 2.1 7.67 15,950 6.37 8.54 

Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders........................................................................................ 810 2.0 8.30 17,260 6.22 9.03 

Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing (NAICS 311800)

Bakers.................................................................................................................................................................... 47,260 16.0 11.58 24,080 8.25 14.09 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 20,930 7.1 10.18 21,170 7.62 12.27 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 14,390 11.80 4.9 24,550 8.60 14.70 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 14,190 8.12 4.8 16,890 6.75 8.82 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 13,97 4.7 0 12.36 25,700 9.41 14.88 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 13,480 10.94 4.6 22,750 7.77 13.63 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 9,600 3.2 19.94 41,480 15.10 23.76 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 8,490 2.9 16.28 33,850 11.93 20.12 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 8,470 2.9 7.88 16,380 6.91 8.58 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 8,450 2.9 10.10 21,000 6.79 9.33 

Other food manufacturing (NAICS 311900)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 13,92 9.2 0 12.41 25,810 9.46 15.31 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 13,810 9.1 10.98 22,840 8.40 13.43 

Food batchmakers.................................................................................................................................................. 9,330 11.74 6.1 24,420 8.39 14.49 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 6,210 13.38 4.1 27,820 11.10 15.85 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,840 3.2 21.15 43,980 15.11 25.93 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,8 3.2 30 11.02 22,920 8.50 13.09 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,300 2.8 10.00 20,790 8.23 11.17 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,680 2.4 17.63 36,660 14.50 20.84 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 3,660 2.4 27.29 56,750 17.29 35.52 

Food cooking machine operators and tenders....................................................................................................... 3,440 2.3 11.04 22,960 8.43 13.47 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 6

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Beverage manufacturing (NAICS 312100)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 19,490 11.3 13.70 $ 28,490 $ 9.74 $ 16.28 $ 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 9,300 5.4 16.18 33,640 12.75 19.37 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 8,630 5.0 22.60 47,000 15.08 26.70 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 8,3 4.9 90 11.69 24,320 8.81 14.01 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 7,480 13.76 4.3 28,610 11.38 16.01 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 6,30 3.7 0 13.82 28,740 10.31 16.93 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,230 2.5 22.54 46,870 17.53 26.81 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 4,120 2.4 18.31 38,090 14.66 21.87 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders............................ 3,940 2.3 16.18 33,650 11.75 19.16 

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers......................................................................... 3,240 1.9 14.90 31,000 12.59 17.31 

Tobacco manufacturing (NAICS 312200)

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,210 10.8 13.52 28,130 9.01 18.94 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 2,510 8.4 23.58 49,060 16.65 31.08 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 1,660 5.6 21.99 45,740 15.46 27.30 

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders...................................... 1,600 5.4 17.78 36,980 10.48 24.84 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,3 4.6 70 10.75 22,350 7.74 13.67 

Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders............................ 1,370 4.6 25.36 52,750 23.42 31.21 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,240 12.67 4.2 26,360 8.91 16.62 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,080 3.6 13.72 28,540 9.37 16.99 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 930 3.1 22.83 47,480 16.02 29.86 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 590 2.0 13.23 27,530 8.85 17.28 

Fiber, yarn, and thread mills (NAICS 313100)

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 24,550 40.4 10.40 21,620 9.48 11.36 

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders.................................................................. 3,900 6.4 11.37 23,650 9.97 12.88 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 2,770 4.6 13.72 28,540 12.14 15.00 

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers................................. 2,390 3.9 11.06 23,010 9.32 12.75 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,360 3.9 19.87 41,340 15.95 22.76 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,020 3.3 13.59 28,260 11.91 15.34 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,4 2.3 00 10.22 21,250 9.25 11.11 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,370 2.3 11.45 23,820 10.03 12.89 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,210 11.00 2.0 22,880 9.73 12.53 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,090 1.8 9.55 19,870 8.85 10.49 

Fabric mills (NAICS 313200)

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders.................................................................. 25,480 18.5 11.78 24,500 10.07 13.37 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 13,430 9.8 10.72 22,290 9.36 12.06 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 6,480 4.7 10.92 22,720 9.33 12.37 

Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders............................................................................... 5,440 4.0 10.93 22,730 9.44 12.30 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,220 3.8 19.98 41,550 15.73 23.14 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 4,880 3.5 9.94 20,670 7.67 11.27 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 4,430 3.2 15.61 32,460 12.92 17.47 

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers................................. 4,010 2.9 13.94 29,000 11.74 16.46 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,9 2.9 80 10.60 22,050 9.05 11.62 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,360 2.4 10.07 20,950 8.48 11.17 

Textile and fabric finishing and fabric coating mills (NAICS 313300)

Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders............................................................................... 10,380 13.3 10.77 22,400 8.55 12.55 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,860 5.0 10.93 22,740 9.26 12.31 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 3,520 4.5 9.49 19,730 8.01 10.83 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 3,470 4.5 10.21 21,230 9.36 11.04 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,440 4.4 19.44 40,430 14.69 22.74 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,5 3.2 20 10.03 20,860 8.65 11.07 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 2,420 3.1 9.65 20,070 7.73 10.75 

Printing machine operators.................................................................................................................................... 2,360 3.0 11.39 23,690 8.59 13.42 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 2,100 2.7 11.17 23,240 8.85 13.34 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,060 2.6 12.05 25,070 9.64 14.07 

Textile furnishings mills (NAICS 314100)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 20,610 18.6 9.16 19,050 7.49 10.42 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 7,030 6.4 11.14 23,170 10.02 12.44 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 5,330 4.8 10.54 21,920 9.22 11.87 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 4,400 4.0 8.87 18,440 7.48 10.15 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 4,180 11.78 3.8 24,500 9.08 14.60 

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders.................................................................. 3,910 3.5 12.01 24,990 9.89 14.03 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,850 3.5 18.56 38,610 13.79 22.35 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,7 3.4 30 9.16 19,050 7.58 10.65 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 3,480 3.1 10.00 20,810 8.00 11.32 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 3,400 11.35 3.1 23,610 9.81 12.89 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 7

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Other textile product mills (NAICS 314900)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 21,960 28.1 9.35 $ 19,450 $ 7.55 $ 10.70 $ 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 4,570 10.76 5.9 22,380 8.21 12.74 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,550 4.6 18.45 38,370 13.21 21.99 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 2,770 3.6 10.93 22,740 8.70 13.14 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,9 2.6 90 9.89 20,560 8.02 11.27 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 1,920 2.5 23.49 48,870 14.54 27.60 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 1,880 2.4 10.15 21,110 7.88 11.97 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,7 2.3 60 40.99 85,260 22.30 51.81 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,660 2.1 10.27 21,370 7.65 12.46 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,550 2.0 10.88 22,640 8.78 12.48 

Apparel knitting mills (NAICS 315100)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 8,580 18.1 8.85 18,410 7.34 10.32 

Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders.................................................................. 6,190 13.1 10.18 21,180 8.63 11.36 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,720 5.7 9.27 19,280 7.92 10.59 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 2,610 5.5 8.88 18,470 7.28 10.34 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 2,200 13.21 4.6 27,490 11.66 14.52 

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials................................................................................................... 2,020 4.3 9.65 20,070 8.70 10.84 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,8 3.8 10 9.13 18,980 7.80 10.20 

Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders............................................................................... 1,810 3.8 10.25 21,320 8.70 11.46 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,480 3.1 16.59 34,510 12.35 19.14 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,260 11.18 2.7 23,260 8.61 12.64 

Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (NAICS 315200)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 112,510 44.0 8.31 17,270 6.97 9.11 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,170 3.2 9.44 19,630 7.19 10.64 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 7,780 3.0 16.99 35,340 11.57 20.40 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 7,060 2.8 10.25 21,310 7.89 11.46 

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials................................................................................................... 7,050 2.8 9.19 19,120 7.15 10.71 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 6,730 2.6 10.05 20,900 7.54 11.90 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 6,4 2.5 20 9.06 18,850 7.36 10.41 

Sewers, hand.......................................................................................................................................................... 6,240 2.4 9.01 18,740 7.28 9.39 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 5,950 2.3 8.86 18,430 7.10 10.39 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 4,010 1.6 31.75 66,030 17.66 42.77 

Apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing (NAICS 315900)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 8,920 35.2 8.25 17,150 6.83 9.31 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,660 8.79 6.6 18,290 7.12 10.01 

Sewers, hand.......................................................................................................................................................... 1,260 7.75 5.0 16,110 6.08 8.77 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,100 4.4 16.62 34,560 11.49 20.41 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 700 2.8 9.19 19,110 7.15 10.68 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 650 2.6 8.38 17,440 7.05 9.55 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 650 2.6 10.12 21,050 8.00 11.67 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 530 2.1 8.62 17,920 7.07 9.72 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 500 2.0 23.27 48,400 12.47 29.51 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 460 1.8 44.41 92,370 23.67 57.41 

Leather and hide tanning and finishing (NAICS 316100)

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 760 8.9 11.55 24,030 9.58 13.60 

Shoe and leather workers and repairers................................................................................................................ 720 12.49 8.4 25,990 8.94 15.73 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 520 14.81 6.1 30,800 8.79 19.86 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 330 3.9 19.79 41,170 15.71 23.07 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 290 3.4 9.96 20,730 7.78 11.61 

Laundry and dry-cleaning workers......................................................................................................................... 270 3.2 7.45 15,490 6.28 7.85 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 230 9.63 2.7 20,030 6.78 12.18 

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................. 210 2.5 13.23 27,520 11.20 15.50 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 170 2.0 14.95 31,090 12.11 17.22 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 140 1.6 12.82 26,670 9.52 16.40 

Footwear manufacturing (NAICS 316200)

Shoe machine operators and tenders.................................................................................................................... 5,070 10.22 26.1 21,270 8.07 11.91 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 1,810 9.3 9.60 19,970 7.87 10.94 

Shoe and leather workers and repairers................................................................................................................ 1,400 7.2 9.80 20,380 8.28 10.91 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,280 6.6 10.84 22,550 8.09 12.60 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 710 3.7 9.79 20,360 7.47 12.19 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 580 3.0 18.75 39,000 13.92 22.27 

Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders........................................................................................ 520 2.7 8.78 18,270 6.73 10.82 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 410 2.1 11.13 23,140 9.35 12.77 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 380 2.0 10.19 21,200 8.54 11.32 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 350 1.8 9.27 19,280 7.65 10.73 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 8

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Other leather and allied product manufacturing (NAICS 316900)

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 3,870 20.1 9.14 $ 19,000 $ 7.40 $ 10.51 $ 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 2,380 9.30 12.4 19,340 7.32 10.77 

Shoe and leather workers and repairers................................................................................................................ 1,620 9.31 8.4 19,370 7.30 10.77 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 860 4.5 9.61 20,000 7.55 11.31 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 770 4.0 17.98 37,400 12.50 21.62 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 750 3.9 10.92 22,720 8.08 12.61 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 590 3.1 8.05 16,740 6.92 8.81 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 420 2.2 25.08 52,160 15.02 32.47 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 390 2.0 39.78 82,750 21.50 51.45 

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................................................. 360 1.9 8.92 18,540 7.12 10.36 

Sawmills and wood preservation (NAICS 321100)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 14, 12.3 470 9.64 20,050 7.68 11.11 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood........................................................................................ 13,050 11.1 12.00 24,960 9.22 14.28 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 8,270 11.69 7.0 24,320 9.52 13.63 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 7,900 10.89 6.7 22,650 8.36 12.86 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing................................................................ 6,940 5.9 11.37 23,650 8.77 13.48 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,880 4.1 9.84 20,470 7.96 11.16 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,610 3.1 21.01 43,700 15.56 25.58 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 3,320 2.8 13.53 28,140 10.37 16.25 

Logging equipment operators................................................................................................................................. 3,040 2.6 11.95 24,850 9.33 14.04 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,820 2.4 14.24 29,610 11.57 16.55 

Veneer, plywood, and engineered wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 15,830 10.99 13.9 22,870 8.71 12.97 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing................................................................ 8,120 7.1 11.28 23,450 8.74 13.37 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 6,350 5.6 11.42 23,750 8.89 14.02 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood........................................................................................ 6,010 5.3 11.39 23,690 8.95 13.53 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 5,060 12.51 4.5 26,020 10.47 14.44 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,5 4.0 20 10.77 22,390 8.30 13.13 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,380 3.9 19.88 41,350 14.71 24.21 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,560 3.1 10.16 21,140 8.02 11.85 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 3,140 2.8 11.80 24,540 8.93 13.53 

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters................................................................................................................... 2,440 10.50 2.2 21,850 8.06 11.57 

Other wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 45,370 11.15 14.6 23,200 8.95 12.98 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing................................................................ 26,230 8.5 10.90 22,680 8.66 12.80 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 20,540 6.6 13.55 28,180 10.24 15.68 

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters................................................................................................................... 16,380 5.3 12.09 25,150 8.79 14.49 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood........................................................................................ 15,000 4.8 10.57 21,980 8.36 12.39 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 13, 4.3 470 9.80 20,380 7.82 11.27 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 11,190 3.6 18.83 39,160 13.90 22.34 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 10,360 3.3 9.84 20,470 8.14 11.20 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 9,000 2.9 9.50 19,750 7.58 11.06 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 8,150 11.42 2.6 23,750 9.41 13.25 

Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills (NAICS 322100)

Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................................................... 22,500 14.5 17.35 36,090 13.90 20.77 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 6,890 4.4 21.56 44,840 17.80 25.98 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 6,580 4.2 14.23 29,590 11.22 17.20 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,250 3.4 29.58 61,530 21.91 37.47 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 4,940 3.2 22.11 45,980 18.36 26.16 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,8 3.1 80 14.49 30,140 11.43 17.74 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 4, 2.9 500 16.04 33,370 12.80 19.44 

Millwrights............................................................................................................................................................... 3,800 2.5 22.91 47,650 19.70 26.62 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 3,280 2.1 23.16 48,170 19.66 26.88 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 3,030 2.0 18.44 38,360 13.32 22.89 

Converted paper product manufacturing (NAICS 322200)

Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................................................... 68,630 18.5 13.68 28,450 11.21 16.18 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 22,570 6.1 11.22 23,330 9.11 13.25 

Printing machine operators.................................................................................................................................... 17,160 4.6 15.52 32,280 12.30 18.44 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 16,010 4.3 13.73 28,560 11.76 15.85 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 15,220 4.1 10.48 21,790 8.54 12.34 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 14,500 3.9 23.30 48,470 18.02 27.45 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 12,330 3.3 11.80 24,540 9.70 13.74 

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................................................. 11,990 3.2 14.15 29,430 11.50 16.59 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 2.9 610 11.50 23,920 9.09 13.73 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 9,820 12.07 2.7 25,100 8.89 14.92 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
6 9

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Printing and related support activities (NAICS 323100)

Printing machine operators.................................................................................................................................... 94,420 13.7 15.76 $ 32,770 $ 11.32 $ 19.61 $ 

Bindery workers...................................................................................................................................................... 60,570 8.8 12.25 25,480 9.04 14.77 

Prepress technicians and workers......................................................................................................................... 48,050 16.81 7.0 34,950 12.32 20.79 

Job printers............................................................................................................................................................. 38,630 15.89 5.6 33,060 11.54 19.68 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 28,110 4.1 23.49 48,850 17.09 28.25 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 25,750 3.7 15.75 32,760 11.55 18.98 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 21,670 3.2 10.60 22,040 8.38 12.49 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 21,290 3.1 29.88 62,140 17.20 35.41 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 16,400 2.4 11.16 23,210 8.99 12.75 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 2.1 330 44.32 92,180 25.23 55.63 

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing (NAICS 324100)

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.................................................................... 19,670 16.5 24.51 50,970 22.76 27.43 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,330 4.5 29.25 60,840 21.43 37.58 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,610 3.0 20.74 43,130 17.42 25.04 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 3,590 3.0 15.75 32,750 11.73 19.26 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 3,220 2.7 22.68 47,180 19.03 26.75 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 2,930 2.5 14.40 29,950 10.10 17.29 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,950 1.6 18.28 38,020 12.65 23.72 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,9 1.6 30 12.45 25,890 8.99 15.67 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 1,810 1.5 32.39 67,360 26.84 39.31 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,800 15.66 1.5 32,570 11.00 20.08 

Basic chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325100)

Chemical plant and system operators.................................................................................................................... 22,450 13.6 21.93 45,620 18.61 25.90 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 14,490 8.8 20.27 42,150 16.92 24.27 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 7,010 4.2 20.43 42,490 16.96 24.46 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 6,900 4.2 28.65 59,590 21.89 35.48 

Chemical technicians............................................................................................................................................. 6,680 21.11 4.0 43,910 17.12 25.29 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 4,940 3.0 22.11 46,000 19.23 25.95 

Chemical engineers................................................................................................................................................ 4,820 2.9 36.59 76,100 29.56 43.85 

Chemists................................................................................................................................................................ 4,100 29.07 2.5 60,460 21.53 34.97 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 3,710 2.2 15.73 32,730 12.28 18.67 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 3,310 2.0 18.92 39,350 14.94 23.10 

Resin, rubber, and artificial fibers manufacturing (NAICS 325200)

Chemical plant and system operators.................................................................................................................... 9,750 8.7 21.88 45,510 18.36 26.08 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 8,910 7.9 19.85 41,290 15.34 24.20 

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers................................. 5,260 4.7 16.31 33,930 14.22 17.82 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,660 4.2 26.70 55,530 19.53 33.32 

Chemical technicians............................................................................................................................................. 4,420 21.67 3.9 45,070 17.60 25.58 

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................. 3,660 3.3 18.16 37,770 13.62 23.42 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,470 3.1 19.08 39,690 15.66 22.80 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 2,940 2.6 20.27 42,170 16.52 24.30 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 2,520 2.2 15.37 31,980 11.89 18.13 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,060 1.8 16.67 34,670 12.22 21.14 

Pesticide, fertilizer, and other agricultural chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325300)

Chemical plant and system operators.................................................................................................................... 5,800 13.4 21.20 44,090 18.12 24.31 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,640 6.1 18.97 39,470 17.30 21.62 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,060 4.8 25.36 52,740 18.47 31.87 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 1,870 4.3 13.43 27,930 9.50 16.04 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 1,650 20.41 3.8 42,440 17.37 23.86 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 1,230 2.8 15.20 31,620 11.32 18.51 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,1 2.7 60 11.14 23,170 8.49 12.92 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 1,110 2.6 10.49 21,830 8.10 12.51 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 900 2.1 12.33 25,640 9.81 14.00 

Chemical technicians............................................................................................................................................. 870 20.46 2.0 42,560 16.70 24.25 

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing (NAICS 325400)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 20,09 6.9 0 13.31 27,670 9.96 16.12 

Chemists................................................................................................................................................................ 14,080 4.8 28.40 59,060 20.41 35.02 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 10,130 18.42 3.5 38,310 14.34 21.97 

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................................................................................. 9,970 3.4 37.22 77,420 27.32 44.76 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 8,460 2.9 26.81 55,760 18.94 30.99 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,000 2.7 15.53 32,300 11.90 18.33 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 7,550 2.6 14.56 30,290 11.23 17.36 

Biological technicians............................................................................................................................................. 6,880 2.4 19.32 40,190 14.74 22.68 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 6,260 2.1 32.82 68,260 23.91 40.18 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 5,580 1.9 19.72 41,010 16.66 22.99 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 0

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturing (NAICS 325500)

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 8,520 12.1 14.65 $ 30,480 $ 11.40 $ 17.28 $ 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 5,240 7.5 13.12 27,290 10.00 16.18 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,770 3.9 23.36 48,590 18.17 27.90 

Chemists................................................................................................................................................................ 2,610 28.45 3.7 59,170 20.71 34.29 

Chemical technicians............................................................................................................................................. 2,180 18.07 3.1 37,580 14.58 21.40 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 2,130 3.0 11.56 24,050 8.69 13.98 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,090 3.0 28.48 59,240 19.12 35.42 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,040 2.9 14.48 30,110 11.20 17.08 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,990 2.8 13.98 29,070 11.18 16.60 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 1,960 17.75 2.8 36,920 14.34 21.67 

Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing (NAICS 325600)

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 13,02 11.1 0 11.86 24,670 8.63 14.64 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,770 11.27 6.6 23,440 8.36 13.40 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 7,560 6.4 14.32 29,780 10.75 17.51 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 5,330 4.5 9.73 20,240 7.60 11.50 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,310 10.26 3.7 21,330 7.44 13.18 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,8 3.3 60 12.26 25,500 9.58 14.49 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,850 3.3 23.38 48,630 16.90 28.49 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 3,410 14.50 2.9 30,170 11.55 17.12 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,960 2.5 14.05 29,220 10.64 16.95 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,730 2.3 26.90 55,960 16.57 33.25 

Other chemical product and preparation manufacturing (NAICS 325900)

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 7,110 6.3 15.15 31,510 11.85 18.18 

Chemical plant and system operators.................................................................................................................... 4,620 4.1 19.33 40,210 15.22 23.36 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,420 3.9 23.26 48,390 17.43 28.28 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,780 3.4 14.99 31,170 11.54 17.11 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,060 2.7 18.22 37,900 15.03 21.40 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,950 2.6 14.53 30,230 11.55 17.19 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,6 2.4 90 50.68 105,410 33.92 61.92 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,6 2.3 00 11.34 23,590 8.35 13.38 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 2,590 2.3 12.88 26,800 9.65 15.73 

Chemical equipment operators and tenders.......................................................................................................... 2,390 17.35 2.1 36,090 13.62 20.89 

Plastics product manufacturing (NAICS 326100)

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................ 57,720 8.9 11.00 22,890 8.57 12.96 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 50,350 10.80 7.8 22,470 8.61 12.67 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 36,120 5.6 10.00 20,810 8.17 11.45 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 32,060 4.9 12.47 25,930 9.94 14.58 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 29,790 4.6 20.48 42,590 15.31 24.27 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 20,680 3.2 11.29 23,480 8.82 13.23 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 19,430 3.0 12.60 26,200 10.06 14.39 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 17,250 2.7 16.86 35,070 14.12 19.94 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 16,570 2.6 10.10 21,010 7.97 11.73 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 16, 2.5 440 10.94 22,760 8.92 12.73 

Rubber product manufacturing (NAICS 326200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 13,840 13.92 7.7 28,950 10.12 17.69 

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders...................................... 13,480 7.5 13.71 28,520 10.47 16.29 

Tire builders............................................................................................................................................................ 13,340 7.4 18.22 37,900 13.76 21.97 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,410 4.7 15.20 31,620 11.28 19.51 

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic...................................................................................... 8,270 13.23 4.6 27,510 8.40 18.14 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 7,590 4.2 21.15 43,990 16.49 25.30 

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................ 5,190 2.9 11.59 24,120 9.60 13.34 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 5,070 2.8 18.27 38,010 15.11 21.73 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,450 2.5 14.59 30,340 10.45 19.38 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,0 2.2 20 12.59 26,180 9.53 14.30 

Clay product and refractory manufacturing (NAICS 327100)

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic...................................................................................... 5,290 12.42 7.6 25,830 9.11 15.18 

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders...................................... 3,810 5.5 12.71 26,440 10.20 14.78 

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders.................................................................................. 3,560 12.60 5.1 26,210 9.92 14.65 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,4 4.9 10 10.50 21,830 8.42 12.23 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,140 4.5 21.24 44,180 16.24 25.21 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,870 4.1 13.72 28,540 11.42 16.29 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 2,420 3.5 11.30 23,510 9.32 13.24 

Painting, coating, and decorating workers............................................................................................................. 2,030 2.9 10.90 22,680 8.03 13.15 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,990 2.9 11.30 23,510 8.86 13.65 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,890 2.7 12.51 26,030 10.44 14.03 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 1

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Glass and glass product manufacturing (NAICS 327200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 9,470 12.42 7.9 $ 25,830 $ $ 15.26 9.76 $ 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 7,570 6.3 15.12 31,460 11.89 17.55 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 6,430 5.4 11.89 24,730 9.65 14.26 

Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders...................................... 6,390 5.4 15.44 32,120 12.21 18.13 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,3 3.6 40 12.30 25,580 9.24 14.94 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,060 3.4 22.49 46,780 17.23 27.08 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,590 3.0 17.87 37,160 14.91 20.84 

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders.................................................................................. 3,560 3.0 15.29 31,810 12.32 18.02 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 3,510 14.87 2.9 30,940 12.22 16.95 

Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers................................. 3,490 2.9 14.12 29,360 12.46 16.30 

Cement and concrete product manufacturing (NAICS 327300)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 70,450 30.6 14.97 31,140 11.71 17.51 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 4.6 630 11.40 23,720 8.65 13.54 

Cement masons and concrete finishers................................................................................................................. 6,360 2.8 12.49 25,990 9.52 14.87 

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic...................................................................................... 6,170 12.06 2.7 25,090 9.61 14.39 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 5,900 13.45 2.6 27,970 10.69 15.80 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 5,850 2.5 24.75 51,480 16.92 29.28 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,760 2.5 21.69 45,110 16.07 26.54 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,2 2.3 90 43.24 89,940 25.38 53.48 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 5,180 12.17 2.3 25,310 9.60 14.08 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 4,950 2.2 17.13 35,640 13.36 20.41 

Lime and gypsum product manufacturing (NAICS 327400)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,220 13.29 6.5 27,650 10.13 16.17 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,060 5.7 17.30 35,990 15.32 20.01 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,020 5.5 21.79 45,320 17.28 26.59 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 980 14.43 5.3 30,020 12.38 16.72 

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders.................................................................................. 780 16.74 4.2 34,820 14.25 19.89 

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic...................................................................................... 620 11.61 3.3 24,140 8.42 14.71 

Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................................... 620 3.3 14.26 29,660 11.77 16.69 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 540 2.9 11.98 24,910 9.25 14.35 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 510 2.7 15.37 31,970 12.28 18.17 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 470 12.74 2.5 26,500 10.43 15.57 

Other nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing (NAICS 327900)

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,820 4.0 20.99 43,660 15.27 25.67 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 2,790 11.23 3.9 23,360 8.79 13.04 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,7 3.9 80 10.84 22,540 8.10 13.08 

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders................................................................................. 2,750 3.9 12.83 26,690 9.76 15.43 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 2,640 3.7 14.16 29,460 11.54 16.99 

Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic...................................................................................... 2,580 3.6 13.47 28,020 9.49 16.94 

Grinding and polishing workers, hand.................................................................................................................... 2,500 3.5 12.09 25,150 9.11 14.72 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,100 3.0 17.66 36,740 14.32 20.94 

Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders.......................................................... 1,940 2.7 13.56 28,200 10.40 16.36 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,930 2.7 12.74 26,510 8.67 16.17 

Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing (NAICS 331100)

Crane and tower operators..................................................................................................................................... 5,010 18.38 4.7 38,240 15.48 21.34 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,780 4.5 25.38 52,790 20.42 29.44 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 4,440 4.2 20.02 41,630 16.42 23.41 

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................................................................... 3,940 3.7 17.86 37,150 14.29 21.31 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,750 3.5 18.76 39,010 15.16 21.97 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,5 3.3 30 15.07 31,350 11.46 18.19 

Millwrights............................................................................................................................................................... 3,530 3.3 20.81 43,290 18.21 23.23 

Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders........................................................................................................ 3,420 18.00 3.2 37,430 14.85 21.18 

Production, planning, and expediting clerks........................................................................................................... 3,030 2.9 20.41 42,460 17.95 22.38 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 2,700 2.5 21.28 44,270 18.53 23.90 

Steel product manufacturing from purchased steel (NAICS 331200)

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 4,550 7.5 13.53 28,140 11.00 15.87 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 4,170 6.9 14.56 30,280 11.89 17.38 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,800 4.6 22.79 47,400 18.26 27.11 

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................................................................... 2,460 4.1 16.31 33,930 12.81 19.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,2 3.7 30 12.08 25,120 9.59 13.65 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,170 3.6 18.03 37,510 15.03 20.78 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,870 13.43 3.1 27,930 10.83 15.27 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,750 2.9 15.58 32,400 12.57 17.83 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 1,720 2.8 11.67 24,280 9.37 13.83 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,610 14.21 2.7 29,550 11.74 16.52 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 2

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Alumina and aluminum production and processing (NAICS 331300)

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 5,390 7.0 13.00 $ 27,050 $ 10.08 $ 15.25 $ 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,410 5.7 22.01 45,770 16.14 26.71 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,950 5.1 16.98 35,320 14.50 19.92 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 3,870 5.0 13.53 28,130 11.41 15.85 

Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders........................................................................................................ 3,170 15.27 4.1 31,770 12.71 18.04 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 2,740 3.6 10.79 22,450 8.77 12.53 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 2,480 10.97 3.2 22,810 8.71 12.96 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,2 2.9 10 11.60 24,130 8.98 13.64 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2,190 13.40 2.8 27,860 11.13 15.82 

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................................................................... 2,020 2.6 15.82 32,910 12.99 18.34 

Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing (NAICS 331400)

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 8,220 10.8 14.43 30,010 11.95 16.37 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,930 5.2 22.70 47,210 18.01 26.87 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,700 3.6 17.68 36,780 15.23 20.24 

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic....................................................................... 2,510 3.3 16.36 34,020 13.11 19.31 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 2,390 13.99 3.1 29,100 10.49 17.32 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,330 3.1 15.96 33,190 12.42 18.15 

Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders........................................................................................................ 2,140 15.60 2.8 32,450 12.51 18.03 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 1,820 11.84 2.4 24,620 9.33 14.42 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 1,760 2.3 14.08 29,290 11.46 16.21 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,7 2.3 30 12.75 26,530 9.90 14.88 

Foundries (NAICS 331500)

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................ 12,890 7.6 14.70 30,570 11.27 17.37 

Foundry mold and coremakers............................................................................................................................... 12,620 7.4 13.97 29,050 10.62 16.18 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 10,600 6.2 12.73 26,480 10.08 14.60 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 7,550 4.4 22.18 46,120 17.41 26.26 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 7,460 4.4 14.54 30,250 11.63 16.75 

Pourers and casters, metal.................................................................................................................................... 7,420 4.4 13.53 28,150 11.07 15.65 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 6,700 3.9 18.81 39,130 14.85 22.27 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 4,910 2.9 12.14 25,250 9.70 13.95 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,560 11.20 2.7 23,300 8.71 13.03 

Grinding and polishing workers, hand.................................................................................................................... 4,530 2.7 11.99 24,940 9.20 13.97 

Forging and stamping (NAICS 332100)

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 14,860 13.5 12.69 26,390 10.07 15.00 

Tool and die makers............................................................................................................................................... 6,020 20.57 5.5 42,780 16.83 24.33 

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic..................................................................... 5,350 4.9 15.77 32,800 12.46 18.46 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,010 4.6 23.23 48,310 17.84 27.33 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 4,090 16.30 3.7 33,890 12.36 20.11 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,630 3.3 14.83 30,840 11.86 17.18 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 3,380 11.63 3.1 24,190 8.64 13.50 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,670 2.4 17.84 37,110 14.78 20.72 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,430 2.2 13.67 28,430 11.25 15.96 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 2,260 10.50 2.1 21,850 8.44 12.21 

Cutlery and handtool manufacturing (NAICS 332200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 4,830 11.29 7.8 23,470 8.86 13.27 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 3,790 6.1 14.31 29,770 11.74 16.93 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 3,070 16.09 5.0 33,470 13.07 19.26 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 2,840 4.6 12.81 26,650 10.14 14.75 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,820 4.6 21.46 44,630 16.55 24.96 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 1,860 3.0 9.72 20,220 7.91 11.01 

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................................... 1,810 2.9 13.98 29,080 10.82 16.62 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,800 2.9 12.35 25,690 9.99 14.28 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,760 2.8 11.10 23,080 9.38 12.81 

Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................................. 1,750 13.27 2.8 27,600 11.43 14.70 

Architectural and structural metals manufacturing (NAICS 332300)

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 39,960 10.4 13.97 29,050 11.41 16.30 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 30,220 11.47 7.8 23,850 8.84 13.52 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 23,500 6.1 12.58 26,160 9.86 14.81 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 21,690 5.6 14.03 29,180 10.83 16.59 

Sheet metal workers............................................................................................................................................... 18,930 16.79 4.9 34,930 11.04 21.38 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 15,630 4.1 22.16 46,100 16.40 25.90 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 12, 3.1 100 11.62 24,160 8.44 13.05 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 10,640 2.8 9.90 20,580 7.98 11.38 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,1 2.1 40 45.88 95,430 27.29 56.54 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 7,190 1.9 24.59 51,150 17.04 28.97 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 3

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Boiler, tank, and shipping container manufacturing (NAICS 332400)

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 10,630 11.5 14.30 $ 29,740 $ 11.90 $ 16.62 $ 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 6,090 6.6 15.15 31,510 11.71 18.32 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 5,090 13.48 5.5 28,030 10.73 15.93 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,130 4.5 23.54 48,970 17.75 27.84 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,740 4.0 10.48 21,790 8.03 12.25 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,850 3.1 17.83 37,080 14.74 21.11 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 2,360 17.25 2.5 35,890 14.24 20.20 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 2,350 14.76 2.5 30,700 12.25 17.05 

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................ 2,190 2.4 14.25 29,630 11.53 16.90 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2,110 2.3 15.16 31,520 12.30 18.00 

Hardware manufacturing (NAICS 332500)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,080 10.94 17.9 22,750 8.92 12.59 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 2,590 6.6 12.49 25,990 10.01 14.19 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,540 3.9 21.47 44,660 15.93 25.52 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,110 2.8 10.95 22,780 8.74 13.04 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 1,000 2.5 13.29 27,650 10.81 15.59 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 990 15.22 2.5 31,650 11.82 17.97 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 900 13.04 2.3 27,130 10.41 14.82 

Tool and die makers............................................................................................................................................... 860 20.17 2.2 41,960 15.99 23.42 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 840 2.1 12.81 26,640 10.64 14.57 

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 740 1.9 12.35 25,680 10.18 13.96 

Spring and wire product manufacturing (NAICS 332600)

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 6,050 9.1 11.95 24,860 9.46 13.99 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 3,350 10.55 5.0 21,950 8.46 12.24 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,050 4.6 20.98 43,630 15.49 24.83 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 2,650 4.0 13.14 27,330 9.68 14.46 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 2,260 3.4 10.69 22,240 8.67 12.61 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 1,930 2.9 12.73 26,480 9.67 15.46 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,9 2.9 00 10.59 22,020 9.23 11.60 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 1,880 15.41 2.8 32,050 12.16 17.87 

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................ 1,730 2.6 12.21 25,400 9.37 14.41 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 1,610 2.4 27.11 56,400 17.49 34.45 

Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing (NAICS 332700)

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 69,790 16.01 22.2 33,310 12.44 19.10 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 22,050 14.98 7.0 31,150 11.43 17.98 

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................................... 15,990 5.1 14.61 30,380 11.19 17.48 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 15,940 5.1 24.74 51,460 18.55 28.86 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 9,820 3.1 14.46 30,070 11.62 16.89 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,3 2.7 90 47.35 98,480 28.66 59.12 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,170 2.6 15.08 31,370 11.51 17.75 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 7,160 2.3 13.83 28,760 10.51 16.57 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 6,890 2.2 13.32 27,700 10.38 15.98 

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 6,790 2.2 12.98 27,000 9.90 15.51 

Coating, engraving, heat treating, and allied activities (NAICS 332800)

Plating and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic................................................... 18,800 12.9 11.97 24,900 9.27 13.95 

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................. 9,660 6.6 12.03 25,030 9.28 14.07 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 9,090 6.3 9.68 20,130 7.83 10.91 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 8,060 5.5 21.56 44,850 15.57 25.38 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 7,080 4.9 12.03 25,010 9.22 14.16 

Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.......................................................... 6,840 4.7 13.13 27,310 10.04 15.42 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 5,430 3.7 12.84 26,710 9.54 15.17 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,9 3.4 50 10.18 21,160 8.13 11.26 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,910 2.7 15.89 33,040 12.87 18.35 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,7 2.6 40 48.52 100,920 30.12 59.52 

Other fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 30,520 12.33 10.6 25,640 9.52 14.46 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 14,080 16.04 4.9 33,360 13.08 18.83 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 11,050 3.8 22.55 46,900 16.87 26.77 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 10,200 3.6 14.78 30,750 11.85 17.30 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 9,090 3.2 12.98 26,990 10.19 15.52 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 9,060 3.2 14.65 30,480 11.38 17.27 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 7,610 2.7 14.06 29,240 10.91 17.34 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 7,080 2.5 15.61 32,470 12.34 18.37 

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................................... 7,040 2.5 14.66 30,480 11.64 17.26 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 5,730 2.0 13.20 27,450 10.53 15.52 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 4

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333100)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 22,700 13.56 11.9 $ 28,210 $ $ 16.13 10.88 $ 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 18,390 14.33 9.6 29,800 11.80 16.76 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 10,070 15.46 5.3 32,170 11.77 18.84 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 6,540 3.4 23.08 48,020 17.57 28.29 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 4,840 2.5 29.91 62,210 24.27 34.89 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 4,650 2.4 16.11 33,500 12.82 19.45 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 4,250 2.2 12.96 26,950 10.78 14.95 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,8 2.0 20 11.79 24,520 8.87 13.88 

Engine and other machine assemblers.................................................................................................................. 3,700 1.9 16.22 33,730 12.25 19.58 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 3,500 1.8 25.37 52,780 17.89 30.53 

Industrial machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333200)

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 8,500 16.65 6.8 34,640 13.78 19.82 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,180 13.68 5.7 28,460 10.49 16.51 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 4,660 15.24 3.7 31,710 12.56 17.67 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 4,640 3.7 28.76 59,820 22.74 33.63 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,090 3.3 24.35 50,650 18.69 28.73 

Industrial engineers................................................................................................................................................ 2,660 2.1 33.52 69,720 26.03 41.32 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,6 2.1 60 54.03 112,390 33.92 68.75 

Electromechanical equipment assemblers............................................................................................................. 2,580 2.1 16.71 34,750 12.71 20.24 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,530 2.0 27.68 57,580 17.99 33.97 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,140 1.7 14.13 29,390 11.65 16.52 

Commercial and service industry machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333300)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 14,790 12.36 12.2 25,710 9.57 14.12 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 3,810 14.34 3.1 29,820 11.76 16.78 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,390 2.8 22.67 47,160 16.33 26.94 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 2.4 2,960 35.07 72,950 26.49 43.07 

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 2,640 12.47 2.2 25,930 9.74 14.78 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 2,360 2.0 30.08 62,560 23.73 35.80 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 2,260 1.9 13.53 28,140 10.95 15.50 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,140 1.8 14.99 31,170 11.60 17.71 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,130 1.8 25.62 53,280 17.64 31.43 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,1 1.7 10 53.16 110,580 33.10 68.52 

HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturing (NAICS 333400)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 27,890 12.50 17.4 26,000 10.18 14.75 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 10,090 13.87 6.3 28,850 11.73 16.10 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 8,910 5.6 12.76 26,540 10.49 14.84 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,080 3.2 21.19 44,080 16.43 25.12 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 4,390 2.7 10.49 21,810 8.71 11.84 

Sheet metal workers............................................................................................................................................... 4,220 2.6 14.24 29,620 10.12 16.95 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 3,650 13.28 2.3 27,630 11.02 15.33 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,520 2.2 14.31 29,760 11.75 16.89 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 2,920 15.52 1.8 32,290 12.13 18.30 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,5 1.6 50 11.82 24,590 9.70 13.61 

Metalworking machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333500)

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 27,300 16.95 13.1 35,270 13.63 20.31 

Tool and die makers............................................................................................................................................... 24,660 20.17 11.8 41,950 15.94 24.55 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 11,160 16.27 5.4 33,830 12.51 19.57 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 9,140 4.4 25.89 53,860 19.33 30.82 

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............ 8,290 4.0 17.25 35,880 12.08 20.17 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 6,110 2.9 12.84 26,710 9.92 15.19 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 5,210 14.38 2.5 29,910 10.45 17.28 

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................ 5,010 2.4 14.05 29,220 9.95 16.71 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,9 2.4 70 50.06 104,120 29.54 63.32 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 4,170 2.0 25.62 53,290 20.54 30.38 

Engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing (NAICS 333600)

Engine and other machine assemblers.................................................................................................................. 10,420 10.8 16.00 33,280 11.18 20.55 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 10,100 17.17 10.5 35,710 14.10 20.39 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 5,780 13.36 6.0 27,780 10.20 15.67 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 3,860 4.0 30.61 63,680 24.88 35.75 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 3,490 3.6 16.67 34,670 12.92 20.70 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,320 3.5 25.82 53,700 19.57 31.13 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,810 2.9 17.56 36,530 14.47 21.00 

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................................... 2,110 2.2 16.82 34,980 13.86 20.21 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,040 2.1 17.99 37,410 14.09 22.16 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 1,730 1.8 17.31 36,000 13.28 21.46 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 5

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Other general purpose machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 27,470 10.2 12.64 $ 26,290 $ 9.73 $ 15.25 $ 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 15,920 16.29 5.9 33,880 13.15 19.25 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 12,950 14.68 4.8 30,530 12.11 16.97 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 9,330 3.5 24.44 50,840 18.27 27.74 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 7,920 2.9 28.18 58,620 22.89 33.15 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 5,190 1.9 26.79 55,720 18.00 32.65 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 5,170 1.9 13.86 28,820 11.29 16.24 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic............................................................................ 5,020 15.89 1.9 33,040 12.87 18.82 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,7 1.7 00 13.17 27,400 9.70 15.89 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,5 1.7 70 52.25 108,680 33.80 65.87 

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing (NAICS 334100)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 24,890 10.9 13.13 27,310 9.95 14.48 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 16,070 7.0 40.62 84,480 32.04 49.33 

Computer hardware engineers............................................................................................................................... 13,090 5.7 41.74 86,810 28.40 52.72 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 4.8 10,860 40.18 83,570 32.74 48.41 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,190 11.92 3.2 24,790 9.62 13.61 

Engineering managers........................................................................................................................................... 5,210 2.3 62.42 129,830 48.76 (2)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,640 2.0 16.20 33,700 12.46 19.64 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 4,460 2.0 15.24 31,710 11.86 17.90 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 4,140 26.08 1.8 54,240 17.75 32.25 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 4,120 1.8 34.36 71,480 26.58 41.07 

Communications equipment manufacturing (NAICS 334200)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 19,910 12.3 11.87 24,700 9.38 13.75 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,860 4.8 11.01 22,900 8.92 12.73 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 7,200 4.4 19.46 40,490 15.33 22.35 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 5,590 3.4 14.69 30,560 10.99 17.49 

Electrical engineers................................................................................................................................................ 4,730 2.9 35.50 73,840 27.43 42.97 

Production, planning, and expediting clerks........................................................................................................... 4,700 2.9 15.29 31,810 10.63 18.57 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 4,150 34.77 2.6 72,310 25.93 42.42 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 2.5 4,000 35.69 74,240 28.19 43.24 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 3,940 2.4 39.32 81,780 31.46 47.63 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 3,440 2.1 24.08 50,090 17.28 28.70 

Audio and video equipment manufacturing (NAICS 334300)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 7,480 18.9 10.97 22,810 8.91 12.42 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 4,720 11.9 10.69 22,220 8.46 12.06 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,380 3.5 21.93 45,610 16.62 26.93 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 950 2.4 19.01 39,530 15.16 21.86 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 940 33.82 2.4 70,340 26.46 40.76 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 900 2.3 11.22 23,340 8.89 12.93 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 890 2.3 13.65 28,400 10.36 16.27 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 750 1.9 13.04 27,130 10.14 15.30 

Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers....................................................................... 670 13.08 1.7 27,210 9.68 14.76 

Industrial engineers................................................................................................................................................ 620 1.6 29.35 61,060 23.78 34.33 

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing (NAICS 334400)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 57,770 12.0 11.56 24,030 9.12 13.45 

Semiconductor processors..................................................................................................................................... 44,090 9.2 14.08 29,280 10.97 16.47 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 21,220 4.4 19.50 40,560 15.34 23.18 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 20,100 11.44 4.2 23,790 8.86 13.35 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 17,670 3.7 13.60 28,290 10.38 16.17 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 14,090 2.9 24.00 49,920 17.44 28.95 

Computer hardware engineers............................................................................................................................... 14,060 2.9 39.45 82,060 31.72 47.14 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 13,480 36.48 2.8 75,870 28.92 43.23 

Industrial engineering technicians.......................................................................................................................... 9,560 2.0 20.46 42,560 15.77 24.02 

Electrical engineers................................................................................................................................................ 9,520 2.0 38.38 79,830 29.02 45.04 

Electronic instruments manufacturing (NAICS 334500)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 27,210 6.3 13.06 27,170 10.02 15.43 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 24,670 5.7 12.22 25,420 9.40 14.07 

Electrical engineers................................................................................................................................................ 16,190 3.7 35.48 73,800 27.13 42.92 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 14,580 3.4 20.21 42,030 15.49 24.07 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 13,250 35.34 3.1 73,500 26.88 43.23 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 12,040 2.8 33.16 68,970 26.37 40.08 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 2.8 12,010 37.45 77,910 29.95 44.63 

Electromechanical equipment assemblers............................................................................................................. 11,350 12.77 2.6 26,560 10.27 14.71 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 11,020 2.5 37.73 78,470 30.39 44.84 

Engineering managers........................................................................................................................................... 9,510 2.2 52.35 108,890 40.64 61.70 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 6

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Manufacturing and reproducing magnetic and optical media (NAICS 334600)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,6 7.4 90 11.64 $ 24,210 $ 9.55 $ 13.51 $ 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 2,240 4.5 9.85 20,480 7.85 11.44 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 2,120 23.76 4.2 49,410 17.53 29.66 

Machine feeders and offbearers............................................................................................................................. 2,040 11.28 4.1 23,460 8.44 13.36 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,510 15.49 3.0 32,220 11.14 18.41 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 1,390 2.8 12.60 26,200 9.84 15.45 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,340 10.82 2.7 22,510 9.06 12.42 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 2.2 1,100 39.11 81,350 28.21 48.88 

Production, planning, and expediting clerks........................................................................................................... 1,080 2.2 16.79 34,920 11.71 20.61 

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 1,050 2.1 12.02 25,000 9.00 14.53 

Electric lighting equipment manufacturing (NAICS 335100)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 11,250 10.29 16.5 21,410 8.03 11.93 

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 4,740 11.17 6.9 23,230 8.75 13.26 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,680 3.9 21.19 44,080 15.74 25.11 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,0 3.0 80 10.99 22,860 8.65 12.61 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 1,970 2.9 12.47 25,950 9.54 14.58 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,610 2.4 14.23 29,600 11.33 16.61 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,400 2.1 11.67 24,280 9.44 13.55 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 1,300 9.23 1.9 19,200 7.68 10.59 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1,280 12.73 1.9 26,470 10.59 14.04 

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................. 1,230 1.8 12.34 25,660 9.73 14.29 

Household appliance manufacturing (NAICS 335200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 30,530 13.55 31.7 28,190 10.38 16.73 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 6,400 6.6 12.07 25,100 10.13 13.51 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 3,860 4.0 12.31 25,600 10.51 13.75 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 2,660 2.8 20.86 43,380 15.65 25.09 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,140 2.2 14.16 29,460 11.20 17.34 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,0 2.1 20 14.55 30,260 11.11 18.47 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,440 1.5 17.20 35,780 14.26 20.10 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,410 14.47 1.5 30,090 11.31 16.91 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 1,170 1.2 10.34 21,500 8.84 11.12 

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................. 1,070 1.1 12.00 24,950 10.08 13.36 

Electrical equipment manufacturing (NAICS 335300)

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 24,960 15.3 13.03 27,110 10.06 15.34 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 15,250 12.29 9.4 25,570 9.40 14.68 

Coil winders, tapers, and finishers......................................................................................................................... 10,250 12.73 6.3 26,480 9.79 15.20 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 5,080 3.1 13.77 28,650 11.38 15.96 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,070 3.1 22.56 46,920 16.83 27.00 

Electromechanical equipment assemblers............................................................................................................. 4,620 2.8 12.05 25,050 9.42 14.24 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 3,660 2.2 15.03 31,250 11.86 17.56 

Electrical engineers................................................................................................................................................ 3,460 2.1 30.17 62,760 23.72 35.37 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 3,040 1.9 17.97 37,370 14.67 21.08 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,630 1.6 17.90 37,230 14.70 20.92 

Other electrical equipment and component manufacturing (NAICS 335900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 14,580 11.73 10.2 24,390 9.06 13.95 

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.................................................................................................... 12,620 8.8 11.35 23,610 9.07 13.14 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 4,780 3.3 22.77 47,370 16.95 27.10 

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................. 4,560 3.2 13.70 28,500 11.70 16.04 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 4,100 2.9 14.14 29,410 11.09 16.62 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,770 2.6 10.13 21,070 7.57 12.24 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 3,640 2.5 12.31 25,600 9.35 14.45 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,590 2.5 17.85 37,140 15.33 20.72 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 2,960 15.69 2.1 32,640 12.07 18.78 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,820 2.0 13.28 27,630 10.45 15.57 

Motor vehicle manufacturing (NAICS 336100)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 40,500 22.40 15.1 46,600 19.69 26.49 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 7,180 22.74 2.7 47,300 19.21 26.96 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 6,610 2.5 30.22 62,850 25.76 34.92 

Painters, transportation equipment........................................................................................................................ 5,510 2.1 22.68 47,170 20.29 26.39 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 4,710 22.90 1.8 47,630 21.50 26.52 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 4,360 1.6 25.35 52,730 23.49 27.32 

Industrial engineers................................................................................................................................................ 4,080 1.5 31.76 66,070 27.03 37.56 

Industrial production managers.............................................................................................................................. 2,330 0.9 43.20 89,850 33.67 49.94 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 1,680 0.6 30.52 63,490 24.61 37.28 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 1,260 0.5 22.86 47,560 17.31 28.40 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 7

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (NAICS 336200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 35,260 12.44 23.3 $ 25,870 $ $ 14.18 10.06 $ 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 15,190 13.40 10.1 27,860 11.17 15.29 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,690 3.8 21.16 44,020 16.31 24.82 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 4,800 3.2 13.96 29,040 11.25 16.01 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 3,530 2.3 13.01 27,050 10.88 15.16 

Fiberglass laminators and fabricators.................................................................................................................... 3,240 2.1 11.71 24,360 9.50 13.58 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,1 2.1 40 14.16 29,460 9.34 15.22 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 2,950 2.0 16.13 33,550 12.70 18.49 

Painters, transportation equipment........................................................................................................................ 2,930 1.9 13.28 27,620 10.62 15.00 

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders............................................................ 2,500 1.7 13.49 28,050 11.15 14.75 

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (NAICS 336300)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 108,490 13.32 15.1 27,710 10.33 15.51 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 27,940 3.9 14.57 30,310 11.01 16.90 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 22,860 3.2 23.45 48,780 17.32 28.89 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 22,660 3.2 17.72 36,850 12.48 24.17 

Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.............................................................. 20,450 2.8 20.13 41,880 13.95 26.01 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 18,930 16.84 2.6 35,020 13.01 19.72 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 17,510 18.15 2.4 37,760 12.64 24.56 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 17, 2.4 420 14.58 30,330 10.97 17.04 

Tool and die makers............................................................................................................................................... 17,330 2.4 25.25 52,520 20.23 31.17 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 16,580 2.3 17.10 35,580 12.31 23.26 

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing (NAICS 336400)

Aerospace engineers............................................................................................................................................. 43,920 9.8 35.08 72,970 28.97 41.83 

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers............................................................................... 21,080 4.7 19.23 40,000 14.14 24.48 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 14,680 18.63 3.3 38,750 14.37 22.38 

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians........................................................................................................... 14,120 3.2 20.73 43,110 17.19 24.77 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 13,490 3.0 18.75 39,000 14.36 23.47 

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 11,670 2.6 30.86 64,190 25.12 36.20 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 10,610 2.4 32.91 68,460 26.29 39.36 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 10,020 2.2 27.60 57,400 21.98 33.36 

Industrial engineers................................................................................................................................................ 9,230 2.1 31.30 65,100 25.66 36.31 

Engineering managers........................................................................................................................................... 8,450 1.9 49.50 102,960 39.90 57.26 

Railroad rolling stock manufacturing (NAICS 336500)

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 2,100 9.2 14.38 29,900 12.34 16.54 

Rail car repairers.................................................................................................................................................... 1,170 5.1 14.74 30,670 12.57 16.86 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 1,020 14.57 4.5 30,310 11.52 17.09 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 680 3.0 23.47 48,820 18.66 27.47 

Painters, transportation equipment........................................................................................................................ 640 2.8 17.36 36,110 13.59 21.32 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 420 1.9 13.41 27,900 9.72 16.60 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 270 12.17 1.2 25,310 9.52 13.76 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 240 18.07 1.1 37,590 15.01 21.31 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 240 1.1 13.72 28,530 11.27 16.07 

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers......................................................................................... 210 12.32 0.9 25,620 9.56 13.99 

Ship and boat building (NAICS 336600)

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 11,790 8.1 15.34 31,910 12.87 17.90 

Fiberglass laminators and fabricators.................................................................................................................... 9,990 6.9 12.42 25,830 10.17 14.02 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 9,360 11.88 6.4 24,710 9.59 13.35 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 5,620 3.9 22.93 47,700 18.37 26.55 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 5,580 16.65 3.8 34,640 13.92 19.39 

Carpenters.............................................................................................................................................................. 4,540 15.66 3.1 32,580 12.38 18.47 

Electricians............................................................................................................................................................. 4,020 17.03 2.8 35,430 14.00 19.91 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 3,940 14.86 2.7 30,910 12.39 17.57 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 3,400 16.27 2.3 33,850 14.01 19.16 

Mechanical drafters................................................................................................................................................ 3,310 20.76 2.3 43,180 16.82 24.69 

