The data released by the U.S Government on August 22, 2024 is quite helpful in understanding how different occupations are paid across different states.
The latest data [of 2023, unfortunately] says that the average hourly wage in the United States ranged from a paltry compensation of $8/hr to $235/hr across different regions
Reading both National & Regional Averages
Data given out by the government has two faces to it. One group tells us about the national averages, while the other talks about regional wages. Although national averages can be used to have an overall look, regional wages can be quite helpful to have a deeper look.
This article will cover both the aspects.
Janitors paid at $14-25/hr
Six levels of work were found, probably indicating the experience and seniority. The lowest was at $14.03 [National Average – Level 1] and the highest was at $25.63 [Level-5]
The crux? Those covered by a union in this profession had an average rate of $20.48, while those not covered by any unions had an average hourly rate of $16.20. That’s 20% more.
There, folks! One more reason why you need a union!
Healthcare support occupations- as low as $9.67/hr
Before you understand their pay, let’s first understand who they are.
“Healthcare support occupations” is a recognized category by the BLS under SOC code 31-0000. This Includes roles like nursing assistants, home health aides, dental assistants, and physical therapist aides.
These jobs focus on assisting healthcare practitioners (e.g., doctors, nurses, dentists) and improving patient care or maintaining healthcare operations.
Now, the lowest recorded wage for this job profile was at $9.67/hr [Full-Time] at Southwest Louisiana [nonmetropolitan area].
For your information, $9.82 was the hourly wage for part time workers in the Food preparation and serving related occupations in that very same place. Turns out that people who are in the medical field seem to be paid less.
Waiters & Waitresses – as low as $8.44/hr
Waiters in Myrtle Beach saw the lowest average hourly wage at around $8.44 [All levels – part & full time] and $8.41/hr for part time. This is the lowest ever hourly wage recorded by the government in the 2023 dataset.
Now time for the CEOs!
Let’s get it straight ! The lowest hourly wage was at $50.34 in Eastern and Southern Colorado [nonmetropolitan area].
The highest ? At $253.2/hr in Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT. The median salary is $103.45.
Data Sources
Also read – Americans spent 29.8% more on outside food since 2021, income:expenditure ratio grew by 0.7%
2023 Modeled Wage Estimates.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Modeled Wage Estimates
Estimates released August 22, 2024.
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