DOLLARS AND SENSE
A HIRING MANAGER’S GUIDE TO LIGHT INDUSTRIAL JOBS IN THE SOUTH STARTING WAGES, BENEFITS, HIRING REQUIREMENTS, AND MORE
2020-2021
ABOUT ELWOOD STAFFING
Elwood Staffing® recruits and screens top industrial and administrative talent and matches them with our clients’ opportunities, creating mutually beneficial relationships that move companies and people forward.
With a focus on placing skilled trades professionals, Elwood Tradesmen® supports clients throughout the U.S. for projects in a wide variety of industries by providing helpers, apprentices, journeymen, and master craftsmen.
Specializing in search and contract placement, Elwood Professional® matches highly skilled engineering, information technology, and business management professionals with mid-level, VP, and executive openings.
To view a state-by-state list of our 250+ locations, visit
www.elwoodstaffing.com/contact-us-and-locations
SOUTH West South Midwest Pennsylvania Not reported
ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS MEDIAN WAGES ROSE IN ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF POSITIONS
The median wage for many of the positions we survey on increased over the past year, continuing a multi-year trend. Within the manufacturing sector, 11 out of 14 job titles (79%) posted median wage increases; in the distribution sector, six of 10 positions (60%) experienced rising median wage; and across all sectors, 10 of 14 positions (71%) saw median wage increases. One commonality between the groups is that $1.00 per hour was the most common amount of change. Despite the tumultuous nature of 2020, the employment landscape remains tight, and we expect median wages to increase again when we survey next year.
REPORTED WAGE GROWTH OUTPACED NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT COST INDEX
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks compensation trends and reports the information quarterly, which is extremely helpful for employers that are trying to gauge how much or how little employment costs are changing in the country. For the 12 months ending June 2020, the BLS reported a 2.9% increase in the cost of wages and salaries—but our survey reveals that light industrial employers are experiencing more. Of only positions that experienced an increase in median wage, the growth ranged from as low as 3% of the prior year’s median wage to as high as 12%. The average change across all such positions in all industries was 7%. Of all positions (those that did and did not have an increase in median wage), the average change was 4.4%—nearly 150% of the figure reported by the BLS.
ABOUT HALF OF EMPLOYERS REPORTED STARTING PAY INCREASES ACROSS POSITIONS, INDUSTRIES The percentage of employers that increased starting pay rates in the 12 months leading up to our survey was fairly consistent from position to position and across sectors. Though responses spanned from a low of 33% to a high of 61%, the average and median across all positions were nearly identical (51% and 52%, respectively). And, while increases are always welcomed and celebrated, the percentage of employers reporting increases declined from last year. In the period from July 2018 to July 2019, an average of 63% of employers reported wage increases. Given the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 virus from March until the date of our survey, we are not surprised to see that a smaller percentage of employers offered raises this year. In fact, a handful of survey respondents left written comments that they implemented wage freezes for both existing and new employees. Wage freezes are often a welcome (and necessary) temporary measure to control costs and outlast a storm, but we encourage employers to do quarterly or biannual compensation reviews to ensure your freeze does not put you behind the competition.
EARLY WAGE RAISES ARE STILL UNCOMMON Our study of contingent worker turnover patterns shows that pay raises correlate with an extended time on assignment. Workers who do not receive a raise serve an average of 48 total days on assignment, but workers who receive a raise within the first 60 days stick around about three full months after receiving a raise. Survey data this year revealed that many companies are still very reticent to offer early raises, with less than 10% offering a raise in the first 30 days or between the first and second months. Across all sectors and regions, fewer companies reported early wage raises this year.
TIME-OFF POLICIES REMAINED RELATIVELY UNCHANGED, SLIGHT UPTICK IN PTO
Paid time off (PTO) continues to be the most commonly offered form of time away from work (86% of all employers offer it), and the median number of days offered inched up this year from seven to eight in the manufacturing sector, from seven to 10 in the distribution sector, and from seven to 10 across all sectors. Unpaid time off (UPTO) is less common, with only about half of employers offering the benefit. Employers in the distribution sector tend to offer slightly more UPTO (5 days) than counterparts in other sectors (4 days). Though managing time-off requests can be administratively burdensome and require manning adjustments, we strongly believe the benefits of paid or unpaid time off far outweigh the costs of unexpected absences and job abandonment.