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 5,900 13.34 15.2 27,750 10.80 14.55 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 2,680 14.57 6.9 30,300 11.39 16.92 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 2,190 18.69 5.6 38,870 13.45 24.12 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,340 3.4 22.51 46,810 17.25 26.23 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 1,020 2.6 31.69 65,920 25.47 36.37 

Structural metal fabricators and fitters................................................................................................................... 910 15.63 2.3 32,510 11.79 17.42 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 780 2.0 13.69 28,480 9.47 16.84 

Engine and other machine assemblers.................................................................................................................. 760 2.0 14.40 29,960 11.81 16.33 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 750 14.46 1.9 30,080 10.65 15.93 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 750 1.9 15.14 31,490 11.56 17.64 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 8

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Household and institutional furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing (NAICS 337100)

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters................................................................................................................... 70,940 18.3 12.15 $ 25,260 $ 9.33 $ 14.24 $ 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 27,600 11.20 7.1 23,300 8.83 13.15 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing................................................................ 24,360 6.3 11.19 23,260 8.79 13.03 

Upholsterers........................................................................................................................................................... 20,300 5.2 13.33 27,720 9.87 16.38 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 15,770 4.1 11.51 23,950 9.12 13.46 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 14,950 3.9 19.33 40,210 14.71 22.43 

Furniture finishers................................................................................................................................................... 14,030 3.6 11.16 23,220 8.76 13.00 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 11, 2.8 030 10.12 21,050 8.22 11.61 

Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood........................................................................................ 10,970 2.8 10.58 22,000 8.43 12.57 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 10,570 2.7 9.46 19,680 7.86 10.79 

Office furniture (including fixtures) manufacturing (NAICS 337200)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 16,750 12.57 11.7 26,140 9.80 13.77 

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters................................................................................................................... 12,800 13.96 8.9 29,030 10.65 16.69 

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing................................................................ 7,100 5.0 11.61 24,150 9.34 13.32 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 6,000 4.2 20.55 42,740 15.65 24.26 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 4,570 3.2 12.32 25,620 10.11 13.96 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 3,740 9.49 2.6 19,740 7.62 10.93 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 3,590 13.07 2.5 27,190 10.24 15.45 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,5 2.5 50 11.61 24,140 9.19 13.52 

Furniture finishers................................................................................................................................................... 3,200 2.2 12.40 25,800 9.54 14.05 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,730 1.9 28.04 58,330 18.10 35.42 

Other furniture related product manufacturing (NAICS 337900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 13,140 10.67 25.3 22,190 8.22 12.52 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 4,940 9.5 11.42 23,750 8.96 13.29 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 1,920 3.7 20.28 42,180 15.01 23.84 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 1,670 3.2 25.40 52,830 15.84 32.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,6 3.1 30 10.70 22,250 8.68 12.61 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,330 14.20 2.6 29,530 11.01 16.10 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 1,090 2.1 12.47 25,950 10.21 14.72 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 970 1.9 11.80 24,540 9.52 13.62 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 930 10.68 1.8 22,210 8.32 12.88 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 910 1.8 11.32 23,540 9.31 13.05 

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing (NAICS 339100)

Dental laboratory technicians................................................................................................................................. 35,710 11.7 15.48 32,200 10.62 18.68 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 34,830 11.32 11.5 23,550 8.98 13.29 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 9,780 3.2 24.17 50,270 16.94 29.00 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 8,710 2.9 14.08 29,290 10.82 16.66 

Medical appliance technicians................................................................................................................................ 6,500 2.1 14.14 29,400 9.52 16.90 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 5,610 15.48 1.8 32,200 11.97 18.00 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 5,290 1.7 12.47 25,930 9.99 14.58 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,840 11.04 1.6 22,960 8.44 13.32 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 4,710 1.6 10.61 22,070 8.32 12.79 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,6 1.5 60 54.43 113,220 30.69 (2)

Other miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339900)

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 40,330 10.67 10.9 22,190 8.11 12.56 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 14,200 3.8 20.26 42,140 14.76 24.12 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 11,090 3.0 24.43 50,810 15.08 29.10 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 10,330 2.8 9.38 19,510 7.50 10.84 

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.................................... 8,130 2.2 12.02 24,990 9.31 14.13 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 8,090 2.2 11.91 24,780 9.57 13.75 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,6 2.1 00 46.91 97,570 26.67 59.29 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,4 2.0 10 10.50 21,830 8.11 12.51 

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic............................ 7,320 2.0 12.31 25,600 9.61 14.30 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 6,680 1.8 12.80 26,620 9.74 15.14 

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423100)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 27,500 8.0 23.44 48,760 13.96 27.96 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 25,7 7.5 90 9.72 20,210 7.57 11.31 

Parts salespersons................................................................................................................................................. 23,310 6.8 13.63 28,350 9.99 16.44 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 20, 6.0 530 11.07 23,020 8.41 12.71 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 18,170 5.3 17.10 35,580 13.81 20.52 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 15,470 4.5 12.73 26,470 8.73 14.51 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 11,750 11.31 3.4 23,530 8.83 13.25 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 11,000 3.2 12.26 25,500 9.47 14.09 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 9,6 2.8 30 42.74 88,900 24.52 53.01 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 9,390 2.7 9.86 20,510 7.25 11.13 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
7 9

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Furniture and home furnishing merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423200)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 16,780 15.3 25.99 $ 54,070 $ 15.55 $ 30.65 $ 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 8,6 7.9 80 10.07 20,950 7.80 11.49 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 5,010 4.6 12.32 25,630 9.62 14.04 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 4,950 10.51 4.5 21,850 8.20 12.25 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,730 12.03 4.3 25,030 9.56 14.19 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 4,150 3.8 14.56 30,280 11.90 16.64 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 3,740 3.4 10.79 22,440 8.27 12.90 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,440 3.1 14.56 30,280 11.54 16.95 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,1 2.9 40 52.66 109,530 29.45 (2)

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 2,93 2.7 0 12.88 26,780 10.71 14.84 

Lumber and other construction materials merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423300)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 36,140 15.9 25.55 53,140 16.32 29.14 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 24, 10.8 570 10.98 22,830 8.74 12.84 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 19,180 8.4 15.02 31,240 12.22 17.18 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 11,010 4.8 13.20 27,470 10.51 15.36 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 10,690 11.67 4.7 24,270 9.51 13.43 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 10,2 4.5 90 12.50 26,000 10.18 14.32 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,5 3.3 00 48.43 100,740 28.65 61.85 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,320 11.68 2.8 24,300 8.75 13.84 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 5,780 2.5 14.69 30,560 11.47 17.42 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 5,440 2.4 11.49 23,900 9.24 13.33 

Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423400)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 63,360 9.7 25.86 53,800 15.14 32.08 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 55,420 8.5 33.33 69,330 20.34 41.27 

Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers.................................................................................... 48,670 7.5 18.22 37,890 14.23 21.81 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 20,960 15.22 3.2 31,660 12.04 17.59 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 19,500 35.32 3.0 73,470 26.46 44.03 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 19,190 25.40 3.0 52,840 16.95 32.40 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 17,430 2.7 12.28 25,540 9.74 14.02 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 15,930 34.59 2.5 71,950 27.16 41.51 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 15,830 12.87 2.4 26,760 9.40 15.73 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 2.3 760 53.64 111,570 32.13 (2)

Metal and mineral (except petroleum) merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423500)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 16,590 13.6 27.14 56,450 16.41 30.97 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 14, 12.0 610 11.56 24,040 9.26 13.62 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 5,750 4.7 15.55 32,350 12.46 17.71 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 5,070 13.89 4.2 28,900 11.02 16.36 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,1 3.4 80 52.45 109,100 29.50 (2)

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 4,100 12.47 3.4 25,940 9.99 14.52 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 3,720 3.1 14.45 30,060 10.93 17.12 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,290 11.93 2.7 24,810 9.42 13.86 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 3,270 14.30 2.7 29,750 11.67 16.55 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,920 2.4 15.07 31,350 11.80 17.77 

Electrical and electronic goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423600)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 41,700 11.9 25.30 52,630 16.07 30.25 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 24,770 7.0 29.14 60,600 17.58 36.34 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 13,330 3.8 12.55 26,100 9.73 14.45 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 12,340 15.19 3.5 31,590 11.72 17.82 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 11, 3.2 240 53.06 110,360 31.99 69.51 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 3.1 860 11.15 23,200 9.05 12.98 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 10,720 3.1 11.82 24,580 9.14 13.79 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,360 12.95 2.7 26,940 9.46 15.39 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 9,120 2.6 37.40 77,800 23.37 44.74 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 8,570 2.4 15.05 31,310 11.82 17.67 

Hardware and plumbing merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423700)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 40,360 17.5 24.23 50,390 15.33 28.20 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 14,790 6.4 11.53 23,980 9.35 13.38 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 13, 6.0 970 11.23 23,360 9.11 13.11 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 10,870 4.7 12.20 25,380 9.66 14.13 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 9,65 4.2 0 11.81 24,560 9.55 13.36 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,670 11.99 3.8 24,940 9.13 13.67 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.................................................................... 8,230 3.6 18.95 39,410 14.18 23.16 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,7 3.4 50 51.09 106,260 30.19 65.78 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 7,060 3.1 28.96 60,240 17.09 36.41 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 6,230 2.7 34.27 71,280 22.26 41.78 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 0

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423800)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 101,200 15.5 24.53 $ 51,020 $ 15.88 $ 29.21 $ 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 35,750 5.5 17.79 37,000 14.81 20.78 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 24,220 10.91 3.7 22,700 8.33 13.15 

Farm equipment mechanics................................................................................................................................... 22,830 13.69 3.5 28,470 10.79 16.28 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 22, 3.5 710 49.08 102,090 28.30 63.71 

Parts salespersons................................................................................................................................................. 22,540 14.17 3.5 29,480 10.86 16.88 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 22,240 3.4 29.57 61,500 19.09 36.26 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 22,110 3.4 12.42 25,830 9.78 14.33 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 20,910 3.2 13.69 28,480 10.46 16.31 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 18, 2.9 630 10.95 22,770 8.61 12.95 

Miscellaneous durable goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 423900)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 39, 15.0 910 9.77 20,320 7.67 11.19 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 35,380 13.3 22.31 46,390 12.09 26.67 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 9,990 3.8 15.13 31,480 12.01 17.54 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 9,390 10.43 3.5 21,700 8.48 11.72 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 9,360 3.5 11.26 23,430 8.90 12.82 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 9,130 9.94 3.4 20,680 7.77 11.11 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,480 10.81 3.2 22,490 8.25 12.93 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,1 2.7 90 46.93 97,620 25.02 63.57 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,960 2.6 13.83 28,760 10.99 16.39 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 6,840 2.6 12.03 25,020 9.58 13.79 

Paper and paper product merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424100)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 30,110 19.2 30.06 62,530 16.48 37.12 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 8,510 5.4 12.19 25,360 9.35 15.05 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 8,0 5.1 00 11.84 24,630 9.30 14.09 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 7,990 15.36 5.1 31,940 12.25 17.65 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,700 4.3 13.88 28,860 10.80 16.74 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,630 4.2 12.94 26,920 10.20 15.37 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 6,51 4.2 0 12.61 26,240 10.11 14.66 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 5,150 3.3 16.85 35,040 13.70 19.65 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,920 11.27 3.1 23,430 8.04 13.88 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 4,110 13.54 2.6 28,150 10.86 16.16 

Drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424200)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 40,230 19.0 30.90 64,270 22.03 37.88 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 22,960 10.9 25.49 53,010 15.53 31.49 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 17,560 8.3 11.83 24,600 9.31 13.97 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,7 3.7 70 10.84 22,550 8.43 12.75 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 6,530 13.75 3.1 28,590 11.21 16.03 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,420 3.0 12.57 26,150 9.78 14.87 

Pharmacy technicians............................................................................................................................................ 6,010 2.8 11.99 24,940 9.10 13.76 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 5,360 2.5 13.84 28,790 10.99 16.69 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 4,62 2.2 0 12.44 25,870 9.29 15.25 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 4,530 2.1 38.13 79,320 23.35 46.62 

Apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424300)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 20,610 13.6 29.62 61,600 15.77 38.19 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 12, 8.2 410 9.63 20,030 7.57 11.01 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 8,660 5.7 11.79 24,520 9.00 13.66 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 8,210 10.23 5.4 21,280 7.94 11.69 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 7,080 4.7 8.90 18,510 7.18 10.29 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,110 11.95 4.0 24,860 8.57 14.73 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 4,270 2.8 11.62 24,170 7.23 13.45 

Fashion designers.................................................................................................................................................. 3,980 2.6 32.06 66,690 21.26 39.68 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,8 2.6 60 57.10 118,770 30.39 (2)

Order clerks............................................................................................................................................................ 3,790 2.5 15.20 31,610 10.89 17.15 

Grocery and related product wholesalers (NAICS 424400)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 83,950 12.3 24.63 51,220 15.60 27.55 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 58,610 8.6 17.70 36,820 14.11 20.73 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 36,2 5.3 00 13.35 27,770 10.26 15.92 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 32,880 4.8 11.83 24,610 9.27 14.05 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 24,900 13.87 3.7 28,840 10.97 16.60 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 18,800 2.8 9.52 19,800 7.37 11.14 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 13,990 2.1 13.11 27,270 10.20 15.41 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 13,910 10.59 2.0 22,030 7.58 13.02 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 12,83 1.9 0 11.27 23,430 8.36 13.44 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 12, 1.8 520 46.43 96,570 26.50 57.84 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 1

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Farm product raw material merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424500)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 14.4 900 8.77 $ 18,250 $ 6.88 $ 10.28 $ 

Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals.................................................................................................................. 5,790 7.7 7.70 16,010 6.41 8.62 

Conveyor operators and tenders............................................................................................................................ 4,390 11.18 5.8 23,250 8.66 12.84 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 4,230 5.6 12.91 26,850 9.96 15.45 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,660 9.14 4.8 19,010 7.11 10.64 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,560 4.7 11.54 24,010 9.23 13.54 

Graders and sorters, agricultural products............................................................................................................. 3,220 4.3 10.01 20,810 7.50 11.51 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,9 3.9 30 35.40 73,630 21.32 41.46 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,900 3.8 22.41 46,610 13.05 25.16 

Purchasing agents and buyers, farm products....................................................................................................... 2,140 2.8 21.58 44,890 15.06 25.85 

Chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424600)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 16,650 12.7 29.40 61,140 17.18 35.59 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 10,030 7.7 31.45 65,410 20.17 39.69 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 7,510 5.7 17.45 36,300 13.76 20.37 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,0 5.4 40 11.54 24,000 8.84 13.97 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,3 4.1 10 51.71 107,570 30.25 67.94 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 4,24 3.2 0 13.35 27,760 10.46 15.78 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,170 12.32 3.2 25,630 9.20 14.27 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 3,760 2.9 13.85 28,810 10.51 16.31 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 3,490 15.79 2.7 32,850 12.54 18.24 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,340 2.6 14.82 30,820 11.44 17.79 

Petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424700)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 20,610 19.3 15.93 33,140 12.36 19.22 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 9,910 7.71 9.3 16,040 6.46 8.50 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 7,630 7.1 24.88 51,750 15.13 31.25 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 4,93 4.6 0 12.92 26,880 10.37 15.20 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 4,820 4.5 12.96 26,950 9.62 15.29 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,5 4.3 60 42.59 88,580 23.26 53.88 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,090 10.82 3.8 22,510 8.29 12.75 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,370 2.2 14.44 30,030 10.59 17.76 

Service station attendants...................................................................................................................................... 2,030 1.9 8.34 17,340 6.61 9.28 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,97 1.8 0 11.33 23,570 8.91 13.14 

Beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424800)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 31,120 23.1 22.25 46,290 15.36 25.82 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 8.0 850 11.14 23,180 8.70 13.03 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 10,740 8.0 16.87 35,100 13.32 20.12 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 10,330 16.34 7.7 34,000 12.30 19.83 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 9,08 6.7 0 14.10 29,320 10.69 16.73 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 6,950 13.45 5.2 27,980 10.44 16.26 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 5,650 4.2 28.50 59,280 20.07 32.54 

Sales managers..................................................................................................................................................... 3,220 2.4 39.31 81,760 25.65 45.64 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,1 2.3 00 52.13 108,420 28.98 (2)

Merchandise displayers and window trimmers....................................................................................................... 3 2.3 ,080 12.31 25,610 9.61 13.92 

Miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers (NAICS 424900)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 48,800 13.1 21.97 45,700 13.52 26.13 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 32, 8.7 540 9.52 19,800 7.57 10.86 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 20,360 5.5 10.17 21,150 8.02 11.47 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 17,7 4.8 70 11.01 22,900 8.62 12.90 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 13,250 3.6 13.56 28,200 10.14 16.29 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 12,990 3.5 11.67 24,270 9.06 13.66 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 10, 2.9 790 42.87 89,160 23.05 53.70 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 10,710 2.9 12.79 26,610 9.78 15.06 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 10,380 10.96 2.8 22,800 8.58 12.80 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 10,030 2.7 9.12 18,970 7.35 10.62 

Wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers (NAICS 425100)

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 168,310 25.7 29.86 62,100 15.80 36.73 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 42,880 6.5 35.59 74,030 22.28 45.05 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 33,270 11.13 5.1 23,150 7.70 13.81 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 24, 3.8 760 10.41 21,650 7.44 12.65 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 17,8 2.7 10 12.70 26,420 9.08 16.41 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 15,770 2.4 14.22 29,590 10.38 18.10 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 15,630 2.4 45.49 94,610 24.59 55.80 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 15,470 2.4 15.13 31,470 11.84 18.12 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 2.2 170 53.64 111,560 28.88 (2)

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 13,1 2.0 70 11.93 24,800 9.02 14.10 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 2

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Automobile dealers (NAICS 441100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 267,620 21.4 20.92 $ 43,520 $ 12.59 $ 26.45 $ 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 227,240 18.2 18.76 39,030 13.30 22.68 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 80,030 6.4 9.38 19,500 7.35 10.70 

Parts salespersons................................................................................................................................................. 65,860 5.3 15.62 32,500 10.87 19.30 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 53,280 4.3 34.21 71,170 21.32 42.54 

Automotive body and related repairers................................................................................................................... 45,180 3.6 18.74 38,980 13.11 23.22 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 38,770 10.90 3.1 22,670 8.16 13.02 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 35,720 2.9 13.29 27,640 10.13 15.74 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 34,160 2.7 26.88 55,910 18.27 32.90 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 30, 2.5 590 54.85 114,090 28.99 (2)

Other motor vehicle dealers (NAICS 441200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 29,820 20.1 16.16 33,610 9.37 20.08 

Motorcycle mechanics............................................................................................................................................ 11,940 8.1 13.99 29,110 10.32 16.89 

Parts salespersons................................................................................................................................................. 11,660 7.9 11.89 24,730 8.97 13.88 

Motorboat mechanics............................................................................................................................................. 9,030 6.1 14.13 29,390 10.74 16.85 

Recreational vehicle service technicians................................................................................................................ 8,380 5.7 13.93 28,970 10.53 16.80 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 7,170 4.8 23.15 48,150 14.69 27.91 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,1 4.2 70 38.77 80,630 20.32 47.62 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,300 10.30 3.6 21,420 7.84 12.15 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 5,100 3.4 13.08 27,200 9.85 15.71 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 4,470 3.0 20.52 42,680 15.07 24.24 

Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores (NAICS 441300)

Parts salespersons................................................................................................................................................. 65,050 13.5 10.34 21,510 7.86 11.83 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 57,920 12.1 13.79 28,690 9.40 16.97 

Tire repairers and changers................................................................................................................................... 53,090 11.1 10.59 22,030 8.25 12.02 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 47,540 12.51 9.9 26,030 8.28 14.73 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 35,660 7.4 17.24 35,860 11.86 20.16 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 35,5 7.4 60 8.31 17,280 6.96 9.10 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 15,670 3.3 19.57 40,700 14.76 22.59 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 13, 2.9 890 30.52 63,480 18.92 34.42 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 12,840 2.7 8.22 17,090 7.00 8.92 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 12,800 2.7 17.78 36,980 11.00 22.25 

Furniture stores (NAICS 442100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 95,130 33.6 13.98 29,080 8.61 17.25 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 26,9 9.5 60 10.01 20,820 7.84 11.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 19, 7.0 690 9.64 20,060 7.67 11.06 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 16,450 5.8 21.33 44,370 14.09 25.30 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,590 10.80 3.4 22,460 8.09 12.56 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,5 3.0 10 38.77 80,640 21.99 47.67 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 7,040 2.5 12.68 26,370 9.59 15.04 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 6,950 2.5 8.88 18,480 7.25 10.08 

Interior designers.................................................................................................................................................... 6,700 2.4 20.22 42,060 13.62 23.46 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,650 2.4 11.81 24,560 9.12 13.58 

Home furnishings stores (NAICS 442200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 104,940 39.1 12.10 25,160 8.03 13.73 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 19,860 7.4 19.85 41,300 13.28 23.36 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 17,260 6.4 8.50 17,680 7.10 9.37 

Carpet installers...................................................................................................................................................... 13,260 4.9 16.24 33,780 10.98 20.49 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 10,890 4.1 9.69 20,160 7.70 10.99 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 8,6 3.2 60 9.92 20,640 7.68 11.60 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 7,080 10.65 2.6 22,150 7.63 12.93 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,660 2.5 13.50 28,080 10.00 15.79 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,1 2.3 10 35.42 73,670 20.42 40.19 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 5,330 2.0 25.89 53,860 15.73 32.43 

Electronics and appliance stores (NAICS 443100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 157,000 30.0 12.17 25,310 7.96 14.03 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 32,690 6.2 8.56 17,810 7.10 9.63 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 30,120 5.8 19.65 40,880 12.86 23.56 

Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers.................................................................................... 21,890 4.2 14.88 30,950 10.72 17.70 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 14,260 12.08 2.7 25,130 8.62 14.10 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 2.7 010 38.92 80,950 21.39 47.80 

Home appliance repairers...................................................................................................................................... 13,200 2.5 14.27 29,680 10.31 17.49 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 12,060 2.3 10.08 20,960 7.88 11.89 

Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers....................................................................... 11,450 2.2 13.84 28,780 10.14 16.80 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 11,270 2.2 12.64 26,290 9.45 15.32 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 3

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Building material and supplies dealers (NAICS 444100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 335,010 32.1 11.92 $ 24,800 $ 8.43 $ 13.61 $ 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 118,500 11.4 9.01 18,740 7.33 10.33 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 73,090 7.0 18.11 37,670 12.85 20.63 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 61, 5.9 030 10.09 20,990 7.95 11.41 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 38,380 3.7 21.90 45,540 13.72 25.36 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 35,720 3.4 10.11 21,030 7.94 11.66 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 35,1 3.4 20 11.28 23,450 9.08 13.23 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 27,110 2.6 11.70 24,350 9.22 13.77 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 24, 2.4 590 35.88 74,630 20.73 42.24 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 20,280 2.0 13.56 28,210 10.75 15.92 

Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores (NAICS 444200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 29,430 18.5 10.20 21,210 7.54 11.38 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 13,970 8.8 8.20 17,070 6.84 9.28 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 12,450 7.8 10.07 20,940 7.90 11.55 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 6.5 260 8.70 18,090 7.08 10.00 

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics.............................................................................. 7,300 4.6 11.95 24,860 9.27 14.17 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 7,270 4.6 17.25 35,870 12.22 20.71 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,6 2.9 10 30.94 64,350 18.80 34.91 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 4,260 2.7 19.78 41,150 12.57 23.40 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 4,12 2.6 0 10.93 22,740 8.55 12.92 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 4,050 2.6 11.97 24,910 9.29 14.11 

Grocery stores (NAICS 445100)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 824,050 33.3 8.76 18,230 6.56 9.67 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 402,540 16.3 9.56 19,880 7.19 11.13 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 222,090 9.0 7.35 15,280 6.27 7.95 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 136,660 5.5 15.54 32,320 11.50 18.55 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 107,080 4.3 8.64 17,980 6.95 10.03 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 106,960 4.3 9.18 19,100 7.16 10.75 

Butchers and meat cutters..................................................................................................................................... 88,100 3.6 13.61 28,300 9.87 17.21 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 50,900 2.1 9.82 20,430 7.55 11.33 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 48,200 9.10 2.0 18,940 6.81 10.63 

Bakers.................................................................................................................................................................... 44,610 10.60 1.8 22,040 8.01 12.73 

Specialty food stores (NAICS 445200)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 38,100 15.0 8.13 16,920 6.70 8.86 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 26,950 10.6 9.32 19,390 7.01 10.60 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 13,580 5.3 15.14 31,490 11.00 18.53 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 12,960 5.1 7.96 16,570 6.86 8.72 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 10,500 4.1 9.18 19,100 7.10 10.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 9,9 3.9 60 10.14 21,100 7.53 12.40 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 9,810 3.9 14.58 30,330 10.42 17.02 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 8,44 3.3 0 12.24 25,470 8.94 15.23 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 8,250 3.2 21.75 45,240 13.95 25.47 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 7,170 2.8 8.12 16,900 6.63 9.00 

Beer, wine, and liquor stores (NAICS 445300)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 53,270 38.2 8.16 16,960 6.82 9.03 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 21,900 15.7 9.13 18,990 6.98 10.07 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 13,110 9.4 15.36 31,940 10.44 18.15 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 8,660 6.2 8.59 17,860 7.07 9.70 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 6,980 5.0 20.80 43,260 14.91 24.75 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,6 2.6 00 10.13 21,060 7.45 12.45 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 3,16 2.3 0 12.90 26,830 9.84 15.84 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,8 2.0 10 34.07 70,860 18.77 39.60 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 2,590 1.9 15.72 32,700 12.74 18.43 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 2,180 1.6 16.79 34,920 12.79 20.57 

Health and personal care stores (NAICS 446100)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 259,370 27.8 7.68 15,970 6.45 8.55 

Pharmacy technicians............................................................................................................................................ 103,020 11.0 10.54 21,930 8.36 12.18 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 98,710 9.77 10.6 20,320 6.93 10.79 

Pharmacists............................................................................................................................................................ 95,250 38.34 10.2 79,750 32.80 43.52 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 57,600 6.2 15.77 32,790 12.01 18.18 

Pharmacy aides...................................................................................................................................................... 44,470 4.8 8.77 18,240 7.23 10.18 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 30, 3.3 430 27.07 56,300 14.40 31.03 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 30,220 3.2 9.13 18,980 7.12 10.62 

Opticians, dispensing............................................................................................................................................. 24,580 2.6 14.42 30,000 9.64 17.64 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 10,040 1.1 24.63 51,230 13.13 27.37 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 4

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Gasoline stations (NAICS 447100)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 508,680 57.3 7.46 $ 15,520 $ 6.44 $ 8.38 $ 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 90,000 10.1 13.16 27,370 9.84 15.61 

Service station attendants...................................................................................................................................... 40,450 4.6 7.99 16,610 6.82 8.70 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 29,200 3.3 14.29 29,720 10.06 17.33 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 27,160 3.1 9.18 19,090 6.85 9.69 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 18,510 2.1 7.30 15,180 6.28 8.17 

Cooks, short order.................................................................................................................................................. 14,390 1.6 7.32 15,230 6.27 8.27 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 1.6 040 25.41 52,850 14.58 28.95 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 11,900 1.3 6.87 14,290 6.00 7.12 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 10,480 1.2 7.40 15,380 6.31 8.28 

Clothing stores (NAICS 448100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 572,230 58.6 8.79 18,280 6.88 9.47 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 119,200 12.2 15.21 31,640 11.18 17.44 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 106,640 10.9 7.86 16,350 6.71 8.67 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 32,190 3.3 8.72 18,130 7.12 9.98 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 15, 1.6 950 29.61 61,590 18.61 31.70 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 13,810 1.4 10.00 20,810 7.93 11.45 

Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers............................................................................................................. 13,340 12.52 1.4 26,040 9.10 15.27 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 7,600 10.65 0.8 22,140 8.01 12.61 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,970 0.7 12.38 25,760 9.39 14.86 

Sewing machine operators..................................................................................................................................... 6,700 0.7 10.52 21,880 7.71 11.94 

Shoe stores (NAICS 448200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 118,830 66.2 8.31 17,290 6.66 8.89 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 29,140 16.2 15.37 31,980 11.07 17.56 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 11,240 6.3 7.97 16,570 6.62 8.74 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 4,390 2.5 8.13 16,920 6.81 9.07 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,4 1.9 00 26.75 55,640 15.79 28.92 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,460 0.8 11.27 23,430 8.27 13.13 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,320 0.7 12.66 26,330 8.26 15.96 

Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products............................................................................................... 720 0.4 21.78 45,300 13.41 26.18 

Sales managers..................................................................................................................................................... 680 0.4 37.23 77,450 23.20 45.28 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 590 10.02 0.3 20,840 7.64 11.72 

Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (NAICS 448300)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 99,180 57.8 10.67 22,200 7.47 12.16 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 19,140 11.2 19.06 39,640 12.01 21.83 

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers................................................................................................... 13,180 7.7 16.41 34,130 11.85 19.15 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 5,250 3.1 8.13 16,910 6.83 9.04 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,100 10.47 2.4 21,780 7.54 12.40 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,8 2.3 50 37.22 77,410 20.28 47.21 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,330 1.9 13.66 28,410 10.08 16.72 

Watch repairers...................................................................................................................................................... 2,340 1.4 14.99 31,180 9.96 18.37 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,490 0.9 11.01 22,900 7.90 13.48 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,00 0.6 0 12.19 25,350 9.10 15.48 

Sporting goods, hobby, and musical instrument stores (NAICS 451100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 202,420 44.6 9.06 18,850 6.99 10.04 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 81,160 17.9 7.70 16,020 6.66 8.54 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 40,930 9.0 15.63 32,520 10.86 18.28 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 9,5 2.1 10 29.93 62,250 18.64 33.64 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 7,970 1.8 8.89 18,490 6.98 10.02 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 7,130 1.6 11.55 24,010 8.74 13.92 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,640 1.5 9.91 20,600 7.96 11.36 

Bicycle repairers..................................................................................................................................................... 6,410 1.4 9.90 20,600 7.81 11.62 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,620 10.02 1.2 20,850 7.72 11.91 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 5,450 1.2 19.90 41,400 11.70 23.46 

Book, periodical, and music stores (NAICS 451200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 87,280 39.8 8.00 16,640 6.58 8.76 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 44,180 20.2 7.39 15,360 6.39 8.23 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 22,900 10.5 13.60 28,280 10.00 16.01 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 7,380 3.4 8.77 18,250 7.33 9.98 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,0 1.8 30 27.37 56,940 16.97 31.09 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 3,850 1.8 23.17 48,190 12.68 28.64 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 3,750 1.7 9.76 20,300 7.92 11.07 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 3,550 7.81 1.6 16,240 6.91 8.55 

Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products............................................................................................... 2,700 1.2 15.70 32,660 10.51 18.15 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,650 1.2 11.57 24,060 9.01 13.20 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 5

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Department stores (NAICS 452100)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 675,810 40.6 8.97 $ 18,660 $ 7.18 $ 10.15 $ 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 219,180 13.2 8.88 18,480 7.45 10.16 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 212,140 12.8 7.86 16,340 6.85 8.57 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 61,530 3.7 15.14 31,490 10.57 18.66 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 46,370 2.8 8.80 18,300 7.21 10.06 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 30,660 1.8 12.30 25,580 9.13 14.43 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 27,820 1.7 9.63 20,030 7.81 10.97 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 19,420 1.2 10.29 21,390 8.14 11.14 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 18,800 1.1 9.16 19,050 7.64 10.39 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 0.9 190 32.96 68,550 22.05 40.04 

Other general merchandise stores (NAICS 452900)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 285,730 23.8 8.52 17,710 6.86 9.71 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 266,720 22.3 8.02 16,680 6.51 8.75 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 141,090 11.8 9.06 18,850 7.31 10.41 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 67,900 5.7 13.56 28,210 9.24 16.97 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 26,380 2.2 10.54 21,920 8.04 12.58 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 23,860 2.0 11.46 23,830 8.50 13.44 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 20,890 1.7 8.27 17,210 6.35 9.61 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 19,900 1.7 9.25 19,230 7.45 10.52 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 17,920 1.5 10.63 22,110 7.97 12.78 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 15, 1.3 080 25.03 52,050 16.90 28.62 

Florists (NAICS 453100)

Floral designers...................................................................................................................................................... 48,850 41.4 9.78 20,350 7.50 11.29 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 21,630 8.38 18.4 17,420 6.69 9.38 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 15,9 13.5 50 8.22 17,090 6.87 9.24 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 4,260 3.6 7.59 15,790 6.44 8.57 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 4,070 3.5 15.67 32,590 10.47 18.18 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,820 2.4 11.48 23,890 8.54 13.58 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,3 2.0 10 24.95 51,900 14.65 30.89 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 2,180 1.9 8.78 18,270 6.94 10.16 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,090 9.19 1.8 19,120 6.81 11.23 

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse.................................................................................. 1,450 1.2 8.32 17,300 6.54 9.87 

Office supplies, stationery, and gift stores (NAICS 453200)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 152,800 35.7 8.67 18,040 6.81 9.57 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 70,260 16.4 7.64 15,900 6.60 8.47 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 33,710 7.9 14.73 30,630 10.41 17.09 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 19,420 4.5 9.12 18,970 7.52 10.45 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 15,940 3.7 21.28 44,250 11.98 25.97 

Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers.................................................................................... 12,090 2.8 16.01 33,290 12.69 18.61 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 10, 2.4 420 32.66 67,940 19.99 36.11 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 8,010 1.9 11.66 24,250 8.83 13.87 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,970 1.6 10.73 22,320 8.52 12.63 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,950 1.6 12.63 26,280 9.83 14.81 

Used merchandise stores (NAICS 453300)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 38,250 35.2 8.88 18,470 6.60 9.81 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 18,370 16.9 7.53 15,670 6.49 8.38 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 8,510 7.8 14.34 29,820 9.65 16.16 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 8,380 7.7 7.79 16,210 6.65 8.60 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,1 6.6 70 8.17 16,990 6.84 8.82 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 2,75 2.5 0 10.47 21,780 8.00 11.72 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,3 2.2 70 28.89 60,090 15.66 30.88 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,870 9.38 1.7 19,510 6.79 11.17 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 1,720 1.6 8.78 18,260 6.59 9.92 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 1,330 1.2 7.61 15,820 6.79 8.36 

Other miscellaneous store retailers (NAICS 453900)

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 105,340 35.0 10.54 21,930 7.18 11.19 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 32,800 10.9 7.59 15,780 6.62 8.37 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 23,520 7.8 17.54 36,490 10.83 20.17 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 10,150 3.4 8.26 17,190 6.97 9.27 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 8,280 2.8 19.89 41,360 11.20 25.06 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,1 2.7 70 33.18 69,000 18.36 39.62 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 7,840 2.6 8.06 16,760 6.89 8.78 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 7,110 9.60 2.4 19,960 6.79 11.48 

Manufactured building and mobile home installers................................................................................................ 6,48 2.2 0 11.52 23,950 9.06 13.44 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 5,8 1.9 20 9.67 20,120 7.47 11.25 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 6

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Electronic shopping and mail-order houses (NAICS 454100)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 33,810 15.0 11.08 $ 23,040 $ 9.03 $ 12.71 $ 

Order clerks............................................................................................................................................................ 22,460 10.0 10.59 22,020 8.25 11.83 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 12,550 5.6 10.43 21,690 8.46 12.02 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 11,040 11.94 4.9 24,840 7.78 13.26 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 10,470 9.88 4.6 20,540 8.00 11.44 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 8,690 3.9 9.50 19,760 7.55 10.89 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,4 3.3 80 10.55 21,950 8.56 12.12 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 5,220 2.3 19.32 40,180 14.31 23.57 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,840 11.47 2.2 23,860 9.07 13.65 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 4,510 2.0 17.72 36,850 11.88 20.33 

Vending machine operators (NAICS 454200)

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers......................................................................... 10,530 19.0 12.44 25,860 9.24 15.41 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 2,850 5.1 8.74 18,180 7.38 9.90 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 2,770 5.0 8.36 17,400 7.20 9.36 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 2,64 4.8 0 11.81 24,560 8.63 14.37 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,7 3.1 00 32.55 67,700 18.87 39.42 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 1,670 3.0 7.89 16,410 6.77 8.70 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,650 10.08 3.0 20,970 7.85 12.14 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,410 2.5 12.52 26,030 9.43 14.26 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,2 2.2 30 9.18 19,090 7.30 10.73 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers............................................................. 1,120 2.0 14.04 29,200 11.04 16.55 

Direct selling establishments (NAICS 454300)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 21,210 13.4 15.62 32,490 12.52 18.17 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 13,290 8.4 11.06 22,990 8.06 12.23 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.................................................................... 11,450 7.2 17.45 36,290 13.93 20.87 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 10,520 6.7 13.71 28,520 10.08 16.69 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 10,0 6.4 60 12.50 26,000 9.83 14.54 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 7,220 10.69 4.6 22,240 8.37 12.42 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 6,180 12.49 3.9 25,990 7.89 14.04 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 5,900 11.60 3.7 24,120 9.48 13.17 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,8 3.7 10 35.19 73,200 20.51 41.90 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 5,010 3.2 7.71 16,030 6.55 8.55 

Scheduled air transportation (NAICS 481100)

Flight attendants..................................................................................................................................................... 100,580 20.1 (3) 48,010 (3) (3)

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 99,910 19.9 15.13 31,470 10.83 19.68 

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers............................................................................................................. 64,410 12.9 (3) 142,110 (3) (3)

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians........................................................................................................... 43,650 8.7 23.77 49,440 19.29 28.67 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 24,960 5.0 14.74 30,660 10.55 19.30 

Baggage porters and bellhops................................................................................................................................ 10,530 2.1 17.04 35,440 12.02 20.96 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 9,670 1.9 22.11 45,990 17.57 25.93 

Cargo and freight agents........................................................................................................................................ 7,690 1.5 15.67 32,580 11.02 19.93 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 7,3 1.5 20 11.35 23,600 8.98 13.12 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 6,390 1.3 19.88 41,360 14.09 25.44 

Nonscheduled air transportation (NAICS 481200)

Commercial pilots................................................................................................................................................... 6,030 14.2 (3) 52,190 (3) (3)

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers............................................................................................................. 5,870 13.8 (3) 76,630 (3) (3)

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians........................................................................................................... 5,870 13.8 20.77 43,190 15.97 25.11 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 2,140 5.0 11.98 24,920 9.24 13.37 

Flight attendants..................................................................................................................................................... 1,630 3.8 (3) 40,740 (3) (3)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,1 2.6 00 48.53 100,940 27.76 60.65 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 980 11.84 2.3 24,630 8.87 14.29 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 870 2.1 12.21 25,390 9.29 14.02 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 760 1.8 14.15 29,440 10.88 16.99 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 690 1.6 29.84 62,070 23.95 35.09 

Rail transportation (NAICS 482100)

Railroad conductors and yardmasters.................................................................................................................... 3 14.1 0,920 24.78 51,530 17.74 32.22 

Locomotive engineers............................................................................................................................................ 29,620 13.5 24.74 51,450 16.87 32.31 

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators......................................................................................................... 12,880 5.9 23.41 48,690 18.06 28.95 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 12,860 15.92 5.9 33,120 11.80 20.04 

Rail car repairers.................................................................................................................................................... 8,770 19.44 4.0 40,430 18.22 21.40 

Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators....................................................................................... 8,45 3.9 0 17.86 37,150 15.51 20.53 

Signal and track switch repairers........................................................................................................................... 7,370 21.34 3.4 44,390 18.93 23.52 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 5,770 20.32 2.6 42,260 18.85 21.89 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 4,720 2.2 25.67 53,390 21.43 28.89 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 4,100 1.9 19.73 41,040 18.32 21.47 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 7

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Deep sea, coastal, and great lakes water transportation (NAICS 483100)

Sailors and marine oilers........................................................................................................................................ 4,500 13.8 15.69 $ 32,630 $ 11.10 $ 19.96 $ 

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels......................................................................................................... 3,770 11.6 26.55 55,230 19.32 33.86 

Ship engineers........................................................................................................................................................ 1,840 28.07 5.7 58,390 21.48 33.85 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 1,270 3.9 11.41 23,740 8.77 12.79 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,200 14.98 3.7 31,150 12.15 17.52 

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters............................................................. 780 2.4 9.80 20,390 7.62 11.81 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 720 2.2 15.49 32,230 12.00 18.35 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 620 1.9 17.98 37,390 13.73 21.33 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 570 1.8 14.99 31,180 12.69 17.22 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 560 1.7 22.09 45,940 16.97 26.00 

Inland water transportation (NAICS 483200)

Sailors and marine oilers........................................................................................................................................ 5,770 28.2 16.39 34,090 12.44 20.23 

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels......................................................................................................... 4,370 21.4 25.93 53,940 18.70 31.00 

Ship engineers........................................................................................................................................................ 2,210 26.92 10.8 56,000 21.31 33.25 

Riggers................................................................................................................................................................... 630 3.1 15.82 32,910 14.80 16.85 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 610 3.0 11.27 23,440 8.27 13.59 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 360 1.8 42.63 88,670 26.68 53.51 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 320 1.6 13.31 27,680 9.63 16.64 

Motorboat operators............................................................................................................................................... 260 1.3 12.71 26,450 10.31 13.61 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 240 1.2 27.41 57,000 17.99 34.01 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 230 1.1 18.13 37,710 13.01 22.04 

General freight trucking (NAICS 484100)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 526,160 55.9 17.66 36,730 14.06 21.02 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 59, 6.3 670 13.54 28,170 9.88 17.27 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 48,5 5.2 50 14.75 30,670 10.71 18.84 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 30,970 3.3 16.04 33,360 12.61 19.55 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 24,050 2.6 17.74 36,900 13.07 21.81 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 23,650 11.60 2.5 24,130 8.51 13.88 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 23,550 15.30 2.5 31,820 11.88 19.05 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 20,070 2.1 22.24 46,260 17.68 26.09 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 13, 1.4 230 37.84 78,700 23.44 43.85 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 11,310 14.23 1.2 29,600 11.11 17.02 

Specialized freight trucking (NAICS 484200)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 191,480 48.4 16.29 33,880 12.16 19.65 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 36, 9.2 180 10.83 22,530 8.47 12.44 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 25,3 6.4 50 13.26 27,590 10.18 15.86 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 12,440 3.2 15.39 32,010 11.94 18.34 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 10,420 11.06 2.6 23,010 8.13 13.40 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 8,660 2.2 22.08 45,930 16.29 25.90 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,8 2.0 70 36.98 76,910 21.18 45.00 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 7,550 1.9 17.45 36,300 13.38 20.92 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,270 1.6 13.36 27,790 10.14 16.21 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 5,640 1.4 10.11 21,030 8.04 11.59 

Urban transit systems (NAICS 485100)

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 18 48.3 ,010 15.15 31,520 11.05 19.15 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 2,330 6.2 18.86 39,230 15.82 21.16 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 2,290 6.1 17.58 36,560 12.18 21.63 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 960 14.12 2.6 29,380 10.16 17.27 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 920 2.5 22.48 46,750 16.70 26.70 

Bus drivers, school................................................................................................................................................. 810 2.2 12.37 25,740 10.13 14.57 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 720 1.9 11.89 24,740 9.40 14.27 

Rail car repairers.................................................................................................................................................... 620 1.7 19.35 40,240 18.33 21.09 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 530 12.01 1.4 24,980 9.30 13.87 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 470 1.3 25.63 53,300 20.66 30.61 

Interurban and rural bus transportation (NAICS 485200)

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 11 50.7 ,290 14.67 30,510 10.89 18.73 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 1,040 4.7 17.66 36,730 14.95 20.54 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 450 2.0 12.88 26,790 9.89 15.58 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 380 1.7 18.23 37,920 14.49 22.10 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 250 10.92 1.1 22,710 8.57 12.79 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 230 9.75 1.0 20,280 7.70 11.20 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 180 0.8 16.46 34,240 12.89 19.64 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 170 0.8 8.37 17,410 6.83 9.57 

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers......................................................................................... 160 0.7 11.05 22,970 8.66 12.84 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 160 0.7 35.85 74,560 21.28 42.71 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 8

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Taxi and limousine service (NAICS 485300)

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 38,100 56.1 11.21 $ 23,320 $ 7.73 $ 13.65 $ 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 8,830 13.0 10.68 22,210 7.41 13.06 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 1,760 2.6 14.01 29,130 10.37 16.77 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,480 10.03 2.2 20,870 7.59 11.32 

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 1, 1.8 250 12.45 25,890 9.19 14.70 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 1,250 1.8 19.90 41,400 12.82 25.04 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,1 1.7 30 35.08 72,970 21.53 42.11 

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics.................................................................................................. 1,010 1.5 11.16 23,220 9.20 12.80 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 990 12.10 1.5 25,180 9.14 14.35 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 950 1.4 12.27 25,510 9.12 14.80 

School and employee bus transportation (NAICS 485400)

Bus drivers, school................................................................................................................................................. 129,840 73.5 11.75 24,440 9.68 13.65 

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 8, 4.6 100 11.60 24,120 9.69 13.47 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 6,690 3.8 8.24 17,150 7.11 9.37 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 5,050 2.9 15.75 32,750 12.48 18.32 

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters............................................................. 4,130 2.3 8.02 16,690 7.11 8.76 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 2,280 1.3 19.15 39,820 14.20 22.21 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 1,740 1.0 13.91 28,930 11.25 16.27 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 1,530 0.9 8.37 17,420 6.92 9.14 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,280 11.08 0.7 23,050 8.68 13.23 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,2 0.7 10 33.46 69,590 19.46 37.31 

Charter bus industry (NAICS 485500)

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 18 55.1 ,700 11.30 23,500 9.28 12.96 

Bus drivers, school................................................................................................................................................. 2,260 6.7 11.74 24,430 9.79 13.76 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 1,740 5.1 10.09 20,980 7.27 13.12 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 1,380 4.1 16.05 33,370 12.41 19.13 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 1,310 3.9 9.13 18,990 7.57 10.49 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 880 2.6 13.96 29,040 10.36 17.06 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 740 9.99 2.2 20,780 7.63 11.43 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 560 1.7 33.58 69,850 20.56 37.52 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 490 1.4 18.68 38,850 13.03 23.13 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 430 1.3 9.83 20,440 7.68 11.03 

Other transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485900)

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 14,300 25.1 9.36 19,470 7.55 10.66 

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 9, 17.0 690 10.91 22,680 8.80 12.46 

Bus drivers, school................................................................................................................................................. 7,650 13.4 10.08 20,970 8.13 11.79 

Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians......................................................... 3,880 6.8 10.14 21,090 8.06 11.28 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 2,570 4.5 12.10 25,170 9.42 14.00 

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics.................................................................................................. 2,260 4.0 11.56 24,050 9.54 13.20 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,430 10.13 2.5 21,060 7.81 11.37 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 1,380 2.4 16.77 34,880 12.15 20.48 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,0 1.8 20 31.50 65,520 19.28 36.41 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 900 1.6 9.30 19,340 7.51 10.76 

Pipeline transportation of crude oil (NAICS 486100)

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.................................................................... 1,210 16.6 24.10 50,130 21.86 27.15 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 710 9.8 15.08 31,360 10.11 20.44 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 320 4.4 20.05 41,710 16.66 24.73 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 230 3.2 19.76 41,100 13.05 25.77 

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door...................................................................... 180 2.5 24.66 51,290 22.92 26.76 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 160 22.21 2.2 46,200 18.39 26.38 

Chemical technicians............................................................................................................................................. 160 24.78 2.2 51,540 22.44 27.11 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 150 2.1 29.81 62,000 22.86 34.07 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 150 2.1 18.62 38,730 14.10 22.40 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 140 1.9 38.90 80,910 28.00 46.67 

Pipeline transportation of natural gas (NAICS 486200)

Gas plant operators................................................................................................................................................ 3,000 10.5 22.74 47,300 19.86 25.95 

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators............................................................................................ 2,500 8.8 22.44 46,680 19.78 25.90 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 1,130 4.0 22.03 45,820 19.32 25.88 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,010 17.76 3.5 36,930 13.75 22.00 

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door...................................................................... 890 21.05 3.1 43,780 16.32 25.95 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 890 18.55 3.1 38,580 15.08 21.54 

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay................................................................ 760 2.7 19.66 40,890 16.88 22.23 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters................................................................................................................... 690 22.22 2.4 46,210 19.45 25.99 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 620 2.2 29.24 60,810 24.48 34.48 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 590 13.76 2.1 28,620 11.01 16.68 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
8 9

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Other pipeline transportation (NAICS 486900)

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.................................................................... 1,290 23.2 24.41 $ 50,770 $ 21.12$ 27.59 $ 

Industrial machinery mechanics............................................................................................................................. 580 24.57 10.4 51,100 21.64 27.39 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 290 5.2 19.36 40,260 17.01 21.61 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 250 4.5 17.52 36,440 10.54 24.57 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 220 4.0 32.83 68,280 26.84 37.56 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 150 2.7 20.27 42,170 17.20 23.23 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 140 2.5 44.47 92,490 28.95 52.10 

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers........................................................................................................... 130 19.84 2.3 41,270 16.95 22.29 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 80 1.4 14.00 29,130 10.89 16.84 

Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door...................................................................... 70 21.94 1.3 45,630 19.44 24.49 

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, land (NAICS 487100)

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 2, 28.2 700 11.13 23,140 8.80 12.82 

Tour guides and escorts......................................................................................................................................... 990 10.59 10.3 22,030 8.56 12.63 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 560 9.53 5.8 19,820 7.79 10.70 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 490 5.1 12.60 26,200 10.87 14.60 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 270 2.8 8.21 17,080 7.31 8.84 

Amusement and recreation attendants.................................................................................................................. 210 2.2 8.63 17,950 7.17 8.85 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 200 2.1 16.15 33,590 12.79 18.97 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 190 13.12 2.0 27,300 10.09 15.31 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 180 9.24 1.9 19,230 7.00 10.39 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 180 1.9 31.60 65,730 16.31 36.01 

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water (NAICS 487200)

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels......................................................................................................... 2,340 15.6 18.15 37,760 11.25 21.44 

Sailors and marine oilers........................................................................................................................................ 1,950 10.87 13.0 22,600 7.71 12.45 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 840 5.6 8.31 17,280 6.82 9.25 

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters............................................................. 610 4.1 10.93 22,730 7.72 13.45 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 530 8.30 3.5 17,260 6.37 10.87 

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 510 9.31 3.4 19,370 7.57 11.08 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 460 3.1 10.15 21,110 7.82 11.25 

Motorboat operators............................................................................................................................................... 440 15.22 2.9 31,660 10.28 20.66 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 370 9.19 2.5 19,100 6.93 11.55 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 330 2.2 10.13 21,070 7.21 12.37 

Scenic and sightseeing transportation, other (NAICS 487900)

Commercial pilots................................................................................................................................................... 400 20.0 (3) 46,690 (3) (3)

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians........................................................................................................... 220 11.0 19.79 41,150 14.74 22.90 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 220 11.0 11.97 24,890 9.63 14.60 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 100 5.0 10.21 21,230 8.20 12.25 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 90 13.67 4.5 28,440 11.38 16.90 

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters............................................................. 70 9.02 3.5 18,750 7.37 10.52 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 50 20.69 2.5 43,030 15.14 22.35 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 50 2.5 44.28 92,090 26.91 47.27 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 40 12.86 2.0 26,760 8.58 16.04 

Support activities for air transportation (NAICS 488100)

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians........................................................................................................... 25,910 19.3 18.02 37,490 14.25 21.18 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 10, 8.0 680 11.03 22,950 8.38 12.51 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 4,900 3.7 10.97 22,820 9.10 11.84 

Baggage porters and bellhops................................................................................................................................ 4,750 3.5 7.97 16,580 6.31 8.62 

Cargo and freight agents........................................................................................................................................ 4,060 3.0 12.57 26,150 8.59 14.61 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 3,450 2.6 10.20 21,210 8.05 12.01 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 3,300 2.5 24.74 51,460 18.97 28.94 

Transportation attendants, except flight attendants and baggage porters............................................................. 3,200 2.4 9.37 19,490 7.84 10.57 

Avionics technicians............................................................................................................................................... 2,790 2.1 18.79 39,080 15.28 21.84 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 2,580 9.98 1.9 20,750 7.50 12.14 

Support activities for rail transportation (NAICS 488200)

Rail car repairers.................................................................................................................................................... 3,360 15.87 16.8 33,000 12.86 18.50 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,6 13.4 80 12.05 25,070 8.63 14.96 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 2,210 11.1 13.97 29,060 11.47 16.23 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 87 4.4 0 14.65 30,470 12.22 17.20 

Transportation inspectors....................................................................................................................................... 610 13.58 3.1 28,240 10.43 14.81 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 600 3.0 31.74 66,010 19.36 37.01 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 580 2.9 11.58 24,080 9.44 13.57 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 460 2.3 13.33 27,730 10.32 16.12 

Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers.............................................................................................. 430 2.2 13.39 27,850 10.84 15.80 

Painters, transportation equipment........................................................................................................................ 420 13.86 2.1 28,820 12.02 16.37 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 0

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Support activities for water transportation (NAICS 488300)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 15, 17.2 930 16.14 $ 33,570 $ 9.74 $ 22.25 $ 

Sailors and marine oilers........................................................................................................................................ 7,560 8.2 14.94 31,080 11.15 18.58 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 7,490 22.51 8.1 46,820 13.76 29.60 

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels......................................................................................................... 7,180 27.85 7.8 57,940 21.36 32.09 

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders........................................................................................................................... 2,920 24.83 3.2 51,650 20.00 30.82 

Crane and tower operators..................................................................................................................................... 2,620 27.16 2.8 56,500 20.36 34.14 

