Finding wage and salary information

Many different kinds of patrons are interested in wage and salary information: business people contemplating job changes, collective bargaining officials, personnel and recruitment officers, students choosing careers or preparing for job interviews, marketing professionals researching industries. However, in many cases wage and salary information is elusive. Some reports with current publication dates cite data that are several years old. Other information reflects national averages when a patron needs regional or state norms. Some sources report beginning salaries, but not typical wages for experienced employees. At times, salary information for managers and executives is easy to find, but not that for blue collar workers in the same industry. Tracking down useful figures can be a frustrating experience for both librarian and patron.