Frequently Asked Questions

1. What metropolitan area in the United States has the best wage rates for different occupational groups?
2. What is the national average salary for my job?
3. What is the level of pay in Metropolitan Statistical Areas across the country?
4. What jobs do you collect pay data for and how do you define them?
5. Where would I find information on changes in pay rates?
6. Where can I get wage determinations data?
7. Where can I obtain information on minimum wage and overtime laws and regulations?
8. How can I obtain more information?

1) What metropolitan area in the United States has the best wage rates for different occupational groups?

Occupational pay for localities in the United States is available at the BLS web site www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/compub.htm.

2) What is the national average salary for my job?

The latest national data are available at the BLS web site www.bls.gov/ncs/ncswage.htm.

You may also want to check the Occupational Outlook Handbook for national occupational averages.

3) What is the level of pay in Metropolitan Statistical Areas across the country?

The National Compensation Survey produces relative occupational pay comparisons between metropolitan areas and the United States as a whole. The pay relatives are calculated controlling for differences among areas in occupational composition, establishment and occupational characteristics, and the fact that compensation data are collected at different times during the year. For the latest information, see www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/payrel.htm.

4) What jobs do you collect pay data for and how do you define them?

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual is used to classify jobs. For more information, see www.bls.gov/soc/.

5) Where would I find information on changes in pay rates?

See the Employment Cost Index.

6) Where can I get wage determinations data?

Cross-industry wage determinations under the Service Contract Act and construction industry wage determinations under the Davis-Bacon Act are available from: Employment Standards Administration (ESA),
U.S. Department of Labor
Service Contract Act Wage Determinations: 202-693-0073
Davis Bacon Act Wage Determinations: 202-693-0064

7) Where can I obtain information on minimum wage and overtime laws and regulations?

General wage and hour questions may also be addressed to ESA staff at: Employment Standards Administration (ESA),
U.S. Department of Labor
Phone: 202-693-0067

8) How can I obtain more information?

Occupational Compensation Survey Contact: Staff Phone: 202-691-6199 Email: Staff

Last Modified Date: June 26, 2008