CORPORATE SPEND ON PERKS RARELY DECLINES
Ninety-two percent of employers reported that peremployee spend on corporate perks programs has remained steady or increased in the five-year period from 2015 – 2020. In practice, this means that many American workers have grown accustomed to working for employers who have maintained or improved their perks programs to meet evolving employee needs and to stand apart in the race to win talent in a tight labor market. Though sometimes considered “peacock feathers,” we believe corporate perks programs can create a real, sustainable advantage for employers who wish to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Of the list we survey on, some under-represented perks have historically been and continue to be flexible scheduling, shift swap, dedicated nursing rooms, and sports teams. The first three may fit in well with company initiatives to attract and retain secondary earners and primary caregivers.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
Despite many advances in technology and adoption of automated or robotic processes, America’s lightindustrial labor force still requires large amounts of human manpower, and jobs cannot be subdivided or shared as easily as office workers’ jobs can be. As a result, blue-collar workers have experienced wage increases above and beyond the national average as employers compete to attract enough talent to meet production needs that outpace gains from technology. Due to the timing of our survey, we were not surprised to see a decrease in the percentage of employers that increased wages over the past year because many employers halted wage and salary increases starting in March. We were pleased to see that most companies continue to offer basic benefits and that many have adopted extra perks and ancillary benefits to support their unique workforces, but we continue to believe employers should do more than follow trends; they should take advantage of our data and offer perks that are underrepresented in the local market, such as a broad timeoff program.
Data Collection and Analysis INFORMATION COLLECTION
Elwood Staffing compiled its series of regional reports from 839 anonymous responses to its July 2020 wage and benefits survey. A mix of client companies, business partners, and other employers received the survey. Responses represent the entry-level wages, benefits, and hiring conditions offered to employees regardless of permanent or temporary status or the respondents’ business relationship with Elwood Staffing.
REGIONAL & STATE-LEVEL REPORTING
We divide, analyze, and report our data using the Census Bureau’s regional divisions as a guide, a methodology the Bureau of Labor Statistics also employs in many of its reports. Reports labeled with state names contain data from all respondents within the same region as the state. State names are only intended to help hiring managers quickly find the right regional information. Visit www.ElwoodThinks.com to view all reports.
TYPE OF COMPANY
To best serve the needs of our client base and offer opportunity for comparison, responses were divided into three categories for analysis. MANUFACTURING This group includes only the respondents who self-identified with the manufacturing sector.
DISTRIBUTION This group includes only the respondents who self-identified with the distribution sector.
ALL This group includes all respondents, representing nearly every industry in the United States.
WAGE RANGES
To eliminate data entry error, respondents selected hourly wage offerings for each position from a list broken into $0.50 buckets (e.g., $9.00-$9.49/hr). The wages listed throughout the document represent the top end of each range response.
WAGE DISTRIBUTION CATEGORIES MAX 75th 50th 25th MIN
Max: the highest starting wage offered by any responding facility 75th percentile: 1 out of 4 responding facilities offers a higher starting wage 50th percentile: 2 out of 4 responding facilities offer a higher starting wage 25th percentile: 3 out of 4 responding facilities offer a higher starting wage Min: the lowest starting wage offered by any responding facility
CALCULATIONS
Where applicable, we report two pieces of information: 1) the percent of respondents who offer at least one item in a category of benefits; and 2) within that group of respondents, the percent who offer each specific benefit. For example, the following calculations apply when a group of 1,000 respondents answers a question about bonus pay:
· 700/1,000 = 70% of companies offer at least one type of bonus pay, and of those that do ... · 400/700 = 57% offer a production bonus · 250/700 = 36% offer a holiday bonus · 345/700 = 49% offer a safety bonus · And so on ...
This book contains job-specific information for ...
Assembler/Fabricator Cleaning Crew Member Forklift Driver General Maintenance Worker General Production Laborer General Warehouse Associate Inventory Clerk Machine Feeder/Offbearer Machine Operator Machinist Material Handler Packer/Hand Packer Quality Inspector Shipping/Receiving Clerk The titles above are intentionally generic and intended to cover a wide variety of similar company-specific titles.
SOUTH
South Assembler/Fabricator ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
53%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.99
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49 25th: $12.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
87%
Background check
HSD/GED
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MIN: < $10.00
Respondents were not asked to provide data for this position.
