Labor Get to Know Skamania County
Wage Rates
Skamania County’s wage rates reflect its rural location. The payroll cost associated with obtaining quality workers in Skamania County is lower than most regions of the United States. The Washington State Department of Employment Security reports that Skamania County's employers' labor costs, industry-by-industry generally range between 75 and 85 percent of costs in the Seattle and Portland/Vancouver metropolitan areas.
The total average annual wage for Skamania County in 2009 was $31,361.
Average Annual Wage For Sectors 2009
| Construction and Mining | $28,136 |
| Manufacturing | $38,789 |
| Transportation & Utilities | $28,768 |
| Wholesale & Retail Trade | $20,416 |
| Accom & Food Serv | $20,204 |
| Services | $20,604 |
| Government | $41,048 |
Labor Force
The County’s quality of life creates a commitment to jobs among workers allowing them to locate or remain in the area. Consequently, turnover rates are significantly lower than those found elsewhere.
Historically, most jobs in Skamania County have been in timber and wood products. Although these industries have recently been negatively impacted by a variety of factors, retraining programs offered by the State have significantly broadened the skill levels of the County’s workforce.
Annual Average Industry Employment
| 2009 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 2,150 |
| Manufacturing | 202 |
| Construction | 63 |
| Transportation | 14 |
| Accommodation & Food Serv | 528 |
| Health Care & Social Services | 59 |
| Government | 794 |
Employment
Skamania County Labor Force and Resident Employment
| Nov 2005 | Dec 2010 | |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Labor Force | 5,130 | 5,200 |
| Resident Employment | 4,760 | 4,540 |
| Unemployment | 370 | 660 |
| Unemployment | 7.2% | 12.8% |