Ship engineers........................................................................................................................................................ 2,120 27.52 2.3 57,240 22.82 33.68 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,990 2.2 21.14 43,970 14.67 26.70 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 1,580 1.7 15.70 32,650 12.65 17.76 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,5 1.7 60 43.79 91,090 25.44 54.54 

Support activities for road transportation (NAICS 488400)

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 22,440 31.3 13.34 27,740 9.62 16.46 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,6 6.5 80 10.56 21,960 8.39 12.09 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 4,42 6.2 0 13.21 27,470 9.95 15.96 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 3,690 5.1 11.57 24,070 8.19 13.32 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,890 10.78 4.0 22,420 7.64 13.29 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 2,830 3.9 13.46 27,990 9.62 16.42 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 2,000 2.8 21.51 44,740 15.80 26.17 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,4 2.0 30 37.46 77,920 22.40 44.87 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 1,300 1.8 15.96 33,200 12.03 19.32 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,200 1.7 12.82 26,660 9.74 15.02 

Freight transportation arrangement (NAICS 488500)

Cargo and freight agents........................................................................................................................................ 23,160 13.9 16.95 35,260 12.49 20.40 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 13, 8.3 900 11.63 24,190 8.68 14.06 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 10,510 6.3 16.49 34,300 12.65 19.92 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 9,60 5.8 0 17.31 36,000 13.98 20.68 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,210 11.56 4.9 24,040 8.06 14.30 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 8,110 4.9 24.30 50,540 17.49 28.24 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 7,340 15.30 4.4 31,830 11.96 18.59 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 7,060 4.2 14.62 30,410 11.81 17.03 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 6,450 3.9 13.45 27,980 9.28 16.28 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,8 3.5 90 49.83 103,640 29.97 63.90 

Other support activities for transportation (NAICS 488900)

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 6,520 22.2 9.51 19,770 7.61 11.08 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 5,5 18.8 30 11.67 24,270 8.56 13.66 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 1,500 5.1 15.50 32,240 11.93 18.20 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 1, 3.7 090 12.01 24,980 9.68 13.28 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 1,04 3.5 0 18.07 37,580 15.53 21.15 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 1,010 3.4 9.56 19,890 7.58 10.78 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 830 2.8 11.03 22,940 8.47 13.13 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 710 11.74 2.4 24,430 8.96 13.62 

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand................................................ 650 2.2 18.57 38,620 13.38 22.15 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 640 2.2 40.22 83,670 25.40 48.52 

Couriers (NAICS 492100)

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 152, 29.2 550 18.39 38,250 14.34 23.56 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 113 21.7 ,640 11.93 24,820 10.04 13.28 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 27,640 5.3 20.38 42,390 16.79 24.66 

Couriers and messengers...................................................................................................................................... 23,080 4.4 9.69 20,150 7.48 10.88 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 12,710 2.4 25.43 52,900 19.22 31.98 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 12,500 13.30 2.4 27,660 10.93 15.32 

Order clerks............................................................................................................................................................ 10,300 14.95 2.0 31,100 12.83 17.06 

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand................................................ 9,370 1.8 18.41 38,290 12.85 22.31 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 9,150 14.47 1.8 30,090 11.48 17.20 

Cargo and freight agents........................................................................................................................................ 8,440 1.6 14.92 31,040 11.96 18.42 

Local messengers and local delivery (NAICS 492200)

Couriers and messengers...................................................................................................................................... 14,700 29.9 9.34 19,430 7.18 10.93 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 13,3 27.1 30 11.45 23,820 7.68 14.10 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 2,760 5.6 18.50 38,470 14.43 21.84 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 1,710 14.68 3.5 30,540 11.61 17.24 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 1,4 3.0 70 9.67 20,120 7.99 11.29 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,3 2.7 50 36.03 74,940 15.81 43.72 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,240 11.41 2.5 23,730 9.33 13.20 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 1,170 2.4 18.97 39,450 14.43 21.92 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 830 10.16 1.7 21,130 7.72 12.49 

Order clerks............................................................................................................................................................ 810 11.29 1.7 23,470 9.13 13.02 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 1

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Warehousing and storage (NAICS 493100)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 102 19.4 ,260 11.81 $ 24,560 $ 9.28 $ 13.82 $ 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 68,350 12.80 13.0 26,620 10.38 14.35 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 45,880 12.18 8.7 25,340 9.64 14.09 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 32,880 6.2 12.50 26,010 9.99 14.33 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 26,590 5.1 9.92 20,630 7.84 11.50 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 20,240 3.8 17.38 36,150 13.64 20.56 

First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand................................................ 10,380 2.0 19.24 40,010 14.96 22.38 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 10,1 1.9 50 13.54 28,160 10.01 16.17 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,930 11.67 1.9 24,270 9.52 13.55 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 9,910 13.59 1.9 28,260 10.83 14.95 

Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers (NAICS 511100)

Editors.................................................................................................................................................................... 63,530 22.72 9.1 47,260 14.74 27.45 

Advertising sales agents......................................................................................................................................... 47,830 6.9 20.05 41,700 11.49 23.62 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 21,310 12.90 3.1 26,840 8.65 14.19 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 20,850 14.22 3.0 29,570 10.12 16.87 

Graphic designers.................................................................................................................................................. 20,240 2.9 17.00 35,360 11.93 20.55 

Prepress technicians and workers......................................................................................................................... 17,480 2.5 14.29 29,710 9.88 18.02 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 15, 2.3 640 10.08 20,970 7.47 11.47 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 14,470 2.1 11.39 23,690 7.45 13.76 

Desktop publishers................................................................................................................................................. 14,100 2.0 14.67 30,520 10.23 17.72 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 13,690 2.0 22.84 47,510 14.02 28.75 

Software publishers (NAICS 511200)

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 17.1 41,240 38.14 79,330 29.94 45.44 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 20,700 8.6 23.53 48,950 15.80 28.84 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 19,130 7.9 38.61 80,310 30.49 46.13 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 18,300 32.88 7.6 68,390 24.81 40.84 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 8,400 32.70 3.5 68,010 24.88 39.74 

Computer and information systems managers...................................................................................................... 8,380 3.5 54.53 113,420 41.09 63.19 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 7,180 3.0 39.56 82,290 24.07 48.54 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 5,230 17.54 2.2 36,480 12.53 21.16 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,1 2.1 30 64.18 133,500 40.54 (2)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 4,620 1.9 19.68 40,930 15.22 23.75 

Motion picture and video industries (NAICS 512100)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 23,980 6.6 7.04 14,630 6.18 7.60 

Producers and directors......................................................................................................................................... 12,050 3.3 (3) 76,130 (3) (3)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 11, 3.1 230 56.89 118,320 22.61 (2)

Motion picture projectionists................................................................................................................................... 8,340 9.20 2.3 19,140 6.72 9.82 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 8,230 18.65 2.3 38,780 13.96 22.70 

Audio and video equipment technicians................................................................................................................. 7,630 2.1 19.71 41,000 10.97 24.41 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,150 1.7 14.71 30,600 11.92 16.41 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 5,840 1.6 6.66 13,840 6.00 7.09 

Multi-media artists and animators.......................................................................................................................... 5,750 1.6 33.89 70,480 20.91 42.18 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 4,850 1.3 8.45 17,570 6.46 9.86 

Sound recording industries (NAICS 512200)

Sound engineering technicians.............................................................................................................................. 1,600 6.1 21.60 44,920 11.70 25.59 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,360 5.2 16.68 34,700 12.69 19.57 

Editors.................................................................................................................................................................... 1,110 23.73 4.2 49,360 16.65 29.18 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,100 12.61 4.2 26,230 9.57 15.62 

Musicians and singers............................................................................................................................................ 880 3.3 (3) 74,650 (3) (3)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 860 3.3 47.53 98,860 29.05 61.00 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 770 2.9 22.23 46,240 13.63 26.42 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 700 18.16 2.7 37,770 11.51 27.78 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 620 13.33 2.4 27,720 8.78 18.58 

Audio and video equipment technicians................................................................................................................. 600 2.3 16.04 33,360 9.26 20.16 

Radio and television broadcasting (NAICS 515100)

Announcers............................................................................................................................................................ 38,990 16.2 13.99 29,100 7.12 15.19 

Advertising sales agents......................................................................................................................................... 28,790 11.9 23.79 49,480 12.31 29.37 

Broadcast technicians............................................................................................................................................ 21,820 15.45 9.1 32,130 8.48 20.18 

Producers and directors......................................................................................................................................... 16,600 6.9 (3) 50,720 (3) (3)

News analysts, reporters and correspondents....................................................................................................... 16,350 6.8 23.29 48,450 11.48 27.53 

Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture....................................................................................... 8,980 3.7 16.04 33,360 8.79 22.40 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 7,1 3.0 20 47.43 98,650 25.01 63.21 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,960 12.02 2.5 25,000 8.41 14.91 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 4,110 16.79 1.7 34,930 12.87 20.14 

Photographers........................................................................................................................................................ 3,670 1.5 15.09 31,380 10.76 17.86 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 2

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Cable and other subscription programming (NAICS 515200)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 12,970 14.9 15.67 $ 32,600 $ 11.05 $ 19.83 $ 

Producers and directors......................................................................................................................................... 4,760 5.5 (3) 62,120 (3) (3)

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 4,100 4.7 20.30 42,230 13.69 26.07 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 3,100 3.6 11.06 23,000 9.24 12.28 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 1,900 2.2 27.67 57,550 21.39 32.83 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,890 13.14 2.2 27,340 9.61 16.32 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 1,860 2.1 23.15 48,140 17.39 27.73 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,7 2.1 90 56.99 118,530 33.10 (2)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,500 1.7 17.94 37,310 14.76 20.98 

Broadcast technicians............................................................................................................................................ 1,480 1.7 17.06 35,490 10.38 22.60 

Internet publishing and broadcasting (NAICS 516100)

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 7.4 2,220 36.31 75,520 29.42 43.00 

Editors.................................................................................................................................................................... 1,850 24.19 6.1 50,310 16.31 29.31 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 1,690 5.6 31.49 65,500 21.04 39.98 

Network systems and data communications analysts............................................................................................ 1,410 4.7 25.89 53,840 15.86 34.60 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,300 4.3 18.21 37,880 13.89 21.95 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 1,050 3.5 36.60 76,120 27.18 44.47 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 990 3.3 20.99 43,670 15.41 25.07 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 960 3.2 61.24 127,380 36.45 (2)

Database administrators........................................................................................................................................ 900 35.56 3.0 73,960 27.29 43.58 

Computer and information systems managers...................................................................................................... 800 2.7 53.99 112,290 40.51 65.60 

Wired telecommunications carriers (NAICS 517100)

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 96,980 16.4 23.75 49,400 20.79 27.16 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 53,860 9.1 18.69 38,870 13.74 23.44 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 42,110 7.1 23.15 48,150 20.44 26.80 

Telephone operators.............................................................................................................................................. 20,970 3.5 15.61 32,480 10.72 20.07 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 16,490 2.8 34.27 71,280 28.53 40.47 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 16,410 2.8 32.01 66,590 25.96 37.45 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 14,960 2.5 15.24 31,710 9.10 20.56 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 14,080 2.4 29.21 60,750 23.71 34.08 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 13,930 17.21 2.4 35,810 14.85 20.39 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 11,090 1.9 26.41 54,930 21.24 31.63 

Wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) (NAICS 517200)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 36,090 19.0 15.15 31,520 10.92 17.56 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 15,600 8.2 13.21 27,470 9.10 16.35 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 8,770 4.6 20.67 42,990 13.15 23.83 

Telephone operators.............................................................................................................................................. 7,460 3.9 13.81 28,730 10.24 17.51 

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 6,860 3.6 22.05 45,870 18.16 26.54 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 5,760 3.0 22.26 46,300 16.98 26.64 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,090 14.47 2.7 30,100 11.24 17.43 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 4,900 2.6 22.16 46,100 14.43 27.90 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 4,000 2.1 34.27 71,290 27.05 40.63 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 3,780 2.0 23.61 49,100 12.54 28.39 

Telecommunications resellers (NAICS 517300)

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 29,250 17.9 22.61 47,030 20.18 26.22 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 13,020 8.0 14.69 30,560 11.24 17.67 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 9,040 5.6 22.47 46,730 19.75 26.27 

Telephone operators.............................................................................................................................................. 4,420 2.7 15.44 32,120 11.46 19.69 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 4,410 2.7 24.95 51,910 19.96 29.51 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 3,980 2.4 30.80 64,060 25.38 35.38 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,950 16.16 2.4 33,610 12.03 20.21 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 3,430 2.1 30.23 62,880 25.73 34.71 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 3,180 2.0 12.24 25,470 8.11 14.20 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products....................................... 2,980 1.8 26.35 54,810 14.97 36.14 

Satellite telecommunications (NAICS 517400)

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 1,010 6.2 24.25 50,440 22.39 26.69 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 960 5.9 24.84 51,670 23.48 27.65 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 870 5.4 24.00 49,920 23.08 26.33 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 370 2.3 33.67 70,040 29.76 38.00 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 260 1.6 54.30 112,950 32.33 69.84 

Broadcast technicians............................................................................................................................................ 240 1.5 16.57 34,470 13.14 19.63 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 210 1.3 16.18 33,640 12.92 19.70 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 150 0.9 34.53 71,820 30.46 39.62 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 0.9 140 34.45 71,650 26.83 42.68 

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment............................................................ 120 26.53 0.7 55,190 19.98 33.32 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 3

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Cable and other program distribution (NAICS 517500)

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 27,850 21.3 16.22 $ 33,730 $ 11.73 $ 20.28 $ 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 26,490 20.2 14.28 29,710 10.30 16.91 

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 7,660 5.9 18.82 39,140 13.38 24.21 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 4,040 3.1 25.57 53,190 20.39 30.02 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 3,470 2.7 22.42 46,620 16.75 27.02 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 3 2.6 ,360 14.17 29,470 11.51 16.65 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 3,120 11.08 2.4 23,050 7.73 13.54 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,3 1.8 40 46.58 96,880 27.40 58.22 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,980 1.5 14.63 30,430 11.17 17.37 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,960 13.15 1.5 27,360 9.68 16.46 

Other telecommunications (NAICS 517900)

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers..................................................... 390 5.5 22.88 47,590 17.65 27.61 

Electronics engineers, except computer................................................................................................................ 330 4.6 27.57 57,340 23.28 32.70 

Telecommunications line installers and repairers.................................................................................................. 280 3.9 21.82 45,390 16.27 26.88 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 240 3.4 58.14 120,920 32.64 (2)

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 2.5 180 30.64 63,740 25.46 35.28 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 170 2.4 22.43 46,660 17.51 29.04 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 170 2.4 17.09 35,540 13.33 19.73 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 150 2.1 10.82 22,500 9.20 12.78 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 130 1.8 28.74 59,780 22.49 34.19 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 130 1.8 15.38 32,000 12.69 17.21 

Internet service providers and web search portals (NAICS 518100)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 11,160 9.0 14.24 29,620 9.95 17.05 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 10,960 8.8 17.37 36,120 10.62 21.45 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 5.6 6,930 38.71 80,520 29.50 46.82 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 6,720 5.4 30.22 62,860 21.59 38.57 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 5,100 4.1 37.45 77,910 28.69 45.07 

Network and computer systems administrators..................................................................................................... 4,620 3.7 27.33 56,840 19.20 34.02 

Computer and information systems managers...................................................................................................... 4,540 3.7 50.91 105,890 37.04 60.64 

Network systems and data communications analysts............................................................................................ 4,420 3.6 28.61 59,500 18.83 36.36 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,7 3.0 10 58.53 121,740 35.54 (2)

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 3,570 32.43 2.9 67,450 24.11 40.19 

Data processing, hosting, and related services (NAICS 518200)

Data entry keyers................................................................................................................................................... 21,100 7.4 9.92 20,630 7.96 11.41 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 18,670 6.5 30.50 63,450 23.06 37.73 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 17,890 6.3 14.84 30,880 10.28 17.99 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 17,460 32.61 6.1 67,840 25.07 39.84 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 13,000 20.05 4.5 41,700 14.11 24.83 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 4.0 11,480 35.77 74,400 27.25 42.17 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,930 11.67 3.5 24,270 8.60 13.85 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 9,520 3.3 35.65 74,140 29.20 41.75 

Network and computer systems administrators..................................................................................................... 8,380 2.9 29.90 62,190 22.45 35.85 

Computer operators............................................................................................................................................... 7,820 14.28 2.7 29,710 9.91 17.80 

Other information services (NAICS 519100)

Library assistants, clerical...................................................................................................................................... 6,450 13.3 9.55 19,850 7.08 11.53 

Librarians................................................................................................................................................................ 5,950 12.2 19.21 39,960 14.89 23.00 

Library technicians.................................................................................................................................................. 5,880 12.1 10.92 22,710 7.97 13.40 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,640 12.48 7.5 25,960 8.20 15.68 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,910 12.66 3.9 26,340 9.62 14.03 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 1,100 2.3 19.78 41,140 13.92 24.95 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 1,000 2.1 10.65 22,160 7.96 12.89 

News analysts, reporters and correspondents....................................................................................................... 990 2.0 19.36 40,260 12.31 25.10 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 930 1.9 44.81 93,210 27.25 55.08 

Editors.................................................................................................................................................................... 910 21.70 1.9 45,130 14.75 26.72 

Monetary authorities - central bank (NAICS 521100)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,440 13.79 6.6 28,690 11.41 16.31 

Tellers..................................................................................................................................................................... 1,330 12.62 6.1 26,260 10.25 14.59 

Financial examiners............................................................................................................................................... 1,320 30.93 6.0 64,340 22.19 38.03 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,250 5.7 15.48 32,200 12.10 16.98 

Financial analysts................................................................................................................................................... 1,000 4.6 26.14 54,370 19.70 29.79 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 970 4.4 15.41 32,050 12.83 17.46 

Office machine operators, except computer.......................................................................................................... 890 4.1 12.69 26,400 10.40 14.88 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 790 3.6 24.64 51,260 18.69 29.13 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 760 3.5 20.05 41,710 15.91 22.74 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 720 31.13 3.3 64,760 24.41 37.03 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 4

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Depository credit intermediation (NAICS 522100)

Tellers..................................................................................................................................................................... 475,750 27.4 10.06 $ 20,920 $ 8.59 $ 11.22 $ 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 121,670 12.64 7.0 26,280 10.16 14.28 

Loan officers........................................................................................................................................................... 99,910 24.16 5.8 50,260 15.90 29.04 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 99,550 5.7 18.40 38,270 14.25 21.37 

New accounts clerks.............................................................................................................................................. 92,890 5.4 12.96 26,950 10.42 14.88 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 80,020 35.10 4.6 73,000 21.07 43.83 

Loan interviewers and clerks.................................................................................................................................. 74,210 13.50 4.3 28,070 10.68 15.77 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 51,540 3.0 12.30 25,580 9.65 14.41 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 42,010 2.4 16.51 34,350 12.95 19.45 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 39,660 11.58 2.3 24,090 9.29 13.53 

Nondepository credit intermediation (NAICS 522200)

Loan officers........................................................................................................................................................... 77,770 10.7 28.30 58,870 16.02 33.42 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 73,810 13.17 10.1 27,390 10.85 14.86 

Loan interviewers and clerks.................................................................................................................................. 53,350 14.78 7.3 30,750 11.61 17.58 

Bill and account collectors...................................................................................................................................... 44,330 14.02 6.1 29,170 11.11 16.23 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 32,830 4.5 22.02 45,800 16.41 26.02 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 28,350 12.49 3.9 25,980 9.69 14.98 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 22,370 45.69 3.1 95,030 28.82 56.44 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 19,820 9.10 2.7 18,940 7.18 10.11 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 18, 2.6 590 49.19 102,320 26.83 64.66 

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents................................................................................ 18,270 2.5 30.44 63,320 15.33 35.34 

Activities related to credit intermediation (NAICS 522300)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 32,420 12.96 11.5 26,960 10.49 14.94 

Loan officers........................................................................................................................................................... 31,930 29.69 11.3 61,770 17.39 34.85 

Tellers..................................................................................................................................................................... 27,020 9.70 9.6 20,170 7.97 10.92 

Loan interviewers and clerks.................................................................................................................................. 21,180 15.58 7.5 32,400 11.50 18.63 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 15,050 5.3 19.75 41,090 14.58 23.43 

Bill and account collectors...................................................................................................................................... 12,400 4.4 13.24 27,550 10.48 14.59 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,620 11.33 3.4 23,580 9.07 13.34 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 8,160 9.14 2.9 19,010 7.59 10.43 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,3 2.2 30 55.05 114,500 29.20 (2)

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 6,120 2.2 11.01 22,900 7.33 12.17 

Securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage (NAICS 523100)

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents................................................................................ 138,500 28.2 46.90 97,550 20.03 67.67 

Brokerage clerks.................................................................................................................................................... 50,650 10.3 17.68 36,780 13.35 21.14 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 33,120 16.86 6.8 35,080 12.71 20.10 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 29,600 12.48 6.0 25,970 9.36 14.63 

Personal financial advisors..................................................................................................................................... 24,490 42.07 5.0 87,500 20.90 55.46 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 19,530 20.46 4.0 42,550 15.20 24.45 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 13,230 60.37 2.7 125,570 35.07 (2)

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 12,400 2.5 23.52 48,920 16.62 29.13 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 10,430 2.1 17.39 36,170 13.12 20.09 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 9,9 2.0 60 59.44 123,630 34.99 (2)

Securities and commodity exchanges (NAICS 523200)

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents................................................................................ 1,220 13.6 42.42 88,230 19.48 58.86 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 720 8.1 22.65 47,110 18.14 26.30 

Brokerage clerks.................................................................................................................................................... 700 7.8 21.87 45,490 16.34 23.94 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 600 62.65 6.7 130,300 41.95 (2)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 390 4.4 55.76 115,970 41.76 59.25 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 370 33.31 4.1 69,290 26.70 39.95 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 320 16.07 3.6 33,430 12.76 19.40 

Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation............................... 240 2.7 31.80 66,140 21.98 32.62 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 180 2.0 14.99 31,190 11.71 19.20 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 1.9 170 43.09 89,620 29.63 48.66 

Other financial investment activities (NAICS 523900)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 21,550 8.1 21.40 44,520 15.78 25.52 

Financial analysts................................................................................................................................................... 18,040 6.8 49.37 102,700 24.29 (2)

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents................................................................................ 17,270 6.5 48.10 100,040 23.22 67.49 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 15,310 12.06 5.7 25,090 8.42 13.52 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 11,570 65.17 4.3 135,550 41.30 (2)

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 9,780 3.7 29.15 60,640 20.44 35.66 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 9,210 3.5 18.47 38,410 13.66 22.06 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,8 3.3 50 67.40 140,190 39.21 (2)

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 8,30 3.1 0 15.34 31,900 10.67 19.41 

Brokerage clerks.................................................................................................................................................... 7,330 2.7 19.32 40,180 14.45 21.82 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 5

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Insurance carriers (NAICS 524100)

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators..................................................................................................... 142,180 10.9 23.05 $ 47,940 $ 16.64 $ 28.39 $ 

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks...................................................................................................... 129,060 9.9 14.58 30,330 11.64 17.04 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 123,250 9.4 14.52 30,190 11.98 16.64 

Insurance sales agents.......................................................................................................................................... 80,150 6.1 24.65 51,270 14.38 28.95 

Insurance underwriters........................................................................................................................................... 63,700 4.9 25.91 53,890 17.84 31.12 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 48,590 12.07 3.7 25,100 9.65 14.09 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 43,060 3.3 24.29 50,530 18.56 29.06 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 30,640 30.62 2.4 63,680 24.50 36.31 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 28,510 18.20 2.2 37,860 14.58 21.10 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 24,8 1.9 10 14.65 30,470 11.68 17.33 

Agencies, brokerages, and other insurance related activities (NAICS 524200)

Insurance sales agents.......................................................................................................................................... 182,310 21.9 26.63 55,390 13.59 31.37 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 106,630 12.8 14.22 29,570 10.89 16.94 

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks...................................................................................................... 75,970 9.1 13.96 29,040 10.85 16.49 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 57,970 10.42 7.0 21,680 7.95 12.45 

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators..................................................................................................... 52,530 6.3 21.91 45,580 15.41 26.58 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 48,7 5.9 70 11.20 23,290 8.63 13.29 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 29,550 3.5 17.36 36,110 13.25 20.36 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 23,230 2.8 22.85 47,520 16.57 27.28 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 22,520 2.7 14.75 30,680 11.05 17.80 

Insurance underwriters........................................................................................................................................... 19,230 2.3 25.27 52,560 16.52 29.77 

Insurance and employee benefit funds (NAICS 525100)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 3,750 7.9 18.61 38,700 13.44 21.80 

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks...................................................................................................... 2,490 5.3 15.48 32,190 12.54 17.42 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 2,310 4.9 29.83 62,040 19.91 33.33 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,190 13.64 4.6 28,360 10.11 16.19 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,830 3.9 17.62 36,660 13.91 20.13 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,76 3.7 0 15.66 32,560 10.90 18.86 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,750 3.7 19.33 40,210 15.22 22.74 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 1,230 29.65 2.6 61,660 20.24 33.00 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 940 2.0 59.36 123,460 37.12 (2)

Lawyers.................................................................................................................................................................. 900 1.9 53.41 111,090 35.87 67.11 

Other investment pools and funds (NAICS 525900)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 2,630 7.1 16.96 35,280 15.22 18.58 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 2,300 27.64 6.2 57,480 19.11 34.09 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,960 18.49 5.3 38,460 14.99 21.44 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,530 4.1 15.58 32,410 12.03 18.77 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,4 3.9 40 53.83 111,980 31.92 (2)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,330 11.37 3.6 23,650 8.46 13.80 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 1,230 48.54 3.3 100,950 58.42 32.11

Financial analysts................................................................................................................................................... 1,180 3.2 38.78 80,670 21.06 47.25 

Personal financial advisors..................................................................................................................................... 1,160 3.1 41.43 86,170 21.62 52.97 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,12 3.0 0 12.91 26,860 9.33 16.28 

Lessors of real estate (NAICS 531100)

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 117,600 19.5 12.56 26,120 8.97 14.89 

Property, real estate, and community association managers................................................................................. 51,780 8.6 19.06 39,640 11.07 22.25 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 51,080 8.5 10.74 22,350 7.63 13.83 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 30,150 9.45 5.0 19,660 6.78 11.14 

Real estate sales agents........................................................................................................................................ 24,900 4.1 14.03 29,190 8.82 15.68 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 20,940 3.5 9.34 19,420 7.56 10.68 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 20,460 3.4 8.84 18,400 7.31 9.92 

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 20,290 9.78 3.4 20,340 7.54 11.14 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 18,2 3.0 00 11.66 24,240 9.49 13.24 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 17,130 2.8 11.85 24,650 7.97 14.44 

Offices of real estate agents and brokers (NAICS 531200)

Real estate sales agents........................................................................................................................................ 46,260 15.2 23.14 48,130 11.25 28.84 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 34,830 10.41 11.4 21,650 8.48 12.22 

Real estate brokers................................................................................................................................................ 21,600 32.60 7.1 67,800 14.00 36.82 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 17,760 10.02 5.8 20,850 8.13 11.31 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 17,280 16.13 5.7 33,560 12.34 18.16 

Property, real estate, and community association managers................................................................................. 15,360 5.1 22.56 46,930 11.10 26.58 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 14,170 4.7 14.47 30,100 11.33 17.68 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 14,160 4.7 12.32 25,620 9.02 14.97 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 6,420 2.1 18.61 38,710 13.81 21.36 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 6,010 2.0 9.54 19,840 7.27 10.97 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 6

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Activities related to real estate (NAICS 531300)

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 63,830 13.8 12.40 $ 25,790 $ 9.09 $ 14.91 $ 

Property, real estate, and community association managers................................................................................. 50,530 10.9 21.71 45,160 12.76 26.12 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 25,180 11.06 5.4 23,010 8.20 12.95 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 24,270 5.2 10.23 21,280 7.62 12.30 

Appraisers and assessors of real estate................................................................................................................ 23,160 5.0 25.76 53,580 15.43 30.71 

Real estate sales agents........................................................................................................................................ 22,340 4.8 19.87 41,330 10.14 23.06 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 20,130 4.4 15.14 31,490 12.05 17.72 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 15,890 3.4 17.16 35,700 13.03 20.47 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 15,320 3.3 9.31 19,360 7.53 10.57 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 13,640 3.0 9.99 20,780 8.01 11.26 

Automotive equipment rental and leasing (NAICS 532100)

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 44,380 22.9 11.01 22,900 8.06 13.15 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 22,000 11.3 9.32 19,390 7.60 10.51 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 14,440 7.4 16.82 34,990 13.66 19.93 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 8,220 4.2 18.93 39,380 14.46 21.82 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 7,170 8.69 3.7 18,080 6.96 9.90 

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 6,950 3.6 14.59 30,350 10.91 17.54 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 5,820 11.93 3.0 24,820 9.21 14.04 

Parking lot attendants............................................................................................................................................. 5,680 2.9 7.62 15,840 6.75 8.37 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,040 11.25 2.6 23,410 8.60 13.61 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,4 2.3 40 34.63 72,040 20.79 41.63 

Consumer goods rental (NAICS 532200)

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 99,390 35.2 8.05 16,740 6.42 8.93 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 31,880 11.3 7.04 14,640 6.16 7.78 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 25,390 9.0 13.67 28,430 9.72 16.22 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 16,800 6.0 9.77 20,310 7.07 10.74 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 15,0 5.3 10 10.56 21,950 8.38 12.39 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,7 2.4 00 31.08 64,660 18.03 35.67 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 5,680 11.29 2.0 23,470 8.61 13.21 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,8 1.7 40 9.11 18,940 7.32 10.47 

Bill and account collectors...................................................................................................................................... 4,370 1.6 12.37 25,720 9.76 14.40 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,260 10.32 1.5 21,460 7.85 12.11 

General rental centers (NAICS 532300)

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 11,600 18.4 11.54 24,010 8.16 13.72 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 5,42 8.6 0 11.50 23,920 8.81 13.31 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 4,3 6.8 00 9.80 20,390 7.74 11.04 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,8 4.5 40 33.94 70,600 20.40 39.56 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 2,760 4.4 12.50 26,000 9.39 14.92 

First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers......................................................................................... 2,400 3.8 18.66 38,810 13.19 22.53 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,740 2.8 13.92 28,940 10.47 16.53 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 1,630 2.6 15.54 32,310 12.72 17.72 

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics.............................................................................. 1,560 2.5 12.92 26,880 10.49 14.55 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 1,400 2.2 28.21 58,670 16.90 38.40 

Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing (NAICS 532400)

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 6,500 6.4 12.93 26,890 8.38 14.51 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 5,950 5.9 16.81 34,970 13.21 19.77 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 5,050 5.0 14.88 30,940 11.37 17.38 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,1 4.1 10 41.96 87,270 23.52 50.32 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 3,89 3.9 0 12.91 26,840 9.73 15.23 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,8 3.8 20 10.37 21,570 8.17 11.96 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,250 3.2 13.65 28,400 10.30 16.10 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,570 2.5 13.72 28,530 10.04 17.00 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,420 11.78 2.4 24,510 8.33 13.29 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 2,230 2.2 22.09 45,950 15.08 26.40 

Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) (NAICS 533100)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,8 7.1 80 51.68 107,490 27.84 (2)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,610 6.1 18.36 38,180 14.49 21.71 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,270 11.58 4.8 24,090 7.94 14.80 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,110 4.2 14.05 29,230 10.09 17.44 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 920 3.5 12.28 25,540 7.42 16.04 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 750 2.8 10.49 21,820 8.35 11.37 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 740 2.8 24.80 51,580 17.99 29.02 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 720 2.7 21.59 44,900 15.33 25.85 

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 680 2.6 34.46 71,670 20.16 35.69 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 550 15.02 2.1 31,240 10.94 17.48 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 7

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Legal services (NAICS 541100)

Lawyers.................................................................................................................................................................. 346,500 30.5 54.77 $ 113,920 $ 29.76 $ (2)

Legal secretaries.................................................................................................................................................... 228,980 20.2 17.90 37,230 13.41 21.90 

Paralegals and legal assistants.............................................................................................................................. 152,830 13.5 18.99 39,490 14.00 22.51 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 61,1 5.4 50 13.06 27,170 10.11 15.09 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 45,620 10.59 4.0 22,030 8.15 12.59 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 31,080 2.7 11.18 23,260 8.66 13.22 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 27,650 2.4 17.87 37,170 13.74 21.49 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 26,530 2.3 15.24 31,700 12.21 17.72 

Law clerks.............................................................................................................................................................. 18,620 14.18 1.6 29,490 8.93 17.62 

Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers.......................................................................................................... 18,080 16.12 1.6 33,530 11.51 18.95 

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services (NAICS 541200)

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 223,760 30.11 28.4 62,640 19.22 34.08 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 86,930 11.0 13.50 28,070 10.27 16.15 

Tax preparers......................................................................................................................................................... 47,830 15.35 6.1 31,930 8.98 18.58 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 36,520 10.61 4.6 22,070 7.98 12.78 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 33,8 4.3 80 12.70 26,420 9.41 15.50 

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.................................................................................................. 3.2 25,010 12.05 25,060 9.63 13.76 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 22,230 17.69 2.8 36,800 13.78 21.16 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 18,910 2.4 20.39 42,410 14.68 24.58 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 18,220 2.3 15.59 32,430 11.12 17.63 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 15, 2.0 620 50.99 106,050 26.57 68.36 

Architectural, engineering, and related services (NAICS 541300)

Civil engineers........................................................................................................................................................ 99,400 31.49 8.1 65,500 23.24 38.14 

Architects, except landscape and naval................................................................................................................. 76,150 6.2 31.13 64,750 21.31 36.13 

Architectural and civil drafters................................................................................................................................ 72,120 18.54 5.9 38,570 14.49 21.76 

Surveyors............................................................................................................................................................... 39,870 3.2 20.38 42,380 13.91 25.51 

Surveying and mapping technicians....................................................................................................................... 38,440 3.1 14.33 29,820 10.33 17.28 

Civil engineering technicians.................................................................................................................................. 37,780 3.1 18.76 39,010 13.50 23.00 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 36,210 2.9 33.68 70,050 25.10 41.14 

Engineering managers........................................................................................................................................... 36,140 2.9 47.42 98,630 35.65 55.88 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 32,9 2.7 70 13.40 27,870 10.42 16.16 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 31,100 2.5 17.84 37,110 14.63 20.77 

Specialized design services (NAICS 541400)

Graphic designers.................................................................................................................................................. 27,200 22.1 23.59 49,070 14.29 26.59 

Interior designers.................................................................................................................................................... 15,790 12.8 22.37 46,530 14.54 26.46 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,030 10.52 4.9 21,880 7.42 12.69 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,9 3.2 10 51.77 107,680 26.42 (2)

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,690 3.0 15.27 31,760 11.74 17.73 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 3,17 2.6 0 11.96 24,890 9.12 14.02 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 2,820 2.3 17.35 36,090 13.82 20.25 

Printing machine operators.................................................................................................................................... 2,670 2.2 12.96 26,960 9.21 15.72 

Art directors............................................................................................................................................................ 2,670 2.2 37.03 77,010 25.81 42.39 

Advertising sales agents......................................................................................................................................... 2,250 1.8 29.93 62,260 17.24 36.24 

Computer systems design and related services (NAICS 541500)

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 11.2 125,910 37.57 78,140 26.87 44.13 

Computer programmers......................................................................................................................................... 113,130 10.1 33.81 70,330 23.57 41.31 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 93,270 34.57 8.3 71,900 24.11 42.38 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 82,950 21.12 7.4 43,930 14.28 26.37 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 77,110 6.9 38.19 79,420 28.05 46.28 

Network and computer systems administrators..................................................................................................... 36,470 3.3 30.43 63,290 23.22 36.78 

Computer and information systems managers...................................................................................................... 34,690 3.1 51.72 107,590 37.70 62.19 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 31,770 2.8 16.44 34,200 10.61 19.72 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 31, 2.8 340 61.64 128,210 39.14 (2)

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 25,630 2.3 39.57 82,310 26.51 48.28 

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services (NAICS 541600)

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 109,670 14.7 42.58 88,570 22.90 55.15 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 41,850 10.90 5.6 22,680 7.21 13.55 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 30,200 18.31 4.0 38,080 13.94 21.60 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 27, 3.7 340 59.12 122,970 33.11 (2)

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 25,1 3.4 50 13.09 27,220 9.65 16.23 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 21,840 2.9 14.70 30,570 10.85 16.90 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 18,150 2.4 14.93 31,050 11.45 17.94 

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists............................................................................................ 15,720 2.1 35.59 74,020 18.26 41.54 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 13,310 26.19 1.8 54,480 15.79 31.60 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 12,250 1.6 22.44 46,670 16.04 27.47 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 

$
9 8

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Scientific research and development services (NAICS 541700)

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists............................................................................................................. 19,290 3.6 33.96 $ 70,630 $ 21.05 $ 42.27 $ 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 18,130 3.4 19.65 40,870 15.67 22.95 

Computer software engineers, systems software.................................................................................................. 14,310 2.7 43.18 89,810 33.39 50.97 

Biological technicians............................................................................................................................................. 14,250 2.7 18.01 37,470 14.28 21.34 

Chemists................................................................................................................................................................ 13,400 30.69 2.5 63,830 19.70 39.84 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 12, 2.4 830 59.16 123,050 38.68 (2)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 10,850 13.55 2.0 28,180 10.24 16.27 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 10,7 2.0 00 15.92 33,120 12.75 18.92 

Mechanical engineers............................................................................................................................................. 8,920 1.7 35.04 72,890 26.89 42.07 

Computer software engineers, applications........................................................................................................... 1.5 8,260 36.24 75,390 27.79 43.97 

Advertising and related services (NAICS 541800)

Advertising sales agents......................................................................................................................................... 38,160 8.7 25.70 53,460 15.75 31.31 

Graphic designers.................................................................................................................................................. 21,880 5.0 21.31 44,330 14.24 25.54 

Public relations specialists...................................................................................................................................... 18,060 27.77 4.1 57,760 16.66 32.84 

Demonstrators and product promoters.................................................................................................................. 17,920 9.25 4.1 19,240 7.51 9.76 

Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service............................................................................. 17,260 9.92 4.0 20,630 7.88 11.41 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 16, 3.8 680 58.13 120,910 31.59 (2)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 13,840 11.29 3.2 23,480 8.47 13.58 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 12,410 17.77 2.8 36,960 14.33 20.81 

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products........................... 11,180 2.6 23.94 49,790 13.87 29.55 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 10,840 15.15 2.5 31,520 10.88 18.43 

Other professional, scientific, and technical services (NAICS 541900)

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers......................................................................................... 56,920 11.5 8.96 18,630 7.22 10.25 

Veterinary technologists and technicians............................................................................................................... 49,070 9.9 11.55 24,030 9.34 13.41 

Interviewers, except eligibility and loan.................................................................................................................. 44,2 8.9 40 9.02 18,760 7.46 10.11 

Veterinarians.......................................................................................................................................................... 40,500 36.16 8.2 75,210 23.79 42.58 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 37,540 10.08 7.6 20,970 8.30 11.52 

Photographers........................................................................................................................................................ 37,540 7.6 13.15 27,340 8.04 15.36 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 22,960 4.6 8.31 17,270 6.59 9.24 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 17,610 9.91 3.6 20,620 7.51 11.42 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 10,620 2.1 16.73 34,790 11.74 19.91 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 10,2 2.1 20 10.88 22,630 8.23 12.42 

Management of companies and enterprises (NAICS 551100)

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 66,140 14.21 4.0 29,550 10.88 16.47 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 64,160 3.8 14.34 29,830 11.40 16.79 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 60,080 12.55 3.6 26,100 9.46 14.83 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 57,100 18.75 3.4 39,000 14.84 21.99 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 51, 3.1 610 54.30 112,940 32.71 (2)

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 49,800 3.0 26.72 55,570 19.55 31.99 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 42,420 2.5 23.17 48,190 17.41 27.51 

Financial managers................................................................................................................................................ 35,060 50.41 2.1 104,850 60.87 33.76

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 27,6 1.7 70 15.15 31,510 11.70 17.88 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 25,060 31.41 1.5 65,320 24.72 37.40 

Office administrative services (NAICS 561100)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 14, 4.9 610 50.89 105,860 27.37 69.84 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 14,170 4.7 13.21 27,490 9.75 15.48 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 13,680 10.96 4.6 22,790 8.53 13.13 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 12,230 4.1 14.31 29,760 11.10 16.96 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 12,130 4.0 17.65 36,710 12.50 21.12 

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 10,130 3.4 39.71 82,590 21.69 54.55 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 9,110 3.0 20.61 42,880 15.44 24.49 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 8,840 3.0 27.94 58,120 18.30 30.82 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 6,63 2.2 0 12.75 26,510 9.90 15.38 

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.................................................................................................. 2.1 6,220 12.89 26,800 10.29 15.30 

Facilities support services (NAICS 561200)

Correctional officers and jailers.............................................................................................................................. 15,780 12.45 15.1 25,900 9.01 17.51 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 4,850 4.6 10.75 22,350 8.13 12.93 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 4,250 4.1 8.69 18,080 6.64 10.24 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,990 3.8 15.51 32,260 10.47 19.79 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,3 2.2 20 9.59 19,960 7.73 10.85 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 2,300 2.2 21.04 43,770 17.57 24.90 

Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service............................................................................. 1,830 1.8 9.85 20,500 8.27 11.07 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,7 1.7 70 37.64 78,280 22.63 45.86 

First-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers......................................................................................... 1,700 1.6 16.70 34,730 12.25 20.02 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 1,610 1.5 11.44 23,790 8.43 13.78 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
9 9

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Employment services (NAICS 561300)

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 475 14.4 ,680 8.39 $ 17,460 $ 7.00 $ 9.34 $ 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 179,140 10.51 5.4 21,850 8.35 12.04 

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 145,940 4.4 7.83 16,290 6.83 8.62 

Helpers--production workers.................................................................................................................................. 85,070 8.10 2.6 16,860 6.79 8.99 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 78,55 2.4 0 8.92 18,550 6.99 10.23 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 73,4 2.2 90 12.28 25,550 9.71 14.56 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 70,400 2.1 28.25 58,770 21.88 34.45 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 70,070 2.1 11.46 23,840 9.29 13.04 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 66,680 9.10 2.0 18,930 7.43 10.14 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 64,260 10.42 2.0 21,670 8.58 11.87 

Business support services (NAICS 561400)

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 148,030 19.5 9.43 19,610 7.57 10.42 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 114,590 15.1 10.84 22,540 8.90 12.14 

Bill and account collectors...................................................................................................................................... 80,970 10.7 12.60 26,200 9.73 14.14 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 26,170 3.5 18.03 37,490 13.37 21.30 

Switchboard operators, including answering service.............................................................................................. 24,550 3.2 8.92 18,540 7.33 10.32 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 20,960 10.73 2.8 22,330 8.50 12.46 

Office machine operators, except computer.......................................................................................................... 19,230 10.28 2.5 21,380 8.39 11.69 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 15, 2.0 230 41.69 86,720 22.50 54.06 

Computer support specialists................................................................................................................................. 12,310 1.6 13.89 28,900 9.32 16.51 

Medical transcriptionists......................................................................................................................................... 12,230 1.6 13.25 27,550 10.25 16.02 

Travel arrangement and reservation services (NAICS 561500)

Travel agents.......................................................................................................................................................... 95,230 38.9 13.82 28,750 10.05 16.39 

Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.............................................................................. 20,180 8.2 12.20 25,370 9.30 13.93 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 12,320 5.0 12.16 25,300 9.86 13.86 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 7,250 10.70 3.0 22,250 8.32 12.53 

First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers.................................................................................. 6,350 2.6 22.68 47,180 15.61 26.48 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,330 2.6 13.16 27,380 10.42 15.55 

Telemarketers........................................................................................................................................................ 5,970 2.4 9.44 19,640 7.84 10.28 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,2 2.1 10 39.72 82,610 23.34 49.07 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 5,130 2.1 9.64 20,060 7.99 11.02 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 5,110 2.1 19.56 40,670 14.79 22.98 

Investigation and security services (NAICS 561600)

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 533,060 74.2 9.33 19,400 7.48 10.57 

Security and fire alarm systems installers.............................................................................................................. 2 3.1 2,020 16.28 33,860 12.32 20.00 

Locksmiths and safe repairers............................................................................................................................... 14,680 2.0 13.99 29,090 10.14 16.67 

Private detectives and investigators....................................................................................................................... 9,6 1.4 90 17.43 36,250 11.53 20.43 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 8,1 1.1 10 35.04 72,880 20.82 41.40 

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.................................................................................................... 5,120 0.7 11.70 24,330 9.05 13.43 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 4,16 0.6 0 11.47 23,850 8.90 13.49 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 3,990 0.6 8.48 17,630 6.78 9.66 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 3,860 0.5 12.61 26,220 10.05 14.38 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 3,470 0.5 18.72 38,940 14.22 22.05 

Services to buildings and dwellings (NAICS 561700)

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 665,660 40.2 8.50 17,690 6.81 9.71 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 365,950 22.1 10.05 20,900 7.96 11.47 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 100,620 6.1 8.25 17,150 6.81 9.38 

Pest control workers............................................................................................................................................... 55,770 12.68 3.4 26,380 9.51 15.14 

First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers............................................................... 53,720 3.2 14.36 29,860 10.01 17.62 

First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers............................... 48,860 3.0 16.96 35,270 12.47 20.09 

Tree trimmers and pruners..................................................................................................................................... 35,850 12.80 2.2 26,630 9.78 15.11 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 27, 1.7 970 32.24 67,060 18.83 38.02 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 27,510 10.24 1.7 21,300 7.69 12.26 

Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation..................................................................................... 16,960 1.0 13.01 27,060 10.64 15.14 

Other support services (NAICS 561900)

Packers and packagers, hand................................................................................................................................ 17,350 5.9 8.22 17,090 7.05 9.09 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 16, 5.5 000 10.29 21,410 7.21 12.15 

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping............................................................................ 11,880 4.1 9.66 20,100 7.88 10.54 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 9,300 3.2 12.86 26,750 9.82 15.26 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 9,230 3.2 13.34 27,740 8.58 17.47 

Stock clerks and order fillers.................................................................................................................................. 8,950 3.1 9.80 20,390 7.99 10.92 

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders............................................................................................ 8,520 2.9 10.03 20,870 8.01 11.73 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,060 10.58 2.8 22,010 7.93 12.54 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,6 2.3 20 45.53 94,700 25.38 56.81 

Demonstrators and product promoters.................................................................................................................. 5,960 12.13 2.0 25,240 8.04 13.18 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
100

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Waste collection (NAICS 562100)

Refuse and recyclable material collectors.............................................................................................................. 31,370 28.1 13.04 $ 27,130 $ 9.52 $ 15.93 $ 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 29,340 26.3 15.12 31,460 11.45 17.73 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 6,7 6.0 20 9.53 19,820 7.18 10.85 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 4,120 3.7 15.83 32,920 12.43 18.44 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 3,31 3.0 0 12.76 26,530 9.93 14.99 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,910 10.45 2.6 21,730 7.81 12.57 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,4 2.2 60 38.49 80,060 24.73 44.14 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 2,320 2.1 23.09 48,030 16.74 27.08 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 1,770 1.6 13.19 27,440 9.92 15.90 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,690 13.07 1.5 27,190 10.40 14.56 

Waste treatment and disposal (NAICS 562200)

Refuse and recyclable material collectors.............................................................................................................. 20,490 18.5 13.83 28,770 10.13 16.84 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 13,800 12.5 15.44 32,110 12.33 17.76 

Hazardous materials removal workers................................................................................................................... 5,060 19.78 4.6 41,150 14.51 25.50 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 4,300 3.9 17.85 37,130 13.01 23.20 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,8 3.5 70 10.12 21,040 8.06 11.53 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,660 12.58 2.4 26,170 9.68 15.25 

Industrial truck and tractor operators...................................................................................................................... 2,610 13.89 2.4 28,880 10.75 16.35 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,5 2.3 40 40.15 83,520 25.25 48.35 

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators........................................................................ 2,460 2.2 16.54 34,400 11.97 20.63 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 2,170 2.0 13.39 27,850 10.45 15.71 

Remediation and other waste management services (NAICS 562900)

Hazardous materials removal workers................................................................................................................... 21,570 21.8 16.71 34,750 12.19 21.17 

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners...................................................................................................... 8,280 8.4 13.87 28,860 10.23 16.54 

Construction laborers............................................................................................................................................. 6,300 14.58 6.4 30,320 10.78 16.96 

First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers.................................................... 4,620 4.7 23.46 48,800 17.31 28.54 

Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer................................................................................................................... 4,490 4.5 15.23 31,670 11.73 18.08 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,6 2.7 80 41.11 85,510 25.55 49.66 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,350 10.76 2.4 22,390 8.01 13.00 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 2,3 2.4 40 9.78 20,340 7.26 11.52 

Refuse and recyclable material collectors.............................................................................................................. 2,170 2.2 12.96 26,960 9.19 15.37 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 2,14 2.2 0 12.73 26,480 9.79 14.71 

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 611100)

Elementary school teachers, except special education.......................................................................................... 1,410,230 17.4 (3) 44,460 (3) (3)

Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education.................................................................. 1,00 12.4 3,800 (3) 46,840 (3) (3)

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 981,620 12.1 (3) 20,220 (3) (3)

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education......................................................................... 600,210 7.4 (3) 44,860 (3) (3)

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 353,820 4.4 11.49 23,900 8.37 14.16 

Bus drivers, school................................................................................................................................................. 277,250 3.4 10.87 22,610 6.93 13.88 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 212, 2.6 450 12.78 26,580 9.69 15.44 

Education administrators, elementary and secondary school................................................................................ 201,750 2.5 (3) 76,530 (3) (3)

Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school...................................................... 199,690 2.5 (3) 46,270 (3) (3)

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 166,220 8.46 2.1 17,600 6.40 10.16 

Junior colleges (NAICS 611200)

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary...................................................................................................... 44,230 6.4 22.22 46,220 15.94 27.00 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 34,640 10.47 5.0 21,790 7.36 12.93 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 25,4 3.7 50 13.08 27,200 10.15 15.60 

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary...................................................................................... 22,540 3.3 (3) 51,500 (3) (3)

Education administrators, postsecondary.............................................................................................................. 20,310 3.0 32.75 68,130 23.61 40.51 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 19,360 2.8 11.23 23,350 8.31 13.62 

Business teachers, postsecondary......................................................................................................................... 19,350 2.8 (3) 51,120 (3) (3)

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 18,970 2.8 (3) 24,500 (3) (3)

Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary..................................................................................................... 18,240 2.7 (3) 51,550 (3) (3)

Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors.................................................................. 15,300 2.2 19.41 40,370 13.75 23.45 

Colleges, universities, and professional schools (NAICS 611300)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 127,090 11.32 5.0 23,530 8.25 13.72 

Graduate teaching assistants................................................................................................................................. 112,810 4.4 (3) 26,260 (3) (3)

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 103, 4.1 910 13.05 27,140 10.45 15.42 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 88,050 3.5 16.60 34,520 13.12 19.22 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 81,340 3.2 10.74 22,340 8.29 12.86 

Education administrators, postsecondary.............................................................................................................. 71,620 2.8 36.72 76,370 23.60 45.18 

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary........................................................................................................... 64,180 2.5 (3) 81,530 (3) (3)

Business teachers, postsecondary......................................................................................................................... 46,090 1.8 (3) 68,200 (3) (3)

Biological science teachers, postsecondary........................................................................................................... 43,820 1.7 (3) 71,500 (3) (3)

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary.................................................................................................... 41,380 1.6 (3) 52,890 (3) (3)

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
101

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Business schools and computer and management training (NAICS 611400)

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary...................................................................................................... 9,280 10.7 18.68 $ 38,860 $ 13.17 $ 21.81 $ 

Self-enrichment education teachers....................................................................................................................... 6,170 7.1 20.34 42,300 13.17 25.40 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,5 4.1 70 45.70 95,060 27.48 56.56 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 3,490 4.0 15.66 32,580 12.43 17.83 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,360 11.13 3.9 23,140 8.21 13.44 

Training and development specialists.................................................................................................................... 2, 3.0 600 25.69 53,430 17.40 30.69 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 2,31 2.7 0 12.55 26,100 10.06 14.74 

Instructional coordinators....................................................................................................................................... 2,140 2.5 26.10 54,290 16.69 32.92 

Business teachers, postsecondary......................................................................................................................... 2,050 2.4 (3) 46,130 (3) (3)

Computer science teachers, postsecondary.......................................................................................................... 2,010 2.3 (3) 53,890 (3) (3)

Technical and trade schools (NAICS 611500)

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary...................................................................................................... 36,190 29.3 20.10 41,810 13.88 24.64 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,340 10.34 4.3 21,500 7.54 12.54 

Self-enrichment education teachers....................................................................................................................... 5,040 17.43 4.1 36,250 11.25 21.33 

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists....................................................................................................... 3,200 2.6 11.16 23,220 7.23 13.25 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 3,04 2.5 0 12.22 25,410 9.59 14.17 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,9 2.4 70 35.92 74,720 22.49 43.23 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 2,850 2.3 16.29 33,890 12.74 18.92 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,800 2.3 10.10 21,020 8.10 11.86 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 2,470 2.0 9.74 20,260 7.50 11.28 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 2,460 2.0 (3) 22,680 (3) (3)

Other schools and instruction (NAICS 611600)

Self-enrichment education teachers....................................................................................................................... 44,130 19.0 16.61 34,560 10.12 20.89 

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors................................................................................................................ 16,650 7.2 11.17 23,230 7.74 12.87 

Choreographers..................................................................................................................................................... 13,010 5.6 17.22 35,810 9.64 22.39 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 9,160 9.73 3.9 20,230 7.39 11.34 

Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors.................................................................. 7,990 3.4 15.14 31,490 10.95 17.74 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 6,890 3.0 (3) 20,490 (3) (3)