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
51%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.99
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
83%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South Cleaning Crew Member ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
39%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $13.49 50th: $12.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
63%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
25th: $10.49 MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
17%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Physical capabilities test
75th: $12.99
50th: $11.49
Intellectual capabilities test
50%
Background check
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
HSD/GED
MIN/25th: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
50th: $11.49
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
75th: $12.99
50%
Background check
HSD/GED
25th: $10.49 MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
20%
ALL COMPANIES
37%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South Forklift Driver ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
48%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.49
50th: $13.99
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.49
78%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
57%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Physical capabilities test
50th: $12.99 25th: $11.99
Intellectual capabilities test
56%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
51%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
50th: $13.49 25th: $12.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
70%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South General Maintenance Worker ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX/75th: $20.00 +
50th: $18.49
52%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
25th: $14.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
81%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
43% 75th: $16.49
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
20%
Background check
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
HSD/GED
25th: $10.49 MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX/75th: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
50th: $16.49
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
25th: $13.49
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
72%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
20%
ALL COMPANIES
51%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South General Production Laborer ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
52%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
83%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
63%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
75th: $12.49 50th: $11.49
83%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN/25th: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
54%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.49 50th: $13.49
25th: $11.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
78%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South General Warehouse Associate ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
46%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.49
50th: $12.99 25th: $12.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
85%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
45%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Physical capabilities test
50th: $12.99
25th: $11.49
Intellectual capabilities test
50%
Background check
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
70%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
75th: $14.99
20%
ALL COMPANIES
45%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South Inventory Clerk ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
43% 75th: $16.49
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
50th: $14.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.49
91%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
42%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
50th: $13.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
22%
Background check
HSD/GED
25th: $10.49 MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
43%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.49
50th: $13.99
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.49
69%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South Machine Feeder/Offbearer ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
50%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.99
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
94%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
Respondents were not asked to provide data for this position.
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
90%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
75th: $14.99
20%
ALL COMPANIES
46%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South Machine Operator ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
49% 75th: $16.49
0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
50th: $15.49
25th: $13.49
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
96%
Background check
HSD/GED
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MIN: < $10.00
Respondents were not asked to provide data for this position.
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
52% 75th: $16.49
0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
50th: $15.49
25th: $13.49
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
93%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South Machinist ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX/75th: $20.00 +
50th: $18.49
45% 25th: $16.49
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
88%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
Respondents were not asked to provide data for this position.
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX/75th: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
50th: $18.49
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
83%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
25th: $15.49
20%
ALL COMPANIES
45%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South Material Handler ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
51%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.49
50th: $13.99
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.49
83%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
69%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $14.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
50th: $12.49 25th: $11.49
78%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
ALL COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
53%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.49
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.99
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
78%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South Packer/Hand Packer ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
45%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $13.49 50th: $12.49 25th: $11.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
74%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
58%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
75th: $13.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Physical capabilities test
50th: $12.99
25th: $11.49
Intellectual capabilities test
50%
Background check
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
75th: $13.49 50th: $12.49 25th: $11.49
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
70%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
20%
ALL COMPANIES
49%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South Quality Inspector ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
MAX: $20.00 +
75th: $17.49
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
47%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
50th: $14.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.99
87%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
MAX/75th: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
50%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
50th: $15.49
Prior experience required
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
33%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN/25th: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
ALL COMPANIES
75th: $17.99
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
48%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
Prior experience required
50th: $14.99
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.99
80%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
South Shipping/Receiving Clerk ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
43%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.99
Prior experience required
50th: $14.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.99
75%
Background check
HSD/GED
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
47%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
Regular, mandatory overtime
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.99
Prior experience required
50th: $13.49
25th: $11.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
38%
Background check
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
ENTRY-LEVEL WAGE MAX: $20.00 +
% THAT RAISED WAGE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
0
Regular, mandatory overtime
Prior experience required
50th: $14.49
% THAT OFFER A SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
Intellectual capabilities test
Physical capabilities test
25th: $12.99
65%
Background check
HSD/GED
MIN: < $10.00
40%
60%
80%
100%
Shifts are 9+ hours
No prior experience necessary
75th: $15.99
20%
ALL COMPANIES
44%
% THAT REQUIRE EACH HIRING CONDITION
South
TRADITIONAL BENEFITS OFFERED IN FIRST YEAR
Manufacturing
Distribution
RAISES
BONUS PAY
% THAT OFFER RAISES:
% THAT OFFER BONUS PAY:
94%
90%
93%
75%
Of those that offer raises ...
61%
All
71%
Of those that offer bonus pay ...
