State releases annual wage report

If you earned about $18 an hour or the salaried equivalent you’re not alone, according to the newly released New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages report.

Based on May 2005 data, the Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau of the state’s Employment Security Office estimated the state’s average wage at $18.30. Mean hourly wages ranged from $14.38 in the North Country to $20.77 in the Portsmouth area.

The occupational group that had the highest mean, not surprisingly, was management, with an average wage of $41.57, according to the report. The highest earning-specific occupation was oral and maxillofacial surgeons, earning $94.04, the report said.

The lowest wage-earning group are in food preparation and serving, at $9.32, with ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers the lowest-earning specific occupation, receiving an average of $7.39.

ELMIB divided the state in 16 wage areas based state labor market information as well as on Census 2000 commuting data, representing the first time New Hampshire occupational employment statistics have been published using these area definitions.

Surveys were mailed to employers in those areas, with over 1,300 returned detailing employment and wage data for more than 600 occupations.

To view a copy of the report, visit nhes.state.nh.us/elmi. — CINDY KIBBE