December 31, 1998 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Workers with longer workweeks often earn more per hour

In 1997, workers with extended workweeks had a wide range of earnings premiums. More than half earned at least 32 percent more per week and about 67 percent earned more per hour than did those who worked a standard week.

Usual weekly and hourly earnings of persons employed full-time, 1997
[Chart data—TXT]

In nearly 90 percent of managerial, management-related, and sales occupations, weekly earnings of workers with an extended workweek exceeded those of workers with a standard workweek by at least 32 percent. For sales workers, the opportunity to earn more commissions with additional hours bumps up the pay premiums, especially among women.

In contrast, among professional specialty workers and technicians, two-thirds had premiums below 32 percent, and actually earned less per hour. This may be due, in part, to professional workers being paid annual salaries unrelated to the number of hours worked.

A standard workweek is defined as one in which usual hours worked fall between 35 and 44 hours. Extended workweeks are those in which usual hours worked fall between 45 and 99 hours.

These data are a product of the Current Population Survey. More information may be obtained from "How hours of work affect occupational earnings," Monthly Labor Review, October 1998.

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