100% 0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80% Profit sharing 60% Performance 40% Safety 20% Attendance 0%
1-30 days
31-60 days
61-90 days
91-120 days
121-180 days
181-364 days
On anniversary date
MEDIAN NUMBER OF RAISES OFFERED:
2
1
Holiday
Production
2
Other Incentive
NONTRADITIONAL PERKS
CAREER PROGRESSION PROGRAMS % THAT OFFER CAREER PROGRESSION PROGRAMS:
% THAT OFFER AT LEAST ONE PERK:
93%
87%
76%
90%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Paid breaks for hourly employees (meals and/or other breaks)
Industry certification Cross-/up-training Tuition reimbursement Other
75% 71% 58% 4%
Industry certification Cross-/up-training Tuition reimbursement Other
65% 47% 65% 0%
Industry certification Cross-/up-training Tuition reimbursement Other
74% 64% 52% 6%
Shift swap with another employee
Flexible schedule (fixed hours)
5-YEAR CHANGE IN PER-EMPLOYEE SPEND ON PERKS
Flexible schedule (only as needed) 43% Increased Dedicated nursing room 49% No change On-site or other dedicated medical facility 8% Decreased Free coffee
41% Increased
Self-pay micro market 52% No change
Organized sports team(s)
Annual parties or outings
Other
70%
Of those that offer career progression programs ...
Of those that offer nontraditional perks ... 0
55%
7% Decreased
41% Increased
50% No change 9% Decreased
Some companies offer multiple raises, bonuses, perks, or other benefits, so percentages add up to more than 100.
Manufacturing
Distribution
South
EXTRA PAY AND PERKS OFFERED IN FIRST YEAR
All
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
HEALTH COVERAGE
% THAT OFFER RETIREMENT BENEFITS:
% THAT OFFER HEALTH COVERAGE:
87%
80%
96%
80%
20%
40%
60%
80%
91%
Of those that offer health coverage ...
Of those that offer retirement benefits ... 0
93%
0
100%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Traditional health plan/ Preferred provider organization (PPO)
Traditional 401(k)
High deductible health plan with health savings account (HDHP w/HSA) Roth 401(k) Health maintenance organization (HMO)
Defined benefit pension
Dental
Vision
Other
Telemedicine
ANCILLARY BENEFITS TIME-OFF BENEFITS
% THAT OFFER ANCILLARY BENEFITS:
93%
87%
88%
% THAT OFFER TIME OFF:
97%
Of those that offer ancillary benefits ... 0
20%
40%
60%
80%
Long-term disability insurance
92%
PAID TIME OFF
Life insurance
Short-term disability insurance
90%
Of those that offer time off ...
100%
93%
Accidental death or dismemberment insurance
96%
94%
MEDIAN DAYS OFFERED:
10
Wellness (smoking cessation, gym membership, etc.)
10
10
UNPAID TIME OFF Pet insurance
Financial counseling
55%
41%
54%
Mental health MEDIAN DAYS OFFERED: Employee assistance program (EAP)
Other
5
5
5
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COMPANY AND TALENT REPORTS
This is a special series of reports that provides useful and educational content employers can use to better every stage of the employee life cycle, as well as a glimpse into Elwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths, organizational stability, engagement in the industry, and commitment to continuing success.
LOCAL MARKET INSIGHTS
Our Local Market Insights Report combines survey data about the feelings and preferences of local workers toward the quality and quantity of local jobs, willingness to commute, desired wages, and attributes of dream employers. The report provides readers with a unique peek into the needs and wants of local workers, which aids in attraction and retention efforts.
ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION GUIDES
Complementary guides for all levels of influencers in your company, these two publications provide tips, tricks, and other bits of wisdom to immediately improve employee engagement and positively impact long-term retention.
WHITE PAPERS
A collection of studies and reports to help you navigate the world of contingent staffing.
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This document was researched, analyzed, written, and prepared by Elwood StaffingÂŽ, one of the largest light industrial staffing firms in the United States. Since its founding in 1980, Elwood has attracted millions of candidates, made hundreds of thousands of placements, and served tens of thousands of clients. Each and every day, our interactions with job seekers, workers, and employers generate valuable data we continually develop into actionable insights to help employers like you make informed decisions. We are committed to finding new and consistent ways of sharing the valuable insights we gain, and we hope you look to us as an advisor with the knowledge and capabilities to help you get ahead. This publication is proprietary and confidential and intended for general purposes. Nothing contained, expressed, or implied herein is intended or shall be construed as legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed. If you have questions about any law, statute, regulation, or requirement expressly or implicitly referenced, contact legal counsel of your choice.
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