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 2005 was $26,806.
Average
Annual Wage For Sectors
| Construction and Mining |
$21,987 |
| Manufacturing |
$36,365 |
| Transportation & Utilities |
$33,488 |
| Wholesale & Retail Trade |
$18,786 |
| Accom & Food Serv |
$17,958 |
| Services |
$26,642 |
| Government |
$37,007 |
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
| |
2005 |
2008 Projections |
| Total |
2,150 |
2,270 |
| Manufacturing |
240 |
410 |
| Construction & Mining |
160 |
90 |
| Trade Transport & Utilities |
190 |
50 |
| Accommodation & Food Serv |
570 |
260 |
| Services |
210 |
560 |
| Government |
780 |
860 |
Source: State of Washington, Employment Security Department
Employment
Skamania County Labor Force and Resident Employment
| |
1992 |
November 2005 |
| Resident Labor Force |
3,550 |
5,130 |
| Resident Employment |
2,930 |
4,760 |
| Unemployment |
620 |
370 |
| Rate |
17.5% |
7.2% |
Source: State of Washington, Employment Security Department
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