Welcome to the work force.

• Author: Steffens, Michelle
• Position: Alaska Trends - Statistical data

The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOLWD) regularly publishes census data regarding Alaska employment and wages. These publications report statewide and borough statistics for Alaska industries according to categorizations defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2007. Data is collected primarily from quarterly employer and federal agency reports; however supplemental sources may be used to augment informational accuracy. In addition, not all employment sectors are reported due to lack of reliable collection methods. These sectors include self-employed individuals, fishers, unpaid family help, domestics and most agricultural participants.

The table shows a comparison of 2007 total industries within Alaska and Anchorage. Two employment statistics are included in this chart. The first statistical representation is of average monthly wages. DOLWD determines this value by dividing total annual wages by 12 and also by average monthly employment. Using this calculation, 2007 Alaska jobs averaged $3,627 in monthly wages, while Anchorage jobs averaged $3,864. Thus...