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,1 2.2 40 32.63 67,860 18.10 38.43 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 4,90 2.1 0 11.40 23,710 8.66 13.89 

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary...................................................................................................... 4,820 2.1 16.97 35,290 10.34 23.23 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 4,560 2.0 10.27 21,370 7.88 12.19 

Educational support services (NAICS 611700)

Instructional coordinators....................................................................................................................................... 5,570 7.8 24.65 51,260 16.81 27.66 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 4,790 6.7 (3) 25,640 (3) (3)

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,900 11.45 4.0 23,820 7.56 13.73 

Educational, vocational, and school counselors..................................................................................................... 2,490 21.80 3.5 45,340 14.99 26.63 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 2,39 3.3 0 12.54 26,080 9.81 14.91 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 2,160 3.0 9.18 19,090 7.76 10.49 

Elementary school teachers, except special education.......................................................................................... 2,110 2.9 (3) 45,270 (3) (3)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,960 2.7 16.61 34,540 12.64 19.50 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,9 2.7 40 40.17 83,560 25.79 47.08 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 1,730 2.4 13.73 28,550 11.55 16.24 

Offices of physicians (NAICS 621100)

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 207,300 10.4 12.08 25,130 9.97 13.77 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 194,230 9.7 23.93 49,770 17.42 28.00 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 155,920 7.8 10.96 22,790 9.11 12.70 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 154,330 7.7 13.05 27,140 10.36 15.20 

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.................................................................................................. 4.5 89,910 13.17 27,380 10.62 15.32 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 88,740 14.74 4.5 30,660 11.95 16.61 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 75,910 10.61 3.8 22,070 8.30 12.65 

Family and general practitioners............................................................................................................................ 73,260 73.24 3.7 152,340 51.05 (2)

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 62,600 3.1 19.39 40,320 14.89 22.72 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 48,4 2.4 60 12.37 25,730 9.84 14.35 

Offices of dentists (NAICS 621200)

Dental assistants.................................................................................................................................................... 255,830 34.6 13.58 28,250 10.55 16.38 

Dental hygienists.................................................................................................................................................... 140,680 19.0 28.19 58,640 22.63 32.95 

Dentists................................................................................................................................................................... 88,600 64.81 12.0 134,800 37.55 (2)

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 64,010 8.7 12.40 25,780 9.42 14.83 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 46,480 6.3 15.25 31,720 11.52 18.55 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 28,260 12.33 3.8 25,650 9.19 15.44 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 20,1 2.7 70 14.43 30,020 11.64 16.91 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 17,530 2.4 18.96 39,430 14.44 21.92 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 14,360 1.9 15.48 32,200 11.64 19.50 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 10,790 1.5 19.40 40,350 14.32 23.30 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
102

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Offices of other health practitioners (NAICS 621300)

Physical therapists.................................................................................................................................................. 40,110 8.0 29.96 $ 62,310 $ 23.33 $ 34.84 $ 

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 39,630 7.9 10.74 22,330 8.97 12.48 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 35,550 10.27 7.1 21,370 8.06 12.11 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 33,870 10.10 6.7 21,020 8.20 11.74 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 26,990 11.88 5.4 24,700 9.76 13.49 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 25,1 5.0 50 11.34 23,600 9.29 13.31 

Opticians, dispensing............................................................................................................................................. 18,100 3.6 13.07 27,180 9.85 15.44 

Chiropractors.......................................................................................................................................................... 18,070 3.6 40.51 84,260 21.95 49.23 

Physical therapist assistants.................................................................................................................................. 17,710 17.30 3.5 35,970 14.05 20.61 

Occupational therapists.......................................................................................................................................... 16,440 27.09 3.3 56,340 21.86 31.95 

Outpatient care centers (NAICS 621400)

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 54,780 12.9 24.24 50,420 19.77 27.45 

Mental health and substance abuse social workers............................................................................................... 16,490 3.9 16.46 34,240 12.44 19.10 

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 16,410 3.9 12.19 25,360 10.06 13.91 

Mental health counselors........................................................................................................................................ 15,720 3.7 16.84 35,020 12.48 20.16 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 13,910 15.64 3.3 32,530 12.85 17.67 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 13,860 11.46 3.3 23,830 9.13 13.27 

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors........................................................................................... 12,270 15.86 2.9 32,980 12.31 18.01 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 10,960 2.6 10.66 22,180 8.74 12.45 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 10,450 11.21 2.5 23,320 8.93 13.33 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 10,350 11.79 2.4 24,510 9.79 13.45 

Medical and diagnostic laboratories (NAICS 621500)

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists......................................................................................................... 19,730 11.0 21.06 43,800 17.24 24.63 

Medical and clinical laboratory technicians............................................................................................................ 18,900 10.5 14.43 30,010 11.02 17.02 

Radiologic technologists and technicians............................................................................................................... 13,050 7.3 21.49 44,700 17.70 25.21 

Couriers and messengers...................................................................................................................................... 7,520 4.2 10.14 21,090 8.41 11.49 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 6,520 12.91 3.6 26,860 10.39 14.99 

Billing and posting clerks and machine operators.................................................................................................. 3.5 6,330 13.42 27,910 10.49 15.58 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,630 11.35 2.6 23,600 9.04 13.27 

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 4,340 11.50 2.4 23,920 9.64 13.00 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 4,260 11.12 2.4 23,130 9.29 12.83 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 3,800 12.81 2.1 26,640 10.47 14.48 

Home health care services (NAICS 621600)

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 191,870 27.0 8.72 18,150 7.23 10.09 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 154,940 21.8 7.13 14,830 6.08 8.05 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 114,430 16.1 23.86 49,630 19.23 27.14 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 48,550 6.8 16.36 34,030 13.92 19.01 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 36,400 5.1 9.25 19,240 7.34 10.91 

Physical therapists.................................................................................................................................................. 12,440 32.21 1.8 67,000 24.25 40.53 

Medical and health services managers.................................................................................................................. 11,540 1.6 31.36 65,240 23.30 35.24 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 10,510 10.71 1.5 22,270 8.48 12.59 

Medical and public health social workers............................................................................................................... 7,440 1.1 21.09 43,860 16.11 24.01 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 6,7 1.0 30 36.91 76,780 23.82 43.45 

Other ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621900)

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics.................................................................................................. 75,350 11.60 38.8 24,140 8.86 13.62 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 8,160 4.2 23.09 48,020 19.00 26.70 

Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians......................................................... 6,990 3.6 9.22 19,180 7.31 10.67 

Medical and clinical laboratory technicians............................................................................................................ 6,500 3.4 13.71 28,520 10.42 16.52 

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 6,220 3.2 11.68 24,300 9.56 13.51 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,0 2.1 20 34.62 72,010 21.15 41.12 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,960 10.66 2.0 22,170 8.49 12.65 

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers................................................................................................................. 3,930 11.94 2.0 24,840 9.19 14.14 

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists......................................................................................................... 3,230 1.7 19.02 39,570 15.36 22.25 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 3,040 1.6 19.33 40,210 14.36 23.12 

General medical and surgical hospitals (NAICS 622100)

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 1,295,870 27.5 25.02 52,050 20.42 28.70 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 349,810 7.4 10.53 21,900 8.69 12.24 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 179,560 3.8 15.30 31,820 12.64 17.38 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 118,480 2.5 9.20 19,130 7.55 10.64 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 114,680 11.66 2.4 24,260 9.30 13.77 

Radiologic technologists and technicians............................................................................................................... 100,780 2.1 20.13 41,880 16.53 23.61 

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists......................................................................................................... 89,110 1.9 21.66 45,040 18.42 25.11 

Medical and health services managers.................................................................................................................. 81,350 1.7 36.18 75,260 26.73 41.76 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 76,450 1.6 12.60 26,210 10.25 14.57 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 72,9 1.6 80 12.97 26,990 10.53 15.10 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
103

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals (NAICS 622200)

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 30,930 12.7 23.48 $ 48,850 $ 19.80 $ 26.94 $ 

Psychiatric aides..................................................................................................................................................... 25,930 10.6 11.59 24,110 9.12 13.95 

Psychiatric technicians........................................................................................................................................... 21,730 8.9 14.19 29,520 10.50 17.32 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 9,150 15.58 3.8 32,410 13.03 17.99 

Mental health and substance abuse social workers............................................................................................... 8,770 17.55 3.6 36,500 13.61 21.30 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 8,580 3.5 11.17 23,240 9.11 13.31 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 4,910 2.0 14.21 29,560 10.46 17.24 

Mental health counselors........................................................................................................................................ 4,800 2.0 14.82 30,820 9.54 19.02 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 4,550 1.9 15.81 32,890 11.53 20.00 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 4,440 1.8 10.28 21,370 8.16 12.32 

Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals (NAICS 622300)

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 37,300 21.3 25.66 53,360 20.91 29.15 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 14,320 8.2 10.80 22,470 8.85 12.65 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 6,070 3.5 15.90 33,060 13.22 18.29 

Physical therapists.................................................................................................................................................. 4,250 27.26 2.4 56,710 23.00 31.26 

Medical secretaries................................................................................................................................................ 3,170 14.04 1.8 29,200 11.09 16.61 

Medical and health services managers.................................................................................................................. 3,000 1.7 38.74 80,570 28.11 44.22 

Respiratory therapists............................................................................................................................................. 2,970 19.88 1.7 41,340 17.36 22.28 

Occupational therapists.......................................................................................................................................... 2,960 25.89 1.7 53,850 22.15 28.99 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 2,750 17.66 1.6 36,730 14.22 20.89 

Medical assistants.................................................................................................................................................. 2,750 12.14 1.6 25,250 9.63 14.11 

Nursing care facilities (NAICS 623100)

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 593,490 37.9 9.83 20,440 8.15 11.21 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 176,420 11.3 16.45 34,210 13.77 19.18 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 121,000 7.7 22.44 46,670 18.77 25.98 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 79,280 5.1 8.40 17,480 6.94 9.51 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 58,100 8.49 3.7 17,650 7.00 9.58 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 47,230 9.52 3.0 19,800 7.64 10.89 

Laundry and dry-cleaning workers......................................................................................................................... 33,900 2.2 8.36 17,380 6.97 9.48 

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 33,720 2.2 9.15 19,030 7.66 10.45 

Recreation workers................................................................................................................................................ 27,690 1.8 10.17 21,150 8.00 11.79 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 23,310 1.5 9.36 19,470 7.34 10.94 

Residential mental health facilities (NAICS 623200)

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 93,770 19.2 9.23 19,200 7.80 10.47 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 76,020 15.6 8.98 18,680 7.61 10.26 

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 31,490 6.5 9.25 19,250 7.61 10.64 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 31,170 6.4 10.34 21,500 8.22 11.85 

Rehabilitation counselors....................................................................................................................................... 24,100 4.9 11.52 23,970 8.85 13.51 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 13,480 10.05 2.8 20,910 8.36 11.18 

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors........................................................................................... 11,040 13.67 2.3 28,430 10.65 16.02 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 10,770 15.85 2.2 32,960 13.13 18.32 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 10,070 2.1 21.35 44,410 17.84 25.00 

Mental health counselors........................................................................................................................................ 9,830 2.0 12.57 26,150 9.81 14.42 

Community care facilities for the elderly (NAICS 623300)

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants................................................................................................................ 112,050 20.1 9.31 19,370 7.83 10.64 

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 72,890 8.66 13.1 18,010 7.48 9.80 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 38,210 8.66 6.9 18,010 7.19 9.73 

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses................................................................................................ 31,040 16.07 5.6 33,430 13.62 18.59 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 30,980 5.6 8.20 17,050 7.09 9.13 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 22,010 3.9 21.52 44,770 18.30 25.02 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 21,460 9.60 3.9 19,970 7.77 11.03 

Food servers, nonrestaurant.................................................................................................................................. 16,690 7.75 3.0 16,120 6.74 8.56 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 16,240 7.78 2.9 16,180 6.83 8.58 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 15,210 8.05 2.7 16,740 6.90 8.95 

Other residential care facilities (NAICS 623900)

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 29,150 17.7 9.64 20,060 7.86 11.13 

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 11,020 6.7 9.12 18,970 7.56 10.46 

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 10,750 14.65 6.5 30,460 11.45 17.08 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 9,800 8.81 5.9 18,330 7.55 10.01 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 9,490 10.80 5.8 22,470 8.59 12.56 

Rehabilitation counselors....................................................................................................................................... 5,120 12.02 3.1 25,000 9.57 13.76 

Mental health counselors........................................................................................................................................ 4,890 13.21 3.0 27,470 10.44 14.69 

Residential advisors............................................................................................................................................... 4,520 10.61 2.7 22,080 8.35 11.93 

Social and community service managers............................................................................................................... 3,070 1.9 22.52 46,840 16.75 26.81 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,0 1.9 50 29.90 62,200 20.46 35.01 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
104

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Individual and family services (NAICS 624100)

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 130,150 16.2 8.38 $ 17,420 $ 7.26$ 9.35 $ 

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 69,540 8.6 8.57 17,820 7.22 9.83 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 56,570 7.0 11.30 23,510 8.96 13.30 

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 45,090 5.6 14.83 30,850 11.85 17.13 

Social and community service managers............................................................................................................... 24,090 3.0 22.76 47,350 16.53 26.98 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 21,440 2.7 10.04 20,880 7.74 11.99 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 17,440 9.10 2.2 18,930 7.24 10.47 

Rehabilitation counselors....................................................................................................................................... 16,690 13.34 2.1 27,740 10.05 15.86 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 16,380 2.0 (3) 19,390 (3) (3)

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 15,9 2.0 10 11.33 23,560 9.33 13.30 

Emergency and other relief services (NAICS 624200)

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 17,240 13.5 10.85 22,570 8.70 12.87 

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 6,260 4.9 13.42 27,910 10.96 15.79 

Social and community service managers............................................................................................................... 5,850 4.6 21.89 45,520 15.97 26.17 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 4,680 3.7 9.73 20,240 7.56 11.27 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 3,990 9.16 3.1 19,050 7.61 10.58 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,2 2.5 10 29.09 60,520 19.26 34.56 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 3,200 13.84 2.5 28,790 11.12 16.22 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 3,040 8.57 2.4 17,830 7.07 9.85 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 2,70 2.1 0 11.11 23,110 9.30 12.77 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 2,62 2.1 0 9.16 19,050 7.17 10.74 

Vocational rehabilitation services (NAICS 624300)

Rehabilitation counselors....................................................................................................................................... 25,020 8.2 13.46 27,990 9.72 15.58 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 21,380 7.0 8.80 18,300 7.48 10.04 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 16, 5.4 580 7.65 15,910 6.29 8.08 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 16,490 5.4 11.32 23,540 8.71 12.96 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 15,180 4.9 8.07 16,790 6.66 9.07 

Educational, vocational, and school counselors..................................................................................................... 11,070 13.68 3.6 28,460 10.37 16.09 

Home health aides................................................................................................................................................. 10,970 8.98 3.6 18,690 7.65 10.19 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,370 2.7 9.32 19,380 6.90 11.18 

Team assemblers................................................................................................................................................... 7,050 7.18 2.3 14,930 6.06 7.82 

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists............................................................................................ 6,460 15.61 2.1 32,470 12.43 17.84 

Child day care services (NAICS 624400)

Preschool teachers, except special education....................................................................................................... 263,500 36.2 9.58 19,930 7.46 10.98 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 198,650 27.3 7.56 15,710 6.29 8.44 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 86,470 11.9 (3) 17,150 (3) (3)

Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program..................................................................... 35,280 4.8 17.15 35,660 11.94 19.66 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 17,050 2.3 8.13 16,920 6.75 9.15 

Kindergarten teachers, except special education................................................................................................... 9,120 1.3 (3) 23,170 (3) (3)

First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers................................................................................ 7,520 1.0 11.95 24,850 9.11 13.79 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 7,320 1.0 8.55 17,780 6.58 10.08 

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 7,310 1.0 15.56 32,360 10.63 16.34 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,820 0.9 9.32 19,380 7.42 10.98 

Performing arts companies (NAICS 711100)

Musicians and singers............................................................................................................................................ 27,860 22.3 (3) 56,740 (3) (3)

Actors..................................................................................................................................................................... 10,420 8.4 (3) 38,080 (3) (3)

Producers and directors......................................................................................................................................... 4,340 3.5 (3) 48,000 (3) (3)

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers........................................................................................................... 4,330 8.36 3.5 17,390 6.57 9.53 

Music directors and composers............................................................................................................................. 3,710 3.0 (3) 41,030 (3) (3)

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 3,640 2.9 7.77 16,170 6.11 8.55 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 3,490 2.8 8.75 18,190 7.14 9.95 

Dancers.................................................................................................................................................................. 3,410 16.34 2.7 33,980 9.54 19.99 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,380 2.7 11.19 23,280 7.49 13.81 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,6 2.1 20 36.17 75,240 19.51 44.56 

Spectator sports (NAICS 711200)

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers........................................................................................................... 8,660 8.92 6.6 18,550 6.67 9.98 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 7,900 6.0 10.50 21,830 7.81 12.07 

Athletes and sports competitors............................................................................................................................. 7,820 5.9 (3) 108,170 (3) (3)

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 6,510 4.9 9.90 20,590 7.37 11.53 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 6,470 8.90 4.9 18,510 6.97 10.38 

Coaches and scouts............................................................................................................................................... 4,890 3.7 (3) 57,960 (3) (3)

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 4,750 3.6 9.23 19,190 7.25 10.63 

Amusement and recreation attendants.................................................................................................................. 3,840 8.16 2.9 16,960 6.45 8.91 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,610 2.7 12.86 26,740 8.06 15.10 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 2,890 2.2 7.04 14,650 6.15 7.91 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
105

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events (NAICS 711300)

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers........................................................................................................... 12,400 16.9 7.87 $ 16,370 $ 6.32 $ 8.66 $ 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 5,660 7.7 10.72 22,300 7.92 12.52 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 3,7 5.1 70 13.47 28,030 9.60 15.89 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 3,180 4.3 8.71 18,120 7.01 9.92 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 2,690 3.7 9.31 19,360 6.98 10.12 

Parking lot attendants............................................................................................................................................. 2,320 3.2 8.81 18,330 6.58 8.66 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,140 10.41 2.9 21,650 7.99 12.48 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,820 2.5 13.24 27,530 9.05 16.40 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 1,650 2.3 7.62 15,840 6.37 8.51 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,5 2.2 80 40.95 85,180 22.76 50.27 

Agents and managers for public figures (NAICS 711400)

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes..................................................................... 5,120 32.8 32.02 66,610 15.24 37.62 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,590 11.83 10.2 24,600 9.33 13.75 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,560 15.43 10.0 32,100 11.79 18.70 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,05 6.7 0 12.54 26,070 10.68 14.22 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 620 4.0 15.79 32,840 11.46 19.58 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 410 2.6 57.70 120,020 25.30 (2)

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 290 1.9 9.04 18,810 7.50 10.24 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 240 22.80 1.5 47,420 17.46 24.96 

Coaches and scouts............................................................................................................................................... 230 1.5 (3) 65,960 (3) (3)

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 200 1.3 26.00 54,090 18.65 30.95 

Independent artists, writers, and performers (NAICS 711500)

Announcers............................................................................................................................................................ 2,410 5.6 14.03 29,180 8.24 16.08 

Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators...................................................................................... 2,3 5.3 00 21.84 45,420 10.25 21.16 

Producers and directors......................................................................................................................................... 2,170 5.0 (3) 114,300 (3) (3)

Writers and authors................................................................................................................................................ 1,950 4.5 28.25 58,760 11.09 37.33 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 1,870 9.98 4.3 20,760 7.49 11.93 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 1,64 3.8 0 11.51 23,940 8.01 14.83 

Actors..................................................................................................................................................................... 1,620 3.7 (3) 84,580 (3) (3)

Technical writers.................................................................................................................................................... 1,300 3.0 31.74 66,020 15.93 35.13 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 1,120 2.6 21.06 43,810 14.51 29.43 

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes..................................................................... 930 2.2 35.55 73,940 16.59 43.50 

Museums, historical sites, and similar institutions (NAICS 712100)

Tour guides and escorts......................................................................................................................................... 9,280 8.0 8.56 17,810 6.85 9.84 

Archivists, curators, and museum technicians....................................................................................................... 8,580 7.4 18.69 38,870 12.24 22.06 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 7,230 6.2 11.12 23,130 8.23 13.13 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 6,740 5.8 8.06 16,770 6.81 8.95 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,530 11.27 3.0 23,440 7.97 13.64 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 3,450 11.12 3.0 23,120 8.21 13.42 

Self-enrichment education teachers....................................................................................................................... 3,450 14.91 3.0 31,020 10.30 17.54 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 3,260 2.8 11.15 23,190 8.08 13.33 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 3,100 2.7 16.05 33,380 12.45 18.64 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,9 2.5 40 35.89 74,640 20.67 44.73 

Amusement parks and arcades (NAICS 713100)

Amusement and recreation attendants.................................................................................................................. 49,580 32.8 7.36 15,300 6.46 7.94 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 8,540 5.7 7.37 15,330 6.19 8.12 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 7,310 4.8 7.71 16,030 6.35 8.43 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 3,690 2.4 10.35 21,520 7.88 11.52 

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers........................................................................................................... 3,360 2.2 8.50 17,690 6.56 9.75 

First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers................................................................................ 2,950 2.0 15.38 31,990 11.75 18.35 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 2,750 1.8 7.35 15,290 6.40 8.26 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 2,150 1.4 10.34 21,510 7.81 12.69 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 1,900 1.3 12.93 26,900 9.11 16.05 

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers......................................................................... 1,710 1.1 12.19 25,360 9.36 14.61 

Gambling industries (NAICS 713200)

Gaming dealers...................................................................................................................................................... 22,450 16.4 8.38 17,430 6.19 8.29 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 8,150 5.9 7.24 15,050 6.08 7.66 

Gaming change persons and booth cashiers......................................................................................................... 8,020 9.11 5.9 18,950 7.41 10.62 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 6,800 5.0 10.50 21,850 8.69 11.46 

Gaming cage workers............................................................................................................................................ 6,720 10.87 4.9 22,600 9.26 12.39 

Gaming supervisors............................................................................................................................................... 5,540 4.0 18.78 39,060 14.91 22.32 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 4,320 3.2 8.34 17,350 6.90 9.52 

Gaming and sports book writers and runners........................................................................................................ 4,070 8.74 3.0 18,170 7.03 9.46 

Slot key persons..................................................................................................................................................... 3,980 2.9 11.81 24,560 8.88 14.58 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 3,790 2.8 8.66 18,000 6.71 9.69 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
106

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Other amusement and recreation industries (NAICS 713900)

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 103,900 10.4 9.60 $ 19,970 $ 7.57 $ 10.84 $ 

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors................................................................................................................ 100,710 10.0 16.52 34,360 8.64 21.46 

Amusement and recreation attendants.................................................................................................................. 91,090 9.1 7.61 15,830 6.29 8.37 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 71,580 7.1 8.88 18,460 6.48 10.72 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 32,100 3.2 7.89 16,420 6.64 8.75 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 30,050 3.0 8.49 17,660 7.01 9.65 

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 29,910 3.0 8.61 17,900 6.59 9.85 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 25,590 2.6 11.38 23,670 8.05 13.96 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 25,530 2.5 7.59 15,780 6.48 8.37 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 24,860 2.5 8.71 18,120 7.03 9.93 

Traveler accommodation (NAICS 721100)

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 385,980 22.7 8.14 16,930 6.65 8.89 

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks....................................................................................................................... 167,310 8.71 9.9 18,120 7.21 9.93 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 134,620 8.04 7.9 16,710 6.26 9.03 

Cooks, restaurant................................................................................................................................................... 55,320 11.19 3.3 23,280 8.88 13.12 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 55,080 3.2 12.15 25,270 8.71 14.17 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 49,830 2.9 9.56 19,870 7.34 11.50 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers................................................................................ 43,520 2.6 8.16 16,970 6.52 9.44 

Food servers, nonrestaurant.................................................................................................................................. 39,760 2.3 8.55 17,780 6.57 9.87 

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 38,640 2.3 9.33 19,410 6.57 11.16 

Dishwashers........................................................................................................................................................... 38,460 2.3 8.59 17,870 6.87 9.95 

Rv (recreational vehicle) parks and recreational camps (NAICS 721200)

Recreation workers................................................................................................................................................ 5,030 11.8 8.36 17,380 6.30 9.54 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 3,850 9.1 8.49 17,650 6.97 9.54 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 3,740 8.8 9.83 20,440 7.32 11.29 

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks....................................................................................................................... 2,520 8.36 5.9 17,390 7.08 9.39 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 2,220 9.64 5.2 20,050 7.05 11.15 

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 1,830 4.3 7.78 16,190 6.75 8.61 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 1,560 3.7 8.27 17,200 6.91 9.03 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 1,3 3.1 30 27.03 56,220 14.41 33.24 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 1,110 2.6 8.28 17,220 6.83 9.33 

Amusement and recreation attendants.................................................................................................................. 900 2.1 8.72 18,140 6.68 9.92 

Rooming and boarding houses (NAICS 721300)

Maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................................................................... 2,050 16.5 8.28 17,230 6.65 9.54 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 1,220 9.8 9.57 19,900 7.44 11.29 

Residential advisors............................................................................................................................................... 680 5.5 8.48 17,630 6.50 9.84 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 670 6.97 5.4 14,500 5.93 7.20 

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks....................................................................................................................... 530 8.66 4.3 18,010 6.87 9.84 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 490 3.9 7.77 16,160 6.46 8.56 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 450 3.6 11.59 24,110 8.37 13.54 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers................................................................................ 440 3.5 7.21 14,990 6.23 7.98 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 390 3.1 8.83 18,380 6.49 10.43 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 390 3.1 7.72 16,050 6.26 8.83 

Full-service restaurants (NAICS 722100)

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 1,509,920 37.2 7.49 15,580 6.05 7.85 

Cooks, restaurant................................................................................................................................................... 522,830 12.9 9.56 19,870 7.71 10.90 

Dishwashers........................................................................................................................................................... 281,810 6.9 7.32 15,220 6.38 8.20 

Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop................................................................................... 229,950 5.7 7.63 15,860 6.43 8.47 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers................................................................................ 202,490 5.0 7.07 14,710 6.20 7.74 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 182,760 4.5 8.01 16,650 6.63 9.13 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers............................................................. 170,640 4.2 13.79 28,690 9.92 16.79 

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 164,350 4.1 8.35 17,370 6.41 9.43 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 161,450 4.0 7.20 14,980 6.11 8.04 

Cooks, short order.................................................................................................................................................. 92,300 2.3 8.62 17,930 6.93 10.15 

Limited-service eating places (NAICS 722200)

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 1,391,410 38.6 6.95 14,450 6.10 7.80 

Cooks, fast food..................................................................................................................................................... 487,980 13.5 7.08 14,730 6.12 7.97 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers............................................................. 288,730 8.0 11.52 23,970 8.72 13.54 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 223,810 6.2 7.35 15,290 6.42 8.22 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 194,600 5.4 7.08 14,730 6.14 7.95 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 169,210 4.7 7.25 15,090 6.26 8.14 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 158,820 4.4 6.99 14,530 5.97 7.40 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 108,150 3.0 7.40 15,400 6.07 7.87 

Food service managers.......................................................................................................................................... 85,790 2.4 19.45 40,460 13.07 21.25 

Cooks, restaurant................................................................................................................................................... 78,930 2.2 8.52 17,730 7.02 9.85 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
107

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Special food services (NAICS 722300)

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 89,420 17.0 8.31 $ 17,290 $ 6.62 $ 9.41 $ 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 55,380 10.5 9.12 18,970 6.42 10.98 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 43,150 8.2 8.70 18,100 7.14 10.13 

Dishwashers........................................................................................................................................................... 29,040 5.5 7.65 15,900 6.46 8.64 

Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop......................................................................... 28,970 5.5 7.68 15,980 6.55 8.55 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers............................................................. 27,400 5.2 17.60 36,610 10.77 17.91 

Cooks, institution and cafeteria.............................................................................................................................. 27,160 10.33 5.2 21,480 8.42 12.01 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 21,500 8.16 4.1 16,970 6.66 9.60 

Food servers, nonrestaurant.................................................................................................................................. 18,710 9.47 3.6 19,700 7.04 11.25 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers................................................................................ 18,210 3.5 7.69 15,990 6.36 8.58 

Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) (NAICS 722400)

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 149,620 39.3 7.62 15,840 6.09 8.35 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 79,880 21.0 7.03 14,620 5.91 7.37 

First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers............................................................. 20,050 5.3 12.52 26,050 8.53 15.25 

Cooks, restaurant................................................................................................................................................... 18,540 4.9 9.26 19,270 7.62 10.60 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 14,610 3.8 9.17 19,060 6.88 10.45 

Cooks, short order.................................................................................................................................................. 10,480 2.8 8.28 17,220 6.63 9.74 

Dishwashers........................................................................................................................................................... 10,310 7.04 2.7 14,650 6.10 7.89 

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers................................................................................ 8,400 2.2 6.88 14,320 6.02 7.64 

Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food................................................................... 7,950 2.1 7.24 15,050 6.08 8.10 

Food preparation workers...................................................................................................................................... 5,790 1.5 7.87 16,370 6.54 9.03 

Automotive repair and maintenance (NAICS 811100)

Automotive service technicians and mechanics..................................................................................................... 241,150 27.0 14.03 29,170 9.80 17.23 

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment...................................................................................................................... 123,830 13.9 7.71 16,030 6.45 8.47 

Automotive body and related repairers................................................................................................................... 110,660 16.74 12.4 34,820 11.49 20.68 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 46,500 5.2 22.60 47,000 15.60 27.70 

Service station attendants...................................................................................................................................... 32,740 3.7 8.58 17,850 7.33 9.65 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 25,270 9.64 2.8 20,050 6.95 11.30 

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers......................................................................................... 20,010 8.43 2.2 17,530 6.96 9.54 

Painters, transportation equipment........................................................................................................................ 19,510 17.17 2.2 35,720 12.22 20.87 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 19,030 2.1 16.24 33,790 12.44 19.66 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 18,720 2.1 12.37 25,730 8.94 15.49 

Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance (NAICS 811200)

Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers....................................................................... 6,270 6.1 13.18 27,410 9.48 15.86 

Medical equipment repairers.................................................................................................................................. 4,110 18.02 4.0 37,480 13.07 21.90 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 3,410 3.3 24.75 51,480 17.46 29.25 

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment............................................................ 3,290 3.2 17.75 36,930 13.14 21.32 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,260 10.68 3.2 22,220 7.75 12.74 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 2,5 2.5 60 40.47 84,180 25.21 48.82 

Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks..................................................................................................................... 2,550 2.5 12.03 25,020 9.75 13.68 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 2,510 12.83 2.4 26,690 9.56 15.69 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 2,310 2.2 12.93 26,900 10.54 15.55 

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians................................................................................................... 2,160 2.1 18.78 39,050 14.34 22.89 

Commercial machinery repair and maintenance (NAICS 811300)

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers............................................................................................................... 18,050 11.6 13.61 28,310 10.51 16.33 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.................................................................... 7,580 4.9 17.96 37,350 12.72 21.62 

Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers.................................................................................................... 7,080 4.6 14.78 30,740 11.45 17.55 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 6,670 4.3 17.20 35,780 12.13 19.63 

Machinists............................................................................................................................................................... 5,920 16.01 3.8 33,300 12.37 18.58 

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines............................................................................................ 5,600 3.6 16.53 34,390 13.03 20.09 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 5,360 9.82 3.4 20,420 7.12 11.86 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,8 3.1 50 36.17 75,230 22.82 43.23 

First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers............................................................... 4,760 3.1 24.50 50,970 17.89 29.41 

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists........................................................................................ 4,650 3.0 15.22 31,660 12.14 17.22 

Personal and household goods repair and maintenance (NAICS 811400)

Upholsterers........................................................................................................................................................... 8,540 10.5 12.12 25,220 8.43 14.89 

Home appliance repairers...................................................................................................................................... 6,300 7.8 14.44 30,030 9.67 18.02 

Furniture finishers................................................................................................................................................... 3,730 4.6 11.92 24,800 8.87 14.07 

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.................................................................... 3,580 4.4 17.75 36,910 12.36 22.70 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,220 9.50 4.0 19,770 6.66 11.33 

Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers............................................................................................................. 2,900 9.58 3.6 19,920 6.77 10.66 

Motorboat mechanics............................................................................................................................................. 2,620 14.34 3.2 29,820 10.80 16.69 

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 2,600 9.79 3.2 20,350 7.80 11.19 

Shoe and leather workers and repairers................................................................................................................ 2,260 9.61 2.8 19,980 7.62 10.76 

Retail salespersons................................................................................................................................................ 2,170 11.22 2.7 23,330 7.74 13.18 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
108

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Personal care services (NAICS 812100)

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists....................................................................................................... 300,490 55.4 10.46 $ 21,750 $ 7.02 $ 12.11 $ 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 48,480 8.9 8.40 17,470 6.64 9.82 

Manicurists and pedicurists.................................................................................................................................... 30,320 5.6 9.14 19,010 7.03 10.51 

First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers................................................................................ 18,850 3.5 15.91 33,090 10.87 18.82 

Barbers................................................................................................................................................................... 16,740 3.1 11.15 23,180 7.01 13.75 

Shampooers........................................................................................................................................................... 15,070 2.8 7.24 15,060 6.14 8.14 

Massage therapists................................................................................................................................................ 13,490 2.5 14.48 30,120 8.01 18.32 

Skin care specialists............................................................................................................................................... 10,980 2.0 12.74 26,500 7.76 15.93 

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 8,860 7.75 1.6 16,130 6.50 8.81 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 6,030 11.23 1.1 23,370 8.67 13.06 

Death care services (NAICS 812200)

Funeral attendants.................................................................................................................................................. 27,790 19.7 9.64 20,050 7.23 10.86 

Funeral directors.................................................................................................................................................... 22,910 16.3 25.84 53,750 16.78 28.87 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers............................................................................................................ 20,890 14.8 10.40 21,620 7.58 12.08 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 7,47 5.3 0 11.36 23,630 7.80 12.79 

Embalmers............................................................................................................................................................. 7,470 17.47 5.3 36,330 11.95 20.99 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,380 9.68 4.5 20,140 7.07 11.33 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 4,430 8.80 3.2 18,310 7.00 10.31 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 3,650 11.15 2.6 23,190 7.14 12.41 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,5 2.5 20 38.81 80,720 22.54 47.28 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,240 2.3 12.32 25,640 8.55 15.14 

Drycleaning and laundry services (NAICS 812300)

Laundry and dry-cleaning workers......................................................................................................................... 103,060 28.5 8.24 17,130 6.76 9.29 

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials................................................................................................... 68,410 18.9 8.34 17,350 7.03 9.51 

Counter and rental clerks....................................................................................................................................... 52,990 7.62 14.6 15,860 6.39 8.39 

Driver/sales workers............................................................................................................................................... 16,550 14.86 4.6 30,920 11.29 18.22 

First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers................................................................... 13,240 3.7 16.90 35,140 11.24 19.96 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 9,460 2.6 7.79 16,200 6.57 8.83 

Truck drivers, light or delivery services.................................................................................................................. 7,94 2.2 0 12.16 25,290 8.83 15.07 

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers............................................................................................. 6,940 1.9 8.60 17,890 7.24 9.32 

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand........................................................................................ 5,3 1.5 20 8.80 18,310 7.26 10.09 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,2 1.4 30 33.92 70,560 19.17 41.13 

Other personal services (NAICS 812900)

Parking lot attendants............................................................................................................................................. 64,700 28.8 8.52 17,710 7.11 9.49 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 23,570 9.12 10.5 18,970 7.10 10.38 

Photographic processing machine operators......................................................................................................... 18,1 8.1 90 10.69 22,230 8.30 12.74 

Cashiers................................................................................................................................................................. 15,420 6.9 8.50 17,680 7.20 9.66 

Photographic process workers............................................................................................................................... 7,310 3.3 10.85 22,570 8.14 12.80 

First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators.............. 4,900 2.2 16.08 33,440 11.36 19.14 

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs.................................................................................................................................... 4,310 1.9 8.98 18,680 7.40 10.41 

Customer service representatives.......................................................................................................................... 3,950 1.8 12.57 26,140 9.48 14.95 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 3,8 1.7 90 34.40 71,550 17.72 41.78 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 3,720 9.98 1.7 20,760 7.84 11.42 

Religious organizations (NAICS 813100)

Clergy..................................................................................................................................................................... 22,460 13.0 17.31 36,000 11.64 21.35 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 12,0 7.0 30 11.05 22,980 8.54 13.25 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 11,620 6.7 9.37 19,490 7.22 10.79 

Directors, religious activities and education........................................................................................................... 9,990 14.83 5.8 30,850 9.92 18.54 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 7,840 10.14 4.6 21,090 7.00 12.91 

Musicians and singers............................................................................................................................................ 6,820 4.0 (3) 35,370 (3) (3)

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 6,070 3.5 12.51 26,010 9.44 14.54 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 5,060 2.9 15.74 32,750 12.53 17.89 

Preschool teachers, except special education....................................................................................................... 4,950 2.9 11.18 23,250 7.65 14.06 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 4,940 2.9 (3) 17,910 (3) (3)

Grantmaking and giving services (NAICS 813200)

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 8,420 6.8 17.31 36,000 13.43 20.34 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 6,160 11.02 5.0 22,920 8.22 13.22 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 5,28 4.3 0 13.03 27,110 10.54 15.46 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 4,5 3.7 70 42.44 88,270 25.94 53.12 

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 4,250 12.93 3.4 26,900 9.70 15.27 

Public relations specialists...................................................................................................................................... 4,180 21.47 3.4 44,660 14.98 25.39 

Social and community service managers............................................................................................................... 4,120 3.3 29.26 60,870 16.86 30.88 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 3,320 2.7 14.51 30,170 11.89 17.14 

Public relations managers...................................................................................................................................... 2,940 2.4 30.73 63,910 20.64 37.31 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 2,820 2.3 21.15 44,000 15.61 25.88 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

See footnotes at end of table. 
109

Hourly Annual1 25th 75th

Social advocacy organizations (NAICS 813300)

Social and human service assistants..................................................................................................................... 11,650 11.66 7.2 $ 24,250 $ $ 13.65 8.83 $ 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 8,410 10.14 5.2 21,100 7.34 12.16 

Nonfarm animal caretakers.................................................................................................................................... 7,600 8.42 4.7 17,500 6.89 9.28 

Social and community service managers............................................................................................................... 6,560 4.1 22.40 46,590 15.89 27.05 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 6,300 3.9 16.14 33,570 12.47 19.02 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 5,5 3.4 50 30.81 64,080 19.97 37.14 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 5,490 3.4 (3) 18,090 (3) (3)

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 5,490 13.43 3.4 27,930 10.64 15.65 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 4,94 3.1 0 11.12 23,130 7.67 13.73 

Personal and home care aides............................................................................................................................... 3,920 2.4 7.98 16,590 7.12 8.80 

Civic and social organizations (NAICS 813400)

Bartenders.............................................................................................................................................................. 40,230 9.7 7.39 15,380 6.33 8.25 

Recreation workers................................................................................................................................................ 38,830 9.4 8.78 18,260 6.73 10.02 

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors................................................................................................................ 34,400 8.3 11.31 23,530 7.49 13.61 

Child care workers.................................................................................................................................................. 24,430 5.9 7.79 16,190 6.47 8.61 

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 16,120 3.9 8.36 17,380 6.71 9.49 

Waiters and waitresses.......................................................................................................................................... 15,370 3.7 8.39 17,460 6.34 9.53 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 11,990 2.9 8.66 18,010 6.90 9.86 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 11,720 9.20 2.8 19,140 6.93 10.72 

Self-enrichment education teachers....................................................................................................................... 10,550 12.36 2.6 25,710 7.78 15.45 

Teacher assistants................................................................................................................................................. 10,360 2.5 (3) 17,060 (3) (3)

Business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations (NAICS 813900)

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 27,2 6.4 60 13.56 28,210 9.79 16.80 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 22,620 5.3 17.81 37,050 13.75 21.07 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 22,540 11.70 5.3 24,340 7.96 14.59 

General and operations managers......................................................................................................................... 18, 4.4 690 41.44 86,190 25.12 52.80 

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks....................................................................................................... 12,630 3.0 15.06 31,330 11.80 18.40 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 10,670 2.5 21.98 45,710 15.85 27.18 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 10,230 2.4 13.26 27,580 9.39 14.78 

Security guards....................................................................................................................................................... 10,120 2.4 10.06 20,920 8.02 11.17 

Public relations specialists...................................................................................................................................... 9,910 22.05 2.3 45,860 14.64 27.56 

Receptionists and information clerks..................................................................................................................... 9,900 10.74 2.3 22,340 8.13 12.79 

Federal executive branch and U.S. postal service (oes designation) (NAICS 999100)

Postal service mail carriers.................................................................................................................................... 344,560 18.87 13.2 39,240 17.38 20.72 

Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators........................................................ 224,240 8.6 17.79 37,010 17.41 20.15 

Postal service clerks............................................................................................................................................... 78,510 3.0 18.83 39,170 17.93 20.33 

Computer systems analysts................................................................................................................................... 57,340 33.91 2.2 70,540 28.94 39.61 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 46,340 1.8 29.80 61,990 24.67 34.00 

Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation............................... 42,930 1.7 23.42 48,720 17.30 28.24 

Management analysts............................................................................................................................................ 42,500 1.6 33.14 68,940 26.74 39.79 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 39,3 1.5 90 17.79 37,010 15.27 20.22 

Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents..................................................................................................... 34,590 1.3 26.05 54,190 17.77 34.22 

Accountants and auditors....................................................................................................................................... 31,230 1.2 27.25 56,690 18.18 35.72 

State government (oes designation) (NAICS 999200)

Correctional officers and jailers.............................................................................................................................. 237,230 17.30 10.7 35,980 13.05 20.99 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 108,080 12.91 4.9 26,850 10.27 15.48 

Child, family, and school social workers................................................................................................................. 57,740 17.80 2.6 37,030 14.02 21.24 

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants.............................................................................................. 54,760 16.30 2.5 33,900 12.36 19.47 

Police and sheriff's patrol officers........................................................................................................................... 52,380 23.00 2.4 47,830 17.87 27.69 

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists....................................................................................... 46,730 2.1 20.60 42,850 15.23 25.33 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 43,6 2.0 80 14.15 29,440 11.01 16.87 

First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers...................................................... 41,260 1.9 22.14 46,060 16.87 27.23 

Eligibility interviewers, government programs........................................................................................................ 38,520 1.7 16.43 34,180 12.73 19.92 

Registered nurses.................................................................................................................................................. 36,460 1.6 23.05 47,930 19.02 26.61 

Local government (oes designation) (NAICS 999300)

Police and sheriff's patrol officers........................................................................................................................... 528,460 9.9 21.58 44,880 15.93 26.67 

Fire fighters............................................................................................................................................................ 246,670 18.78 4.6 39,050 13.27 23.88 

Office clerks, general.............................................................................................................................................. 194,840 12.67 3.7 26,360 9.82 15.28 

Correctional officers and jailers.............................................................................................................................. 147,770 16.39 2.8 34,080 12.21 20.41 

Recreation workers................................................................................................................................................ 104,200 10.62 2.0 22,080 7.34 12.58 

Bus drivers, transit and intercity............................................................................................................................. 99 1.9 ,620 17.03 35,430 13.09 21.20 

Highway maintenance workers............................................................................................................................... 98,990 1.9 14.09 29,300 10.70 16.95 

Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive................................................................................................. 94,0 1.8 00 13.73 28,550 10.65 16.58 

Maintenance and repair workers, general.............................................................................................................. 92,520 1.7 15.69 32,640 11.50 19.59 

Table 2. National employment and wage data for the 10 largest occupations by industry from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey, 

May 2003 - Continued

Occupation Employment

Percent of 

industry 

employment

Mean wages Percentiles

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners......................................................................... 84,940 1.6 11.61 24,150 8.57 14.18 

2 Represents a wage above $70.01 per hour.

3

 Hourly wage rates for occupations where workers typically work fewer than 2,080 hours per year are not available.

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.
110

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2003—Continued

Contents

 Page

11-0000 Selected Management Occupations

11-1011 Chief executives .................................................................................................................. 114

11-1021 General and operations managers ....................................................................................... 115

11-2022 Sales managers .................................................................................................................. 116

11-3011 Administrative services managers ....................................................................................... 117

11-3031 Financial managers ............................................................................................................. 118

13-0000 Selected Business and Financial Operations Occupations

13-1023 Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products ......................................... 119

13-1031 Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators................................................................... 120

13-1111 Management analysts ......................................................................................................... 121

13-2011 Accountants and auditors .................................................................................................... 122

13-2072 Loan officers ........................................................................................................................ 123

15-0000 Selected Computer and Mathematical Occupations

15-1021 Computer programmers ....................................................................................................... 124

15-1031 Computer software engineers, applications ......................................................................... 125

15-1032 Computer software engineers, systems software ................................................................ 126

15-1041 Computer support specialists .............................................................................................. 127

15-1051 Computer systems analysts................................................................................................ 128

17-0000 Selected Architecture and Engineering Occupations

17-2051 Civil engineers ..................................................................................................................... 129

17-2071 Electrical engineers ............................................................................................................. 130

17-2112 Industrial engineers ............................................................................................................. 131

17-2141 Mechanical engineers .......................................................................................................... 132

17-3023 Electrical and electronic engineering technicians ................................................................ 133

19-0000 Selected Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

19-2031 Chemists ............................................................................................................................. 134

19-2041 Environmental scientists and specialists, including health .................................................. 135

19-3021 Market research analysts .................................................................................................... 136

19-3031 Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists ................................................................... 137

19-4031 Chemical technicians .......................................................................................................... 138

21-0000 Selected Community and Social Services Occupations

21-1012 Educational, vocational, and school counselors .................................................................. 139

21-1015 Rehabilitation counselors .................................................................................................... 140

21-1021 Child, family, and school social workers .............................................................................. 141

21-1022 Medical and public health social workers ............................................................................ 142

21-1093 Social and human service assistants. ................................................................................. 143

23-0000 Selected Legal Occupations

23-1011 Lawyers ............................................................................................................................... 144

23-1023 Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates ....................................................................... 145

23-2011 Paralegals and legal assistants ........................................................................................... 146

23-2092 Law clerks. .......................................................................................................................... 147

23-2093 Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers ........................................................................ 148
111

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2003—Continued

25-0000 Selected Education, Training, and Library Occupations

25-2011 Preschool teachers, except special education .................................................................... 149

25-2021 Elementary school teachers, except special education ....................................................... 150

25-2022 Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education ....................................... 151

25-2031 Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education................................. 152

25-9041 Teacher assistants .............................................................................................................. 153

27-0000 Selected Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations

27-1023 Floral designers ................................................................................................................... 154

27-1024 Graphic designers ............................................................................................................... 155

27-2022 Coaches and scouts............................................................................................................ 156

27-3031 Public relations specialists.................................................................................................. 157

27-3041 Editors ................................................................................................................................. 158

29-0000 Selected Healthcare Practitoners

29-1051 Pharmacists ........................................................................................................................ 159

29-1111 Registered nurses ............................................................................................................... 160

29-2041 Emergency medical technicians and paramedics ................................................................ 161

29-2052 Pharmacy technicians ......................................................................................................... 162

29-2061 Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses .............................................................. 163

31-0000 Selected Healthcare Support Occupations

31-1011 Home health aides............................................................................................................... 164

31-1012 Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants ............................................................................. 165

31-9091 Dental assistants ................................................................................................................ 166

31-9092 Medical assistants .............................................................................................................. 167

31-9094 Medical transcriptionists ..................................................................................................... 168

33-0000 Selected Protective Service Occupations

33-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives ..................................................... 169

33-2011 Fire fighters ......................................................................................................................... 170

33-3012 Correctional officers and jailers ............................................................................................ 171

33-3051 Police and sheriff’s patrol officers ........................................................................................ 172

33-9032 Security guards ................................................................................................................... 173

35-0000 Selected Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

35-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers ............................. 174

35-2014 Cooks, restaurant ................................................................................................................ 175

35-2021 Food preparation workers .................................................................................................... 176

35-3021 Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food .................................... 177

35-3031 Waiters and waitresses ....................................................................................................... 178

37-0000 Selected Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations

37-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers .............................. 179

37-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service,

and groundskeeping workers ............................................................................................... 180

37-2011 Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners ....................................... 181

37-2012 Maids and housekeeping cleaners ...................................................................................... 182

37-3011 Landscaping and groundskeeping workers .......................................................................... 183

Contents—Continued

 Page
112

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2003—Continued

0039-0000 Selected Personal Care and Service Occupations

39-3091 Amusement and recreation attendants ................................................................................ 184

39-5012 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists .................................................................... 185

39-9011 Child care workers ............................................................................................................... 186

39-9021 Personal and home care aides ............................................................................................ 187

39-9032 Recreation workers .............................................................................................................. 188

41-0000 Selected Sales and Related Occupations

41-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers ........................................................ 189

41-2011 Cashiers .............................................................................................................................. 190

41-2021 Counter and rental clerks .................................................................................................... 191

41-2031 Retail salespersons ............................................................................................................. 192

41-4012 Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except

technical and scientific products ......................................................................................... 193

43-0000 Selected Office and Administrative Support Occupations

43-3031 Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks .................................................................... 194

43-4051 Customer service representatives ........................................................................................ 195

43-5081 Stock clerks and order fillers ............................................................................................... 196

43-6014 Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive ............................................................... 197

43-9061 Office clerks, general ........................................................................................................... 198

45-0000 Selected Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

45-2041 Graders and sorters, agricultural products ........................................................................... 199

45-2091 Agricultural equipment operators ......................................................................................... 200

45-2092 Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse ................................................. 201

45-2093 Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals ................................................................................. 202

45-4022 Logging equipment operators .............................................................................................. 203

47-0000 Selected Construction and Extraction Occupations

47-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers ................... 204

47-2031 Carpenters........................................................................................................................... 205

47-2061 Construction laborers .......................................................................................................... 206

47-2111 Electricians ......................................................................................................................... 207

47-2152 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters ................................................................................ 208

49-0000 Selected Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

49-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers .............................. 209

49-3023 Automotive service technicians and mechanics................................................................... 210

49-3031 Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists ..................................................... 211

49-9021 Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers ................................... 212

49-9042 Maintenance and repair workers, general ............................................................................ 213

51-0000 Selected Production Occupations

51-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers .................................. 214

51-2092 Team assemblers ................................................................................................................ 215

51-9061 Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers .......................................................... 216

51-9111 Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders .......................................................... 217

51-9198 Helpers—production workers ............................................................................................... 218

Contents—Continued

 Page
113

Table 3. Industry, State, and MSA data for selected occupations, May 2003—Continued

53-0000 Selected Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

53-3032 Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer ................................................................................. 219

53-3033 Truck drivers, light or delivery services................................................................................. 220

53-7051 Industrial truck and tractor operators ................................................................................... 221

53-7062 Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand ....................................................... 222

53-7064 Packers and packagers, hand ............................................................................................. 223

Contents—Continued

 Page
114

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 18,360 $38.80 $80,710

2. Management of companies and enterprises 17,990 82.06 170,680 

3. Depository credit intermediation 15,990 67.35 140,080 

4. Architectural and engineering services 10,540 71.67 149,070 

5. Colleges and universities 10,160 59.30 123,340 

1. Securities and commodity exchanges 40 94.19 195,910 

2. Internet publishing and broadcasting 260 91.08 189,450 

3. Offices of dentists 120 91.02 189,330 

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 790 90.80 188,870 

5. Software publishers 1,700 89.75 186,680 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 5,120 $64.56 $134,290 0.86

2. Illinois 32,070 64.80 134,770 0.56

3. Massachusetts 17,510 73.23 152,320 0.55

4. Idaho 3,050 41.94 87,230 0.54

5. Missouri 14,100 60.24 125,310 0.54

1. Connecticut 2,680 84.38 175,500 0.16

2. New Jersey 2,760 80.50 167,440 0.07

3. Rhode Island 1,130 79.60 165,560 0.24

4. California 42,320 79.12 164,560 0.29

5. Washington 2,210 77.72 161,650 0.09

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Jackson, MS MSA 1,550 $49.28 $102,510 0.74

2. Columbia, SC MSA 1,970 58.33 121,330 0.68

3. St. Joseph, MO MSA 270 52.69 109,600 0.62

4. St. Louis, MO-IL MSA 7,520 64.36 133,880 0.59

5. Chicago, IL PMSA 23,390 69.06 143,650 0.59

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 640 90.43 188,090 0.32

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,940 89.37 185,900 0.45

3. Portland-Vancouver, OR-WA PMSA 1,530 86.64 180,210 0.17

4. Sheboygan, WI MSA 140 85.63 178,100 0.24

5. New York, NY PMSA 14,730 85.43 177,690 0.37

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

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 
115

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management of companies and enterprises 51,610 $54.30 $112,940

2. Local government (OES designation) 49,060 33.86 70,420 

3. Depository credit intermediation 39,370 39.72 82,610 

4. Building equipment contractors 38,960 44.14 91,800 

5. Grocery stores 37,170 27.59 57,400 

1. Other financial investment activities 8,850 67.40 140,190 

2. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 1,820 65.60 136,440 

3. Software publishers 5,130 64.18 133,500 

4. Communications equipment manufacturing 62.36 2,750 129,710 

5. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 5,560 61.99 128,930 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Montana 10,610 $24.08 $50,080 2.68

2. Maryland 65,150 42.11 87,590 2.67

3. Alaska 7,290 33.87 70,440 2.49

4. District of Columbia 14,530 44.12 91,770 2.44

5. Louisiana 40,270 34.68 72,130 2.18

1. New Jersey 50,440 59.53 123,830 1.30

2. Connecticut 20,050 59.40 123,550 1.22

3. New York 70,270 57.72 120,060 0.85

4. Washington 19,070 56.63 117,780 0.74

5. California 223,920 51.98 108,120 1.54

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Billings, MT MSA 1,950 $25.63 $53,310 2.89

2. Enid, OK MSA 560 26.21 54,520 2.79

3. Great Falls, MT MSA 870 25.26 52,540 2.75

4. Baltimore, MD PMSA 32,990 41.89 87,140 2.70

5. Anchorage, AK MSA 3,660 35.78 74,420 2.66

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 3,700 72.92 151,670 1.85

2. New York, NY PMSA 37,500 64.32 133,790 0.94

3. Newark, NJ PMSA 13,330 63.25 131,560 1.38

4. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 8,220 62.75 130,510 1.32

5. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 10,560 62.22 129,410 0.81

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

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 
116

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automobile dealers 20,630 $51.18 $106,460

2. Management of companies and enterprises 18,540 50.17 104,350 

3. Insurance carriers 8,120 47.62 99,050 

4. Computer systems design and related services 7,920 57.32 119,230 

5. Traveler accommodation 7,790 25.58 53,210 

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 1,140 62.78 130,590 

2. Other information services 90 60.63 126,110 

3. Cable and other subscription programming 630 60.58 126,010 

4. Apparel and piece goods merchant wholesalers 920 59.38 123,500 

5. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 2,910 59.17 123,070 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Georgia 14,700 $46.27 $96,240 0.39

2. Illinois 21,540 42.41 88,210 0.37

3. Delaware 1,430 41.60 86,520 0.36

4. Arizona 7,730 36.11 75,110 0.34

5. Massachusetts 10,760 48.81 101,520 0.34

1. New York 13,360 60.87 126,600 0.16

2. Connecticut 4,290 54.54 113,450 0.26

3. New Jersey 10,100 54.05 112,410 0.26

4. Minnesota 6,430 52.62 109,450 0.25

5. California 40,650 50.71 105,470 0.28

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Atlanta, GA MSA 10,620 $48.32 $100,490 0.50

2. Nashua, NH PMSA 440 48.03 99,890 0.47

3. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 920 65.34 135,910 0.46

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,940 62.90 130,830 0.45

5. Chicago, IL PMSA 16,770 44.43 92,410 0.42

1. New York, NY PMSA 7,600 65.98 137,230 0.19

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 920 65.34 135,910 0.46

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,940 62.90 130,830 0.45

4. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 62.11 60 129,190 0.05

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 1,860 61.57 128,060 0.16

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

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 
117

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 18,760 $28.07 $58,390

2. State government (OES designation) 12,750 28.43 59,130 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 11,870 31.24 64,980 

4. Management of companies and enterprises 11,560 37.03 77,010 

5. Colleges and universities 11,530 30.78 64,010

1. Chemical merchant wholesalers 380 64.14 133,410

2. Local messengers and local delivery 160 46.44 96,600

3. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 520 45.80 95,250

4. Turbine and power transmission equipment mfg. 45.25 80 94,110

5. Electronic instrument manufacturing 1,660 44.86 93,320

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 7,310 $31.10 $64,690 1.23

2. Maryland 11,550 27.57 57,340 0.47

3. Alaska 1,210 25.58 53,200 0.41

4. Tennessee 9,000 21.95 45,650 0.34

5. Oklahoma 4,630 20.25 42,130 0.33

1. New York 20,580 43.46 90,400 0.25

2. New Jersey 7,850 42.24 87,860 0.20

3. Rhode Island 660 39.84 82,860 0.14

4. Connecticut 3,200 37.64 78,300 0.20

5. Washington 2,990 36.91 76,780 0.12

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Santa Fe, NM MSA 620 $21.95 $45,650 0.84

2. Baltimore, MD PMSA 6,800 25.73 53,530 0.56

3. Cheyenne, WY MSA 200 25.31 52,650 0.54

4. Florence, SC MSA 340 20.81 43,290 0.54

5. Des Moines, IA MSA 1,440 32.23 67,040 0.51

1. New York, NY PMSA 11,910 47.11 97,980 0.30

2. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 620 45.77 95,190 0.26

3. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 1,400 43.90 91,310 0.22

4. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 1,640 43.28 90,030 0.26

5. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 520 42.89 89,210 0.26

11-3011 Administrative services managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate supportive services of an organization, such as recordkeeping, mail 

distribution, telephone operator/receptionist, and other office support services. May oversee facilities 

planning and maintenance and custodial operations. 

