CONTACT: Media Interviews (415) 975-4373 (415) 975-4384 General Information (415) 975-4350 Internet address: http://www.bls.gov/ro9/ro9news.htm Fax on demand (415) 975-4567 -- Document 9540

BLS 04-54 FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, July 27, 2004

HIGHLIGHTS OF RENO, NV
NATIONAL COMPENSATION SURVEY FEBRUARY 2004

Workers in the Reno metropolitan area averaged $16.59 per hour during February 2004, according to a new survey released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden reported that white-collar workers averaged $21.21 per hour and accounted for 44 percent of the workers in the area. Blue-collar employees averaged $17.13 per hour and represented 22 percent of the workforce, while 34 percent worked in service occupations and earned $10.32 per hour. (See Table 1.)

The National Compensation Survey (NCS) presents straight-time earnings for occupations in establishments employing 50 or more workers in private industry and State and local governments. The survey excludes agricultural establishments, private households, the self-employed, and the Federal Government. This NCS covered 161 firms representing 77,200 workers in the Reno metropolitan area, which consists of Washoe County. Eighty-three percent of these workers worked in private industry.

In the Reno metropolitan area, average hourly wages were published for 37 detailed occupations. (See Table 1.) Among white-collar workers, registered nurses averaged $28.94 per hour, secretaries $16.37, stock and inventory clerks $11.13, and hotel clerks, $9.46. Blue-collar occupations included truck drivers earning $19.44 per hour, and assemblers at $10.81. In the service occupations, public service police and detectives averaged $29.48 per hour; nursing aides, orderlies and attendants, $12.11; maids and housemen, $8.68; and attendants, and amusement and recreation facility workers, $7.15.

The NCS also provides broad coverage of selected occupational characteristics. (See Tables 2 and 3.) For example, full-time employees in the Reno area averaged $17.03 per hour and part-timers earned $11.72. Union workers in blue-collar jobs averaged $20.87 per hour, while their non-union counterparts made $14.56. Private industry workers at establishments employing 50-99 workers averaged $18.04 per hour and those in establishments with 500 or more employees earned $12.72.

Data provided by the NCS may be used by businesses for establishing pay plans, making decisions concerning plant relocation, and in collective bargaining negotiations. Individuals may use the data to help choose potential careers. Average rates of pay are also available for levels of work within an occupation based on knowledge, skill, independent judgment, supervision received and other factors required on the job.

Survey Availability

Complete survey results are contained in the Reno, NV, National Compensation Survey February 2004 (Bulletin 3120-71). While supplies last, single copies of the bulletin are available from the San Francisco Information Office by calling 415-975-4350. In addition, data contained in the bulletin are available on the Internet in both text and PDF formats at http://www.bls.gov/ncs/. Select survey tables can also be obtained from the Bureau's fax-on-demand service in San Francisco by dialing 415-975-4567 and requesting document 9540.

For personal assistance or further information on the National Compensation Survey, as well as other Bureau programs, contact the San Francisco Information Office at 415-975-4350 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.