National Compensation Survey - Field Definitions

Thermometer area (explanation of work level):

This graphic indicates the total points and corresponding work level currently selected based on the 9 factors. The value will change with each selection. If the calculated work level is "Not Available" or "Out-of-Range" (as indicated by the color-coded thermometer), you may change any or all descriptive selections and view the effect on the thermometer. Alternatively, you may press the Back button to return to the previous screen and select from the available work levels in the drop down list box. The work level is derived from the following point ranges:

Level	Point Range
1	190-254
2	255-454
3	455-654
4	655-854
5	855-1,104
6	1,105-1,354
7	1,355-1,604
8	1,605-1,854
9	1,855-2,104
10	2,105-2,354
11	2,355-2,754
12	2,755-3,154
13	3,155-3,604
14	3,605-4,054
15	4,055+

Factor descriptions and points:

This window lists each level and the associated points for each of the 9 job factors. Highlight the job factor and select the appropriate description. A check mark will appear next to the completed job factor and a "o" will appear next to the selected description. Point values are assigned to each description. As you make selections for each of the 9 job factors, the system will sum the point value associated with each of your selections and derive a work level. You will also be able to track your progress by watching the thermometer at the bottom of the screen. The resulting work level and point total will appear beneath the job factors window. The following table indicates the available point values for each job factor:

Factor	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Knowledge	50	200	350	550	750	950	1,250	1,550	1,850
Supervision received	25	125	275	450	650	X	X	X	X
Guidelines	25	125	275	450	650	X	X	X	X
Complexity	25	75	150	225	325	450	X	X	X
Scope and effect	25	75	150	225	325	450	X	X	X
Personal contacts	10	25	60	110	X	X	X	X	X
Purpose of contacts	20	50	120	220	X	X	X	X	X
Physical demands	5	20	50	X	X	X	X	X	X
Work environment	5	20	50	X	X	X	X	X	X

Out-of-Range:

All levels are not valid for all occupations. Out-of-Range levels are color-coded gray on the thermometer and will not result in a wage estimate (published or modeled). These levels are either too high or too low for the chosen occupation.

Data Not Available:

In cases where published estimates are not available, modeled estimates are provided. Modeled estimates are not available for all areas, occupations, and work levels because regression coefficients used to derive modeled estimates are calculated annually relevant to a specific reference period. Modeled estimates are not available for those localities that publish after this reference period.

Published Estimates:

Published estimates are those tabulated directly from the collected data. All published estimates have been reviewed and meet BLS publication standards.

Modeled Estimates:

In cases where published estimates are not available, modeled estimates are provided. Modeled estimates are derived from linear regression techniques used to produce coefficients for area, occupation, and work level. These coefficients are summed to derive a modeled hourly wage estimate. Each area, occupation, and work level is assigned a coefficient based on its relative contribution to the national average. For more information on this topic see Pierce, Brooks, "Using the National Compensation Survey to Predict Wage Rates," Compensation and Working Conditions, Winter 1999, pp. 8-16 or visit the CWC Online publication available by first accessing the NCS home page.

Typical Factors:

The Typical Factors describe the most common combinations of the 9 job factors for a given work level. These factors are used to tabulate a modeled estimate when the user opts not to work through the job factors and instead selects a work level from the drop down list box on the first screen.

 

Last Modified Date: November 01, 2002