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 
118

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Depository credit intermediation 80,020 $35.10 $73,000

2. Management of companies and enterprises 35,060 50.41 104,850 

3. Nondepository credit intermediation 22,370 45.69 95,030

4. Local government (OES designation) 16,310 32.30 67,190

5. Accounting and bookkeeping services 13,620 50.65 105,350

1. Other financial investment activities 11,570 65.17 135,550

2. Securities and commodity exchanges 600 62.65 130,300

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 13,230 60.37 125,570

4. Department stores 230 55.70 115,870

5. Motion picture and video industries 1,560 54.64 113,650

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 5,230 $41.97 $87,310 0.88

2. Massachusetts 22,530 44.74 93,070 0.71

3. Connecticut 9,830 53.13 110,510 0.60

4. Maryland 14,210 38.00 79,040 0.58

5. Delaware 2,220 38.41 79,890 0.55

1. New York 42,760 58.09 120,830 0.52

2. Connecticut 9,830 53.13 110,510 0.60

3. Minnesota 9,440 49.57 103,100 0.36

4. California 58,440 48.27 100,400 0.40

5. New Jersey 20,420 47.69 99,190 0.53

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 2,200 $68.64 $142,770 1.10

2. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 16,140 48.05 99,940 0.84

3. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 1,800 48.69 101,270 0.75

4. Nashua, NH PMSA 690 39.94 83,080 0.74

5. New York, NY PMSA 28,970 63.04 131,110 0.73

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 2,200 68.64 142,770 1.10

2. New York, NY PMSA 28,970 63.04 131,110 0.73

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 6,530 56.92 118,390 0.67

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 5,030 55.78 116,030 0.57

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 4,130 54.21 112,750 0.35

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

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 
119

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Federal government (OES designation) 27,050 $29.27 $60,890

2. Management of companies and enterprises 11,030 26.77 55,690 

3. Local government (OES designation) 8,990 21.92 45,590 

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 26.30 7,700 54,710 

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 7,300 18.30 38,070 

1. Rail transportation 170 33.78 70,250 

2. Oil and gas extraction 450 32.73 68,070 

3. Promoters of performing arts and sports 30 31.96 66,470 

4. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 700 31.67 65,870 

5. Power generation and supply 1,980 29.54 61,440 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 2,640 $32.98 $68,590 0.44

2. Virginia 8,970 26.85 55,850 0.26

3. Michigan 11,040 27.80 57,830 0.26

4. Connecticut 3,670 25.72 53,500 0.22

5. Washington 5,730 25.35 52,730 0.22

1. District of Columbia 2,640 32.98 68,590 0.44

2. Michigan 11,040 27.80 57,830 0.26

3. New Jersey 7,070 27.46 57,110 0.18

4. Virginia 8,970 26.85 55,850 0.26

5. Alaska 480 25.93 53,930 0.16

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Huntsville, AL MSA 1,350 $28.93 $60,170 0.76

2. Elkhart-Goshen, IN MSA 630 24.10 50,120 0.55

3. Binghamton, NY MSA 520 25.34 52,710 0.46

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,720 30.39 63,220 0.42

5. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 450 25.15 52,320 0.36

1. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 8,640 31.16 64,810 0.32

2. Detroit, MI PMSA 6,260 30.43 63,290 0.31

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,720 30.39 63,220 0.42

4. Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 1,920 29.33 61,010 0.30

5. Nashville, TN MSA 1,260 29.11 60,560 0.19

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.

Industry

13-1023 Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products

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 
120

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Insurance carriers 142,180 $23.05 $47,940

2. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 52,530 21.91 45,580 

3. Management of companies and enterprises 8,610 21.16 44,010 

4. State government (OES designation) 6,330 21.98 45,720 

5. Employment services 2,920 25.78 53,620 

1. Other professional and technical services - 30.36 63,140 

2. Rail transportation 270 30.26 62,950 

3. Natural gas distribution 28.41 - 59,090

4. Power generation and supply 140 28.25 58,750

5. Grantmaking and giving services 27.37 70 56,930

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Connecticut 5,430 $23.92 $49,750 0.33

2. Rhode Island 1,300 24.89 51,780 0.27

3. Nebraska 2,380 19.80 41,180 0.27

4. New Jersey 9,640 22.69 47,190 0.25

5. Oklahoma 3,500 21.31 44,330 0.25

1. Colorado 3,760 26.12 54,330 0.18

2. New Hampshire 640 25.72 53,490 0.11

3. Georgia 4,980 25.47 52,970 0.13

4. Rhode Island 1,300 24.89 51,780 0.27

5. New York 16,340 24.83 51,640 0.20

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA 1,420 $25.10 $52,220 1.81

2. Wausau, WI MSA 730 20.29 42,210 1.09

3. Green Bay, WI MSA 1,060 13.61 28,310 0.74

4. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA 1,400 16.56 34,450 0.74

5. Hartford, CT MSA 4,300 23.24 48,330 0.72

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 270 34.15 71,040 0.14

2. Wichita Falls, TX MSA 30 31.94 66,430 0.05

3. Hattiesburg, MS MSA - 30.16 62,730 0.00

4. Lubbock, TX MSA 270 29.98 62,360 0.23

5. Athens, GA MSA - 29.68 61,730 0.00

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

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 
121

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management and technical consulting services 109,670 $42.58 $88,570

2. Federal government (OES designation) 42,500 33.14 68,940 

3. Computer systems design and related services 25,630 39.57 82,310 

4. State government (OES designation) 25,330 24.51 50,980 

5. Management of companies and enterprises 17,360 31.62 65,770 

1. Medical and diagnostic laboratories 200 49.48 102,910 

2. Misc. durable goods merchant wholesalers - 48.78 101,470 

3. Investigation and security services 80 45.23 94,090 

4. Waste treatment and disposal 80 45.14 93,880 

5. Other professional and technical services 2,970 44.13 91,790 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 17,630 $34.59 $71,940 2.97

2. Virginia 30,680 38.32 79,700 0.90

3. Maryland 14,840 34.64 72,050 0.61

4. Connecticut 9,070 38.06 79,160 0.55

5. Arizona 10,900 27.18 56,540 0.48

1. Massachusetts 13,240 43.31 90,080 0.42

2. Rhode Island - 40.80 84,870 0.00

3. California 54,730 40.59 84,430 0.38

4. New Jersey 15,360 39.32 81,780 0.40

5. Colorado 7,130 39.02 81,150 0.34

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL MSA 3,630 $24.24 $50,420 2.31

2. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 46,190 37.28 77,530 1.71

3. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 2,430 47.33 98,440 1.21

4. Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 5,730 25.86 53,780 0.88

5. Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR MSA 2,320 24.63 51,230 0.77

1. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 80 66.34 138,000 0.20

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 4,750 56.77 118,080 0.54

3. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA PMSA 2,330 52.02 108,200 0.21

4. Reading, PA MSA 390 50.80 105,670 0.25

5. Colorado Springs, CO MSA 1,140 50.54 105,120 0.49

13-1111 Management analysts

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.

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 
122

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Accounting and bookkeeping services 223,760 $30.11 $62,640

2. Management of companies and enterprises 49,800 26.72 55,570 

3. State government (OES designation) 34,850 22.16 46,100 

4. Local government (OES designation) 33,950 23.38 48,620 

5. Federal government (OES designation) 31,230 27.25 56,690 

1. Business, computer and management training 1,710 34.24 71,230 

2. Automobile dealers 5,840 31.73 65,990 

3. Software publishers 3,060 30.71 63,890 

4. Local messengers and local delivery - 30.21 62,840 

5. Accounting and bookkeeping services 223,760 30.11 62,640 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 9,060 $30.00 $62,390 1.52

2. Connecticut 17,600 31.11 64,710 1.07

3. Delaware 4,080 22.70 47,220 1.01

4. New York 78,800 31.38 65,260 0.95

5. Vermont 2,510 27.37 56,930 0.86

1. New York 78,800 31.38 65,260 0.95

2. Connecticut 17,600 31.11 64,710 1.07

3. District of Columbia 9,060 30.00 62,390 1.52

4. California 107,520 29.92 62,220 0.74

5. New Jersey 30,230 29.80 61,990 0.78

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 3,830 $33.77 $70,240 1.91

2. Tallahassee, FL MSA 2,840 18.81 39,130 1.81

3. Olympia, WA PMSA 1,170 24.25 50,440 1.38

4. Montgomery, AL MSA 1,910 25.18 52,380 1.27

5. New York, NY PMSA 47,440 33.86 70,420 1.19

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 8,200 36.33 75,570 0.93

2. Oakland, CA PMSA 8,420 35.35 73,530 0.83

3. Danbury, CT PMSA 810 34.51 71,770 0.91

4. New York, NY PMSA 47,440 33.86 70,420 1.19

5. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 3,830 33.77 70,240 1.91

13-2011 Accountants and auditors

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.

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 
123

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Depository credit intermediation 99,910 $24.16 $50,260

2. Nondepository credit intermediation 77,770 28.30 58,870

3. Activities related to credit intermediation 31,930 29.69 61,770

4. Management of companies and enterprises 8,340 27.67 57,560

5. Federal government (OES designation) 4,690 27.88 57,980

1. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 1,340 37.68 78,370

2. Automobile dealers 1,070 35.10 73,000

3. Residential building construction 34.66 - 72,100

4. Other motor vehicle dealers 31.77 30 66,080

5. Land subdivision 140 30.71 63,880

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Colorado 7,010 $32.21 $66,990 0.33

2. Montana 1,250 19.91 41,410 0.32

3. South Dakota 1,110 19.38 40,310 0.31

4. Rhode Island 1,410 41.19 85,680 0.30

5. Kansas 3,810 22.18 46,130 0.29

1. Rhode Island 1,410 41.19 85,680 0.30

2. Massachusetts 4,370 35.92 74,710 0.14

3. Connecticut 2,370 34.66 72,100 0.14

4. Arizona 5,650 34.58 71,930 0.25

5. District of Columbia 480 33.68 70,060 0.08

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Florence, SC MSA 320 $22.32 $46,420 0.51

2. Manchester, NH PMSA 540 36.46 75,840 0.51

3. Great Falls, MT MSA 150 17.92 37,270 0.47

4. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC MSA 3,130 32.48 67,550 0.39

5. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 580 28.25 58,760 0.37

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 430 44.69 92,960 0.22

2. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO MSA 200 43.13 89,720 0.17

3. New York, NY PMSA 3,420 40.54 84,310 0.09

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 1,670 39.83 82,860 0.17

5. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 2,700 39.02 81,150 0.14

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

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 
124

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 113,130 $33.81 $70,330

2. Management of companies and enterprises 23,850 29.60 61,570 

3. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 19,500 35.32 73,470 

4. Data processing and related services 18,670 30.50 63,450 

5. Software publishers 18,300 32.88 68,390 

1. Used merchandise stores - 37.51 78,020 

2. Department stores - 37.45 77,900 

3. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 4,060 35.84 74,550 

4. Office administrative services 3,430 35.80 74,460 

5. Consumer goods rental - 35.76 74,390 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 4,070 $29.58 $61,530 0.69

2. New Jersey 24,980 32.32 67,220 0.65

3. Virginia 20,200 29.70 61,780 0.60

4. Delaware 2,320 36.17 75,230 0.58

5. Maryland 12,570 30.36 63,150 0.51

1. Delaware 2,320 36.17 75,230 0.58

2. Washington 10,290 35.98 74,830 0.40

3. California 47,320 35.56 73,960 0.33

4. Texas 33,020 35.41 73,660 0.36

5. Connecticut 6,900 34.33 71,410 0.42

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Olympia, WA PMSA 970 $26.84 $55,820 1.15

2. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC MSA 6,920 34.48 71,720 1.04

3. Trenton, NJ PMSA 2,170 30.76 63,980 1.04

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 2,410 34.48 71,720 1.00

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 5,750 27.75 57,710 0.90

1. Huntsville, AL MSA 1,310 48.99 101,890 0.74

2. Houston, TX PMSA 6,130 45.18 93,980 0.30

3. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 230 41.24 85,780 0.16

4. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 120 40.84 84,950 0.15

5. Jacksonville, FL MSA 2,690 40.65 84,550 0.50

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

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 
125

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 125,910 $37.57 $78,140

2. Software publishers 41,240 38.14 79,330 

3. Management of companies and enterprises 18,970 33.23 69,110 

4. Electronic instrument manufacturing 37.45 12,010 77,910 

5. Data processing and related services 11,480 35.77 74,400

1. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 5,690 46.71 97,150

2. Employment services 4,040 44.96 93,520

3. Securities and commodity exchanges 170 43.09 89,620

4. Professional and similar organizations 740 43.01 89,450

5. Other financial investment activities 2,710 40.23 83,690

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Colorado 13,690 $37.14 $77,240 0.65

2. Virginia 21,910 33.32 69,300 0.65

3. Massachusetts 17,480 41.05 85,390 0.55

4. California 76,070 41.76 86,860 0.52

5. Washington 13,090 38.09 79,220 0.51

1. Delaware 550 42.17 87,720 0.14

2. California 76,070 41.76 86,860 0.52

3. Massachusetts 17,480 41.05 85,390 0.55

4. New Jersey 16,630 39.40 81,940 0.43

5. Maryland 10,880 38.23 79,530 0.45

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 17,980 $45.13 $93,860 2.05

2. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 2,480 42.67 88,750 1.60

3. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 1,380 40.80 84,860 1.11

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 10,180 38.17 79,390 1.00

5. Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay, FL MSA 1,690 35.87 74,620 0.90

1. Asheville, NC MSA 52.56 80 109,320 0.07

2. Orange County, CA PMSA 7,800 50.04 104,090 0.54

3. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 350 48.52 100,920 0.18

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 17,980 45.13 93,860 2.05

5. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 1,580 45.03 93,660 0.65

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

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 
126

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 77,110 $38.19 $79,420

2. Software publishers 19,130 38.61 80,310 

3. Wired telecommunications carriers 16,490 34.27 71,280 

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 16,070 40.62 84,480 

5. Scientific research and development services 14,310 43.18 89,810 

1. Securities and commodity exchanges - 45.19 94,000 

2. Motion picture and video industries - 43.40 90,270 

3. Scientific research and development services 14,310 43.18 89,810 

4. Electrical equipment manufacturing 42.80 270 89,030 

5. Employment services 3,800 42.13 87,630 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Maryland 13,340 $39.34 $81,820 0.55

2. Virginia 18,040 37.36 77,710 0.53

3. Massachusetts 15,700 40.77 84,810 0.50

4. Colorado 9,120 37.80 78,620 0.43

5. Washington 10,650 38.99 81,100 0.42

1. New Jersey 12,900 44.06 91,650 0.33

2. California 50,240 42.32 88,020 0.35

3. District of Columbia 40.85 - 84,970 0.00

4. Massachusetts 15,700 40.77 84,810 0.50

5. New Hampshire 1,120 40.75 84,750 0.19

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 14,300 $46.69 $97,110 1.63

2. Pittsfield, MA MSA 590 34.43 71,620 1.41

3. Colorado Springs, CO MSA 2,560 37.80 78,630 1.10

4. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 1,160 40.70 84,650 0.93

5. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 1,360 40.63 84,500 0.88

1. Modesto, CA MSA - 89.36 185,870 0.00

2. Danbury, CT PMSA 200 63.47 132,020 0.23

3. Missoula, MT MSA - 54.65 113,670 0.00

4. Newark, NJ PMSA 2,670 50.60 105,250 0.28

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 14,300 46.69 97,110 1.63

15-1032 Computer software engineers, systems software

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. 

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 
127

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 82,950 $21.12 $43,930

2. Management of companies and enterprises 24,840 21.66 45,040 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 24,680 17.38 36,150 

4. Software publishers 20,700 23.53 48,950 

5. Colleges and universities 20,010 17.83 37,090 

1. Other heavy construction 29.23 60 60,800 

2. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 3,890 27.07 56,300 

3. Securities and commodity exchanges 60 26.86 55,860 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 80 26.56 55,240 

5. Insurance and employee benefit funds 350 26.45 55,010 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Delaware 2,440 $24.65 $51,270 0.61

2. South Dakota 2,030 14.59 30,350 0.57

3. Washington 14,200 21.85 45,450 0.55

4. District of Columbia 3,260 20.91 43,500 0.55

5. Utah 5,660 15.01 31,220 0.54

1. Massachusetts 17,080 25.63 53,310 0.54

2. Delaware 2,440 24.65 51,270 0.61

3. New York 27,760 24.04 50,010 0.34

4. New Jersey 18,590 22.94 47,720 0.48

5. Colorado 11,010 22.86 47,540 0.52

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Olympia, WA PMSA 1,070 $22.08 $45,920 1.26

2. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 1,640 22.94 47,710 1.06

3. Lawrence, KS MSA 470 21.45 44,630 1.00

4. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC MSA 6,150 23.10 48,050 0.93

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 7,920 29.15 60,630 0.90

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 7,920 29.15 60,630 0.90

2. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 710 26.65 55,430 0.57

3. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 13,240 26.38 54,880 0.69

4. New York, NY PMSA 15,210 26.37 54,860 0.38

5. Wilmington-Newark, DE-MD PMSA 2,000 25.60 53,250 0.66

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

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 
128

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Computer systems design and related services 93,270 $34.57 $71,900

2. Federal government (OES designation) 57,340 33.91 70,540 

3. Insurance carriers 30,640 30.62 63,680 

4. Management of companies and enterprises 25,060 31.41 65,320 

5. Data processing and related services 17,460 32.61 67,840

1. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 190 36.31 75,530

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 4,080 35.79 74,440

3. Oil and gas extraction 500 35.46 73,760

4. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 3,380 35.28 73,380

5. Other financial investment activities 3,050 34.85 72,490

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 8,640 $36.99 $76,930 1.45

2. Maryland 19,830 33.22 69,100 0.81

3. Virginia 25,270 32.67 67,950 0.74

4. Massachusetts 18,280 31.29 65,080 0.58

5. Colorado 11,350 33.07 68,780 0.54

1. District of Columbia 8,640 36.99 76,930 1.45

2. New Jersey 19,960 35.51 73,860 0.52

3. North Carolina 13,640 34.65 72,060 0.37

4. New York 28,380 34.25 71,240 0.34

5. Georgia 17,630 34.11 70,940 0.47

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Huntsville, AL MSA 3,340 $32.80 $68,230 1.88

2. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 36,490 34.89 72,560 1.35

3. Springfield, IL MSA 1,270 26.98 56,120 1.16

4. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 7,140 31.96 66,480 1.14

5. Madison, WI MSA 2,770 27.04 56,250 0.99

1. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC MSA 3,130 46.01 95,700 0.39

2. Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PMSA 1,470 45.59 94,820 0.37

3. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 230 40.79 84,850 0.12

4. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 580 39.84 82,860 0.31

5. Chico-Paradise, CA MSA 39.58 - 82,320 0.00

15-1051 Computer systems analysts

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.

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 
129

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 99,400 $31.49 $65,500

2. State government (OES designation) 30,180 28.59 59,460 

3. Local government (OES designation) 28,380 31.29 65,080 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 9,080 34.37 71,500 

5. Nonresidential building construction 28.80 7,410 59,900 

1. Oil and gas extraction 250 44.60 92,770 

2. Lumber and const. supply merchant wholesalers 60 40.07 83,340 

3. Other professional and technical services - 38.74 80,580 

4. Basic chemical manufacturing 38.00 220 79,050 

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 30 36.90 76,740 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Washington 10,620 $33.85 $70,400 0.42

2. Hawaii 1,610 29.52 61,400 0.29

3. Colorado 6,010 31.10 64,680 0.28

4. Alaska 780 36.03 74,940 0.27

5. Montana 950 26.01 54,100 0.24

1. Alaska 780 36.03 74,940 0.27

2. District of Columbia 950 34.70 72,180 0.16

3. California 34,320 34.06 70,850 0.24

4. Washington 10,620 33.85 70,400 0.42

5. Nevada 2,420 33.75 70,200 0.23

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 740 $33.21 $69,070 0.93

2. Olympia, WA PMSA 710 29.81 62,010 0.84

3. Yuba City, CA MSA 310 30.33 63,090 0.82

4. Sacramento, CA PMSA 4,100 32.93 68,500 0.55

5. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 6,710 36.03 74,940 0.52

1. Columbus, GA-AL MSA 70 44.58 92,730 0.06

2. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 60 42.75 88,920 0.10

3. Lake Charles, LA MSA 120 38.16 79,380 0.15

4. Galveston-Texas City, TX PMSA 90 38.12 79,280 0.10

5. Fort Lauderdale, FL PMSA 1,200 37.37 77,740 0.17

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

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 
130

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 30,020 $34.44 $71,640

2. Electronic instrument manufacturing 16,190 35.48 73,800 

3. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 9,520 38.38 79,830 

4. Power generation and supply 8,130 34.37 71,480 

5. Scientific research and development services 5,730 37.57 78,150 

1. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 500 49.31 102,560 

2. Radio and television broadcasting - 44.73 93,030 

3. Highway, street, and bridge construction - 41.69 86,710 

4. Computer systems design and related services 3,290 40.68 84,610 

5. Software publishers - 39.65 82,480 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Mexico 2,570 $37.53 $78,060 0.35

2. Colorado 5,090 34.01 70,740 0.24

3. Massachusetts 7,240 38.91 80,930 0.23

4. Virginia 7,080 32.97 68,580 0.21

5. Idaho 1,050 34.78 72,350 0.19

1. Massachusetts 7,240 38.91 80,930 0.23

2. California 22,510 38.88 80,870 0.16

3. Alaska 240 38.75 80,600 0.08

4. New Mexico 2,570 37.53 78,060 0.35

5. District of Columbia 640 37.33 77,640 0.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 5,650 $44.66 $92,890 0.64

2. Albuquerque, NM MSA 2,130 37.09 77,150 0.62

3. Huntsville, AL MSA 1,090 34.09 70,920 0.61

4. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 460 37.92 78,870 0.58

5. Colorado Springs, CO MSA 1,170 35.02 72,830 0.50

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 5,650 44.66 92,890 0.64

2. Houma, LA MSA 40 44.19 91,920 0.05

3. Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 1,530 44.04 91,600 0.24

4. Fitchburg-Leominster, MA PMSA - 43.19 89,840 0.00

5. Sacramento, CA PMSA 760 41.69 86,720 0.10

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

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 
131

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 11,560 $30.23 $62,870

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 9,230 31.30 65,100 

3. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 9,070 34.21 71,150 

4. Electronic instrument manufacturing 8,230 32.17 66,920 

5. Architectural and engineering services 7,910 31.33 65,170 

1. Support activities for mining 70 40.38 84,000 

2. Tobacco manufacturing 150 39.84 82,870 

3. Oil and gas extraction 920 39.79 82,760 

4. Rail transportation 50 37.27 77,530 

5. Electronics and appliance stores 140 36.32 75,540 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Michigan 13,460 $31.79 $66,120 0.31

2. Indiana 7,080 28.14 58,530 0.25

3. Idaho 1,160 34.35 71,450 0.21

4. Ohio 10,270 30.12 62,650 0.19

5. Connecticut 2,900 31.62 65,760 0.18

1. Alaska 80 38.28 79,630 0.03

2. California 17,750 34.96 72,720 0.12

3. District of Columbia 210 34.63 72,030 0.04

4. Wyoming 130 34.61 72,000 0.05

5. Idaho 1,160 34.35 71,450 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 5,580 $40.86 $84,990 0.64

2. Lawrence, MA-NH PMSA 950 34.82 72,420 0.62

3. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 630 36.89 76,740 0.41

4. Dayton-Springfield, OH MSA 1,770 32.21 66,990 0.39

5. Rochester, NY MSA 1,890 28.91 60,120 0.37

1. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH MSA 40 48.51 100,910 0.04

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 5,580 40.86 84,990 0.64

3. Odessa-Midland, TX MSA 40 38.91 80,920 0.04

4. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 140 38.31 79,680 0.18

5. Rochester, MN MSA 80 38.14 79,320 0.08

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

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 
132

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 36,210 $33.68 $70,050

2. Electronic instrument manufacturing 33.16 12,040 68,970 

3. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 32.91 10,610 68,460 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 9,490 35.69 74,230 

5. Scientific research and development services 8,920 35.04 72,890 

1. Spectator sports 150 56.14 116,770 

2. Oil and gas extraction 120 40.65 84,550 

3. Radio and television broadcasting - 38.76 80,620 

4. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 37.59 780 78,190 

5. Employment services 4,460 36.68 76,300 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Michigan 16,140 $31.21 $64,910 0.37

2. Connecticut 5,800 31.69 65,920 0.35

3. Wisconsin 7,250 28.95 60,220 0.27

4. Ohio 13,790 29.58 61,530 0.26

5. New Hampshire 1,520 30.65 63,740 0.25

1. District of Columbia 710 37.89 78,820 0.12

2. New Mexico 960 37.33 77,650 0.13

3. Alaska 330 35.62 74,100 0.11

4. California 21,150 35.56 73,970 0.15

5. Massachusetts 7,530 35.30 73,430 0.24

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Peoria-Pekin, IL MSA 1,380 $32.33 $67,240 0.85

2. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 550 40.80 84,860 0.69

3. Sheboygan, WI MSA 380 28.10 58,440 0.66

4. Bremerton, WA PMSA 460 33.56 69,790 0.63

5. Huntsville, AL MSA 1,060 33.68 70,050 0.60

1. Eau Claire, WI MSA 130 51.88 107,920 0.18

2. Tallahassee, FL MSA - 46.32 96,350 0.00

3. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 550 40.80 84,860 0.69

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,390 40.61 84,460 0.39

5. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC MSA 740 39.06 81,250 0.11

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

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 
133

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 21,220 $19.50 $40,560

2. Electronic instrument manufacturing 20.21 14,580 42,030 

3. Architectural and engineering services 14,430 21.93 45,620

4. Wired telecommunications carriers 8,810 23.05 47,950

5. Federal government (OES designation) 8,600 29.17 60,670

1. Office administrative services 170 41.98 87,320

2. Independent artists, writers, and performers 34.88 60 72,550

3. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 410 30.62 63,680

4. Federal government (OES designation) 8,600 29.17 60,670

5. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 2,030 27.85 57,920

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Mexico 2,160 $21.72 $45,180 0.29

2. Massachusetts 6,810 23.40 48,680 0.22

3. Idaho 1,070 20.45 42,530 0.19

4. South Carolina 3,300 21.63 44,990 0.19

5. Utah 1,930 19.59 40,750 0.19

1. Alaska 390 28.56 59,410 0.13

2. District of Columbia 490 24.49 50,940 0.08

3. California 26,670 23.78 49,470 0.18

4. Hawaii 620 23.70 49,300 0.11

5. Vermont 260 23.62 49,130 0.09

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 6,580 $25.78 $53,610 0.75

2. Las Cruces, NM MSA 390 21.20 44,090 0.68

3. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 720 22.35 46,500 0.58

4. Nashua, NH PMSA 500 21.50 44,710 0.54

5. State College, PA MSA 340 13.47 28,010 0.53

1. Abilene, TX MSA 32.29 40 67,170 0.08

2. Amarillo, TX MSA 30.90 - 64,280 0.00

3. Bremerton, WA PMSA 240 29.89 62,170 0.33

4. Bakersfield, CA MSA 820 28.84 59,980 0.37

5. Anchorage, AK MSA 270 27.23 56,650 0.20

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

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 
134

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 14,080 $28.40 $59,060

2. Scientific research and development services 13,400 30.69 63,830 

3. Architectural and engineering services 11,620 21.52 44,760 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 5,670 37.33 77,650 

5. Basic chemical manufacturing 4,100 29.07 60,460 

1. Oil and gas extraction 230 43.97 91,450 

2. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 310 40.96 85,200 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 5,670 37.33 77,650 

4. Computer systems design and related services 160 34.68 72,130 

5. Management of companies and enterprises 3,590 33.74 70,190 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Delaware 1,150 $29.84 $62,070 0.29

2. New Jersey 6,260 32.23 67,030 0.16

3. Maryland 2,790 35.64 74,140 0.11

4. Connecticut 1,850 30.17 62,760 0.11

5. Massachusetts 3,500 31.81 66,170 0.11

1. New Mexico 590 38.66 80,420 0.08

2. District of Columbia 460 38.52 80,130 0.08

3. Maryland 2,790 35.64 74,140 0.11

4. New Jersey 6,260 32.23 67,030 0.16

5. Massachusetts 3,500 31.81 66,170 0.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Wilmington-Newark, DE-MD PMSA 1,110 $30.16 $62,730 0.37

2. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC MSA 2,380 30.72 63,910 0.36

3. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 2,230 30.92 64,310 0.36

4. Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA 460 30.73 63,930 0.23

5. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 360 34.64 72,060 0.23

1. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 2,590 40.23 83,680 0.10

2. Corpus Christi, TX MSA 110 37.86 78,760 0.07

3. Tulsa, OK MSA 180 36.33 75,570 0.05

4. Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA MSA - 35.77 74,400 0.00

5. Danbury, CT PMSA 60 35.49 73,830 0.07

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

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 
135

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 17,530 $22.54 $46,880

2. Local government (OES designation) 9,650 23.59 49,070 

3. Architectural and engineering services 9,290 24.27 50,480 

4. Management and technical consulting services 8,810 27.08 56,330 

5. Federal government (OES designation) 5,320 33.22 69,100

1. Agricultural chemical manufacturing 210 36.67 76,280

2. Oil and gas extraction 150 36.22 75,330

3. Petroleum merchant wholesalers 35.50 40 73,830

4. Management of companies and enterprises 430 34.73 72,240

5. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 160 33.24 69,130

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Alaska 560 $26.04 $54,160 0.19

2. District of Columbia 970 37.58 78,170 0.16

3. New Mexico 1,020 23.64 49,160 0.14

4. Washington 2,900 28.78 59,860 0.11

5. Nebraska 920 17.97 37,390 0.11

1. District of Columbia 970 37.58 78,170 0.16

2. California 7,580 30.10 62,610 0.05

3. Washington 2,900 28.78 59,860 0.11

4. Massachusetts 1,850 28.41 59,100 0.06

5. Connecticut 620 28.28 58,810 0.04

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Olympia, WA PMSA $24.59 $51,140 0.56 470

2. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 390 34.40 71,550 0.49

3. Tallahassee, FL MSA 620 21.81 45,370 0.40

4. Santa Fe, NM MSA 220 24.68 51,340 0.30

5. Topeka, KS MSA 200 22.39 46,570 0.21

1. Ventura, CA PMSA 240 39.49 82,150 0.08

2. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 37.71 40 78,440 0.02

3. Naples, FL MSA 37.52 40 78,040 0.04

4. Orange County, CA PMSA 810 36.32 75,550 0.06

5. San Francisco, CA PMSA 650 34.66 72,100 0.07

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

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 
136

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Management and technical consulting services 11,440 $29.52 $61,400

2. Management of companies and enterprises 10,400 29.33 61,000 

3. Other professional and technical services 8,180 28.45 59,180 

4. Insurance carriers 7,230 25.03 52,050 

5. Computer systems design and related services 5,150 29.50 61,360

1. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 2,480 42.83 89,100

2. Metal and mineral merchant wholesalers 39.75 60 82,680

3. Telecommunications resellers 820 38.80 80,700

4. Household appliance manufacturing 370 38.51 80,090

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 520 38.08 79,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Massachusetts 7,620 $31.31 $65,120 0.24

2. Minnesota 5,170 30.11 62,640 0.20

3. Washington 4,950 36.10 75,080 0.19

4. District of Columbia 1,140 33.61 69,910 0.19

5. Virginia 6,050 33.19 69,020 0.18

1. Alaska 39.80 60 82,780 0.02

2. North Carolina 3,020 36.60 76,130 0.08

3. Washington 4,950 36.10 75,080 0.19

4. Connecticut 2,750 35.76 74,370 0.17

5. Oregon 35.46 1,560 73,760 0.10

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 860 $39.76 $82,710 0.43

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,000 38.81 80,730 0.34

3. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 6,410 31.84 66,240 0.33

4. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 4,080 37.70 78,420 0.31

5. Madison, WI MSA 860 26.61 55,340 0.31

1. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC MSA 980 49.15 102,240 0.12

2. Anchorage, AK MSA 42.59 - 88,590 0.00

3. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO MSA 110 40.41 84,050 0.09

4. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 860 39.76 82,710 0.43

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,000 38.81 80,730 0.34

19-3021 Market research analysts

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.

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 
137

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 38,740 $27.79 $57,790

2. Offices of other health practitioners 12,080 37.70 78,410 

3. Individual and family services 7,560 22.21 46,200 

4. Offices of physicians 5,710 26.23 54,570 

5. Outpatient care centers 5,310 24.03 49,980

1. Management and technical consulting services 73.18 - 152,220

2. Offices of other health practitioners 12,080 37.70 78,410

3. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 4,340 30.26 62,950

4. Child day care services 190 29.21 60,760

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 5,070 28.84 59,990

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Rhode Island 680 $34.72 $72,220 0.14

2. Connecticut 2,170 29.11 60,550 0.13

3. Delaware 530 24.75 51,480 0.13

4. Maryland 3,100 23.83 49,560 0.13

5. Massachusetts 4,020 24.02 49,960 0.13

1. Rhode Island 680 34.72 72,220 0.14

2. New Jersey 3,500 34.01 70,750 0.09

3. California 12,330 33.78 70,250 0.09

4. New York 10,040 32.74 68,100 0.12

5. Maine 430 31.31 65,130 0.07

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Pittsfield, MA MSA 130 $22.21 $46,200 0.31

2. Kankakee, IL PMSA 110 21.81 45,360 0.26

3. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 290 27.25 56,680 0.26

4. Pueblo, CO MSA 130 24.40 50,750 0.24

5. Bangor, ME MSA 110 23.42 48,720 0.19

1. Salinas, CA MSA 170 55.13 114,680 0.11

2. Ann Arbor, MI PMSA 320 48.96 101,840 0.12

3. Huntsville, AL MSA 47.17 60 98,120 0.03

4. Tyler, TX MSA 41.42 30 86,160 0.04

5. Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI MSA 41.31 90 85,920 0.05

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

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 
138

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Architectural and engineering services 9,640 $13.57 $28,230

2. Basic chemical manufacturing 21.11 6,680 43,910 

3. Scientific research and development services 6,430 19.78 41,130 

4. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 19.02 5,070 39,570 

5. Resin, rubber, and artificial fibers mfg. 4,420 21.67 45,070 

1. Natural gas distribution 27.68 60 57,580 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 110 27.38 56,940 

3. Power generation and supply 1,080 26.63 55,400 

4. Pipeline transportation of natural gas - 25.91 53,880 

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 25.57 720 53,180 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. West Virginia 1,030 $19.68 $40,930 0.15

2. New Jersey 4,720 20.26 42,140 0.12

3. Louisiana 2,240 22.12 46,010 0.12

4. Wyoming 14.87 230 30,920 0.10

5. South Carolina 1,390 17.05 35,470 0.08

1. Hawaii 50 23.64 49,170 0.01

2. Louisiana 2,240 22.12 46,010 0.12

3. New Mexico 390 21.00 43,680 0.05

4. Washington 1,220 20.88 43,430 0.05

5. North Dakota 140 20.60 42,850 0.05

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Galveston-Texas City, TX PMSA 250 $21.55 $44,830 0.29

2. Charleston, WV MSA 330 16.07 33,440 0.26

3. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 750 22.28 46,340 0.25

4. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA 380 25.80 53,670 0.25

5. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 1,390 20.71 43,080 0.22

1. Houma, LA MSA 70 26.64 55,400 0.09

2. Bakersfield, CA MSA 50 26.38 54,870 0.02

3. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA 380 25.80 53,670 0.25

4. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 110 25.23 52,470 0.18

5. Corpus Christi, TX MSA 150 23.10 48,050 0.10

19-4031 Chemical technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative 

analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for purposes, such as research and development of new 

products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work 

involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences. 

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 
139

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 129,270 $25.13 $52,260

2. Colleges and universities 26,110 19.65 40,860 

3. Junior colleges 12,680 22.88 47,600 

4. Vocational rehabilitation services 11,070 13.68 28,460 

5. State government (OES designation) 6,580 21.44 44,600 

1. Management and technical consulting services - 34.33 71,410 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 800 27.42 57,040 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 129,270 25.13 52,260 

4. Junior colleges 12,680 22.88 47,600 

5. Scientific research and development services 70 22.25 46,280 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Louisiana 6,270 $19.98 $41,560 0.34

2. Florida 19,810 22.17 46,110 0.28

3. Vermont 770 20.01 41,620 0.27

4. South Carolina 3,840 18.62 38,730 0.22

5. Oklahoma 3,090 17.39 36,170 0.22

1. New Jersey 5,820 29.42 61,190 0.15

2. New York 14,630 28.92 60,160 0.18

3. Michigan 5,910 26.16 54,410 0.14

4. California 22,320 25.20 52,410 0.15

5. Connecticut 3,190 24.84 51,670 0.19

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 1,370 $22.48 $46,750 0.46

2. Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSA 450 21.87 45,480 0.40

3. New Orleans, LA MSA 2,240 19.09 39,710 0.37

4. Yuba City, CA MSA 140 20.07 41,740 0.37

5. Chico-Paradise, CA MSA 260 21.12 43,940 0.37

1. New York, NY PMSA 7,070 34.16 71,060 0.18

2. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 410 32.75 68,110 0.17

3. Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI MSA 360 32.12 66,810 0.21

4. Fresno, CA MSA 690 31.30 65,100 0.20

5. Newark, NJ PMSA 1,570 30.38 63,200 0.16

21-1012 Educational, vocational, and school counselors

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

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 
140

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Vocational rehabilitation services 25,020 $13.46 $27,990

2. Residential mental health facilities 24,100 11.52 23,970 

3. Individual and family services 16,690 13.34 27,740 

4. State government (OES designation) 15,300 18.63 38,750 

5. Local government (OES designation) 5,680 16.96 35,280 

1. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related - 25.78 53,630 

2. Elementary and secondary schools 770 19.38 40,300 

3. Management and technical consulting services 90 19.29 40,130 

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 2,080 18.92 39,360 

5. State government (OES designation) 15,300 18.63 38,750 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Washington 10,820 $14.38 $29,910 0.42

2. Connecticut 4,200 16.22 33,730 0.26

3. Maine 1,170 11.16 23,210 0.20

4. New Mexico 1,370 10.65 22,150 0.19

5. New Jersey 6,810 11.94 24,840 0.18

1. Hawaii 260 20.83 43,330 0.05

2. Ohio 2,790 19.33 40,210 0.05

3. Michigan 1,030 18.51 38,500 0.02

4. Vermont 390 17.60 36,610 0.13

5. Arkansas 680 17.36 36,120 0.06

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Tacoma, WA PMSA 1,910 $14.87 $30,940 0.81

2. Yakima, WA MSA 590 14.22 29,580 0.77

3. Spokane, WA MSA 1,360 14.62 30,410 0.72

4. Goldsboro, NC MSA 250 10.15 21,110 0.61

5. Olympia, WA PMSA 400 14.01 29,140 0.47

1. Akron, OH PMSA 130 23.07 47,990 0.04

2. Detroit, MI PMSA 520 22.33 46,460 0.03

3. Ventura, CA PMSA 70 22.12 46,000 0.02

4. Cleveland-Lorain-Elyria, OH PMSA 410 21.24 44,180 0.04

5. Colorado Springs, CO MSA 60 20.87 43,400 0.03

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

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 
141

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 57,740 $17.80 $37,030

2. Local government (OES designation) 51,020 19.59 40,740 

3. Individual and family services 45,090 14.83 30,850 

4. Elementary and secondary schools 34,500 22.92 47,670 

5. Other residential care facilities 10,750 14.65 30,460 

1. Elementary and secondary schools 34,500 22.92 47,670 

2. Offices of other health practitioners 1,300 20.23 42,070 

3. Junior colleges 730 20.16 41,930 

4. Educational support services 280 20.01 41,630 

5. Legal services 140 19.88 41,360 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Rhode Island 2,480 $20.41 $42,440 0.52

2. Delaware 1,640 17.73 36,870 0.41

3. West Virginia 2,590 12.21 25,400 0.38

4. Oklahoma 5,250 13.65 28,400 0.37

5. Vermont 1,060 16.72 34,780 0.37

1. Connecticut 4,740 23.58 49,050 0.29

2. New Jersey 7,990 22.25 46,280 0.21

3. New York 20,220 21.80 45,340 0.25

4. Hawaii 1,390 21.70 45,140 0.25

5. Nevada 1,150 21.26 44,210 0.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Enid, OK MSA 130 $13.17 $27,400 0.65

2. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 360 14.04 29,210 0.59

3. Dover, DE MSA 310 17.80 37,030 0.59

4. Bangor, ME MSA 300 14.50 30,160 0.53

5. Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA MSA 2,750 20.47 42,580 0.53

1. Danbury, CT PMSA 150 25.10 52,200 0.17

2. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 180 25.00 52,000 0.10

3. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, CA MSA 160 24.31 50,570 0.16

4. Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PMSA 860 24.26 50,450 0.22

5. Hartford, CT MSA 1,960 24.00 49,910 0.33

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

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 
142

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 29,780 $21.25 $44,190

2. Local government (OES designation) 10,770 19.03 39,590 

3. Nursing care facilities 10,040 17.03 35,420

4. Individual and family services 9,140 16.00 33,280

5. Home health care services 7,440 21.09 43,860

1. Insurance carriers 700 23.68 49,250

2. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 22.73 70 47,290

3. Medical and diagnostic laboratories 22.60 - 47,010

4. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 2,140 21.44 44,590

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 29,780 21.25 44,190

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Dakota 690 $15.93 $33,130 0.20

2. Massachusetts 5,070 20.16 41,940 0.16

3. North Dakota 440 15.72 32,700 0.14

4. Alabama 2,480 15.43 32,090 0.14

5. Nebraska 1,180 14.16 29,450 0.14

1. District of Columbia 780 23.82 49,530 0.13

2. Nevada 530 22.79 47,400 0.05

3. California 9,240 22.76 47,350 0.06

4. Connecticut 1,640 22.46 46,720 0.10

5. New Jersey 3,420 22.42 46,640 0.09

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA $21.78 $45,310 0.32 210

2. Sioux Falls, SD MSA 310 18.04 37,530 0.28

3. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 320 15.96 33,200 0.26

4. Bismarck, ND MSA 100 17.41 36,220 0.20

5. Waterbury, CT PMSA 170 16.78 34,900 0.20

1. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 290 26.52 55,160 0.16

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 110 25.95 53,980 0.06

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 370 25.80 53,660 0.04

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 450 25.44 52,910 0.05

5. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA MSA 25.34 90 52,710 0.07

21-1022 Medical and public health social workers

Provide persons, families, or vulnerable populations with the psychosocial support needed to cope with 

chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, or AIDS. Services include advising 

family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making necessary referrals for other 

social services.

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 
143

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Individual and family services 56,570 $11.30 $23,510

2. Local government (OES designation) 46,260 13.64 28,370 

3. State government (OES designation) 32,320 15.48 32,190 

4. Residential mental health facilities 31,170 10.34 21,500 

5. Emergency and other relief services 17,240 10.85 22,570 

1. Management and technical consulting services - 23.72 49,330 

2. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers - 23.07 47,980 

3. Insurance carriers - 20.81 43,280 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 1,020 15.75 32,770 

5. State government (OES designation) 32,320 15.48 32,190 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Vermont 2,660 $12.52 $26,040 0.92

2. Maine 3,270 11.30 23,500 0.56

3. Wyoming 1,250 9.56 19,890 0.52

4. Minnesota 13,120 12.35 25,690 0.51

5. Rhode Island 2,330 12.36 25,710 0.49

1. District of Columbia 1,970 17.97 37,380 0.33

2. Connecticut 7,610 16.31 33,930 0.46

3. Alaska 1,170 14.40 29,950 0.40

4. Massachusetts 11,750 13.95 29,020 0.37

5. California 27,320 13.92 28,950 0.19

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 490 $8.35 $17,370 0.81

2. Baltimore, MD PMSA 9,310 10.93 22,730 0.76

3. Lewiston-Auburn, ME MSA 340 12.11 25,190 0.73

4. Fitchburg-Leominster, MA PMSA 370 13.01 27,070 0.71

5. Yuba City, CA MSA 260 14.76 30,700 0.69

1. Hartford, CT MSA 2,770 16.94 35,230 0.46

2. Reno, NV MSA 100 16.91 35,170 0.05

3. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 650 16.54 34,410 0.45

4. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 4,340 16.34 33,980 0.16

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 900 16.24 33,770 0.10

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

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 
144

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 346,500 $54.77 $113,920

2. Local government (OES designation) 46,870 36.42 75,760 

3. State government (OES designation) 33,310 33.86 70,430 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 24,030 48.76 101,420 

5. Management of companies and enterprises 10,480 66.77 138,880 

1. Agents and managers for public figures 40 85.36 177,540 

2. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 84.52 290 175,800 

3. Computer systems design and related services - 81.20 168,900 

4. Other information services 40 80.23 166,870 

5. Facilities support services - 76.53 159,190 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 23,570 $58.97 $122,650 3.97

2. New York 61,660 60.12 125,040 0.75

3. Massachusetts 18,560 52.47 109,140 0.59

4. New Jersey 18,380 52.68 109,570 0.48

5. Maryland 10,960 41.83 87,020 0.45

1. California 58,450 62.06 129,080 0.40

2. New York 61,660 60.12 125,040 0.75

3. Missouri 10,240 59.50 123,750 0.39

4. Utah 3,250 59.42 123,600 0.31

5. District of Columbia 23,570 58.97 122,650 3.97

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 34,600 $55.57 $115,590 1.28

2. Tallahassee, FL MSA 1,850 40.77 84,810 1.18

3. New York, NY PMSA 44,720 65.76 136,790 1.13

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 9,820 70.45 146,540 1.01

5. Trenton, NJ PMSA 1,860 47.62 99,060 0.89

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,770 74.67 155,310 0.43

2. Laredo, TX MSA 73.79 90 153,480 0.12

3. Danbury, CT PMSA 260 73.31 152,480 0.29

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 9,820 70.45 146,540 1.01

5. Naples, FL MSA 450 69.88 145,350 0.40

23-1011 Lawyers

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.

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 
145

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 12,530 $32.86 $68,350

2. State government (OES designation) 12,120 51.63 107,380 

3.

4.

5.

1. State government (OES designation) 12,120 51.63 107,380

2. Local government (OES designation) 12,530 32.86 68,350

3.

4.

5.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. West Virginia 370 $24.88 $51,760 0.05

2. Mississippi 560 24.96 51,910 0.05

3. Wyoming 100 34.86 72,510 0.04

4. Alaska 120 41.08 85,450 0.04

5. South Carolina 670 26.13 54,360 0.04

1. Rhode Island 75.45 90 156,940 0.02

2. California 1,560 64.09 133,300 0.01

3. Illinois 1,010 60.05 124,900 0.02

4. New Jersey 900 56.27 117,040 0.02

5. Maryland 280 55.60 115,640 0.01

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Elmira, NY MSA $48.87 $101,640 0.13 50

2. Binghamton, NY MSA 100 43.96 91,450 0.09

3. Glens Falls, NY MSA 42.08 40 87,520 0.08

4. Utica-Rome, NY MSA 43.35 90 90,180 0.07

5. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 45.84 70 95,350 0.06

1. Sacramento, CA PMSA 130 69.41 144,370 0.02

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 170 62.75 130,530 0.01

3. New York, NY PMSA 390 60.11 125,020 0.01

4. St. Louis, MO-IL MSA 110 60.00 124,790 0.01

5. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 130 59.70 124,190 0.02

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

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 
146

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 152,830 $18.99 $39,490

2. Local government (OES designation) 11,280 18.66 38,810 

3. State government (OES designation) 7,860 18.36 38,200 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 5,720 26.88 55,910 

5. Management of companies and enterprises 4,510 23.18 48,200 

1. Wireless telecommunications carriers 150 33.79 70,280 

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 70 31.88 66,320 

3. ISPs and web search portals 40 28.93 60,170 

4. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 90 28.81 59,930 

5. Power generation and supply 170 28.62 59,520 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Delaware 1,190 $17.05 $35,460 0.30

2. West Virginia 2,000 13.81 28,720 0.29

3. Connecticut 4,510 21.25 44,200 0.28

4. New York 20,390 21.55 44,820 0.25

5. Alaska 710 19.64 40,850 0.24

1. California 25,580 25.00 52,000 0.18

2. New Jersey 4,940 21.86 45,470 0.13

3. New York 20,390 21.55 44,820 0.25

4. Connecticut 4,510 21.25 44,200 0.28

5. Washington 5,250 20.57 42,790 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Fort Lauderdale, FL PMSA 3,610 $16.52 $34,350 0.52

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 1,000 22.95 47,740 0.50

3. Charleston, WV MSA 610 14.37 29,900 0.48

4. Jackson, MS MSA 960 13.93 28,970 0.46

5. Greenville, NC MSA 290 13.94 28,990 0.45

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,990 27.78 57,790 0.23

2. Orange County, CA PMSA - 27.78 57,790 0.00

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 3,040 26.74 55,630 0.31

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 1,120 26.28 54,670 0.11

5. Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PMSA 290 24.76 51,510 0.07

23-2011 Paralegals and legal assistants

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.

