by
ahb
on Mon 23 Aug 2004 09:57 AM EDT |
Permanent Link
Orrin Woodward Updates U.S. Cash Flow Quadrants
Released on: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 8:00 AM
"Keeping an eye on what America makes is a priority for savvy executives and business owners," notes
Orrin Woodward, Team of Destiny's CEO . "And it all matters if you run a business,"
Woodward continues. It all ads up." Let’s take a quick look at what America makes and where more of our money is going.
Salaries Stagnate: U.S. businesses are, on average, increasing their salary budgets 3.5% this year, the same level as last year, according to a new survey from the Conference Board. Bottom line on salary -- zero growth. Worse, the expected salary gains for 2005 are also expected to come in below 4%, the report said.
Spending Up: Every time we fill the tank, we’re reminded that gas prices are up 50 percent. A less known fact is that hidden fees and service charges are also cutting into our spending power. Fees are driving everything from motor vehicle license and tags, telephone charges, and hotel bills up as much as 30 percent. Your utility bills are up 12% and so is the cost of peanut butter. College fees and legal fees have increased 10%. According to the Consumer Price Index inflation is at 4%. So, it takes more than a 4% annual raise to just stay even. And America’s average raise this year is less than that.
Earnings: The average salary, before taxes, is $36,210. At top end of the earnings scale we find corporate chief executives and doctors who work in specialized areas. Their salary is in the $140 to $200-thousand dollar range. Top managers’ salary is $88,000. Teachers and fire fighters earn half of that. Food server workers, bar tenders, and graduate assistants are likely to have an income of $17 to $20-thousand dollars.
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll be interested to know that the average income for an umpire or sports official is $27,850.
SALARY SAMPLES
|
Elementary Teacher |
$44,350 |
Private Investigator |
$35,000 |
|
Funeral Director |
$55,000 |
Loan Officer |
$55,590 |
|
Fire Fighter |
$38,280 |
Brick mason |
$42,350 |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
$76,000 |
Coaches & Scouts |
$33,000 |
|
Pharmacy Technician |
$24,000 |
Dental Assistants |
$28.000 |
|
Surgeon |
$190,000 |
General Manager |
$88,000 |
|
Bartenders |
$16,930 |
Waiters |
$15,570 |
