TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Does Salary Finder include data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
• Why use survey data?
• How do I use survey data?
• How often is the salary survey data updated on Salary Finder?
• What's the difference between exempt and nonexempt employees?

Does Salary Finder include data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?

Yes. The BLS is a major provider of salary data, and we include its information in BLR's salary tools. The BLS conducts the largest nationwide salary survey, covering more jobs, industries, and local areas than any other source. Ignoring this data would provide an incomplete picture for your compensation program.

Why use survey data?

Wage and salary surveys are essential for all employers, including small and medium-sized ones. Here are two scenarios illustrating the importance of accurate data:

• Overpaying by just $1 per hour can significantly harm your company's competitiveness and survival.
• Underpaying by the same amount can lead to higher recruiting costs, less skilled employees, increased turnover, and lower morale.

Most employers gather informal salary data constantly, such as:

• Salaries that job applicants demand
• Salaries reported by departing employees
• Wage discussions at conferences
• Reports in the news media

However, these are just fragments of information, lacking the comprehensive view that formal surveys provide.

How do I use survey data?

Wage and salary surveys can help you:

• Assess your company's pay rates against the labor market
• Validate results from your evaluation program
• Determine competitiveness of starting salaries
• Identify the need for across-the-board increases
• Prepare for wage negotiations with unions

When comparing Salary Finder data to your company salaries, consider:

• In making judgments about your pay plans, look for data involving large numbers of employers. The more employers that contribute data to a given job, the more reliable these data become.
• Review the responsibilities for any position you find here before comparing it with one of your positions. In other words, don’t make comparisons by title alone.

How often is the salary survey data updated on Salary Finder?

Survey data is updated twice a year—in March and September—to ensure you have the most current information.

What's the difference between exempt and nonexempt employees?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay minimum wage and overtime for hours over 40 per week. However, it exempts certain "white-collar" jobs based on specific criteria related to job duties and salaries. Exempt employees generally include executive, administrative, and professional roles, as well as certain sales and specialized positions.

Key points include:

• Exempt employees must be paid on a salary basis and meet specific duties tests.
• A salaried employee is not automatically exempt; both salary and job duties must be considered.
• Nonexempt employees can be salaried but are entitled to overtime pay if they work over 40 hours per week.