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 
147

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Legal services 18,620 $14.18 $29,490

2. Local government (OES designation) 9,190 15.35 31,930 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 8,640 18.75 39,000 

4. State government (OES designation) 3,390 19.03 39,580 

5. Management of companies and enterprises 210 18.70 38,900 

1. Management and technical consulting services 40 20.28 42,180 

2. State government (OES designation) 3,390 19.03 39,580 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 8,640 18.75 39,000 

4. Management of companies and enterprises 210 18.70 38,900 

5. Nondepository credit intermediation 18.25 - 37,960

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 1,130 $20.20 $42,010 0.19

2. Wyoming 230 16.44 34,190 0.10

3. South Carolina 1,540 11.80 24,550 0.09

4. Delaware 280 18.95 39,410 0.07

5. Louisiana 1,270 15.43 32,090 0.07

1. Minnesota 650 21.66 45,040 0.03

2. Alaska 140 20.82 43,310 0.05

3. Hawaii 120 20.72 43,090 0.02

4. Nevada 340 20.62 42,900 0.03

5. Rhode Island 20.51 80 42,660 0.02

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Columbia, SC MSA 600 $12.97 $26,970 0.21

2. Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA MSA 500 18.88 39,270 0.14

3. Dover, DE MSA 70 15.82 32,900 0.13

4. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 340 15.24 31,700 0.12

5. Tallahassee, FL MSA 170 15.69 32,640 0.11

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 650 23.28 48,430 0.07

2. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI MSA 510 22.44 46,680 0.03

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 200 22.23 46,240 0.02

4. Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 240 22.12 46,010 0.04

5. Reno, NV MSA 50 21.87 45,490 0.03

23-2092 Law clerks

Assist lawyers or judges by researching or preparing legal documents. May meet with clients or assist 

lawyers and judges in court. 

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 
148

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Insurance carriers 18,340 $19.05 $39,620

2. Legal services 18,080 16.12 33,530 

3. Activities related to real estate 2,080 22.25 46,280 

4. Local government (OES designation) 790 16.77 34,890 

5. Offices of real estate agents and brokers 770 16.09 33,470 

1. Oil and gas extraction 550 27.61 57,430 

2. Power generation and supply 60 27.11 56,380 

3. Telecommunications resellers - 26.67 55,480 

4. Support activities for mining - 24.73 51,440 

5. Activities related to real estate 2,080 22.25 46,280 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii 540 $20.00 $41,590 0.10

2. Utah 930 22.53 46,850 0.09

3. Wyoming 13.07 210 27,190 0.09

4. Oregon 21.35 1,160 44,400 0.08

5. Montana 280 13.71 28,510 0.07

1. California 8,580 25.61 53,270 0.06

2. Colorado - 22.87 47,560 0.00

3. Utah 930 22.53 46,850 0.09

4. Nevada 640 22.47 46,740 0.06

5. Oregon 21.35 1,160 44,400 0.08

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Ocala, FL MSA 100 $17.29 $35,960 0.12

2. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 110 11.15 23,200 0.11

3. Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT MSA 740 23.20 48,260 0.11

4. Billings, MT MSA 70 15.78 32,830 0.10

5. Yakima, WA MSA 80 15.72 32,710 0.10

1. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA PMSA - 29.28 60,890 0.00

2. Sacramento, CA PMSA 470 28.62 59,520 0.06

3. Memphis, TN-AR-MS MSA 70 27.72 57,660 0.01

4. Reno, NV MSA 200 26.81 55,770 0.10

5. San Francisco, CA PMSA 410 26.10 54,300 0.04

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

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 
149

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Child day care services 263,500 $9.58 $19,930

2. Elementary and secondary schools 54,700 15.21 31,640 

3. Individual and family services 13,370 10.79 22,440 

4. Civic and social organizations 5,480 10.30 21,420 

5. Local government (OES designation) 5,180 12.90 26,830 

1. Business, computer and management training 16.47 200 34,260 

2. Educational support services 80 15.88 33,030 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 54,700 15.21 31,640 

4. Junior colleges 1,720 14.62 30,410 

5. Colleges and universities 2,130 14.15 29,440 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. North Carolina 17,450 $8.78 $18,260 0.47

2. Massachusetts 13,970 11.89 24,740 0.44

3. Utah 4,460 9.15 19,030 0.43

4. Connecticut 6,770 12.26 25,500 0.41

5. New Hampshire 2,480 10.41 21,660 0.41

1. New Jersey 11,910 13.33 27,720 0.31

2. Rhode Island 1,360 12.93 26,890 0.29

3. New York 28,520 12.70 26,420 0.35

4. Alaska 870 12.32 25,620 0.30

5. Minnesota 6,240 12.30 25,590 0.24

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Great Falls, MT MSA 250 $7.49 $15,580 0.79

2. Auburn-Opelika, AL MSA 320 7.61 15,840 0.77

3. Goldsboro, NC MSA 310 7.52 15,650 0.75

4. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA PMSA 650 13.12 27,280 0.72

5. Greenville, NC MSA 450 8.54 17,770 0.70

1. Hagerstown, MD PMSA 90 17.03 35,420 0.15

2. Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA 760 15.44 32,110 0.39

3. New York, NY PMSA 13,030 15.26 31,750 0.33

4. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 2,460 15.24 31,700 0.39

5. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 340 15.12 31,460 0.19

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

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 
150

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 1,410,230 9,999.99 $44,460

2. Employment services 6,120 9,999.99 39,560 

3. Child day care services 4,460 9,999.99 29,080 

4. Religious organizations 3,230 9,999.99 36,630 

5. Educational support services 2,110 9,999.99 45,270 

1. State government (OES designation) 120 9,999.99 55,770 

2. Business, computer and management training 380 9,999.99 48,480 

3. Educational support services 2,110 9,999.99 45,270 

4. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 170 9,999.99 44,860 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 1,410,230 9,999.99 44,460 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. North Dakota 9,999.99 5,670 $33,550 1.81

2. Idaho 9,999.99 9,310 42,490 1.65

3. Louisiana 29,890 9,999.99 34,990 1.62

4. Alaska 9,999.99 4,190 49,330 1.43

5. Vermont 9,999.99 3,960 40,540 1.36

1. New York 98,280 9,999.99 61,420 1.19

2. Connecticut 19,810 9,999.99 52,110 1.21

3. Delaware 9,999.99 4,720 51,710 1.17

4. Rhode Island 9,999.99 5,490 51,600 1.16

5. New Jersey 52,350 9,999.99 50,720 1.35

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 4,810 9,999.99 $40,230 2.72

2. Merced, CA MSA 1,490 9,999.99 48,780 2.52

3. Bakersfield, CA MSA 5,380 9,999.99 49,070 2.42

4. Fresno, CA MSA 7,030 9,999.99 47,680 2.06

5. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ PMSA 1,150 9,999.99 46,720 1.98

1. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 15,670 9,999.99 62,130 1.31

2. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 9,999.99 1,420 60,390 1.26

3. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 9,999.99 9,080 56,620 1.42

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 9,999.99 2,350 55,970 0.97

5. Newburgh, NY-PA PMSA 9,999.99 2,570 55,560 1.90

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

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 
151

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 600,210 9,999.99 $44,860

2. Educational support services 390 9,999.99 46,380 

3. Other schools and instruction 280 9,999.99 30,850 

4. Religious organizations 190 9,999.99 33,180 

5. Local government (OES designation) 9,999.99 120 44,590

1. Technical and trade schools 9,999.99 90 48,030

2. Educational support services 9,999.99 390 46,380

3. Elementary and secondary schools 600,210 9,999.99 44,860

4. Local government (OES designation) 9,999.99 120 44,590

5. State government (OES designation) 9,999.99 110 41,950

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Texas 66,450 9,999.99 $41,800 0.72

2. New Mexico 9,999.99 5,180 38,070 0.71

3. New Hampshire 9,999.99 4,170 41,970 0.69

4. Maine 9,999.99 3,970 38,930 0.67

5. Connecticut 10,840 9,999.99 53,410 0.66

1. New York 42,170 9,999.99 61,060 0.51

2. Connecticut 10,840 9,999.99 53,410 0.66

3. New Jersey 21,980 9,999.99 53,310 0.57

4. California 50,380 9,999.99 52,250 0.35

5. District of Columbia 9,999.99 1,670 51,050 0.28

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Kenosha, WI PMSA 730 9,999.99 $49,350 1.41

2. Yakima, WA MSA 900 9,999.99 42,210 1.18

3. Killeen-Temple, TX MSA 1,120 9,999.99 45,340 1.11

4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 9,999.99 1,900 40,850 1.07

5. Jamestown, NY MSA 9,999.99 580 44,680 1.07

1. Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA 9,999.99 1,040 73,620 0.52

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 9,999.99 7,550 64,970 0.63

3. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 9,999.99 860 59,860 0.76

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 9,999.99 2,840 57,870 0.29

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 9,999.99 3,290 57,730 0.52

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

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 
152

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 1,003,800 9,999.99 $46,840

2. Other schools and instruction 1,050 9,999.99 41,150 

3. Local government (OES designation) 760 9,999.99 35,740 

4. State government (OES designation) 560 9,999.99 34,710 

5. Technical and trade schools 410 9,999.99 50,750 

1. Technical and trade schools 410 9,999.99 50,750 

2. Elementary and secondary schools 1,003,800 9,999.99 46,840 

3. Employment services - 9,999.99 41,860 

4. Other schools and instruction 1,050 9,999.99 41,150 

5. Business, computer and management training 9,999.99 170 36,720 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Idaho 9,000 9,999.99 $41,570 1.59

2. Illinois 74,150 9,999.99 52,760 1.29

3. Maine 6,720 9,999.99 40,000 1.14

4. Montana 4,260 9,999.99 32,210 1.08

5. Vermont 9,999.99 3,130 41,630 1.08

1. New York 74,860 9,999.99 60,430 0.91

2. New Jersey 9,999.99 33,420 56,560 0.86

3. Delaware 1,910 9,999.99 56,110 0.47

4. California 113,960 9,999.99 55,500 0.79

5. Connecticut 13,860 9,999.99 55,030 0.85

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yuba City, CA MSA 930 9,999.99 $52,790 2.47

2. Newburgh, NY-PA PMSA 9,999.99 2,740 54,620 2.03

3. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 9,999.99 3,250 42,280 1.84

4. Glens Falls, NY MSA 9,999.99 870 48,940 1.74

5. Binghamton, NY MSA 9,999.99 1,820 48,020 1.63

1. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 13,660 9,999.99 65,730 1.14

2. Newark, NJ PMSA 9,999.99 8,350 61,060 0.86

3. Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA 9,999.99 1,850 58,760 0.92

4. Orange County, CA PMSA 9,999.99 8,530 58,650 0.60

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 9,999.99 5,970 58,590 0.94

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

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 
153

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 981,620 9,999.99 $20,220

2. Child day care services 86,470 9,999.99 17,150 

3. Colleges and universities 36,100 9,999.99 23,960 

4. Junior colleges 18,970 9,999.99 24,500 

5. Individual and family services 16,380 9,999.99 19,390 

1. Educational support services 4,790 9,999.99 25,640 

2. State government (OES designation) 2,600 9,999.99 24,700 

3. Junior colleges 18,970 9,999.99 24,500 

4. Business, computer and management training 9,999.99 1,690 24,400 

5. Colleges and universities 36,100 9,999.99 23,960 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Vermont 5,790 9,999.99 $19,970 1.99

2. New York 137,850 9,999.99 23,090 1.67

3. New Hampshire 9,999.99 9,200 19,350 1.52

4. Alaska 9,999.99 4,400 28,760 1.51

5. Maine 9,999.99 8,660 23,030 1.47

1. Alaska 9,999.99 4,400 28,760 1.51

2. Nevada 9,999.99 3,900 25,290 0.37

3. California 168,600 9,999.99 24,580 1.16

4. Oregon 19,380 9,999.99 23,890 1.26

5. Washington 30,900 9,999.99 23,810 1.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yuba City, CA MSA 900 9,999.99 $22,390 2.39

2. Elmira, NY MSA 860 9,999.99 17,410 2.19

3. Glens Falls, NY MSA 1,060 9,999.99 17,050 2.12

4. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 1,110 9,999.99 15,490 2.05

5. Binghamton, NY MSA 2,300 9,999.99 20,710 2.05

1. State College, PA MSA 1,030 9,999.99 32,540 1.61

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 6,740 9,999.99 30,440 0.69

3. Portland, ME MSA 1,490 9,999.99 26,180 0.96

4. Ventura, CA PMSA 2,830 9,999.99 26,030 0.96

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA PMSA 56,930 9,999.99 25,940 1.42

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

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 
154

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Florists 48,850 $9.78 $20,350

2. Grocery stores 7,420 10.65 22,160 

3. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 3,660 10.36 21,540 

4. Sporting goods and musical instrument stores 840 9.49 19,750 

5. Other miscellaneous store retailers 690 10.62 22,090 

1. Specialized design services 170 19.23 39,990 

2. Traveler accommodation 190 13.45 27,970 

3. Special food services 50 13.15 27,350 

4. Full-service restaurants 90 12.89 26,820 

5. Other support services 200 12.58 26,160 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Dakota 370 $7.90 $16,430 0.10

2. Nebraska 760 8.79 18,280 0.09

3. North Dakota 270 7.97 16,580 0.09

4. Arkansas 950 7.97 16,580 0.09

5. West Virginia 560 7.97 16,570 0.08

1. Vermont 210 12.52 26,030 0.07

2. Massachusetts 1,270 12.47 25,940 0.04

3. New Jersey 1,970 12.27 25,520 0.05

4. Connecticut 750 12.24 25,460 0.05

5. Delaware 230 12.22 25,410 0.06

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Gadsden, AL MSA 70 $9.58 $19,920 0.20

2. Yakima, WA MSA 130 11.00 22,890 0.17

3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA PMSA 130 9.82 20,420 0.14

4. Springfield, MO MSA 230 9.31 19,370 0.14

5. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 90 12.84 26,710 0.14

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 360 16.02 33,320 0.04

2. Columbia, SC MSA 240 15.42 32,070 0.08

3. New Haven-Meriden, CT PMSA 14.62 50 30,400 0.02

4. Muncie, IN MSA 14.21 30 29,560 0.06

5. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 620 14.05 29,220 0.05

27-1023 Floral designers

Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.

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 
155

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Specialized design services 27,200 $23.59 $49,070

2. Advertising and related services 21,880 21.31 44,330 

3. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 20,240 17.00 35,360

4. Printing and related support activities 14,120 16.21 33,720

5. Architectural and engineering services 4,710 21.69 45,120

1. Legal services 110 26.12 54,330

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 330 25.55 53,150

3. Druggists' goods merchant wholesalers 460 24.92 51,830

4. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 200 24.30 50,540

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 890 23.96 49,830

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 1,260 $22.08 $45,930 0.21

2. New York 16,340 24.87 51,740 0.20

3. Vermont 520 16.97 35,290 0.18

4. Connecticut 2,730 21.26 44,210 0.17

5. Minnesota 3,800 19.12 39,770 0.15

1. New York 16,340 24.87 51,740 0.20

2. Massachusetts 4,490 24.87 51,730 0.14

3. Michigan 4,500 22.55 46,910 0.10

4. Nevada 820 22.30 46,390 0.08

5. District of Columbia 1,260 22.08 45,930 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 690 $23.22 $48,300 0.35

2. Orange County, CA PMSA 3,990 19.87 41,340 0.28

3. Madison, WI MSA 700 18.05 37,530 0.25

4. Burlington, VT MSA 260 17.74 36,900 0.25

5. Racine, WI PMSA 180 18.74 38,970 0.24

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,530 29.28 60,900 0.17

2. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 3,150 27.38 56,950 0.16

3. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 280 27.15 56,470 0.15

4. Detroit, MI PMSA 2,020 27.14 56,440 0.10

5. New York, NY PMSA 26.98 - 56,110 0.00

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

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 
156

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Colleges and universities 24,340 9,999.99 $42,470

2. Other amusement and recreation industries 16,640 9,999.99 31,260 

3. Spectator sports 4,890 9,999.99 57,960 

4. Civic and social organizations 3,770 9,999.99 22,800 

5. Local government (OES designation) 2,990 9,999.99 31,100 

1. Professional and similar organizations 590 9,999.99 67,360 

2. Agents and managers for public figures 230 9,999.99 65,960 

3. Spectator sports 4,890 9,999.99 57,960 

4. Special food services 100 9,999.99 54,030 

5. Activities related to real estate 450 9,999.99 44,720 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 510 9,999.99 $22,780 0.21

2. Idaho 1,110 9,999.99 23,640 0.20

3. Kansas 2,150 9,999.99 23,100 0.17

4. Maine 970 9,999.99 30,070 0.17

5. Iowa 2,200 9,999.99 21,140 0.16

1. District of Columbia 390 9,999.99 60,020 0.07

2. Louisiana 1,360 9,999.99 48,010 0.07

3. Rhode Island 400 9,999.99 42,860 0.08

4. Mississippi 730 9,999.99 42,610 0.07

5. West Virginia 440 9,999.99 42,110 0.07

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lawrence, KS MSA 190 9,999.99 $36,600 0.40

2. Kenosha, WI PMSA 190 9,999.99 34,930 0.37

3. Lima, OH MSA 210 9,999.99 25,300 0.29

4. Lynchburg, VA MSA 260 9,999.99 23,320 0.28

5. Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA 540 9,999.99 38,340 0.27

1. Shreveport-Bossier City, LA MSA 40 9,999.99 65,920 0.02

2. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 450 9,999.99 54,900 0.15

3. New Orleans, LA MSA 9,999.99 360 51,200 0.06

4. Hartford, CT MSA 9,999.99 600 49,910 0.10

5. New York, NY PMSA 9,999.99 1,740 49,850 0.04

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

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 
157

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Advertising and related services 18,060 $27.77 $57,760

2. Professional and similar organizations 9,910 22.05 45,860 

3. Colleges and universities 7,700 19.05 39,610 

4. Local government (OES designation) 7,650 21.93 45,600 

5. State government (OES designation) 4,920 21.14 43,970

1. Hardware and plumbing merchant wholesalers 48.19 50 100,240

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 36.47 70 75,850

3. Household appliance manufacturing 35.35 60 73,530

4. Paper and paper product merchant wholesalers 34.77 90 72,330

5. Oil and gas extraction 34.76 90 72,300

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 3,080 $28.92 $60,140 0.52

2. Vermont 1,060 22.28 46,350 0.37

3. South Dakota 770 17.02 35,400 0.22

4. Hawaii 1,150 20.46 42,560 0.21

5. Washington 5,210 27.03 56,230 0.20

1. Maryland 2,410 31.20 64,890 0.10

2. District of Columbia 3,080 28.92 60,140 0.52

3. Ohio 5,290 27.14 56,460 0.10

4. Washington 5,210 27.03 56,230 0.20

5. California 19,100 26.48 55,090 0.13

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL MSA 620 $23.59 $49,080 0.40

2. Olympia, WA PMSA 330 28.28 58,820 0.39

3. Burlington, VT MSA 370 19.76 41,100 0.35

4. Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA 700 27.18 56,530 0.35

5. Springfield, IL MSA 380 20.63 42,920 0.35

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,610 32.31 67,210 0.18

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 2,360 30.45 63,330 0.24

3. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 6,610 30.15 62,720 0.25

4. Sacramento, CA PMSA 1,410 29.55 61,460 0.19

5. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO MSA 240 29.38 61,110 0.20

27-3031 Public relations specialists

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.

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 
158

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 63,530 $22.72 $47,260

2. Professional and similar organizations 3,980 22.99 47,810

3. Radio and television broadcasting 3,610 20.04 41,680

4. Colleges and universities 3,420 19.51 40,590

5. Advertising and related services 3,350 21.64 45,020

1. Independent artists, writers, and performers 510 35.77 74,400

2. Employment services 990 33.78 70,270

3. Other financial investment activities 33.61 60 69,920

4. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 32.19 60 66,950

5. Accounting and bookkeeping services 290 31.93 66,410

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 3,220 $23.70 $49,290 0.54

2. New York 17,360 27.13 56,430 0.21

3. Massachusetts 4,150 24.42 50,800 0.13

4. Illinois 7,000 23.64 49,160 0.12

5. Missouri 2,990 22.79 47,410 0.11

1. New York 17,360 27.13 56,430 0.21

2. Connecticut 1,770 26.62 55,370 0.11

3. Washington 1,860 25.02 52,030 0.07

4. Virginia 3,830 24.45 50,850 0.11

5. Massachusetts 4,150 24.42 50,800 0.13

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. New York, NY PMSA 13,480 $28.23 $58,720 0.34

2. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 470 16.92 35,190 0.30

3. Bloomington, IN MSA 150 18.10 37,650 0.25

4. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 6,740 24.57 51,100 0.25

5. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 490 26.66 55,450 0.25

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 760 31.36 65,230 0.09

2. New York, NY PMSA 13,480 28.23 58,720 0.34

3. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 1,120 28.21 58,680 0.09

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 360 28.11 58,470 0.15

5. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 150 28.04 58,320 0.08

27-3041 Editors

Perform variety of editorial duties, such as laying out, indexing, and revising content of written 

materials, in preparation for final publication. Include technical editors.

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 
159

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Health and personal care stores 95,250 $38.34 $79,750

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 48,510 37.48 77,970 

3. Grocery stores 17,320 38.04 79,130 

4. Department stores 11,510 38.26 79,590 

5. Other general merchandise stores 10,930 36.25 75,410 

1. Other ambulatory health care services 40 41.42 86,160 

2. Warehousing and storage 410 40.57 84,380 

3. Insurance carriers 910 40.47 84,180 

4. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 80 40.30 83,820 

5. Management and technical consulting services 370 40.01 83,220 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. West Virginia 1,760 $37.57 $78,140 0.26

2. Louisiana 4,440 35.04 72,870 0.24

3. Kentucky 3,670 37.89 78,800 0.21

4. Oregon 3,250 38.27 79,590 0.21

5. Nebraska 1,840 33.17 69,000 0.21

1. California 20,950 43.83 91,170 0.14

2. Alaska 350 40.71 84,670 0.12

3. Nevada 1,790 40.31 83,850 0.17

4. Florida 12,680 39.92 83,030 0.18

5. Wisconsin 3,960 39.64 82,440 0.15

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Rochester, MN MSA 410 $38.27 $79,590 0.42

2. Monroe, LA MSA 260 30.45 63,330 0.36

3. Alexandria, LA MSA 190 33.59 69,870 0.35

4. Enid, OK MSA 70 34.29 71,320 0.35

5. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 210 34.54 71,830 0.35

1. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA MSA 160 49.72 103,410 0.13

2. Redding, CA MSA 180 48.40 100,680 0.28

3. Merced, CA MSA 70 47.19 98,160 0.12

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 270 46.85 97,440 0.11

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA PMSA 5,340 46.72 97,180 0.13

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

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

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 1,295,870 $25.02 $52,050

2. Offices of physicians 194,230 23.93 49,770 

3. Nursing care facilities 121,000 22.44 46,670

4. Home health care services 114,430 23.86 49,630

5. Employment services 70,400 28.25 58,770

1. Federal government (OES designation) 46,340 29.80 61,990

2. Employment services 70,400 28.25 58,770

3. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 250 27.57 57,350

4. Activities related to credit intermediation 150 27.38 56,940

5. Basic chemical manufacturing 140 27.13 56,420

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Massachusetts 75,730 $27.72 $57,650 2.39

2. West Virginia 16,150 21.05 43,780 2.37

3. South Dakota 8,120 19.62 40,800 2.29

4. Rhode Island 10,840 25.54 53,130 2.29

5. Mississippi 24,040 21.15 43,990 2.21

1. California 206,280 29.94 62,270 1.42

2. Maryland 47,460 29.77 61,920 1.94

3. Hawaii 7,560 28.12 58,490 1.37

4. New York 166,290 27.84 57,900 2.01

5. Massachusetts 75,730 27.72 57,650 2.39

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Rochester, MN MSA 9,020 $26.54 $55,210 9.24

2. Alexandria, LA MSA 1,980 21.41 44,530 3.64

3. Jackson, TN MSA 2,060 19.58 40,720 3.64

4. Peoria-Pekin, IL MSA 5,260 21.25 44,200 3.23

5. Jackson, MS MSA 6,770 21.19 44,080 3.22

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 11,860 35.89 74,660 1.35

2. Oakland, CA PMSA 16,030 35.25 73,330 1.58

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 14,430 35.24 73,300 1.48

4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 2,210 32.04 66,650 1.25

5. New York, NY PMSA 83,040 31.75 66,040 2.09

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

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 
161

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other ambulatory health care services 75,350 $11.60 $24,140

2. Local government (OES designation) 55,260 14.78 30,750 

3. General medical and surgical hospitals 37,360 12.96 26,960 

4. Other ground passenger transportation 2,260 11.56 24,050 

5. Offices of physicians 1,890 14.76 30,700 

1. State government (OES designation) 710 18.53 38,550 

2. Investigation and security services 70 16.46 34,230 

3. Home health care services - 15.87 33,020 

4. Nursing care facilities 110 14.86 30,920

5. Local government (OES designation) 55,260 14.78 30,750

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. West Virginia 1,930 $8.99 $18,700 0.28

2. Maine 1,430 10.39 21,620 0.24

3. Kentucky 3,950 10.18 21,180 0.23

4. Pennsylvania 12,010 11.67 24,280 0.22

5. North Dakota 670 9.63 20,040 0.21

1. District of Columbia 450 18.85 39,210 0.08

2. Alaska 230 17.65 36,720 0.08

3. Washington 2,440 17.64 36,680 0.10

4. Maryland 3,280 16.16 33,600 0.13

5. New York 10,270 15.58 32,400 0.12

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Johnstown, PA MSA 580 $9.24 $19,230 0.71

2. Benton Harbor, MI MSA 380 12.19 25,350 0.60

3. New Bedford, MA PMSA 230 13.81 28,710 0.36

4. Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV MSA 170 10.12 21,040 0.36

5. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 230 19.06 39,640 0.35

1. Salinas, CA MSA 23.56 50 49,010 0.03

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 730 23.56 49,000 0.08

3. Bremerton, WA PMSA 23.48 90 48,840 0.12

4. Yuba City, CA MSA 21.54 - 44,800 0.00

5. Olympia, WA PMSA 20.60 90 42,840 0.11

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

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 
162

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Health and personal care stores 103,020 $10.54 $21,930

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 45,050 12.82 26,670 

3. Grocery stores 13,730 11.39 23,700 

4. Department stores 10,420 10.29 21,400 

5. Other general merchandise stores 10,080 10.92 22,720

1. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 330 17.25 35,870

2. Local government (OES designation) 570 15.42 32,070

3. Federal government (OES designation) 3,920 15.09 31,400

4. Warehousing and storage 14.47 - 30,100

5. Offices of physicians 4,140 14.05 29,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. West Virginia 1,730 $9.52 $19,810 0.25

2. Minnesota 6,130 13.19 27,440 0.24

3. Missouri 6,110 9.74 20,260 0.23

4. Alabama 4,180 9.32 19,390 0.23

5. Rhode Island 1,060 10.47 21,770 0.22

1. California 18,800 15.42 32,060 0.13

2. Alaska 360 15.16 31,530 0.12

3. Washington 4,320 14.69 30,550 0.17

4. District of Columbia 370 13.79 28,690 0.06

5. Oregon 3,190 13.53 28,140 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Rochester, MN MSA $13.90 $28,910 0.50 490

2. Terre Haute, IN MSA 280 10.66 22,170 0.44

3. Joplin, MO MSA 310 9.33 19,410 0.42

4. Gadsden, AL MSA 140 9.53 19,820 0.40

5. Columbia, MO MSA 290 9.66 20,080 0.39

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 790 18.08 37,600 0.08

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 850 17.63 36,680 0.10

3. Oakland, CA PMSA 1,080 16.94 35,240 0.11

4. San Diego, CA MSA 1,770 16.09 33,470 0.14

5. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 250 15.85 32,960 0.13

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

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 
163

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 179,560 $15.30 $31,820

2. Nursing care facilities 176,420 16.45 34,210

3. Offices of physicians 88,740 14.74 30,660

4. Home health care services 48,550 16.36 34,030

5. Employment services 36,910 19.94 41,480

1. Druggists' goods merchant wholesalers 21.52 60 44,760

2. Computer systems design and related services 290 20.01 41,620

3. Employment services 36,910 19.94 41,480

4. Management and technical consulting services 800 19.43 40,410

5. Scientific research and development services 150 19.20 39,930

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Arkansas 12,290 $13.00 $27,040 1.10

2. West Virginia 6,900 12.43 25,850 1.01

3. Louisiana 18,380 13.42 27,920 0.99

4. Oklahoma 13,350 13.35 27,770 0.94

5. North Dakota 2,870 13.36 27,780 0.91

1. District of Columbia 1,760 21.85 45,450 0.30

2. Connecticut 7,420 21.58 44,890 0.45

3. Rhode Island 1,870 19.93 41,460 0.39

4. Massachusetts 16,200 19.80 41,180 0.51

5. Delaware 2,240 19.69 40,960 0.56

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 930 $14.73 $30,640 2.29

2. Pine Bluff, AR MSA 550 12.47 25,930 1.64

3. Alexandria, LA MSA 870 12.86 26,760 1.60

4. Wheeling, WV-OH MSA 970 11.91 24,770 1.59

5. Abilene, TX MSA 800 14.56 30,280 1.49

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,730 22.12 46,000 0.20

2. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 820 21.95 45,660 0.44

3. Lawrence, MA-NH PMSA 890 21.74 45,220 0.58

4. Hartford, CT MSA 2,720 21.57 44,850 0.46

5. San Francisco, CA PMSA 3,370 21.49 44,710 0.35

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

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 
164

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Home health care services 191,870 $8.72 $18,150

2. Residential mental health facilities 93,770 9.23 19,200 

3. Community care facilities for the elderly 72,890 8.66 18,010 

4. Individual and family services 69,540 8.57 17,820 

5. Nursing care facilities 33,720 9.15 19,030

1. Religious organizations 210 17.43 36,250

2. State government (OES designation) 25,340 15.22 31,660

3. Other investment pools and funds 140 13.08 27,210

4. Insurance carriers 11.42 - 23,750

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 1,580 11.20 23,290

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New York 108,680 $9.49 $19,740 1.32

2. Maine 4,970 9.03 18,770 0.84

3. Rhode Island 3,430 11.34 23,600 0.72

4. West Virginia 4,880 7.15 14,870 0.72

5. Minnesota 18,250 9.92 20,640 0.70

1. Alaska 1,230 11.90 24,760 0.42

2. Connecticut 10,050 11.80 24,550 0.61

3. Rhode Island 3,430 11.34 23,600 0.72

4. Massachusetts 11,350 11.03 22,940 0.36

5. New Hampshire 1,630 10.42 21,670 0.27

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Muncie, IN MSA 1,590 $9.24 $19,210 2.97

2. Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSA 2,120 6.86 14,260 1.89

3. Dutchess County, NY PMSA 2,000 11.71 24,350 1.77

4. Lubbock, TX MSA 2,040 8.86 18,420 1.77

5. Lawrence, KS MSA 780 9.08 18,890 1.66

1. San Angelo, TX MSA 490 15.05 31,290 1.12

2. Abilene, TX MSA 840 14.88 30,950 1.57

3. Waterbury, CT PMSA 420 14.07 29,270 0.50

4. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 780 12.77 26,570 0.54

5. Hartford, CT MSA 3,130 12.63 26,260 0.52

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

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 
165

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Nursing care facilities 593,490 $9.83 $20,440

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 349,810 10.53 21,900

3. Community care facilities for the elderly 112,050 9.31 19,370

4. Employment services 52,970 11.31 23,520

5. Local government (OES designation) 45,000 10.77 22,390

1. Federal government (OES designation) 10,660 14.07 29,270

2. Scientific research and development services 300 13.29 27,640

3. Other personal services 12.51 60 26,020

4. Civic and social organizations 12.02 - 25,010

5. State government (OES designation) 20,160 11.55 24,020

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. North Dakota 6,040 $9.07 $18,870 1.92

2. South Dakota 5,920 8.90 18,510 1.67

3. Rhode Island 7,890 11.46 23,830 1.66

4. Kansas 20,670 9.60 19,970 1.59

5. Nebraska 13,720 9.90 20,580 1.56

1. Alaska 1,810 13.86 28,830 0.62

2. Connecticut 23,800 12.77 26,550 1.45

3. New York 93,610 12.65 26,310 1.13

4. Massachusetts 40,900 12.06 25,080 1.29

5. Maryland 25,830 11.76 24,470 1.06

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Pittsfield, MA MSA 1,380 $11.97 $24,890 3.30

2. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 1,020 9.62 20,000 2.51

3. Enid, OK MSA 460 8.05 16,740 2.29

4. Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA 1,070 9.67 20,120 2.24

5. Eau Claire, WI MSA 1,600 10.37 21,560 2.22

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 5,410 14.56 30,290 0.55

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 11,390 14.22 29,580 0.95

3. New York, NY PMSA 46,010 13.99 29,090 1.16

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 4,160 13.85 28,800 0.47

5. Waterbury, CT PMSA 1,640 13.15 27,340 1.95

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

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 
166

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Offices of dentists 255,830 $13.58 $28,250

2. Offices of physicians 2,950 12.14 25,240 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 2,540 14.85 30,880 

4. Colleges and universities 1,810 12.93 26,900 

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 1,530 13.82 28,750 

1. Scientific research and development services 30 16.39 34,090 

2. Employment services 1,520 15.16 31,540 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 2,540 14.85 30,880 

4. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 160 14.04 29,210 

5. Other hospitals 100 14.00 29,130 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Washington 9,610 $16.00 $33,290 0.38

2. Utah 3,380 9.93 20,660 0.32

3. Oregon 4,830 14.85 30,890 0.31

4. California 43,760 15.53 32,300 0.30

5. Alaska 800 15.63 32,500 0.27

1. District of Columbia 490 18.65 38,780 0.08

2. Nevada 1,770 17.02 35,410 0.17

3. Colorado 4,930 16.76 34,860 0.23

4. Connecticut 3,310 16.19 33,680 0.20

5. Massachusetts 5,040 16.03 33,340 0.16

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Olympia, WA PMSA 450 $16.99 $35,340 0.53

2. Salinas, CA MSA 730 15.58 32,400 0.47

3. Orange County, CA PMSA 6,550 11.82 24,580 0.46

4. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 850 14.93 31,040 0.45

5. Redding, CA MSA 290 11.54 24,000 0.45

1. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 370 24.15 50,230 0.24

2. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 750 19.75 41,070 0.39

3. Colorado Springs, CO MSA 600 19.62 40,810 0.26

4. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 160 18.93 39,380 0.24

5. Iowa City, IA MSA 200 18.89 39,290 0.30

31-9091 Dental assistants

Assist dentist, set up patient and equipment, and keep records.

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 
167

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Offices of physicians 207,300 $12.08 $25,130

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 52,000 12.27 25,530 

3. Offices of other health practitioners 39,630 10.74 22,330 

4. Outpatient care centers 16,410 12.19 25,360 

5. Other ambulatory health care services 6,220 11.68 24,300 

1. State government (OES designation) 2,510 16.21 33,720 

2. Scientific research and development services 480 14.52 30,200 

3. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 640 13.69 28,470 

4. Colleges and universities 5,450 13.52 28,110 

5. Professional and similar organizations 50 12.95 26,930 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii 3,330 $12.46 $25,920 0.60

2. Arizona 10,940 11.36 23,630 0.48

3. Washington 9,710 13.31 27,670 0.38

4. Michigan 15,840 12.02 25,010 0.37

5. Rhode Island 1,720 11.19 23,270 0.36

1. District of Columbia 960 15.15 31,510 0.16

2. Connecticut 4,700 14.27 29,680 0.29

3. Massachusetts 5,530 14.12 29,360 0.17

4. Alaska 500 13.48 28,040 0.17

5. Oregon 4,660 13.38 27,830 0.30

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Gainesville, FL MSA 750 $10.89 $22,650 0.79

2. Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA 1,940 11.46 23,830 0.78

3. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 1,380 9.69 20,160 0.78

4. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, CA MSA 1,280 13.35 27,770 0.75

5. Yuma, AZ MSA 390 11.52 23,960 0.72

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,540 16.16 33,610 0.29

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 2,280 15.87 33,000 0.23

3. Danbury, CT PMSA 250 15.48 32,210 0.28

4. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 340 15.43 32,100 0.17

5. Salinas, CA MSA 390 15.02 31,240 0.25

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

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 
168

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General medical and surgical hospitals 39,300 $13.74 $28,580

2. Offices of physicians 32,510 13.51 28,090 

3. Business support services 12,230 13.25 27,550 

4. Offices of other health practitioners 2,250 11.94 24,830 

5. Medical and diagnostic laboratories 2,040 15.04 31,280 

1. Other professional and technical services 60 18.52 38,520 

2. Local government (OES designation) 250 16.50 34,310 

3. Management and technical consulting services 320 15.86 32,990 

4. Other ambulatory health care services 880 15.24 31,700 

5. Medical and diagnostic laboratories 2,040 15.04 31,280 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Dakota 780 $11.56 $24,050 0.22

2. North Dakota 520 11.28 23,470 0.17

3. West Virginia 980 11.01 22,900 0.14

4. Wisconsin 3,830 13.68 28,460 0.14

5. Michigan 5,590 13.34 27,740 0.13

1. Alaska 210 17.55 36,500 0.07

2. Hawaii 260 16.64 34,600 0.05

3. Nevada 300 16.40 34,110 0.03

4. Maryland 1,060 16.32 33,950 0.04

5. Connecticut 1,000 16.27 33,840 0.06

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Rapid City, SD MSA 140 $11.99 $24,930 0.29

2. Sioux Falls, SD MSA 290 12.45 25,900 0.26

3. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH MSA 290 10.95 22,790 0.25

4. Green Bay, WI MSA 330 13.86 28,830 0.23

5. Hattiesburg, MS MSA 110 11.97 24,910 0.23

1. Danbury, CT PMSA - 21.05 43,790 0.00

2. Anchorage, AK MSA 100 19.38 40,320 0.07

3. Salinas, CA MSA 90 18.21 37,880 0.06

4. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, CA MSA 70 17.73 36,880 0.07

5. Dallas, TX PMSA 700 17.71 36,840 0.04

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

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 
169

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 81,420 $29.77 $61,930

2. State government (OES designation) 11,480 30.68 63,810 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 7,260 38.19 79,440 

4. Colleges and universities 1,380 23.80 49,510 

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 90 23.28 48,420 

1. Federal government (OES designation) 7,260 38.19 79,440 

2. State government (OES designation) 11,480 30.68 63,810 

3. Local government (OES designation) 81,420 29.77 61,930 

4. Junior colleges 90 27.90 58,020 

5. Colleges and universities 1,380 23.80 49,510 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Mexico 1,120 $24.71 $51,390 0.15

2. New Jersey 5,500 39.74 82,670 0.14

3. Hawaii 730 28.49 59,260 0.13

4. New York 10,890 34.68 72,140 0.13

5. Wyoming 290 22.10 45,960 0.12

1. California 6,880 42.53 88,460 0.05

2. New Jersey 5,500 39.74 82,670 0.14

3. Nevada 730 34.96 72,720 0.07

4. New York 10,890 34.68 72,140 0.13

5. Delaware 33.57 - 69,830 0.00

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Tallahassee, FL MSA 440 $25.83 $53,730 0.28

2. Yuma, AZ MSA 120 28.16 58,580 0.22

3. Cheyenne, WY MSA 80 23.64 49,180 0.22

4. Laredo, TX MSA 160 31.57 65,670 0.21

5. Olympia, WA PMSA 170 33.25 69,150 0.20

1. Orange County, CA PMSA 460 50.83 105,730 0.03

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 180 49.93 103,860 0.02

3. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 1,230 47.75 99,320 0.10

4. San Francisco, CA PMSA 310 47.55 98,910 0.03

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 820 45.06 93,720 0.13

33-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives

Supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

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 
170

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 246,670 $18.78 $39,050

2. Federal government (OES designation) 7,990 16.64 34,620 

3. State government (OES designation) 7,370 15.82 32,900 

4. Other support services 4,590 12.13 25,220 

5. Facilities support services 390 15.49 32,230 

1. Waste treatment and disposal 150 22.40 46,590 

2. Colleges and universities 160 21.64 45,010 

3. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 18.83 370 39,170 

4. Local government (OES designation) 246,670 18.78 39,050 

5. Scientific research and development services 160 18.04 37,520 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Alaska 3,450 $13.33 $27,720 1.18

2. Massachusetts 12,610 20.14 41,880 0.40

3. Rhode Island 1,650 20.41 42,460 0.35

4. Wyoming 810 14.60 30,360 0.34

5. Ohio 16,580 16.04 33,360 0.31

1. New Jersey 5,520 27.39 56,980 0.14

2. California 27,510 25.83 53,730 0.19

3. Connecticut 3,530 22.86 47,540 0.22

4. Washington 6,510 22.06 45,890 0.25

5. District of Columbia 1,200 21.82 45,380 0.20

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Anchorage, AK MSA 1,430 $13.84 $28,790 1.04

2. New Bedford, MA PMSA 530 19.26 40,060 0.83

3. Hamilton-Middletown, OH PMSA 940 14.08 29,290 0.73

4. Redding, CA MSA 390 13.96 29,040 0.61

5. Fayetteville, NC MSA 600 12.33 25,650 0.57

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,670 33.53 69,740 0.19

2. Oakland, CA PMSA 32.51 - 67,620 0.00

3. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 820 30.59 63,620 0.13

4. Newark, NJ PMSA 1,830 30.48 63,410 0.19

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA PMSA 5,770 30.42 63,270 0.14

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

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 
171

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. State government (OES designation) 237,230 $17.30 $35,980

2. Local government (OES designation) 147,770 16.39 34,080 

3. Facilities support services 15,780 12.45 25,900 

4. Federal government (OES designation) 13,320 20.53 42,700 

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 1,140 16.93 35,220 

1. Federal government (OES designation) 13,320 20.53 42,700 

2. State government (OES designation) 237,230 17.30 35,980 

3. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 1,140 16.93 35,220 

4. Local government (OES designation) 147,770 16.39 34,080 

5. Facilities support services 15,780 12.45 25,900 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Louisiana 12,090 $11.91 $24,780 0.65

2. Texas 44,590 13.51 28,110 0.49

3. Mississippi 5,140 10.80 22,470 0.47

4. New York 37,660 22.76 47,330 0.46

5. Georgia 16,770 13.28 27,610 0.44

1. New Jersey 12,710 24.83 51,650 0.33

2. Massachusetts 7,370 23.31 48,490 0.23

3. California 36,250 23.04 47,920 0.25

4. New York 37,660 22.76 47,330 0.46

5. Nevada 2,250 21.03 43,740 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Brazoria, TX PMSA 1,710 $13.17 $27,390 2.26

2. Killeen-Temple, TX MSA 1,950 13.93 28,980 1.94

3. Cumberland, MD-WV MSA 720 17.86 37,150 1.82

4. Glens Falls, NY MSA 870 23.11 48,080 1.74

5. Utica-Rome, NY MSA 2,060 21.53 44,780 1.65

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 1,130 26.78 55,700 0.12

2. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA - 26.00 54,090 0.00

3. Newark, NJ PMSA 1,650 24.97 51,930 0.17

4. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 1,430 24.96 51,910 0.76

5. Oakland, CA PMSA 230 24.10 50,120 0.02

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

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 
172

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 528,460 $21.58 $44,880

2. State government (OES designation) 52,380 23.00 47,830 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 18,980 21.25 44,200 

4. Colleges and universities 8,330 16.86 35,080 

5. Junior colleges 1,300 18.28 38,020 

1. State government (OES designation) 52,380 23.00 47,830 

2. Local government (OES designation) 528,460 21.58 44,880 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 18,980 21.25 44,200 

4. General medical and surgical hospitals 370 19.37 40,280 

5. Junior colleges 1,300 18.28 38,020 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Mexico 5,050 $16.19 $33,670 0.69

2. Mississippi 6,930 12.73 26,480 0.64

3. New York 48,960 25.14 52,300 0.59

4. Louisiana 10,560 12.81 26,640 0.57

5. Arizona 12,890 21.48 44,690 0.57

1. California 77,120 29.32 60,990 0.53

2. New Jersey 21,520 29.17 60,680 0.56

3. Alaska 1,200 26.33 54,760 0.41

4. Washington 8,420 25.39 52,810 0.33

5. New York 48,960 25.14 52,300 0.59

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Laredo, TX MSA 880 $21.31 $44,330 1.18

2. Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSA 1,270 19.08 39,680 1.13

3. Las Cruces, NM MSA 620 18.24 37,940 1.08

4. Yuma, AZ MSA 540 18.43 38,330 1.00

5. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, CA MSA 940 25.58 53,200 0.95

1. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 5,700 34.97 72,740 0.48

2. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 3,640 34.68 72,140 0.57

3. Oakland, CA PMSA 4,580 33.73 70,150 0.45

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 4,310 33.20 69,050 0.49

5. Orange County, CA PMSA 5,220 31.50 65,530 0.36

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

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 
173

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Investigation and security services 533,060 $9.33 $19,400

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 33,010 12.17 25,300 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 32,190 12.43 25,850 

4. Local government (OES designation) 29,640 12.40 25,790 

5. Traveler accommodation 28,890 11.11 23,120 

1. Natural gas distribution 23.76 - 49,410

2. Nonresidential building construction 22.36 - 46,500

3. Couriers 21.53 - 44,790

4. Highway, street, and bridge construction 180 20.32 42,270

5. Power generation and supply 1,910 19.34 40,230

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 10,420 $12.56 $26,120 1.75

2. Hawaii 9,220 10.24 21,290 1.67

3. Nevada 14,710 10.81 22,470 1.38

4. New York 95,510 10.72 22,300 1.16

5. New Mexico 7,330 9.91 20,610 1.00

1. Alaska 2,080 14.31 29,770 0.71

2. Maryland 23,020 12.56 26,120 0.94

3. District of Columbia 10,420 12.56 26,120 1.75

4. Washington 13,800 11.70 24,340 0.54

5. Colorado 12,370 11.64 24,200 0.59

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 3,440 $11.04 $22,960 1.88

2. Honolulu, HI MSA 7,380 10.06 20,920 1.84

3. El Paso, TX MSA 4,420 8.09 16,820 1.75

4. Miami, FL PMSA 17,160 8.68 18,060 1.73

5. New York, NY PMSA 65,440 10.62 22,090 1.65

1. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, CA MSA 480 15.73 32,720 0.49

2. Trenton, NJ PMSA 2,220 13.89 28,880 1.06

3. Newburgh, NY-PA PMSA 1,080 13.70 28,500 0.80

4. Akron, OH PMSA 1,870 13.68 28,460 0.59

5. Anchorage, AK MSA 1,170 13.55 28,180 0.85

33-9032 Security guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

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 
174

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Limited-service eating places 288,730 $11.52 $23,970

2. Full-service restaurants 170,640 13.79 28,690 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 42,980 11.96 24,880 

4. Special food services 27,400 17.60 36,610 

5. Grocery stores 24,130 13.89 28,880 

1. Rail transportation 30 22.47 46,730 

2. Support activities for air transportation 60 20.97 43,630 

3. Scheduled air transportation 20.49 - 42,620 

4. Advertising and related services 30 20.17 41,940 

5. Management and technical consulting services 650 18.17 37,800 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Mexico 5,780 $9.95 $20,700 0.79

2. Hawaii 4,040 15.22 31,660 0.73

3. North Dakota 2,290 10.67 22,190 0.73

4. West Virginia 4,900 9.60 19,970 0.72

5. Nevada 7,330 13.08 27,200 0.69

1. Washington 12,580 16.59 34,510 0.49

2. Connecticut 7,960 16.02 33,320 0.49

3. District of Columbia 15.67 - 32,600 0.00

4. Hawaii 4,040 15.22 31,660 0.73

5. New Jersey 15.17 16,930 31,550 0.44

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Owensboro, KY MSA 390 $9.46 $19,680 0.99

2. Cheyenne, WY MSA 360 9.75 20,270 0.98

3. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 500 11.15 23,190 0.93

4. Asheville, NC MSA 1,000 12.94 26,920 0.92

5. Pueblo, CO MSA 490 13.14 27,330 0.92

1. Danbury, CT PMSA 320 19.08 39,690 0.36

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 900 18.44 38,360 0.45

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 5,820 18.32 38,100 0.45

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 800 18.26 37,990 0.33

5. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 620 17.68 36,780 0.34

Supervise workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Industry

35-1012 First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving 

workers

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 
175

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 522,830 $9.56 $19,870

2. Limited-service eating places 78,930 8.52 17,730 

3. Traveler accommodation 55,320 11.19 23,280 

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 19,590 10.96 22,800 

5. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages 18,540 9.26 19,270 

1. Other schools and instruction - 14.10 29,330 

2. Personal care services 190 13.59 28,280 

3. Travel arrangement and reservation services - 12.54 26,090 

4. Rail transportation 200 12.43 25,850 

5. Colleges and universities 70 11.57 24,050 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii 6,260 $11.99 $24,940 1.13

2. Nevada 11,000 11.70 24,340 1.03

3. Montana 3,550 8.26 17,170 0.90

4. Colorado 18,270 10.16 21,130 0.87

5. Oregon 11,420 9.43 19,610 0.74

1. New York 28,780 12.12 25,210 0.35

2. Hawaii 6,260 11.99 24,940 1.13

3. New Jersey 13,250 11.85 24,650 0.34

4. Connecticut 6,700 11.71 24,360 0.41

5. Nevada 11,000 11.70 24,340 1.03

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Naples, FL MSA 1,730 $11.44 $23,790 1.53

2. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 930 12.89 26,810 1.41

3. Sharon, PA MSA 580 7.46 15,510 1.22

4. Galveston-Texas City, TX PMSA 1,040 7.95 16,530 1.19

5. Columbia, MO MSA 870 8.24 17,140 1.17

1. New York, NY PMSA 12,610 14.17 29,470 0.32

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 6,710 14.13 29,400 0.69

3. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 2,090 13.36 27,800 1.14

4. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 930 12.89 26,810 1.41

5. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 510 12.82 26,670 0.28

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

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 
176

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 182,760 $8.01 $16,650

2. Limited-service eating places 169,210 7.25 15,090 

3. Grocery stores 106,960 9.18 19,100 

4. Elementary and secondary schools 76,580 9.07 18,870 

5. Nursing care facilities 58,100 8.49 17,650

1. Legal services 160 14.32 29,780

2. Other financial investment activities 12.98 - 27,010

3. Support activities for air transportation 400 11.15 23,180

4. Scientific research and development services 11.00 40 22,890

5. Beverage manufacturing 10.68 - 22,210

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Mississippi 13,200 $6.54 $13,610 1.22

2. Louisiana 22,060 6.79 14,120 1.19

3. Oregon 17,280 8.74 18,180 1.12

4. Maine 6,210 8.58 17,850 1.05

5. South Dakota 3,720 7.37 15,320 1.05

1. Alaska 2,420 10.33 21,490 0.83

2. Connecticut 13,950 10.10 21,000 0.85

3. District of Columbia 3,160 10.06 20,930 0.53

4. Hawaii 5,100 9.95 20,700 0.92

5. Nevada 6,830 9.57 19,900 0.64

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Newburgh, NY-PA PMSA 2,560 $8.06 $16,760 1.90

2. Salem, OR PMSA 2,390 8.99 18,710 1.78

3. Champaign-Urbana, IL MSA 1,490 6.77 14,080 1.63

4. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 870 7.02 14,600 1.61

5. Decatur, IL MSA 840 7.22 15,020 1.54

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 1,110 11.17 23,240 0.55

2. Danbury, CT PMSA 920 11.12 23,120 1.03

3. Rochester, MN MSA 280 10.47 21,780 0.29

4. New Haven-Meriden, CT PMSA 2,470 10.21 21,250 0.97

5. New York, NY PMSA 30,830 10.17 21,160 0.78

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

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 
177

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Limited-service eating places 1,391,410 $6.95 $14,450

2. Full-service restaurants 161,450 7.20 14,980 

3. Grocery stores 107,080 8.64 17,980 

4. Special food services 89,420 8.31 17,290 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 73,010 8.47 17,630 

1. Rail transportation 780 12.79 26,600 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 8,600 12.21 25,390 

3. State government (OES designation) 3,940 11.60 24,130 

4. Offices of physicians 120 11.26 23,420 

5. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 550 11.24 23,370 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Dakota 9,220 $7.35 $15,280 2.60

2. West Virginia 16,160 6.37 13,240 2.37

3. Arizona 49,780 6.78 14,100 2.20

4. Missouri 54,410 7.19 14,960 2.07

5. Washington 52,820 8.63 17,960 2.06

1. Connecticut 17,930 8.97 18,650 1.09

2. District of Columbia 9,950 8.88 18,470 1.67

3. Alaska 4,540 8.69 18,070 1.55

4. Washington 52,820 8.63 17,960 2.06

5. Massachusetts 46,860 8.56 17,810 1.48

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Jacksonville, NC MSA 1,760 $6.28 $13,060 4.87

2. Redding, CA MSA 2,390 7.45 15,490 3.74

3. Gadsden, AL MSA 1,310 6.18 12,850 3.73

4. Panama City, FL MSA 2,180 6.69 13,920 3.55

5. Fayetteville, NC MSA 3,520 6.81 14,170 3.34

1. Danbury, CT PMSA 690 9.83 20,440 0.78

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 1,620 9.24 19,210 0.81

3. Hartford, CT MSA 5,500 9.14 19,010 0.92

4. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 2,200 9.13 18,980 1.77

5. San Francisco, CA PMSA 12,180 9.09 18,900 1.25

Perform duties which combine both food preparation and food service.

