Average Annual Income perEmployee in Retail Trade$27,500 - $29,999$22,500 - $24,999$17,500 - $19,999$25,000 - $27,499$20,000 - $22,499$12,500 - $14,999$15,000 - MeanNational Mean Mean - $17,499Value: $16,953xxxxxThe national average income per employee in the retailtrade in 1997 was $16,953. While the wage levels are low in thissector it us an important entry point for first time job seekers anda viable employment source for those with less skills andqualifications. National wage rates in this sector are highest inMegalopolis and the Far West. A wedge of lower wages is foundin the central region of the country with the very lowest rates inthe Deep South. Mississippi has the lowest level in the country at$13,986.xxxxxIn Megalopolis higher than average incomes are foundalong the central urban spine and surrounding suburban counties.Hunterdon NJ has an average per employee income of $22,394.The differential wage rates refer to the tightness of local jobmarkets Where labor is scarce and expensive rates tend to behigher as employers are forced to pay more to attract people. Inaffluent counties such as Fairfield CT for example the averagerate was $22,550 while in resort/retirement areas such asNantucket MA the lack of available labor means wages areparticularly high, in fact the highest in the whole region at$28,826.xxxxxLower rates are found in the more rural peripheral l areaswhere the local job markets are neither buoyant nor high paying.Berkeley WV and Clarke VA have the lowest rates of only $13062and $12579 respectively.0 20 40 60 80 100MILES0 20 40 60 80 100KILOMETERSMegalopolis($17,661)MILES 0 200 400 600 800 1000KILOMETERS 0 200 400 600 800 1000Source: 1997 U.S. Economic Census