Industry

35-3021 Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast 

food

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 
178

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Full-service restaurants 1,509,920 $7.49 $15,580

2. Limited-service eating places 158,820 6.99 14,530 

3. Traveler accommodation 134,620 8.04 16,710 

4. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages 79,880 7.03 14,620 

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 71,580 8.88 18,460 

1. Other personal services 110 14.42 29,990 

2. Rail transportation 1,040 13.33 27,720 

3. Federal government (OES designation) - 12.02 25,000 

4. Travel arrangement and reservation services 130 11.13 23,150 

5. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 70 11.08 23,040 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Nevada 33,100 $7.68 $15,970 3.11

2. Hawaii 14,770 10.59 22,030 2.67

3. Rhode Island 10,260 7.99 16,610 2.16

4. Montana 8,420 6.45 13,420 2.13

5. Wyoming 5,040 7.09 14,750 2.09

1. Hawaii 14,770 10.59 22,030 2.67

2. Massachusetts 56,670 9.97 20,740 1.79

3. New York 119,730 9.11 18,940 1.45

4. Washington 44,490 9.04 18,810 1.74

5. Vermont 5,640 8.96 18,640 1.94

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 4,710 $7.56 $15,720 4.64

2. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 6,560 9.07 18,870 3.58

3. Las Vegas, NV-AZ MSA 26,690 7.98 16,600 3.33

4. Naples, FL MSA 3,660 9.13 18,980 3.23

5. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 1,730 6.56 13,640 3.20

1. New York, NY PMSA 48,230 11.49 23,900 1.21

2. Pittsfield, MA MSA 770 11.06 23,000 1.84

3. Honolulu, HI MSA 8,820 10.39 21,600 2.20

4. Danbury, CT PMSA 1,890 10.17 21,160 2.12

5. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 34,160 10.17 21,160 1.78

35-3031 Waiters and waitresses

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment. 

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 
179

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 53,720 $14.36 $29,860

2. Traveler accommodation 32,700 12.02 25,010 

3. Elementary and secondary schools 30,530 16.87 35,090 

4. Nursing care facilities 10,520 13.82 28,750

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 8,950 15.14 31,490

1. Couriers 25.59 - 53,230

2. Other financial investment activities 24.09 80 50,100

3. Advertising and related services 23.31 60 48,480

4. Power generation and supply 23.14 50 48,120

5. Other fabricated metal product manufacturing 22.79 50 47,400

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii 1,860 $14.73 $30,630 0.34

2. Nevada 3,200 13.70 28,500 0.30

3. Delaware 1,060 13.81 28,720 0.26

4. South Carolina 4,120 12.39 25,780 0.23

5. Maryland 5,390 16.10 33,480 0.22

1. Connecticut 2,570 18.80 39,100 0.16

2. New York 14,560 18.54 38,560 0.18

3. California 18,380 17.41 36,210 0.13

4. New Jersey 7,690 17.25 35,880 0.20

5. Massachusetts 5,460 17.18 35,740 0.17

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 630 $11.43 $23,780 0.62

2. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 1,040 14.36 29,880 0.57

3. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 240 11.63 24,180 0.44

4. Panama City, FL MSA 230 10.59 22,040 0.37

5. Dover, DE MSA 190 13.10 27,250 0.36

1. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 310 22.00 45,760 0.17

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 1,920 21.70 45,140 0.16

3. Danbury, CT PMSA 150 20.30 42,230 0.17

4. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 170 19.89 41,380 0.14

5. Waterbury, CT PMSA 100 19.53 40,610 0.12

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

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 
180

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 48,860 $16.96 $35,270

2. Local government (OES designation) 9,040 20.24 42,090 

3. Other amusement and recreation industries 8,690 21.93 45,610 

4. Traveler accommodation 2,930 14.91 31,020 

5. Death care services 2,600 16.60 34,540 

1. Nonresidential building construction 150 26.74 55,620

2. Federal government (OES designation) 170 25.13 52,270

3. Power generation and supply 24.36 70 50,670 

4. Support activities for crop production 22.79 - 47,400 

5. Spectator sports 120 22.21 46,190 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii $18.35 $38,170 0.13 730

2. Georgia 4,770 15.37 31,970 0.13

3. Arizona 2,770 15.42 32,060 0.12

4. Wyoming 270 17.54 36,490 0.11

5. Rhode Island 520 21.54 44,790 0.11

1. Connecticut 1,240 23.74 49,380 0.08

2. New York 4,090 23.70 49,300 0.05

3. Washington 1,130 21.64 45,010 0.04

4. Rhode Island 520 21.54 44,790 0.11

5. New Jersey 20.55 3,010 42,740 0.08

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Naples, FL MSA $17.83 $37,090 0.32 360

2. Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie, FL MSA 300 16.97 35,300 0.28

3. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL MSA 510 14.96 31,120 0.27

4. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 260 16.03 33,350 0.26

5. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 160 20.60 42,850 0.24

1. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 1,100 31.05 64,580 0.09

2. Danbury, CT PMSA 26.18 40 54,450 0.05

3. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 100 25.18 52,380 0.07

4. Tacoma, WA PMSA 200 25.18 52,360 0.09

5. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 260 25.05 52,100 0.13

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

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 
181

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 665,660 $8.50 $17,690

2. Elementary and secondary schools 353,820 11.49 23,900 

3. Local government (OES designation) 84,940 11.61 24,150 

4. Colleges and universities 81,340 10.74 22,340 

5. Lessors of real estate 51,080 10.74 22,350 

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 16.47 4,260 34,260 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 28,220 15.67 32,590 

3. Metal ore mining 80 15.08 31,360 

4. Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy mfg. 420 14.79 30,760 

5. Natural gas distribution 160 14.40 29,960

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 15,500 $9.56 $19,880 2.61

2. Hawaii 12,960 9.76 20,300 2.34

3. Nevada 24,840 10.21 21,230 2.33

4. New York 175,280 11.71 24,360 2.12

5. South Dakota 7,500 8.54 17,760 2.12

1. Alaska 5,790 11.94 24,830 1.98

2. Massachusetts 56,950 11.72 24,370 1.79

3. New York 175,280 11.71 24,360 2.12

4. Connecticut 30,800 11.37 23,640 1.88

5. Michigan 70,530 11.16 23,210 1.63

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSA 3,000 $7.47 $15,540 2.67

2. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 4,480 11.02 22,910 2.45

3. Reno, NV MSA 4,680 9.04 18,790 2.39

4. Newark, NJ PMSA 23,010 10.05 20,900 2.38

5. Honolulu, HI MSA 9,420 9.53 19,820 2.35

1. Kokomo, IN MSA 770 13.68 28,450 1.62

2. Flint, MI PMSA 2,400 13.60 28,280 1.49

3. New York, NY PMSA 92,280 12.70 26,410 2.32

4. Danbury, CT PMSA 1,090 12.66 26,330 1.22

5. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 4,030 12.66 26,330 2.18

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

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 
182

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Traveler accommodation 385,980 $8.14 $16,930

2. General medical and surgical hospitals 118,480 9.20 19,130 

3. Services to buildings and dwellings 100,620 8.25 17,150 

4. Nursing care facilities 79,280 8.40 17,480

5. Community care facilities for the elderly 30,980 8.20 17,050

1. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 13.17 - 27,390

2. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing 13.07 50 27,180

3. Glass and glass product manufacturing 12.45 40 25,900 

4. Support activities for animal production - 12.41 25,800 

5. Specialized design services 80 11.97 24,900 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Nevada 20,260 $10.01 $20,820 1.90

2. Hawaii 10,040 11.39 23,690 1.82

3. Wyoming 3,210 7.63 15,870 1.33

4. South Dakota 3,890 7.63 15,870 1.10

5. New Mexico 7,930 6.99 14,540 1.08

1. New York 47,600 11.49 23,900 0.58

2. Hawaii 10,040 11.39 23,690 1.82

3. District of Columbia 5,260 11.14 23,180 0.89

4. Nevada 20,260 10.01 20,820 1.90

5. Alaska 2,370 10.01 20,820 0.81

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 3,300 $7.81 $16,250 3.25

2. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 4,470 9.70 20,170 2.44

3. Flagstaff, AZ-UT MSA 1,230 6.77 14,090 2.28

4. Las Vegas, NV-AZ MSA 16,840 10.29 21,400 2.10

5. Fort Walton Beach, FL MSA 1,420 8.90 18,500 1.77

1. New York, NY PMSA 24,830 14.03 29,180 0.62

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 9,180 11.55 24,020 0.94

3. Honolulu, HI MSA 5,740 10.95 22,780 1.43

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 4,900 10.79 22,450 0.41

5. Kenosha, WI PMSA 330 10.79 22,430 0.64

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

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 
183

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Services to buildings and dwellings 365,950 $10.05 $20,900

2. Other amusement and recreation industries 103,900 9.60 19,970 

3. Local government (OES designation) 73,020 12.44 25,880 

4. Employment services 29,660 8.89 18,490 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 22,550 13.61 28,310 

1. Power generation and supply 330 18.87 39,260 

2. Wired telecommunications carriers - 16.51 34,350 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 1,180 16.39 34,090 

4. Other chemical product and preparation mfg. 40 15.86 32,980 

5. Commercial and service industry machinery 40 15.81 32,890 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Hawaii 6,280 $11.58 $24,080 1.14

2. Florida 78,510 9.32 19,390 1.09

3. Arizona 23,500 9.09 18,900 1.04

4. Nevada 10,390 11.77 24,480 0.98

5. Rhode Island 4,040 11.35 23,600 0.85

1. Massachusetts 19,280 13.05 27,150 0.61

2. Connecticut 13,370 12.56 26,120 0.82

3. New York 40,190 12.02 25,000 0.49

4. Alaska 820 11.91 24,780 0.28

5. District of Columbia 1,220 11.86 24,660 0.21

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Naples, FL MSA 3,180 $10.13 $21,070 2.81

2. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL MSA 11,390 8.79 18,280 2.20

3. Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie, FL MSA 2,280 9.39 19,530 2.11

4. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 1,240 11.66 24,260 1.88

5. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL MSA 3,180 10.28 21,380 1.68

1. New York, NY PMSA 11,350 14.58 30,330 0.29

2. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 630 14.26 29,670 0.51

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 6,060 13.80 28,710 0.62

4. Danbury, CT PMSA 1,320 13.79 28,690 1.48

5. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 10,370 13.63 28,350 0.54

37-3011 Landscaping and groundskeeping workers

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.

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 
184

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other amusement and recreation industries 91,090 $7.61 $15,830

2. Amusement parks and arcades 49,580 7.36 15,300 

3. Local government (OES designation) 41,700 8.96 18,630 

4. Traveler accommodation 8,800 8.11 16,880 

5. Civic and social organizations 7,750 7.80 16,230 

1. Junior colleges 170 10.50 21,840 

2. Special food services 470 10.23 21,290 

3. Colleges and universities 950 9.88 20,560 

4. Other residential care facilities - 9.85 20,500 

5. Community care facilities for the elderly 80 9.74 20,250 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Minnesota 10,560 $8.00 $16,640 0.41

2. Florida 26,810 7.40 15,390 0.37

3. Nevada 3,670 7.60 15,810 0.35

4. North Dakota 990 7.29 15,160 0.32

5. Utah 2,930 7.32 15,230 0.28

1. Alaska 500 11.50 23,920 0.17

2. Hawaii 1,460 9.89 20,560 0.26

3. Connecticut 1,840 9.62 20,010 0.11

4. Illinois 7,150 8.94 18,600 0.12

5. Massachusetts 3,520 8.93 18,560 0.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 990 $6.79 $14,130 0.97

2. Orange County, CA PMSA 13,310 7.47 15,530 0.93

3. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 1,540 6.94 14,430 0.84

4. Naples, FL MSA 840 8.12 16,890 0.74

5. Wilmington, NC MSA 710 6.45 13,410 0.64

1. Jackson, TN MSA 11.91 40 24,770 0.07

2. Danbury, CT PMSA 120 11.64 24,200 0.14

3. New Haven-Meriden, CT PMSA 120 11.44 23,800 0.05

4. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA 10.91 90 22,690 0.12

5. Kankakee, IL PMSA 10.84 - 22,550 0.00

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

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 
185

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Personal care services 300,490 $10.46 $21,750

2. Health and personal care stores 3,490 10.13 21,070 

3. Technical and trade schools 3,200 11.16 23,220 

4. Other general merchandise stores 930 10.81 22,480 

5. Nursing care facilities 840 10.88 22,630

1. Offices of physicians 41.84 - 87,020

2. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 13.35 - 27,770

3. State government (OES designation) 120 13.32 27,710

4. Clothing stores 510 13.19 27,430

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 550 13.03 27,090

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Jersey 16,150 $10.43 $21,700 0.42

2. North Dakota 1,270 9.43 19,620 0.40

3. Maryland 9,570 10.50 21,830 0.39

4. Pennsylvania 21,490 9.15 19,040 0.39

5. Wisconsin 10,380 10.74 22,340 0.39

1. District of Columbia 860 22.17 46,110 0.15

2. Hawaii 1,030 15.13 31,480 0.19

3. Washington 5,750 12.63 26,280 0.22

4. Alaska 500 12.46 25,910 0.17

5. Connecticut 6,070 12.41 25,810 0.37

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Kenosha, WI PMSA 400 $10.17 $21,160 0.77

2. Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PMSA 2,770 10.29 21,400 0.70

3. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 850 11.44 23,800 0.59

4. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 240 9.54 19,840 0.59

5. Sheboygan, WI MSA 330 10.27 21,350 0.57

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 850 17.16 35,690 0.43

2. Sarasota-Bradenton, FL MSA 1,020 15.66 32,560 0.37

3. Honolulu, HI MSA 800 15.60 32,440 0.20

4. Iowa City, IA MSA 150 15.34 31,920 0.22

5. San Francisco, CA PMSA 1,480 15.27 31,760 0.15

39-5012 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

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.

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 
186

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Child day care services 198,650 $7.56 $15,710

2. Elementary and secondary schools 98,830 9.28 19,300 

3. Other residential care facilities 29,150 9.64 20,060 

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 25,530 7.59 15,780 

5. Civic and social organizations 24,430 7.79 16,190 

1. State government (OES designation) 420 13.44 27,960 

2. Scientific research and development services 40 13.28 27,620 

3. Offices of physicians 100 10.66 22,170 

4. Gambling industries - 10.29 21,400 

5. Residential mental health facilities 13,480 10.05 20,910 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Vermont 2,240 $9.04 $18,810 0.77

2. South Dakota 2,400 7.20 14,980 0.68

3. Wyoming 1,520 7.34 15,260 0.63

4. New Jersey 24,250 8.41 17,500 0.63

5. Arkansas 6,780 6.74 14,020 0.61

1. Massachusetts 10,720 10.45 21,730 0.34

2. New York 48,500 9.95 20,700 0.59

3. Connecticut 6,520 9.83 20,440 0.40

4. California 40,080 9.81 20,410 0.28

5. Maryland 7,140 9.62 20,000 0.29

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lawrence, KS MSA 670 $8.43 $17,530 1.43

2. Redding, CA MSA 660 8.75 18,190 1.03

3. Iowa City, IA MSA 600 7.10 14,760 0.90

4. Clarksville-Hopkinsville, TN-KY MSA 570 6.48 13,480 0.87

5. Missoula, MT MSA 450 7.15 14,880 0.86

1. Danville, VA MSA - 13.19 27,430 0.00

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 2,250 12.42 25,830 0.23

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,530 10.95 22,770 0.29

4. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 6,510 10.85 22,560 0.34

5. Orange County, CA PMSA 2,910 10.84 22,540 0.20

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

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 
187

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Home health care services 154,940 $7.13 $14,830

2. Individual and family services 130,150 8.38 17,420 

3. Residential mental health facilities 76,020 8.98 18,680 

4. Community care facilities for the elderly 38,210 8.66 18,010 

5. Vocational rehabilitation services 21,380 8.80 18,300 

1. Other investment pools and funds 40 14.53 30,230 

2. State government (OES designation) 2,480 10.78 22,430 

3. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 680 10.15 21,120 

4. Other hospitals 370 9.98 20,750 

5. Local government (OES designation) 5,080 9.88 20,540 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Texas 98,940 $6.42 $13,350 1.08

2. New York 67,140 8.52 17,720 0.81

3. Minnesota 18,710 9.69 20,150 0.72

4. Maine 4,080 8.80 18,300 0.69

5. Kansas 8,650 8.59 17,860 0.67

1. Rhode Island 1,680 11.09 23,070 0.35

2. Alaska 1,460 10.89 22,650 0.50

3. Connecticut 4,270 10.28 21,370 0.26

4. Massachusetts 9,420 10.02 20,840 0.30

5. Minnesota 18,710 9.69 20,150 0.72

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSA 7,990 $6.08 $12,650 7.11

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 9,070 6.28 13,050 5.13

3. Laredo, TX MSA 2,740 5.83 12,120 3.67

4. San Angelo, TX MSA 1,120 6.37 13,240 2.56

5. Pueblo, CO MSA 1,160 7.41 15,410 2.17

1. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 130 14.09 29,310 0.07

2. Tucson, AZ MSA 880 13.57 28,220 0.26

3. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 360 13.22 27,500 0.18

4. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 470 11.92 24,800 0.33

5. Danbury, CT PMSA 11.56 50 24,040 0.06

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

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 
188

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 104,200 $10.62 $22,080

2. Civic and social organizations 38,830 8.78 18,260 

3. Nursing care facilities 27,690 10.17 21,150

4. Other amusement and recreation industries 15,270 8.80 18,310

5. Individual and family services 14,880 9.87 20,520

1. Performing arts companies 260 19.45 40,460

2. State government (OES designation) 3,580 16.54 34,400

3. Federal government (OES designation) 3,220 14.26 29,660

4. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 810 13.52 28,120

5. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 12.81 - 26,650

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Connecticut 6,070 $12.31 $25,600 0.37

2. Vermont 890 10.26 21,330 0.31

3. Iowa 4,180 9.08 18,890 0.30

4. New York 24,040 10.12 21,040 0.29

5. Hawaii 1,550 12.04 25,050 0.28

1. District of Columbia 750 13.50 28,080 0.13

2. Connecticut 6,070 12.31 25,600 0.37

3. Hawaii 1,550 12.04 25,050 0.28

4. Washington 5,570 11.87 24,690 0.22

5. Arizona 4,560 11.77 24,480 0.20

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Chico-Paradise, CA MSA 520 $8.37 $17,420 0.73

2. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, CA MSA 630 8.92 18,560 0.64

3. Miami, FL PMSA 5,180 8.99 18,710 0.52

4. Elmira, NY MSA 200 11.04 22,950 0.51

5. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 330 10.14 21,100 0.50

1. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 250 14.76 30,700 0.17

2. Champaign-Urbana, IL MSA 150 14.67 30,510 0.16

3. Tacoma, WA PMSA 340 14.61 30,380 0.15

4. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 540 13.98 29,080 0.29

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,340 13.85 28,800 0.38

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

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 
189

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 136,660 $15.54 $32,320

2. Clothing stores 119,200 15.21 31,640 

3. Gasoline stations 90,000 13.16 27,370 

4. Building material and supplies dealers 73,090 18.11 37,670 

5. Other general merchandise stores 67,900 13.56 28,210 

1. Residential building construction 210 36.51 75,950 

2. Securities and commodity contracts brokerage 500 34.94 72,680 

3. Automobile dealers 53,280 34.21 71,170 

4. Building finishing contractors 440 33.30 69,250 

5. Computer systems design and related services 1,350 33.19 69,030 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Hampshire 7,320 $16.40 $34,110 1.21

2. South Carolina 20,420 15.79 32,840 1.16

3. Alabama 20,560 14.78 30,740 1.13

4. Maine 6,440 15.59 32,420 1.09

5. West Virginia 7,370 13.24 27,540 1.08

1. Washington 21,230 20.64 42,920 0.83

2. Connecticut 14,170 20.49 42,620 0.86

3. New Jersey 32,030 19.90 41,400 0.83

4. Colorado 20,270 19.54 40,640 0.96

5. Delaware 4,310 19.39 40,330 1.07

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 1,210 $17.56 $36,520 1.84

2. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 1,810 14.92 31,030 1.78

3. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA 1,270 12.87 26,760 1.62

4. Jacksonville, NC MSA 580 14.79 30,770 1.61

5. Mobile, AL MSA 3,250 17.40 36,190 1.52

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 1,990 24.31 50,570 0.99

2. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 9,830 22.50 46,810 0.76

3. Wilmington-Newark, DE-MD PMSA 2,920 21.60 44,920 0.96

4. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 1,550 21.48 44,670 0.84

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 5,690 21.33 44,370 0.89

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

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 
190

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 824,050 $8.76 $18,230

2. Gasoline stations 508,680 7.46 15,520 

3. Other general merchandise stores 266,720 8.02 16,680 

4. Health and personal care stores 259,370 7.68 15,970 

5. Department stores 212,140 7.86 16,340 

1. Federal government (OES designation) 5,660 19.01 39,540 

2. Support activities for water transportation 50 14.96 31,110 

3. Specialized freight trucking 14.18 350 29,490 

4. State government (OES designation) 11,460 13.53 28,130 

5. Power generation and supply 1,620 12.80 26,620 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Mississippi 39,740 $6.98 $14,520 3.66

2. Vermont 10,190 7.97 16,580 3.51

3. South Dakota 12,400 7.11 14,780 3.50

4. Nevada 34,930 9.16 19,060 3.28

5. New Hampshire 19,650 8.40 17,460 3.25

1. District of Columbia 6,570 10.39 21,610 1.11

2. California 362,380 10.01 20,830 2.50

3. Washington 79,540 10.00 20,790 3.11

4. Alaska 6,530 10.00 20,790 2.23

5. Oregon 33,600 9.62 20,010 2.18

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 2,900 $9.12 $18,980 4.40

2. Bellingham, WA MSA 2,950 9.53 19,820 4.32

3. Hattiesburg, MS MSA 2,060 7.29 15,160 4.27

4. Newburgh, NY-PA PMSA 5,720 7.92 16,470 4.23

5. Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PMSA 16,700 8.43 17,530 4.21

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 21,440 11.39 23,700 2.20

2. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 5,550 11.22 23,330 2.91

3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA PMSA 3,420 11.08 23,040 3.77

4. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 34,620 10.59 22,020 2.67

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 18,580 10.57 21,990 2.12

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

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 
191

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Consumer goods rental 99,390 $8.05 $16,740

2. Drycleaning and laundry services 52,990 7.62 15,860 

3. Automotive equipment rental and leasing 44,380 11.01 22,900 

4. Automobile dealers 29,120 18.37 38,220 

5. Other amusement and recreation industries 20,380 7.89 16,420 

1. Other specialty trade contractors 470 19.77 41,120 

2. Automobile dealers 29,120 18.37 38,220 

3. Support activities for mining - 17.39 36,160 

4. Metal and mineral merchant wholesalers - 16.98 35,310 

5. Charter bus industry 30 16.54 34,390 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Washington 17,910 $10.52 $21,890 0.70

2. Alaska 1,650 9.72 20,230 0.57

3. Utah 4,740 9.25 19,230 0.45

4. Hawaii 2,400 10.21 21,230 0.43

5. Vermont 1,250 9.35 19,440 0.43

1. Rhode Island 1,530 11.66 24,250 0.32

2. Arizona 8,140 11.46 23,830 0.36

3. Massachusetts 9,350 11.25 23,400 0.30

4. District of Columbia 320 11.20 23,290 0.05

5. California 59,480 11.16 23,210 0.41

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yakima, WA MSA 650 $8.97 $18,660 0.85

2. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 9,720 10.90 22,670 0.75

3. Tacoma, WA PMSA 1,680 10.82 22,510 0.72

4. Bremerton, WA PMSA 520 10.01 20,810 0.71

5. Muncie, IN MSA 370 8.72 18,140 0.69

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 440 14.83 30,860 0.22

2. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 240 12.65 26,310 0.13

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,570 12.59 26,190 0.29

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 4,270 12.40 25,790 0.42

5. Naples, FL MSA 240 12.32 25,630 0.21

41-2021 Counter and rental clerks

Receive orders for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and 

accept payment.

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 
192

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Department stores 675,810 $8.97 $18,660

2. Clothing stores 572,230 8.79 18,280 

3. Building material and supplies dealers 335,010 11.92 24,800 

4. Other general merchandise stores 285,730 8.52 17,710 

5. Automobile dealers 267,620 20.92 43,520 

1. Other electrical equipment and component mfg. 40 25.74 53,530 

2. Metalworking machinery manufacturing - 23.95 49,820 

3. Support activities for mining 40 23.83 49,570 

4. Magnetic media manufacturing and reproducing - 21.91 45,580 

5. Automobile dealers 267,620 20.92 43,520 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Hampshire 24,840 $11.39 $23,700 4.11

2. Hawaii 22,020 10.13 21,070 3.98

3. Delaware 15,830 10.89 22,650 3.93

4. Montana 15,410 9.50 19,770 3.90

5. Colorado 80,520 11.53 23,980 3.81

1. Washington 64,840 12.68 26,370 2.53

2. Connecticut 50,100 12.24 25,450 3.05

3. Alaska 8,120 12.17 25,310 2.78

4. California 437,290 11.77 24,480 3.01

5. Nevada 32,470 11.65 24,230 3.05

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Barnstable-Yarmouth, MA MSA 4,180 $10.83 $22,520 6.34

2. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 5,420 9.71 20,190 5.33

3. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 2,150 11.21 23,320 5.30

4. Dubuque, IA MSA 2,590 9.08 18,890 5.26

5. Laredo, TX MSA 3,810 8.20 17,050 5.10

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 7,140 14.82 30,830 3.57

2. Tacoma, WA PMSA 6,620 13.34 27,750 2.82

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 29,730 13.30 27,670 3.05

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 21,680 13.01 27,070 2.47

5. Manchester, NH PMSA 3,660 12.93 26,900 3.46

41-2031 Retail salespersons

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel in a retail establishment.

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 
193

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 168,310 $29.86 $62,100

2. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers 101,200 24.53 51,020 

3. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 83,950 24.63 51,220 

4. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers 63,360 25.86 53,800 

5. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 48,800 21.97 45,700 

1. Fiber, yarn, and thread mills 200 37.58 78,160 

2. Other investment pools and funds - 37.20 77,370 

3. Oil and gas extraction 200 34.68 72,130 

4. Power generation and supply 660 34.18 71,090 

5. Converted paper product manufacturing 8,890 33.90 70,520 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New York 123,520 $29.72 $61,810 1.50

2. Georgia 50,940 23.80 49,500 1.35

3. Washington 34,070 23.83 49,560 1.33

4. Ohio 68,380 25.75 53,560 1.28

5. Florida 90,780 24.25 50,440 1.26

1. Connecticut 19,810 33.56 69,800 1.21

2. Minnesota 31,190 30.29 62,990 1.20

3. New Jersey 44,200 30.24 62,900 1.14

4. New York 123,520 29.72 61,810 1.50

5. Massachusetts 32,920 28.35 58,960 1.04

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Kenosha, WI PMSA 980 $38.45 $79,980 1.89

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 22,080 32.71 68,040 1.85

3. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 23,280 24.55 51,070 1.79

4. Casper, WY MSA 550 16.49 34,290 1.68

5. Billings, MT MSA 1,130 17.79 37,010 1.68

1. Danbury, CT PMSA 1,400 41.84 87,020 1.57

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 2,940 40.28 83,780 1.47

3. Kenosha, WI PMSA 980 38.45 79,980 1.89

4. Salinas, CA MSA 1,270 36.27 75,450 0.82

5. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA 1,900 35.54 73,930 1.16

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

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 
194

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Accounting and bookkeeping services 86,930 $13.50 $28,070

2. Local government (OES designation) 75,030 14.34 29,820 

3. Management of companies and enterprises 64,160 14.34 29,830 

4. Depository credit intermediation 51,540 12.30 25,580 

5. Employment services 41,120 12.29 25,570 

1. Internet publishing and broadcasting 19.23 320 40,000 

2. Securities and commodity exchanges 70 18.89 39,290 

3. Other financial investment activities 9,210 18.47 38,410 

4. Natural gas distribution 1,330 18.04 37,530

5. Insurance and employee benefit funds 1,830 17.62 36,660

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Dakota 8,040 $10.75 $22,360 2.27

2. Vermont 5,920 13.33 27,720 2.04

3. North Dakota 6,360 10.84 22,550 2.03

4. Wyoming 4,320 11.31 23,520 1.79

5. Oregon 26,650 14.16 29,450 1.73

1. District of Columbia 4,820 17.70 36,820 0.81

2. Connecticut 26,150 16.74 34,820 1.59

3. Alaska 4,890 16.21 33,720 1.67

4. Massachusetts 44,860 16.04 33,350 1.41

5. California 206,100 15.87 33,010 1.42

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Rapid City, SD MSA 1,200 $10.73 $22,320 2.50

2. Sarasota-Bradenton, FL MSA 6,490 12.56 26,120 2.35

3. Bellingham, WA MSA 1,540 13.82 28,740 2.26

4. Danbury, CT PMSA 1,880 16.89 35,130 2.11

5. Casper, WY MSA 670 11.22 23,340 2.05

1. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 3,850 19.43 40,410 1.92

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 9,850 18.64 38,770 1.12

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 14,490 18.51 38,510 1.49

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 12,540 17.88 37,180 1.23

5. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 3,070 17.27 35,910 1.61

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

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 
195

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Insurance carriers 123,250 $14.52 $30,190

2. Depository credit intermediation 121,670 12.64 26,280 

3. Business support services 114,590 10.84 22,540 

4. Insurance agencies, brokerages, and related 106,630 14.22 29,570 

5. Nondepository credit intermediation 73,810 13.17 27,390

1. School and employee bus transportation 120 31.81 66,170

2. Federal government (OES designation) 470 23.22 48,290

3. Highway, street, and bridge construction 21.29 - 44,280

4. Scientific research and development services 2,020 19.47 40,490

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 2,170 19.15 39,830

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Delaware 11,160 $14.28 $29,710 2.77

2. South Dakota 8,350 10.94 22,760 2.36

3. Utah 22,590 11.94 24,840 2.17

4. Arizona 48,800 12.15 25,280 2.16

5. Iowa 25,970 11.97 24,890 1.84

1. Massachusetts 47,010 16.25 33,790 1.48

2. New York 111,760 16.19 33,670 1.35

3. Alaska 1,930 15.97 33,220 0.66

4. Connecticut 30,100 15.64 32,530 1.84

5. New Jersey 56,280 15.49 32,230 1.45

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Sioux Falls, SD MSA 4,990 $11.24 $23,370 4.44

2. Jacksonville, FL MSA 17,110 12.40 25,790 3.19

3. Clarksville-Hopkinsville, TN-KY MSA 2,000 9.80 20,380 3.03

4. Des Moines, IA MSA 8,110 13.22 27,500 2.89

5. Cedar Rapids, IA MSA 3,340 12.05 25,060 2.87

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 11,420 21.67 45,070 1.30

2. New York, NY PMSA 54,570 18.39 38,250 1.37

3. San Francisco, CA PMSA 15,430 18.11 37,660 1.58

4. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 31,660 16.91 35,180 1.65

5. Santa Rosa, CA PMSA 1,640 16.83 35,000 0.86

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

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 
196

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 402,540 $9.56 $19,880

2. Department stores 219,180 8.88 18,480 

3. Other general merchandise stores 141,090 9.06 18,850 

4. Warehousing and storage 45,880 12.18 25,340 

5. Employment services 38,470 9.33 19,400 

1. Water, sewage and other systems 70 21.49 44,700 

2. Natural gas distribution 570 21.21 44,120

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 20.96 1,240 43,600 

4. Power generation and supply 3,480 20.92 43,500 

5. Wired telecommunications carriers 1,760 19.67 40,920 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Florida 116,810 $9.43 $19,620 1.62

2. Mississippi 17,520 9.05 18,830 1.61

3. New Jersey 58,110 11.16 23,210 1.50

4. Georgia 54,720 10.39 21,610 1.45

5. Tennessee 37,630 9.66 20,090 1.44

1. Alaska 3,240 12.70 26,410 1.11

2. Delaware 5,650 11.73 24,400 1.40

3. Oregon 17,760 11.72 24,370 1.15

4. Washington 21,600 11.65 24,220 0.84

5. Massachusetts 40,380 11.46 23,850 1.27

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Punta Gorda, FL MSA 860 $9.13 $19,000 2.12

2. Fort Walton Beach, FL MSA 1,690 9.22 19,180 2.11

3. Hamilton-Middletown, OH PMSA 2,680 10.58 22,000 2.08

4. Ocala, FL MSA 1,710 8.60 17,880 2.05

5. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 4,950 10.48 21,810 2.05

1. Yolo, CA PMSA 1,580 14.05 29,220 1.79

2. Erie, PA MSA 2,070 13.50 28,070 1.63

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 8,610 12.53 26,070 0.98

4. Anchorage, AK MSA 1,480 12.43 25,850 1.08

5. Sheboygan, WI MSA 650 12.34 25,660 1.13

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

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 
197

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Elementary and secondary schools 212,450 $12.78 $26,580

2. Colleges and universities 103,910 13.05 27,140 

3. Local government (OES designation) 94,000 13.73 28,550 

4. Employment services 73,490 12.28 25,550 

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 72,980 12.97 26,990 

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 3,150 17.85 37,130 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 39,390 17.79 37,010 

3. Software publishers 1,660 17.64 36,690 

4. Power generation and supply 4,480 17.40 36,190 

5. Rail transportation 920 17.13 35,640 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. District of Columbia 14,210 $16.99 $35,340 2.39

2. New Mexico 16,970 11.35 23,620 2.31

3. Louisiana 42,030 10.44 21,710 2.27

4. Mississippi 22,290 10.37 21,560 2.05

5. Wyoming 4,830 10.34 21,510 2.01

1. District of Columbia 14,210 16.99 35,340 2.39

2. New Jersey 77,250 16.09 33,470 2.00

3. Hawaii 6,160 15.29 31,800 1.11

4. Connecticut 26,990 15.17 31,540 1.65

5. Minnesota 14,770 14.97 31,150 0.57

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Monroe, LA MSA 1,990 $9.97 $20,730 2.77

2. Tuscaloosa, AL MSA 1,940 10.86 22,600 2.58

3. Alexandria, LA MSA 1,360 10.20 21,210 2.50

4. Trenton, NJ PMSA 5,220 17.00 35,360 2.50

5. Santa Fe, NM MSA 1,830 12.90 26,820 2.49

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 7,980 17.85 37,120 0.91

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 9,680 17.50 36,400 0.99

3. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 3,160 17.34 36,070 1.58

4. Trenton, NJ PMSA 5,220 17.00 35,360 2.50

5. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 11,970 16.79 34,930 1.92

43-6014 Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive

Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling 

appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

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 
198

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Local government (OES designation) 194,840 $12.67 $26,360

2. Employment services 179,140 10.51 21,850 

3. Colleges and universities 127,090 11.32 23,530 

4. Elementary and secondary schools 115,570 11.67 24,270 

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 114,680 11.66 24,260 

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 13,930 17.21 35,810 

2. Natural gas distribution 2,340 16.88 35,110

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 16.73 520 34,790 

4. Power generation and supply 8,010 16.23 33,750 

5. Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. 4,640 16.20 33,700 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Minnesota 77,570 $12.12 $25,210 2.98

2. Delaware 11,820 11.38 23,670 2.93

3. New York 236,390 12.24 25,450 2.86

4. Missouri 74,220 10.99 22,850 2.83

5. California 398,400 12.50 26,010 2.75

1. Alaska 7,390 13.88 28,870 2.53

2. Massachusetts 68,540 13.39 27,850 2.16

3. Connecticut 32,310 13.13 27,300 1.97

4. District of Columbia 13,100 12.90 26,820 2.20

5. Washington 59,270 12.60 26,210 2.31

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Columbia, MO MSA 3,450 $10.51 $21,870 4.65

2. Olympia, WA PMSA 3,790 12.37 25,740 4.47

3. Sacramento, CA PMSA 30,110 12.44 25,870 4.03

4. Lawrence, KS MSA 1,800 10.15 21,110 3.83

5. Salem, OR PMSA 5,050 12.42 25,840 3.75

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 20,360 14.30 29,740 2.32

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 4,340 14.11 29,350 2.17

3. Anchorage, AK MSA 3,660 14.07 29,260 2.66

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 26,910 13.99 29,100 2.65

5. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 41,510 13.75 28,600 2.16

43-9061 Office clerks, general

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.

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 
199

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 16,960 $7.32 $15,230

2. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 7,480 8.45 17,570 

3. Grocery stores 4,720 10.04 20,880 

4. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 3,310 8.81 18,320 

5. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 3,220 10.01 20,810 

1. State government (OES designation) 260 13.58 28,240 

2. Sawmills and wood preservation 90 12.54 26,080 

3. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing - 12.20 25,370 

4. Lumber and const. supply merchant wholesalers 220 12.09 25,140 

5. Grain and oilseed milling 250 12.03 25,030 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Idaho 1,700 $7.34 $15,260 0.30

2. South Dakota 520 9.56 19,890 0.15

3. Washington 3,630 8.49 17,670 0.14

4. North Dakota 440 10.43 21,700 0.14

5. Nebraska 1,150 9.93 20,650 0.13

1. New Hampshire 12.87 - 26,760 0.00

2. Kansas 140 11.20 23,300 0.01

3. Massachusetts 850 11.01 22,900 0.03

4. Minnesota 530 10.95 22,770 0.02

5. Iowa 770 10.91 22,690 0.05

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA MSA 1,860 $7.55 $15,700 1.52

2. Yakima, WA MSA 1,150 8.71 18,120 1.50

3. Bakersfield, CA MSA 2,170 7.53 15,660 0.98

4. Fresno, CA MSA 2,480 7.41 15,420 0.73

5. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 450 8.55 17,790 0.57

1. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC MSA 70 16.81 34,970 0.01

2. Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir, NC MSA 30 14.17 29,480 0.02

3. Oklahoma City, OK MSA - 11.69 24,320 0.00

4. Wichita, KS MSA - 11.68 24,290 0.00

5. Portland, ME MSA 60 11.49 23,910 0.04

45-2041 Graders and sorters, agricultural products

Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or 

condition.

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 
200

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 13,860 $8.74 $18,180

2. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 1,470 11.42 23,750 

3. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 700 11.83 24,610 

4. Beverage manufacturing 650 11.34 23,580 

5. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 450 10.00 20,800 

1. Dairy product manufacturing 90 14.45 30,060 

2. Agricultural chemical manufacturing 100 13.24 27,540 

3. Colleges and universities 140 13.00 27,040 

4. Lessors of real estate 30 12.10 25,160 

5. Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores - 11.91 24,780 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Iowa 800 $11.34 $23,590 0.06

2. Arkansas 620 8.26 17,180 0.06

3. Kansas 710 12.27 25,520 0.06

4. Nebraska 430 11.30 23,500 0.05

5. North Dakota 150 10.58 22,010 0.05

1. Massachusetts 17.06 - 35,490 0.00

2. Pennsylvania 270 12.81 26,640 0.01

3. Kentucky 12.30 40 25,590 0.00

4. Kansas 710 12.27 25,520 0.06

5. Wisconsin 330 12.23 25,450 0.01

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yuma, AZ MSA 470 $8.67 $18,040 0.87

2. Salinas, CA MSA 560 10.81 22,480 0.36

3. Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA 590 10.39 21,610 0.29

4. Bakersfield, CA MSA 550 8.32 17,310 0.25

5. Jonesboro, AR MSA 90 6.80 14,150 0.22

1. Miami, FL PMSA 30 14.03 29,180 0.00

2. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI MSA 80 13.75 28,600 0.01

3. St. Cloud, MN MSA 40 12.82 26,670 0.05

4. Madison, WI MSA 40 12.65 26,310 0.01

5. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL MSA 80 12.54 26,080 0.02

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

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 
201

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for crop production 162,670 $7.73 $16,080

2. Misc. nondurable goods merchant wholesalers 9,870 8.43 17,540 

3. Services to buildings and dwellings 6,830 10.02 20,840 

4. Management of companies and enterprises 2,270 9.97 20,730 

5. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 1,770 7.77 16,170 

1. Federal government (OES designation) 140 15.39 32,010 

2. Elementary and secondary schools - 14.07 29,260 

3. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets 40 13.19 27,440 

4. State government (OES designation) 190 12.58 26,160 

5. Support activities for mining 70 12.01 24,990 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. California 126,340 $8.18 $17,020 0.87

2. Florida 32,900 7.08 14,730 0.46

3. Arizona 10,320 6.77 14,090 0.46

4. New Mexico 3,040 6.36 13,230 0.41

5. Oregon 8.69 3,350 18,070 0.22

1. North Dakota 11.09 70 23,070 0.02

2. Alaska 10.80 90 22,460 0.03

3. Massachusetts 580 10.62 22,090 0.02

4. Minnesota 960 10.22 21,260 0.04

5. Delaware 110 10.22 21,260 0.03

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yuma, AZ MSA 7,710 $6.73 $14,000 14.30

2. Salinas, CA MSA 21,180 8.84 18,380 13.66

3. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA MSA 14,160 8.13 16,920 11.54

4. Bakersfield, CA MSA 13,770 7.60 15,800 6.19

5. Merced, CA MSA 3,200 7.21 15,000 5.41

1. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA - 17.86 37,140 0.00

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 510 12.47 25,940 0.05

3. Decatur, IL MSA 30 11.95 24,850 0.06

4. Boston, MA-NH PMSA 260 11.88 24,700 0.01

5. Wilmington-Newark, DE-MD PMSA 50 11.57 24,060 0.02

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

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 
202

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Support activities for animal production 9,160 $9.24 $19,220

2. Farm product raw material merch. whls. 5,790 7.70 16,010 

3. Animal slaughtering and processing 5,470 9.86 20,510 

4. Electronic markets and agents and brokers 2,710 8.05 16,750 

5. Spectator sports 2,220 9.48 19,720 

1. Federal government (OES designation) 290 16.34 33,990 

2. Social advocacy organizations 40 12.88 26,790 

3. Dairy product manufacturing 12.54 60 26,090 

4. Scientific research and development services - 12.52 26,040 

5. State government (OES designation) 160 12.38 25,740 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Kentucky 3,320 $8.91 $18,540 0.19

2. Montana 510 8.22 17,090 0.13

3. Arkansas 1,390 8.40 17,470 0.12

4. South Carolina 1,800 9.86 20,510 0.10

5. Oklahoma 1,390 8.27 17,200 0.10

1. New Hampshire 100 11.00 22,870 0.02

2. Wisconsin 810 10.97 22,820 0.03

3. Nevada 100 10.93 22,720 0.01

4. Utah 100 10.82 22,500 0.01

5. New Jersey 380 10.72 22,300 0.01

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lexington, KY MSA 2,020 $9.21 $19,160 0.78

2. Fresno, CA MSA 1,600 7.35 15,290 0.47

3. Modesto, CA MSA 490 8.35 17,360 0.31

4. Ocala, FL MSA 150 9.03 18,780 0.18

5. Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA 120 8.55 17,790 0.12

1. Columbus, OH MSA 80 13.34 27,740 0.01

2. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO MSA 40 12.98 27,000 0.03

3. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 40 12.80 26,620 0.04

4. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 140 12.74 26,490 0.02

5. Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSA 340 12.57 26,150 0.01

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

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 
203

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Logging 21,460 $13.66 $28,410

2. Sawmills and wood preservation 3,040 11.95 24,850 

3. Plywood and engineered wood product mfg. 650 12.96 26,960 

4. Employment services 530 13.02 27,080 

5. Specialized freight trucking 13.62 480 28,330 

1. Management of companies and enterprises - 22.09 45,950 

2. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 310 19.07 39,660 

3. General freight trucking 14.90 - 31,000 

4. Misc. durable goods merchant wholesalers 80 14.38 29,910 

5. Services to buildings and dwellings 240 13.95 29,010 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Maine 1,080 $12.82 $26,660 0.18

2. Arkansas 1,750 10.80 22,470 0.16

3. Idaho 840 19.59 40,750 0.15

4. Mississippi 1,520 11.74 24,420 0.14

5. Alabama 2,300 12.67 26,350 0.13

1. Alaska 170 20.08 41,770 0.06

2. Idaho 840 19.59 40,750 0.15

3. Washington 1,570 17.75 36,930 0.06

4. California 1,190 16.84 35,020 0.01

5. Oregon 1,830 16.41 34,130 0.12

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Redding, CA MSA 200 $16.25 $33,800 0.31

2. Missoula, MT MSA 110 16.53 34,390 0.21

3. Medford-Ashland, OR MSA 140 14.34 29,830 0.19

4. Eugene-Springfield, OR MSA 260 18.06 37,560 0.19

5. Jacksonville, NC MSA 50 12.71 26,440 0.14

1. Salem, OR PMSA 60 21.03 43,750 0.05

2. Wilmington, NC MSA 50 20.40 42,440 0.05

3. Yakima, WA MSA 70 19.82 41,230 0.09

4. Tacoma, WA PMSA 130 19.25 40,030 0.06

5. Olympia, WA PMSA - 19.11 39,750 0.00

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

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 
204

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Nonresidential building construction 72,710 $26.06 $54,200

2. Residential building construction 70,730 24.21 50,370

3. Building equipment contractors 67,180 27.46 57,110

4. Building foundation and exterior contractors 49,880 24.72 51,420

5. Building finishing contractors 38,200 25.19 52,400

1. Offices of real estate agents and brokers 700 43.62 90,740

2. Other general purpose machinery manufacturing 160 33.57 69,840

3. Pipeline transportation of crude oil 33.01 - 68,670

4. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 31.53 - 65,590

5. Converted paper product manufacturing 31.36 30 65,240

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 1,890 $24.23 $50,410 0.79

2. Virginia 21,120 23.81 49,510 0.62

3. Colorado 13,100 26.75 55,640 0.62

4. Nevada 6,300 26.85 55,850 0.59

5. Alaska 1,690 33.54 69,770 0.58

1. Alaska 1,690 33.54 69,770 0.58

2. New Jersey 12,650 31.54 65,610 0.33

3. Michigan 15,010 30.59 63,630 0.35

4. Washington 12,410 30.22 62,860 0.48

5. Connecticut 4,240 30.06 62,520 0.26

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lafayette, LA MSA 1,590 $20.13 $41,870 0.97

2. Naples, FL MSA 1,060 25.76 53,570 0.94

3. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA MSA 740 26.89 55,920 0.93

4. Bremerton, WA PMSA 650 29.09 60,510 0.88

5. Odessa-Midland, TX MSA 880 23.03 47,890 0.86

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,310 36.24 75,380 0.26

2. Atlantic-Cape May, NJ PMSA 720 34.97 72,740 0.39

3. New Haven-Meriden, CT PMSA 710 34.69 72,150 0.28

4. Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, MI MSA 700 34.65 72,080 0.35

5. New York, NY PMSA 11,970 34.25 71,230 0.30

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Industry

47-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and 

extraction workers

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 
205

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Residential building construction 257,840 $17.10 $35,560

2. Nonresidential building construction 19.55 140,590 40,660 

3. Building foundation and exterior contractors 131,590 17.50 36,390 

4. Building finishing contractors 115,350 18.76 39,030 

5. Employment services 23,590 15.15 31,520 

1. Motion picture and video industries - 31.16 64,810 

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 400 26.99 56,140 

3. Clothing stores 30 26.88 55,920 

4. Power generation and supply 140 25.46 52,960 

5. Outpatient care centers - 23.03 47,900 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Nevada 13,950 $19.80 $41,180 1.31

2. Alaska 3,530 22.68 47,170 1.21

3. Montana 4,730 15.22 31,650 1.20

4. Arizona 24,430 15.79 32,850 1.08

5. Vermont 3,100 15.43 32,090 1.07

1. Hawaii 3,770 23.79 49,480 0.68

2. Alaska 3,530 22.68 47,170 1.21

3. New Jersey 21,570 21.76 45,270 0.56

4. Illinois 40,670 21.60 44,940 0.71

5. Massachusetts 19,960 21.27 44,240 0.63

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 3,500 $22.19 $46,150 1.87

2. Bremerton, WA PMSA 1,230 16.84 35,040 1.67

3. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA PMSA 16,660 17.98 37,400 1.52

4. Alexandria, LA MSA 820 13.64 28,370 1.51

5. Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA 3,000 20.19 42,000 1.49

1. Trenton, NJ PMSA 730 26.51 55,140 0.35

2. San Francisco, CA PMSA 7,690 25.63 53,300 0.79

3. Yolo, CA PMSA 710 24.78 51,550 0.81

4. Honolulu, HI MSA 2,410 24.24 50,420 0.60

5. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA PMSA 930 24.17 50,280 1.02

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

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 
206

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Pueblo, CO MSA

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Other specialty trade contractors 119,300 $13.99 $29,090

2. Building foundation and exterior contractors 112,770 13.51 28,090

3. Nonresidential building construction 110,190 14.41 29,980

4. Residential building construction 91,100 13.27 27,610

5. Highway, street, and bridge construction 86,800 15.64 32,540

1. Professional and similar organizations 140 22.84 47,510

2. General rental centers 110 21.01 43,710

3. Waste collection 430 18.97 39,470

4. Offices of real estate agents and brokers 210 18.96 39,450

5. General medical and surgical hospitals 330 18.88 39,280

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 2,860 $10.63 $22,110 1.19

2. New Mexico 7,290 10.16 21,130 0.99

3. Texas 86,760 9.83 20,440 0.94

4. Nevada 9,890 13.84 28,780 0.93

5. Alaska 2,670 20.07 41,750 0.91

1. Alaska 2,670 20.07 41,750 0.91

2. Massachusetts 17,820 19.87 41,330 0.56

3. New Jersey 15,510 18.81 39,120 0.40

4. New York 42,980 18.64 38,760 0.52

5. Illinois 38,560 18.40 38,280 0.67

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Tuscaloosa, AL MSA 1,600 $9.04 $18,810 2.13

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA 3,600 7.78 16,190 2.04

3. Alexandria, LA MSA 740 10.43 21,700 1.36

4. Naples, FL MSA 1,540 11.28 23,470 1.36

5. Merced, CA MSA 800 10.56 21,970 1.35

1. Fitchburg-Leominster, MA PMSA 220 24.33 50,610 0.42

2. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 480 23.18 48,210 0.20

3. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 2,110 22.17 46,120 0.34

4. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 8,320 21.55 44,830 0.70

5. Oakland, CA PMSA 11,270 21.43 44,580 1.11

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

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 
207

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 399,280 $21.12 $43,920

2. Local government (OES designation) 18,870 21.99 45,740 

3. Nonresidential building construction 10,990 19.98 41,550

4. Employment services 9,410 16.73 34,810

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 9,360 27.66 57,540

1. Grantmaking and giving services 41.26 - 85,820

2. Motion picture and video industries 31.18 - 64,850

3. Lumber and const. supply merchant wholesalers 29.18 - 60,700

4. Lessors of real estate 730 28.39 59,060

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 9,360 27.66 57,540

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 1,940 $19.99 $41,580 0.81

2. Alaska 1,840 24.62 51,210 0.63

3. Delaware 2,480 20.24 42,100 0.62

4. Louisiana 11,150 17.74 36,890 0.60

5. Alabama 10,630 16.92 35,190 0.58

1. New Jersey 17,300 26.87 55,890 0.45

2. New York 36,110 26.48 55,080 0.44

3. Minnesota 9,780 26.32 54,750 0.38

4. Oregon 7,600 25.72 53,500 0.49

5. Washington 12,970 25.57 53,180 0.51

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lake Charles, LA MSA 1,030 $19.23 $40,010 1.26

2. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS MSA 1,880 17.58 36,560 1.25

3. Sheboygan, WI MSA 670 18.86 39,230 1.17

4. Bremerton, WA PMSA 820 22.49 46,780 1.11

5. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 2,940 16.00 33,290 0.99

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 3,460 32.15 66,870 0.36

2. Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA PMSA 1,310 31.94 66,430 0.70

3. Newark, NJ PMSA 5,710 31.73 66,010 0.59

4. New York, NY PMSA 19,610 29.63 61,620 0.49

5. Jackson, MI MSA 29.22 70 60,770 0.12

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

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 
208

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 300,610 $21.25 $44,200

2. Nonresidential building construction 21.57 14,750 44,860 

3. Local government (OES designation) 13,960 17.66 36,730

4. Utility system construction 12,010 19.31 40,160

5. Natural gas distribution 6,250 21.89 45,530

1. Professional and similar organizations 35.05 - 72,900

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 3,790 28.12 58,500

3. Technical and trade schools 27.82 60 57,870

4. Management of companies and enterprises 840 27.70 57,610

5. Business support services 510 27.19 56,540

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Louisiana 10,130 $17.56 $36,530 0.55

2. Nevada 5,150 23.33 48,520 0.48

3. Alaska 1,340 26.72 55,590 0.46

4. Colorado 9,280 21.02 43,730 0.44

5. Mississippi 4,590 14.66 30,500 0.42

1. Illinois 19,170 28.49 59,260 0.33

2. Alaska 1,340 26.72 55,590 0.46

3. New York 28,260 25.99 54,050 0.34

4. Oregon 4,230 25.34 52,700 0.27

5. Washington 8,600 25.27 52,560 0.34

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Lake Charles, LA MSA 1,020 $20.04 $41,680 1.25

2. Bremerton, WA PMSA 890 24.04 49,990 1.21

3. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS MSA 1,570 16.33 33,960 1.05

4. Baton Rouge, LA MSA 3,000 17.77 36,960 1.01

5. Bellingham, WA MSA 590 24.83 51,640 0.86

1. Chicago, IL PMSA 12,650 31.23 64,950 0.32

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,090 30.43 63,300 0.24

3. New York, NY PMSA 12,840 29.87 62,130 0.32

4. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 3,260 29.62 61,610 0.25

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 1,290 29.33 61,010 0.20

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

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 
209

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automotive repair and maintenance 46,500 $22.60 $47,000

2. Automobile dealers 34,160 26.88 55,910 

3. Local government (OES designation) 26,710 23.67 49,230 

4. Building equipment contractors 18,480 25.34 52,710 

5. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 15,670 19.57 40,700 

1. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets 60 38.60 80,290 

2. Satellite telecommunications 370 33.67 70,040 

3. Coal mining 1,100 32.39 67,370 

4. Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 1,810 32.39 67,360 

5. Radio and television broadcasting 140 32.27 67,110 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 1,250 $23.19 $48,230 0.52

2. Indiana 13,810 23.12 48,100 0.48

3. Alabama 8,770 22.31 46,410 0.48

4. West Virginia 3,170 22.49 46,770 0.47

5. Arkansas 5,030 20.52 42,680 0.45

1. Alaska 1,100 31.53 65,590 0.38

2. New Jersey 12,670 28.47 59,210 0.33

3. Connecticut 4,340 28.14 58,540 0.27

4. California 39,830 27.41 57,000 0.27

5. District of Columbia 640 27.17 56,520 0.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Brazoria, TX PMSA 530 $22.03 $45,820 0.70

2. Bremerton, WA PMSA 510 28.58 59,440 0.69

3. Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV MSA 310 24.34 50,630 0.65

4. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA 960 24.58 51,140 0.63

5. Dothan, AL MSA 390 19.06 39,650 0.60

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 2,020 31.12 64,720 0.21

2. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 420 31.00 64,470 0.21

3. San Jose, CA PMSA 2,440 30.92 64,310 0.28

4. Oakland, CA PMSA 3,040 30.78 64,030 0.30

5. Bergen-Passaic, NJ PMSA 2,020 30.39 63,210 0.32

Supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. 

Industry

49-1011 First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and 

repairers

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 
210

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Automotive repair and maintenance 241,150 $14.03 $29,170

2. Automobile dealers 227,240 18.76 39,030 

3. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 57,920 13.79 28,690 

4. Gasoline stations 29,200 14.29 29,720 

5. Local government (OES designation) 20,970 18.71 38,910 

1. Motor vehicle manufacturing 4,360 25.35 52,730 

2. Spectator sports 2,350 24.66 51,300 

3. Wired telecommunications carriers 1,170 24.49 50,940 

4. Scientific research and development services 310 24.00 49,910 

5. Natural gas distribution 700 23.69 49,280

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Delaware 3,810 $20.70 $43,050 0.95

2. North Dakota 2,270 13.74 28,580 0.72

3. New Hampshire 4,250 16.27 33,850 0.70

4. Vermont 1,910 14.80 30,780 0.66

5. Arizona 14,830 15.61 32,470 0.66

1. Alaska 1,650 20.92 43,510 0.57

2. Delaware 3,810 20.70 43,050 0.95

3. District of Columbia 19.21 - 39,960 0.00

4. Colorado 10,730 18.30 38,060 0.51

5. New Jersey 18,940 18.15 37,760 0.49

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Gainesville, FL MSA 960 $14.57 $30,300 1.00

2. Ocala, FL MSA 810 13.92 28,960 0.97

3. Billings, MT MSA 620 13.67 28,440 0.92

4. Clarksville-Hopkinsville, TN-KY MSA 600 14.25 29,640 0.91

5. Eau Claire, WI MSA 650 13.52 28,130 0.90

1. San Francisco, CA PMSA 3,950 22.04 45,850 0.41

2. Danbury, CT PMSA 550 22.03 45,810 0.62

3. Bremerton, WA PMSA 470 20.89 43,440 0.64

4. Boulder-Longmont, CO PMSA 700 20.39 42,420 0.45

5. San Jose, CA PMSA 3,640 19.91 41,410 0.42

49-3023 Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. 

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 
211

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General freight trucking 30,970 $16.04 $33,360

2. Local government (OES designation) 21,540 19.96 41,510 

3. Automotive repair and maintenance 19,030 16.24 33,790 

4. Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers 18,170 17.10 35,580 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 14,880 15.66 32,560 

1. Natural gas distribution 25.73 - 53,520

2. Couriers 6,560 24.90 51,790

3. Architectural and engineering services 24.78 - 51,540

4. Power generation and supply 2,650 24.72 51,410

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 22.97 30 47,770

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Wyoming 810 $15.95 $33,180 0.34

2. Arkansas 3,420 14.01 29,140 0.31

3. Iowa 4,260 15.35 31,940 0.30

4. Utah 2,830 16.39 34,080 0.27

5. Kansas 3,400 15.97 33,220 0.26

1. Hawaii 780 22.90 47,630 0.14

2. Alaska 670 21.20 44,090 0.23

3. Massachusetts 3,280 20.21 42,030 0.10

4. Washington 5,560 20.15 41,910 0.22

5. New Jersey 6,370 19.77 41,120 0.17

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Green Bay, WI MSA 840 $15.86 $32,990 0.59

2. Albany, GA MSA 320 14.50 30,150 0.59

3. Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA 950 18.32 38,110 0.47

4. Bakersfield, CA MSA 940 16.76 34,850 0.42

5. Yolo, CA PMSA 360 20.45 42,540 0.41

1. Honolulu, HI MSA 630 24.04 49,990 0.16

2. Kokomo, IN MSA 40 23.60 49,090 0.08

3. Oakland, CA PMSA - 23.52 48,920 0.00

4. San Jose, CA PMSA 1,010 23.19 48,230 0.12

5. New York, NY PMSA 5,320 23.02 47,880 0.13

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

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 
212

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Building equipment contractors 119,140 $17.15 $35,680

2. Direct selling establishments 11,450 17.45 36,290 

3. Hardware and plumbing merchant wholesalers 8,230 18.95 39,410 

4. Commercial machinery repair and maintenance 7,580 17.96 37,350 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 5,790 17.58 36,570 

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 390 26.82 55,780 

2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 25.54 320 53,110 

3. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills - 25.43 52,890 

4. Support activities for water transportation 80 24.66 51,280 

5. Wired telecommunications carriers 60 24.62 51,220 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Maine 1,960 $16.02 $33,330 0.33

2. Alabama 5,010 15.02 31,250 0.28

3. Florida 18,310 15.54 32,320 0.26

4. South Dakota 890 14.80 30,780 0.25

5. Maryland 6,120 18.23 37,910 0.25

1. Alaska 290 22.79 47,410 0.10

2. Hawaii 740 22.20 46,190 0.13

3. District of Columbia - 22.08 45,930 0.00

4. Massachusetts 5,780 21.76 45,260 0.18

5. Connecticut 4,030 21.03 43,740 0.25

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Panama City, FL MSA 390 $13.75 $28,600 0.63

2. Rapid City, SD MSA 280 13.30 27,660 0.58

3. Myrtle Beach, SC MSA 460 12.48 25,950 0.45

4. Mobile, AL MSA 900 15.70 32,650 0.42

5. State College, PA MSA 260 13.87 28,840 0.41

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 580 25.28 52,580 0.07

2. Lowell, MA-NH PMSA 470 24.93 51,860 0.38

3. Springfield, IL MSA - 24.89 51,770 0.00

4. Cedar Rapids, IA MSA 370 24.88 51,750 0.32

5. Casper, WY MSA - 24.58 51,120 0.00

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

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 
213

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Lessors of real estate 117,600 $12.56 $26,120

2. Local government (OES designation) 92,520 15.69 32,640 

3. Activities related to real estate 63,830 12.40 25,790 

4. Traveler accommodation 55,080 12.15 25,270 

5. Elementary and secondary schools 53,320 14.60 30,370 

1. Satellite telecommunications 870 24.00 49,920 

2. Power generation and supply 6,540 23.73 49,370 

3. Natural gas distribution 1,770 22.49 46,790

4. Other telecommunications 170 22.43 46,660

5. Software publishers 170 21.86 45,470

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Carolina 25,110 $14.49 $30,150 1.42

2. Alaska 3,560 19.15 39,830 1.22

3. Mississippi 13,200 12.59 26,190 1.22

4. Kentucky 20,620 14.66 30,500 1.20

5. Hawaii 6,590 15.49 32,210 1.19

1. Alaska 3,560 19.15 39,830 1.22

2. District of Columbia 3,250 17.75 36,920 0.55

3. New Jersey 31,850 17.41 36,220 0.82

4. Connecticut 10,470 17.36 36,110 0.64

5. Illinois 52,200 17.20 35,770 0.91

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Pine Bluff, AR MSA 660 $16.66 $34,660 1.97

2. Victoria, TX MSA 650 12.59 26,200 1.89

3. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA 2,710 16.79 34,930 1.77

4. Augusta-Aiken, GA-SC MSA 3,300 17.30 35,980 1.68

5. Bryan-College Station, TX MSA 1,260 11.94 24,820 1.67

1. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA 1,270 20.38 42,390 1.62

2. San Jose, CA PMSA 7,100 19.88 41,350 0.81

3. Oakland, CA PMSA 8,090 19.50 40,550 0.80

4. Anchorage, AK MSA 1,290 18.65 38,800 0.94

5. Detroit, MI PMSA 18,420 18.59 38,670 0.91

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

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 
214

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Plastics product manufacturing 29,790 $20.48 $42,590

2. Printing and related support activities 28,110 23.49 48,850 

3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 22,860 23.45 48,780 

4. Machine shops and threaded product mfg. 15,940 24.74 51,460 

5. Architectural and structural metals mfg. 15,630 22.16 46,100 

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 110 36.50 75,910 

2. Power generation and supply 8,180 35.90 74,680 

3. Sound recording industries 80 34.60 71,970 

4. Telecommunications resellers 80 33.31 69,280 

5. Other pipeline transportation 220 32.83 68,280 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Indiana 28,310 $22.72 $47,270 0.99

2. Wisconsin 22,200 23.58 49,040 0.83

3. Iowa 11,190 21.49 44,700 0.79

4. Ohio 41,890 22.28 46,340 0.79

5. Arkansas 8,580 18.90 39,310 0.77

1. Connecticut 9,170 26.85 55,850 0.56

2. Alaska 690 26.16 54,420 0.24

3. Michigan 31,950 25.84 53,750 0.74

4. New Jersey 18,840 25.64 53,320 0.49

5. Washington 11,000 24.65 51,270 0.43

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Elkhart-Goshen, IN MSA 2,480 $21.19 $44,080 2.15

2. Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir, NC MSA 2,660 18.87 39,250 1.63

3. Sheboygan, WI MSA 910 19.66 40,900 1.58

4. Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV MSA 630 25.24 52,510 1.33

5. Danville, VA MSA 540 19.14 39,810 1.25

1. San Jose, CA PMSA 4,540 30.98 64,440 0.52

2. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 1,030 29.06 60,440 0.72

3. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 730 28.87 60,040 0.37

4. Bremerton, WA PMSA 350 28.65 59,600 0.48

5. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 1,050 28.61 59,500 0.57

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

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 
215

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 108,490 $13.32 $27,710

2. Employment services 66,680 9.10 18,930 

3. Plastics product manufacturing 50,350 10.80 22,470 

4. Other wood product manufacturing 11.15 45,370 23,200 

5. Motor vehicle manufacturing 22.40 40,500 46,600 

1. Motor vehicle manufacturing 22.40 40,500 46,600 

2. Agricultural chemical manufacturing 180 17.14 35,650 

3. Depository credit intermediation - 16.06 33,390 

4. Investigation and security services 80 15.96 33,190 

5. Newspaper, book, and directory publishers 15.34 - 31,910

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Iowa 29,520 $13.14 $27,320 2.09

2. Indiana 56,750 13.11 27,270 1.99

3. Tennessee 51,200 13.19 27,430 1.96

4. Kentucky 30,050 15.91 33,100 1.75

5. Wisconsin 44,270 12.59 26,190 1.65

1. Kentucky 30,050 15.91 33,100 1.75

2. Michigan 63,300 14.59 30,350 1.46

3. Tennessee 51,200 13.19 27,430 1.96

4. Iowa 29,520 13.14 27,320 2.09

5. Indiana 56,750 13.11 27,270 1.99

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Elkhart-Goshen, IN MSA 11,500 $12.67 $26,360 9.95

2. Clarksville-Hopkinsville, TN-KY MSA 2,930 14.07 29,270 4.45

3. Jackson, TN MSA 1,850 12.59 26,180 3.27

4. Lafayette, IN MSA 2,590 17.43 36,260 3.02

5. Wausau, WI MSA 2,000 12.59 26,190 2.99

1. Lafayette, IN MSA 2,590 17.43 36,260 3.02

2. Lexington, KY MSA 5,400 16.77 34,890 2.10

3. Nashville, TN MSA 12,090 16.65 34,630 1.83

4. Kenosha, WI PMSA 1,360 16.56 34,440 2.63

5. Toledo, OH MSA 5,140 16.29 33,870 1.68

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

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 
216

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 25,830 $10.62 $22,090

2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 22,660 17.72 36,850 

3. Plastics product manufacturing 19,430 12.60 26,200 

4. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. 17,670 13.60 28,290 

5. Architectural and engineering services 15,480 17.06 35,490 

1. Power generation and supply 1,330 27.59 57,390 

2. Telecommunications resellers 100 26.83 55,810 

3. Wired telecommunications carriers 300 26.10 54,290 

4. Scheduled air transportation 720 25.71 53,470 

5. Federal government (OES designation) 12,500 25.35 52,730 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. South Carolina 12,590 $13.18 $27,410 0.71

2. Indiana 20,260 15.30 31,820 0.71

3. North Carolina 24,080 12.51 26,020 0.65

4. Arkansas 7,180 12.83 26,680 0.64

5. Michigan 26,230 17.94 37,310 0.61

1. District of Columbia 270 20.47 42,580 0.05

2. Alaska 350 19.92 41,430 0.12

3. Michigan 26,230 17.94 37,310 0.61

4. Hawaii 380 17.36 36,110 0.07

5. Louisiana 5,250 17.34 36,070 0.28

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Sumter, SC MSA 560 $11.24 $23,380 1.52

2. Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir, NC MSA 2,210 11.86 24,670 1.35

3. Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ PMSA 750 12.73 26,480 1.29

4. Rocky Mount, NC MSA 750 11.19 23,280 1.22

5. Anniston, AL MSA 540 14.74 30,660 1.18

1. Bremerton, WA PMSA 250 23.35 48,570 0.34

2. Lake Charles, LA MSA 250 21.76 45,270 0.31

3. Brazoria, TX PMSA 220 21.07 43,830 0.29

4. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA 470 20.46 42,560 0.31

5. Enid, OK MSA 40 20.41 42,450 0.20

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

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 
217

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 78,550 $8.92 $18,550

2. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty 23,050 11.47 23,850 

3. Animal slaughtering and processing 10.10 20,460 21,000 

4. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 13.31 20,090 27,670 

5. Beverage manufacturing 13.70 19,490 28,490 

1. Tobacco manufacturing 23.58 2,510 49,060 

2. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 3,030 18.44 38,360

3. Federal government (OES designation) 110 18.38 38,230

4. Commercial and service industry machinery 100 16.99 35,330

5. Boiler, tank, and shipping container mfg. 980 16.63 34,600

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Arkansas 12,270 $10.04 $20,870 1.10

2. Wisconsin 16,770 12.26 25,500 0.62

3. Nebraska 4,350 11.39 23,690 0.50

4. Florida 34,990 9.87 20,530 0.49

5. New Jersey 17,910 12.60 26,210 0.46

1. North Carolina 16,090 13.50 28,090 0.43

2. Iowa 4,510 13.38 27,830 0.32

3. New Hampshire 1,050 13.11 27,280 0.17

4. Delaware 1,490 13.03 27,100 0.37

5. District of Columbia 12.92 - 26,860 0.00

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Racine, WI PMSA 1,500 $12.01 $24,970 1.98

2. Yakima, WA MSA 1,260 12.09 25,150 1.65

3. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA 1,980 9.96 20,720 1.21

4. Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA 1,120 10.86 22,590 1.15

5. Kenosha, WI PMSA 580 15.60 32,450 1.12

1. Albany, GA MSA 540 19.32 40,190 0.99

2. Jackson, MI MSA 16.83 50 35,010 0.09

3. Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point, NC MS 5,280 16.64 34,600 0.84

4. Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA 150 15.83 32,930 0.08

5. Kenosha, WI PMSA 580 15.60 32,450 1.12

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

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 
218

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 85,070 $8.10 $16,860

2. Converted paper product manufacturing 22,570 11.22 23,330 

3. Printing and related support activities 21,670 10.60 22,040 

4. Plastics product manufacturing 16,570 10.10 21,010 

5. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 14,390 11.80 24,550 

1. Power generation and supply 410 17.26 35,900 

2. Coal mining 360 16.65 34,630 

3. Natural gas distribution 100 16.62 34,580

4. Rail transportation 490 15.73 32,710

5. Metal ore mining 15.59 60 32,420

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Arkansas 9,960 $9.63 $20,030 0.89

2. Illinois 39,860 8.86 18,430 0.69

3. Wisconsin 17,360 11.15 23,190 0.65

4. Utah 6,490 9.04 18,810 0.62

5. Indiana 15,550 10.38 21,580 0.55

1. Maryland 4,970 11.80 24,530 0.20

2. Massachusetts 5,980 11.64 24,220 0.19

3. Kentucky 6,170 11.37 23,650 0.36

4. Washington 5,550 11.29 23,490 0.22

5. Ohio 22,520 11.22 23,340 0.42

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA 1,560 $8.83 $18,360 1.61

2. Elkhart-Goshen, IN MSA 1,600 10.05 20,910 1.39

3. Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA 2,730 11.21 23,320 1.38

4. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA 2,130 10.51 21,860 1.30

5. Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir, NC MSA 1,920 10.38 21,600 1.17

1. Pittsfield, MA MSA 100 15.16 31,540 0.24

2. Lima, OH MSA 240 14.62 30,410 0.33

3. Topeka, KS MSA 260 14.29 29,730 0.27

4. Lincoln, NE MSA 290 14.27 29,690 0.20

5. New London-Norwich, CT-RI MSA 310 14.12 29,380 0.22

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

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 
219

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. General freight trucking $17.66 $36,730 526,160

2. Specialized freight trucking 16.29 191,480 33,880 

3. Cement and concrete product manufacturing 70,450 14.97 31,140

4. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 58,610 17.70 36,820

5. Employment services 40,310 16.04 33,360

1. Performing arts companies 24.49 50 50,940

2. Spectator sports 250 23.79 49,490

3. Wired telecommunications carriers 380 23.73 49,370

4. Apparel and piece goods merchant wholesalers 22.18 - 46,140

5. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 21.97 620 45,700 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Nebraska 25,790 $15.27 $31,760 2.94

2. Arkansas 31,650 15.73 32,720 2.83

3. Tennessee 57,780 16.76 34,860 2.21

4. Iowa 29,850 14.81 30,800 2.11

5. Wyoming 5,070 15.40 32,030 2.11

1. Alaska 2,500 19.42 40,390 0.86

2. Massachusetts 24,660 18.55 38,580 0.78

3. Connecticut 11,630 18.48 38,440 0.71

4. New York 54,940 18.09 37,620 0.67

5. New Jersey 42,840 18.08 37,620 1.11

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Joplin, MO MSA 3,880 $16.28 $33,850 5.27

2. Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA 11,280 18.54 38,560 5.18

3. Cedar Rapids, IA MSA 4,460 15.44 32,100 3.83

4. Laredo, TX MSA 2,690 15.45 32,140 3.60

5. Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA 3,450 15.98 33,240 3.55

1. Bridgeport, CT PMSA 1,200 22.04 45,840 0.65

2. Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSA 8,800 20.84 43,340 0.74

3. New York, NY PMSA 13,930 20.42 42,460 0.35

4. Gary, IN PMSA 4,770 20.10 41,820 1.91

5. Stamford-Norwalk, CT PMSA 770 20.07 41,750 0.39

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

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 
220

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Couriers 152,550 $18.39 $38,250

2. General freight trucking 14.75 48,550 30,670 

3. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 36,200 13.35 27,770 

4. Auto parts, accessories, and tire stores 35,560 8.31 17,280 

5. Building material and supplies dealers 35,120 11.28 23,450 

1. Wired telecommunications carriers 420 20.81 43,280 

2. Motor vehicle manufacturing 19.54 120 40,650 

3. Federal government (OES designation) 3,030 18.92 39,360 

4. Support activities for water transportation - 18.92 39,350 

5. Couriers 152,550 18.39 38,250 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Kentucky 16,850 $11.52 $23,950 0.98

2. Wisconsin 24,220 11.47 23,860 0.90

3. Pennsylvania 49,450 12.25 25,490 0.90

4. Utah 9,060 13.01 27,060 0.87

5. Virginia 28,970 11.70 24,330 0.85

1. Massachusetts 21,120 15.06 31,330 0.67

2. Alaska 1,950 14.83 30,850 0.67

3. Illinois 45,810 14.74 30,650 0.79

4. New Jersey 32,500 14.19 29,510 0.84

5. Maryland 19,750 14.03 29,180 0.81

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Albany, GA MSA 990 $15.26 $31,750 1.81

2. Yolo, CA PMSA 1,540 16.94 35,240 1.75

3. Eau Claire, WI MSA 1,210 11.27 23,440 1.68

4. Victoria, TX MSA 550 11.57 24,070 1.60

5. Altoona, PA MSA 880 11.76 24,450 1.52

1. Asheville, NC MSA 840 17.00 35,360 0.77

2. Worcester, MA-CT PMSA 2,530 16.97 35,300 1.11

3. Yolo, CA PMSA 1,540 16.94 35,240 1.75

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 2,680 16.30 33,910 1.11

5. Brockton, MA PMSA 1,190 16.05 33,370 1.19

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

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 
221

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Warehousing and storage 68,350 $12.80 $26,620

2. Grocery and Related Product Wholesalers 24,900 13.87 28,840 

3. General freight trucking 23,550 15.30 31,820 

4. Employment services 22,640 10.63 22,100 

5. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 16,580 17.10 35,580 

1. Natural gas distribution 23.96 30 49,830

2. Motor vehicle manufacturing 4,710 22.90 47,630

3. Support activities for water transportation 7,490 22.51 46,820

4. Power generation and supply 850 21.21 44,110

5. Coal mining 1,280 19.62 40,810

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Arkansas 9,510 $11.67 $24,270 0.85

2. Georgia 29,130 12.30 25,580 0.77

3. Tennessee 19,800 12.34 25,670 0.76

4. Indiana 20,870 13.78 28,670 0.73

5. Wisconsin 19,440 13.72 28,540 0.72

1. Wyoming 1,010 18.82 39,150 0.42

2. Michigan 23,020 16.99 35,340 0.53

3. Alaska 630 16.56 34,440 0.22

4. Hawaii 1,460 16.45 34,220 0.26

5. District of Columbia 340 15.21 31,630 0.06

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yakima, WA MSA 1,080 $12.67 $26,350 1.41

2. Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA MSA 4,800 13.91 28,930 1.35

3. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 3,070 14.04 29,210 1.27

4. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA MSA 800 12.10 25,160 1.20

5. Jackson, TN MSA 660 11.26 23,420 1.17

1. Bloomington-Normal, IL MSA 540 21.50 44,730 0.69

2. Detroit, MI PMSA 11,010 18.91 39,340 0.55

3. Honolulu, HI MSA 1,050 17.88 37,180 0.26

4. Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI MSA 540 17.86 37,150 0.31

5. Ann Arbor, MI PMSA 900 17.44 36,270 0.32

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

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 
222

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, States, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Employment services 475,680 $8.39 $17,460

2. Couriers 113,640 11.93 24,820 

3. Warehousing and storage 102,260 11.81 24,560 

4. Building material and supplies dealers 61,030 10.09 20,990 

5. General freight trucking 59,670 13.54 28,170 

1. Metal ore mining 280 17.92 37,270 

2. Power generation and supply 2,400 17.70 36,810 

3. Other pipeline transportation 250 17.52 36,440 

4. Coal mining 1,990 16.76 34,870 

5. Support activities for water transportation 15,930 16.14 33,570 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. Tennessee 66,600 $10.23 $21,270 2.55

2. Alabama 46,270 9.48 19,720 2.54

3. Nevada 26,190 11.46 23,840 2.46

4. South Carolina 43,010 9.81 20,410 2.44

5. Illinois 139,540 10.01 20,810 2.42

1. Alaska 4,420 13.57 28,230 1.51

2. Connecticut 19,940 12.47 25,930 1.22

3. Hawaii 5,510 12.40 25,790 1.00

4. Michigan 68,540 12.30 25,590 1.58

5. Minnesota 33,670 12.30 25,580 1.30

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Anniston, AL MSA 1,970 $10.81 $22,490 4.30

2. Yolo, CA PMSA 3,680 12.52 26,050 4.18

3. Laredo, TX MSA 2,980 7.93 16,490 3.99

4. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 8,810 9.98 20,760 3.65

5. Florence, AL MSA 1,720 9.40 19,560 3.42

1. Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI MSA 2,460 14.43 30,010 1.42

2. Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA MSA 6,400 14.34 29,820 1.81

3. Flint, MI PMSA 2,600 14.33 29,820 1.62

4. Gary, IN PMSA 4,350 13.65 28,400 1.75

5. Anchorage, AK MSA 2,270 13.50 28,070 1.65

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

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 
223

Table 3. Employment and Wages for Selected Occupations by Industry, State, and MSA,

May 2003—Continued

See footnotes at end of table.

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

1. Grocery stores 222,090 $7.35 $15,280

2. Employment services 145,940 7.83 16,290 

3. Plastics product manufacturing 36,120 10.00 20,810 

4. Warehousing and storage 26,590 9.92 20,630 

5. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 20,930 10.18 21,170 

1. Support activities for water transportation 300 19.44 40,440 

2. Federal government (OES designation) 1,160 17.20 35,770 

3. Motor vehicle manufacturing 50 16.24 33,790 

4. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 550 14.47 30,100 

5. Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy mfg. 330 14.15 29,430 

Employment Hourly mean 

wage

Annual mean 

wage

Percent of 

State 

employment

1. New Jersey 45,060 $8.71 $18,110 1.16

2. Indiana 31,250 9.45 19,650 1.10

3. Tennessee 27,930 8.94 18,590 1.07

4. Kentucky 15,600 8.78 18,260 0.91

5. Wisconsin 24,200 9.73 20,250 0.90

1. Delaware 1,520 10.67 22,200 0.38

2. Pennsylvania 41,680 9.80 20,380 0.76

3. Wisconsin 24,200 9.73 20,250 0.90

4. Maryland 9,320 9.72 20,220 0.38

5. Connecticut 8,030 9.69 20,150 0.49

 Employment Hourly mean 

wage 

 Annual mean 

wage 

Percent of 

MSA 

employment

1. Yuma, AZ MSA 2,230 $6.24 $12,970 4.14

2. Yakima, WA MSA 1,900 8.65 17,990 2.48

3. Jersey City, NJ PMSA 5,180 8.07 16,790 2.15

4. Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSA 12,770 8.34 17,350 2.05

5. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA MSA 2,340 8.48 17,640 1.91

1. Kokomo, IN MSA 330 13.86 28,830 0.69

2. Yolo, CA PMSA 1,260 13.14 27,320 1.43

3. Topeka, KS MSA 400 12.84 26,700 0.41

4. Sheboygan, WI MSA 670 11.98 24,910 1.17

5. Dover, DE MSA 460 11.56 24,040 0.87

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

53-7064 Packers and packagers, hand

Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.

Industry
224

Appendix A. The Standard

Occupational Classification

System

Detailed

occupations

Code Major occupational group

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) surveyfully 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.

Users of OES survey occupational data include government program managers, industrial and labor relations practitioners, students considering career training, jobseekers,

vocational training schools, and employers wishing to set

salary scales or locate a new plant. 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 1of 770 detailed occupations. The major group excluded is military occupations, which are not covered in the

OES survey.

Description of the SOC structure

The SOC is an empirically based, economywide 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 second and third 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

(for example, 33-2000, Fire Fighting Workers), and broad

occupations end with 0 (for example, 33-2020, Fire Inspectors). All residuals (“Other,” “Miscellaneous,” or “All Other”),

whether at the detailed or broad occupation or minor group

level, will contain a 9 at the level of the residual. Detailed

residual occupations will end in 9 (for example, 33-9199, Protective Service Workers, All Other); broad occupations that

are minor group residuals will end in 90 (for example, 33-

9190, Miscellaneous Protective Service Workers); and minor groups that are major group residuals will end in 9000

(for example, 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 SOC detailed occupations

surveyed in the OES program in May 2003 are as follows:

 Total ............................................ 770

11-0000 Management ................................... 30

13-0000 Business and financial operations .. 28

15-0000 Computer and mathematical .......... 16

17-0000 Architecture and engineering ......... 35

19-0000 Life, physical, and social science ... 39

21-0000 Community and social services ..... 14

23-0000 Legal ................................................ 9

25-0000 Education, training, and library ....... 58

27-0000 Arts, design, entertainment, sports

 and media ....................................... 37

29-0000 Healthcare practitioner and

 technical ........................................ 46

31-0000 Healthcare support ......................... 15

33-0000 Protective service ........................... 20

35-0000 Food preparation and serving

 related ........................................... 16

37-0000 Building and grounds cleaning and

 maintenance .................................. 9

39-0000 Personal care and service ............. 33

41-0000 Sales and related ............................ 21

43-0000 Office and administrative support .. 56

45-0000 Farming, fishing, and forestry ......... 13

47-0000 Construction and extraction ........... 58

49-0000 Installation, maintenance, and

 repair ............................................. 53

51-0000 Production ....................................... 112

53-0000 Transportation and material

 moving ........................................... 52
225

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 on 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 May 2003, residual occupations are not published.

For more information about the SOC, please see the

Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site at www.bls.gov/soc/.
226

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey

is a mail survey measuring occupational employment

and wage rates for wage and salary workers in nonfarm 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 the national estimates.

About 6,500,000 establishments are stratified within State

by substate area, industry, and employment size class. The

substate areas include all officially defined metropolitan

areas, and one or more balance areas are defined for each

State (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 the number

of employees by occupation using the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. For each occupation, the

number of employees is distributed across 12 wage intervals.

Estimates are based on a rolling 6-panel (or 3-year) cycle.

The total sample size when 6 panels are combined is approximately 1.2 million establishments. For the May 2003 survey

about 79 percent of establishments responded, covering

about 72 percent of weighted employment. National occupational employment (SOC) and wage rate estimates are made

for all 3-digit NAICS codes, most 4-digit NAICS codes, and

selected 5-digit NAICS codes. Subnational industry detail

varies by state/MSA/BOS.

Occupational and Industrial Classification

Systems

The occupational classification system. In 1999, the OES

survey began using the U.S. Office of Management and

Budget’s (OMB’s) new occupational classification system

known as the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)

system. (See appendix A for a detailed description of the

system.) This is the first occupational classification system

that OMB has required for Federal statistical agencies. The

survey uses the system to categorize workers across 22 major occupation groups in 1 of approximately 770 detailed occupations.

The industrial classification system. In 2002, the OES survey switched from the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

system to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). More information about NAICS can be found

on the BLS Web site at www.bls.gov/bls/naics.htm or in the

2002 North American Industry Classification System manual.

Each establishment is assigned a 6-digit NAICS code based

on its primary activity.

Industrial scope and stratification. The survey covers the

following NAICS industries:

11 Logging (1133), Support Activities for Crop Production (1152), 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 Services

81 Other Services (except Public Administration), excluding private households (814)

Federal Government

State Government

Local Government

Appendix B. Survey Method

and Reliability Statement for

the May 2003 Occupational

Employment Statistics

Survey
227

About 350 industry groups are used for stratification.

Some are 5-digit NAICS “exceptions.” Most are either entire

4-digit NAICS codes or the residual 4-digits with the 5-digit

exceptions removed. “NAICS4/5” is a short term that is sometimes used to describe this particular grouping of industries.

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 6-digit NAICS code.

When a single physical location encompasses two or more

distinct economic activities, it is treated as separate establishments if separate payroll records are available and certain other criteria are met.

Employment is the number of workers who can be classified as full- and part-time employees, including workers on

paid vacations or other types of leave; workers on unpaid

short-term absences; 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 non-farm 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 onthe-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, costof-living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay,

incentive 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:

Wages

Hourly Annual

Range A ............... Under $6.75 Under $14,040

Range B ............... $6.75 to $8.49 $14,040 to $17,679

Range C .............. $8.50 to $10.74 $17,680 to $22,359

Range D .............. $10.75 to $13.49 $22,360 to $28,079

Range E ............... $13.50 to $16.99 $28,080 to $35,359

Range F ............... $17.00 to $21.49 $35,360 to $44,719

Range G .............. $21.50 to $27.24 $44,720 to $56,679

Range H .............. $27.25 to $34.49 $56,680 to $71,759

Range I ................ $34.50 to $43.74 $71,760 to $90,999

Range J ............... $43.75 to $55.49 $91,000 to $115,439

Range K .............. $55.50 to $69.99 $115,440 to $145,599

Range L ............... $70.00 and over $145,600 and over

Three-year Survey Cycle of Data Collection

The survey is based on a probability sample drawn from a

universe of about 6,500,000 in-scope establishments stratified by geography, industry, and employment size. The

sample is designed to represent all non-farm establishments

in the United States.

Beginning with the November 2002 panel, the OES survey changed from an annual sample of 400,000 establishments to a semiannual sample of 200,000 establishments in

May and November of each year in order to reduce seasonal

bias. The semiannual samples are referred to as panels, and

previous yearly samples are considered to be the equivalent

of two panels. To the extent possible, privately owned units

selected in any one panel will not be sampled again in the

next five panels.

The survey is conducted over a rolling 6-panel (or 3-year)

cycle. This is done in order to maintain adequate geographic,

industrial, and occupational coverage. Over the course of a

6-panel (or 3-year) cycle, approximately 1.2 million establishments are sampled. For example, data collected in May 2003

are combined with data collected in November 2002, 2001,

and 2000. For this transitional set of estimates, a subset of

certainty units collected in 1999 was also used in the May

2003 estimates. The May 2003 and November 2002 data are

semiannual samples while the 2001 and 2000 data are annual

samples—the equivalent of 6 panels when combined. Data

from 1999 are added to provide complete coverage of strata

with the largest establishments (250+ employees based on

maximum size).

For a given panel, survey questionnaires/schedules are

initially mailed out to almost all sampled establishments. State

Employment Security Agency (SESA) staff may make “early”

personal visits to some of the larger establishments. Two

additional mailings are sent to nonrespondents at approximately 3-week intervals. Telephone or personal visit followups are made to nonrespondents critical to the survey because of their size.

A census is obtained semiannually, representing May and

November employment, of Federal Government establishments (annually prior to the November 2002 panel). Data for

Federal Government employment and wages are collected at

the end of the data collection process from the U.S. Office of

Personnel Management. A semiannual census of workers is

also obtained from the United States Postal Service (USPS).

An annual census, representing November data, is obtained

for State government units. These census reports are broken out in fine geographic detail. The Federal and State

Interval
228

census reports only have default industry codes that indicate “Federal government” or “State government.” Local

government units are subject to probability sampling, but

the reports only have a default industry code indicating “local government.”

Sampling Procedures

The frame

The sampling frame, or universe, is a list of about 6,500,000

in-scope non-farm establishments that file unemployment

insurance (UI) reports to the State Employment Security

Agencies. Virtually all establishments are required to file

these reports with the notable exception of establishments

in Guam and rail transportation (NAICS 4821). Every quarter

a sampling frame list is created by combining all the State

lists into a single file called the Longitudinal Data Base (LDB).

For the 1999 sample, the sampling frame was the 1998/2nd

quarter LDB file; for the 2000 sample, it was the 1999/2nd

quarter LDB file; for the 2001 sample, it was the 2000/4th

quarter LDB file; for the November 2002 sample, it was the

2001/4th quarter LDB file; and for the May 2003 sample, it

was the 2002/2nd quarter LDB file. The LDB files are also

supplemented with a frame covering Guam and rail transportation (NAICS 4821).

Stratification

The frame is stratified geography-by-industry-by-size.

• The geographic stratification used is MSA/BOS within

state. All officially defined metropolitan areas are used,

and each State is allowed to define 1-6 balance-ofState areas.

• The industry stratification is the approximately 350

NAICS4/5 industry groups.

• Stratification uses seven employment size-class (SC)

ranges: 1-4, 5-9, 10-19, 20-49, 50-99, 100-249, and 250+.

The size of an establishment is based on its maximum

monthly employment taken from the most recently

available 12 months of administrative (universe) data.

At any given time there are about 550,000 nonempty MSA/

BOS-by-NAICS4/5-by-SC strata on the frame. When comparing nonempty strata between frames, there are substantial frame-to frame differences. The differences are primarily

due to the normal birth/death process and normal establishment growth/shrinkage. Some differences are due to NAICS

reclassification and changes in geographic location assigned

to establishments.

Certainty and virtual certainty units

Federal Government and USPS units are certainty units since

a census is obtained for every panel. For State government

units a census is obtained every other panel (representing

November employment). Technically, the State units are not

“certainty” units since data are not obtained for every panel;

the term “virtual certainty” is used. The term “virtual certainty” also applies to the very largest units in the 250+ size

class. All of the largest units are included once in the 6-panel

survey cycle, if possible. (Sometimes reinterviewing a few of

these largest units must be delayed as a result of budget

considerations.)

Allocation of the sample to strata

For each state, a sample panel of establishments is selected

within the MSA/BOS-by-NAICS4/5-by-SC stratification.

Within a state, the sample is allocated in a manner that equalizes the expected relative standard error of typical occupational employment in each MSA/BOS-by-NAICS4/5 cell.

Within each cell, the sample is allocated across the size classes

in a manner that minimizes the variance of the average typical occupational employment estimate.

Sampling using PRNs

Permanent random numbers (PRNs) are used in the sample

selection process. Each establishment in the sampling frame

is assigned a PRN. The reason for using PRNs in sampling is

that it gives us an easy method to limit sample overlap between the OES survey and other large surveys conducted

by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sample selection using PRNs can be implemented in several ways. For OES, a specific PRN value is designated as a

“start” point in a stratum. Beginning with this “start” point,

n establishments in the stratum are sequentially selected

into the sample where n denotes the number of establishments to be sampled.

Panel weights (sampling weights)

Sampling weights are assigned so that each panel, when

sampled establishments are weighted, will roughly represent

the entire universe of establishments.

Federal Government, USPS, and State government units

are assigned panel weights of 1. Other sampled establishments, including virtual certainties, are assigned design-based

panel weights. For a stratum with n establishments sampled

from N frame establishments, weight N/n is assigned to each

of the n sampled establishments. N/n is the inverse of the

panel probability of selection within the panel.

National sample counts

The combined sample for the May 2003 survey is considered

to be the equivalent of a combined 6-panel sample. Approximately 1/6 of the combined sample comes from each of the

semiannual sample panels for May 2003 and November 2002.

Approximately 2/6 of the combined sample comes from the

2001 sample (a 2-panel equivalent) and another 2/6 from the

2000 sample (also a 2-panel equivalent).

Sample allocation resulted in initial sample sizes of:

199,587 establishments for May 2003

201,016 establishments for November 2002

405,655 establishments for 2001 (2-panel equivalent)
229

406,876 establishments for 2000 (2-panel equivalent)

In addition, 3,616 certainty units from 1999 were added to

the sample to provide complete coverage of the certainty

strata. The combined initial sample size for the May 2003

estimates is approximately 1,200,981 establishments. The

combined count avoids double/triple-counting by appropriately subtracting out Federal and State Government establishments. For Federal Government establishments only the

May 2003 census is counted (subtract out November 2002,

2001, and 2000). For State government establishments only

the November 2002 census is counted (subtract out 2001

and 2000; no census of State government in May 2003).

Response and Nonresponse

Response

Of the 1,200,981 establishments in the combined initial sample,

1,099,307 were viable establishments. That is, they were not

out-of-scope or out-of-business. Of the viable establishments, 863,182 responded and 236,120 were classified as

nonrespondents. The establishment response rate is 78.5%

(863,182/1,099,307). The response rate in terms of weighted

sample employment is 72.0%.

Nonresponse

Nonresponding establishments are accounted for in the OES

survey by a two-step imputation process.

• Step 1, Occupational employment staffing pattern:

For each nonrespondent, a staffing pattern is imputed

using a nearest-neighbor “hot deck” imputation

method. The procedure links a donor responding establishment to each nonrespondent. For example, for

the May 2003 survey, possible donors were the respondents from the May 2003, November 2002, and

2001 samples. The nearest-neighbor hot deck procedure for OES searches within defined cells for the donor that most closely resembles a nonrespondent in

terms of geographic area, industry, and employment

size. At first, a donor with approximately the same

employment size is sought within the same MSA/BOS

and 5-digit NAICS as the nonrespondent. The area/

industry parameters of the donor pool are successively

widened until a suitable donor is found. Limits are

placed on the number of times a donor can be used.

For a nonrespondent, its donor is used to impute (simulate) a response for the occupational employment data

or staffing pattern. The donor’s staffing pattern distribution is used for the nonrespondent but the level is

adjusted to be appropriate for the nonrespondent’s

known employment size.

• Step 2, Wage distribution:

A variation of mean imputation is used to simulate a

wage distribution for each nonrespondent. Imputation cells are defined by geographic area, industry,

and size class. Responding establishments in each

cell are used to compute, for each occupation, a distribution across the 12 wage intervals. For nonrespondents in the cell, those wage distributions are

applied to already imputed occupational employment.

If a cell has insufficient response to compute a distribution, the cell is expanded into adjacent areas, industries, or size classes until sufficient response is

achieved.

Occasionally a responding establishment reports occupational employment but not a distribution across the wage

intervals for all or some occupations. In this situation, the

imputation procedure described in step 2 is used to impute

an occupational wage distribution.

Combining and benchmarking data for occupational employment estimates

Reweighting for the combined sample

Employment and wage rate estimates are computed using a

rolling 6-panel (3-year) sample. For example, estimates are

made using data from the May 2003, November 2002, 2001,

and 2000 samples plus a small number of large virtual certainties held over from the 1999 sample. Establishments in each

sample are weighted independently to represent the universe

at the time it was selected. When panels are combined, each

sampled establishment is reweighted so that the aggregate

sample represents the universe.

Only the most recent Federal Government, USPS, and State

government censuses are retained (with a certainty weight

set to 1). The weight of all large virtual certainties is set to 1.

Noncertainties are analyzed stratum-by-stratum. The original single-panel sampling weights are set so that responses

from a stratum can be weighted up to represent the entire

stratum. In the simplest case, 6 panels are combined and all

6 have sample units for a particular stratum. Since a simple

summation of single-panel weights would represent the stratum 6 times, the combined sample weight of each establishment is set equal to its single-panel sampling weight divided

by 6. It is most common for some panels to have no sample.

For example, if only 2 of 6 panels have sample for a stratum,

then the single-panel sampling weights are divided by 2.

Benchmarking to QCEW employment

A ratio estimator is used to develop estimates of occupational employment. The auxiliary variable used is the average of the most recent May and November employment totals extracted from BLS’ Quarterly Census of Employment

and Wages (QCEW)—May 2003 and November 2002 for estimates made from the combined sample for the May 2003

survey. In order to balance the States’ need for estimates at

differing levels of geographic and industrial aggregation,

the ratio adjustment process is carried out through a series

of four hierarchical ratio adjustments. The procedure is com-
230

monly called benchmarking and the ratio adjustments are

called benchmark factors (BMFs).

The first of the four hierarchical benchmark factors is calculated within states for cells defined MSA/BOS by NAICS4/

5 by employment size class (4 size classes). If any first level

BMF is out of range, it is reset to a predetermined maximum

or minimum value. First-level BMFs are calculated in the

following manner:

h = MSA/BOS by NAICS4/5

H = State by NAICS4/5

s = employment size classes (1-19, 20-49, 50-249,

or 250+)

S = 1 of 2 aggregate employment size classes (1-

49, 50+)

M = average of May and November QCEW

wi = combined sample 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 at the State by 4-digit

NAICS cell level by summing the product of the combined

sample weight and the first level BMF for each establishment in the cell. Second level BMFs account for the portion

of universe employment that is not adequately represented

by weighted employment after first-level benchmarking. In

particular, some universe MSA/BOS by NAICS4/5 by size

class cells have no sample and are not adequately represented by the weighted sample after first-stage benchmarking.

Trimming first-level BMFs also causes over/under coverage

that needs second-level benchmarking. Second-stage benchmarks are calculated as follows:

⎟

⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛

= ∑ ∑ ∈ ∈ Hhs hsi

ii hs

H

H BMFxw

M

,1

β

⎪

⎩

⎪

⎨

⎧

>

<

=

otherwise

if,BMF ,BMF

if,BMF ,BMF

max max

min min

,2

H

H

H

BMF H

β

β

β

⎟

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ = ∑∈hsi

hs hs ii β xwM , ⎟

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ = ∑∈hSi

hS hS ii β xwM , ⎟

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ = ∑∈hi

h h ii β xwM ,

( )

( )

⎪

⎪

⎪

⎩

⎪

⎪

⎪

⎨

⎧

>

= <

otherwise

if,BMF ,BMF

if,BMF ,BMF

allif, ,BMF,BMFby boundedarewithin

allif, ,BMF,BMFby boundedarewithin

max max

min min

min max

min max

,1

h

h

h

hS hS

hs hs

hs

h

h

BMF

β

β

β

β β

β β

Third- and fourth-level BMFs are calculated in a similar

manner. The third-level BMF calculation of BMF3,H uses

combined sample weights adjusted through second-level

benchmarking. The fourth-level BMF calculation of BMF4,H

uses combined sample weights adjusted through third-level

benchmarking.

A final benchmark factor for each establishment, BMFi, is

calculated as the product of the four hierarchical ratio adjustment factors. That is, BMFi

 = BMF1 * BMF2 * BMF3 *

BMF4. A final weight value is calculated as the product of

the combined sample weight and the final benchmark factor.

Occupational employment estimates

The final weights are used to calculate estimates of occupational employment that are benchmarked to QCEW employment. The May 2003 survey, for example, is benchmarked to

the average of May 2003 and November 2002 QCEW. Estimates for a cell are produced simply by summing up the

desired reported data for each establishment multiplied by

the establishment’s final weight.

The equation below is used to calculate occupational

employment estimates at the MSA/4-digit NAICS cell level.

∑( ) ∈

= hi

ho ioii Xˆ xBMFw

o = occupation

h = reported 4-digit NAICS code in an MSA

wi = adjusted sample weight for establishment i

BMFi = final benchmark factor applied to establishment

i

xio = reported employment for occupation o in

establishment i

Xho ˆ = estimated employment for occupation o in the

MSA/ 4-digit NAICS cell

The estimated employment for an occupation at the MSA/

all-industry level can be obtained by summing the occupational employment estimate Xho ˆ across all the 4-digit NAICS

industries in the MSA.

∑=

= h L

h

o XX ho

1

ˆˆ

Lh = # of 4-digit NAICS reporting occupation o in the

MSA

However, the estimate can be made directly simply by

summing up the data for the appropriate establishments

multiplied by their final weights.

Wage rate estimation

Externally derived factors are used in wage rate estimation:
231

• Mean wage rates for each of the 12 wage intervals

• Wage updating or aging factors

Occupational wage data reported in the OES are grouped

data. Individual rage rates are not collected for the workers.

Instead, we obtain the number of workers in an occupation

who are paid wages within each of 12 wage intervals. For

example, an establishment might report that it employs 10

secretaries: 2 in wage interval B, paid wages between $6.75

and $8.49 per hour; 6 in wage interval D, paid wages between

$10.75 and $13.49 per hour; and 2 in wage interval E, paid

wages between $13.50 and $16.99 per hour. Simple arithmetic

mean formulas cannot be used to get valid estimates of means

when data are grouped. For valid estimates of means, standard formulas for grouped data need an approximately unbiased average value within each group.

Data from several sample panels with different reference

dates are used to produce OES wage estimates. Sample panels have different reference periods and the wage data are

not equivalent in real-dollar terms. Data collected prior to

the current survey reference period need to be updated or

aged to approximate the latest reference period. For the May

2003 survey, for example, wage data from November 2002,

2001, 2000, and 1999 samples need to be aged.

Determining a mean wage rate for each interval

The average hourly wage rate for all workers in any given

wage interval cannot be derived from collected OES data. It

is approximated externally using data from the BLS National

Compensation Survey (NCS). The mean hourly wage rate

for interval L, the upper, open-ended interval, is calculated

after excluding wage data for pilots, an occupation that accounts for a large proportion of NCS employment in interval

L. Because pilots work much fewer hours than other occupations, their hourly wage rates are naturally much higher

than other occupations. The mean hourly wage rate for interval L, without pilots, is calculated separately for each survey reference period then averaged.

Wage aging process

Aging factors are developed from BLS’ Employment Cost

Index (ECI) survey. The ECI survey measures the rate of

change in compensation from a past survey reference period

(4th quarter 2000, for example) to the current survey reference period (2nd quarter 2003, for example) for nine major

occupational groups.

Mean hourly wage rate estimates

Mean hourly wage is the total 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 is modified to utilize ECI aging factors.

o

t

z z t i

oiii

o

X

yBMFw

R ˆ

ˆ

ˆ 4

∑ ∑ = ∈ − ⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛

=

= ∑r

rzroiozoi ˆ cxuy ( ∈ zi )

o = occupation

Ro

ˆ = mean hourly wage rate for occupation o

z = year (or panel)

t = current panel

wi = combined sampling weight for establishment i

oi yˆ = unweighted total hourly wage estimate for occupation o in establishment i

r = wage interval

Xo

ˆ = estimated employment for occupation o

xi o r = reported employment for occupation o in

establishment i in wage interval r (note that

establishment i reports data for only one panel

z or one year z)

uz o = ECI aging factor for year (or panel) z and

occupation o

cz r = mean hourly wage, interval r panel z (or year z)

In this formula, cz r represents the mean hourly wage of

interval r in panel (or year) z. The mean is determined externally using data from the Bureau’s NCS survey. Research is

conducted at periodic intervals to verify the continued utility 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

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.

)( rr

r

ro LU

f

j LpR −+=

o pR = p-th percentile hourly wage rate for occupation o

r = wage interval that encompasses o pR

Lr = lower bound of wage interval r

Ur = upper bound of wage interval r

rf = 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
232

Annual wage rate estimates

These estimates are calculated by multiplying hourly wage

rate estimates (mean or p-th percentile) with a “year-round,

full time” figure of 2,080 hours (52 weeks x 40 hours) per year.

The estimates, however, may not represent mean annual pay

if 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. Since

the survey does not collect the actual number of hours

worked, hourly wage rates cannot be derived with any reasonable degree of confidence from the annual rates.

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.

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. Using the data in

these groups, G subsamples are formed from the parent

sample. Each subsample is reweighted to represent the entire universe.

For an occupational employment total, G estimates of total occupational employment ( Xhjog ˆ ) are calculated, one

employment estimate per subsample. Then the variability

among these G estimates is calculated to obtain an estimate

of variance. For example, an occupational employment variance estimate for 4-digit NAICS h and reported size class j is

calculated as follows.

)1(

) ˆ ˆ (

) ˆ ( 1

2

−

−

=

∑=

GG

XX

Xv

G

g

hjog hjo

hjo

) ˆ (Xv hjo = estimated variance of Xhjo ˆ

G = number of random groups

Xhjo ˆ = estimated employment of occupation o in

NAICS h and size class j

Xhjog ˆ = estimated employment of occupation o in

NAICS h, size class j, and subsample g

Xhjo

ˆ = estimated mean employment for occupation

o in NAICS 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 at

the reported 4-digit NAICS h level is obtained by summing

the variances ) ˆ (Xv hjo across all reported size classes j in

NAICS h.

∑∈

= hj

ho XvXv hjo ) ˆ () ˆ (

Similarly, the variance for an occupational employment

estimate at the reported 3-digit NAICS level H is obtained by

summing the variances Xv ho ˆ ( ) across all reported 4-digit

NAICS h’s within the 3-digit NAICS.

∑∈

= Hh

Ho XvXv ho ) 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 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:

Ro

ˆ = estimated mean wage for occupation o

) ˆ (Rv o = estimated variance of Ro

ˆ

Xo

ˆ = estimated occupational employment for occupation o

h = stratum (area/industry/size class)

ohf = sampling fraction for occupation o in stratum h

( ) ( )

( ) ⎟

⎟

⎟

⎟

⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎜

⎜

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛

+ ⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛

+

+

⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛

⎭

⎬

⎫

⎩

⎨

⎧ − ⎪⎭

⎪

⎬

⎫

⎪⎩

⎪

⎨

⎧

−

−

=

∑ ∑ ∑ ∑

∑ ∑

=

∈

r r

rro

o

re

n

i

roii

r o

rcro

h h i

ohoii

oh

ohoh

o

o

X xw X

qqw n

fn

X

Rv o

2 2

1

2

2

22

2 2

2

ˆ

1

ˆ

1

1

1

ˆ

1

) ˆ (

σθ σ σθ ω
233

n oh = number of sampled establishments that reported occupation o in stratum h

wi = sampling weight for establishment i

q oi = ( ) oiooi xRy ˆ ˆ − for occupation o in establishment i

oi yˆ = estimated total occupational wage in establishment i for occupation o

oi x = reported employment in establishment i for

occupation o

q oh = mean of the q oi quantities for occupation o

in stratum h

θ ro = proportion of employment within interval r

for occupation o;

roi x = reported employment in establishment i within

wage interval r for occupation o

( ) 22 2 ,, rerc and σσσ ω r 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 may differ from the results of a census. An estimate based on a sample survey has

two types of error—sampling error and nonsampling error.

(A census would have only nonsampling error, but the

nonsampling errors for a census and a survey designed to

make the same estimates can be very different.)

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, and is often called a coefficient of

variation, especially when it is expressed as a percent of the

estimate.

Estimates of sampling errors for occupational employment and mean wage estimates are provided in this publication to allow data users to determine if estimates are reliable

enough for their needs. Only a probability-based sample

can be used to calculate estimates of sampling error from the

sample itself. The formulas used to estimate OES variances

are adaptations of formulas 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 would

yield, hypothetically, the true population value. In this case,

the sample estimate and its standard error can be used to

construct approximate 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 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.

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.
234

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 and 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; and

• Validation of the analytical tables of estimates at the

NAICS4/5 level.
235

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) programcurrently produces occupational employment and wage

estimates for the Nation, States, 334 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 three-, four-, and selected five-digit levels. These estimates are available online

at www.bls.gov/oes/.

Industry data. Industry data are available at the national

level only through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For

the years 1997 to 2001, industry data are available for twoand 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

Appendix C. Availability of Historical

Occupational Employment Statistics

Survey Data Nationally

and from State Agencies

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 1997 data.

State data. Cross-industry State data for 1997 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 Employment Security Agencies

listed on the inside back cover of this publication regarding

the availability of State data on occupational employment

and wages.

Metropolitan area data. Cross- industry data for 334 metropolitan areas for 1997 forward are available on the OES

Web site.