Question 1

What data sources does Wage Atlas use?

Accepted Answer

Wage Atlas uses official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, updated annually. We also incorporate Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities for cost-of-living adjustments. All data comes directly from government sources - we don't use estimates or crowdsourced data.

Question 2

How often is the salary data updated?

Accepted Answer

Our data is updated annually when the BLS releases new OEWS survey results, typically in the spring. We also update our database throughout the year as additional data becomes available. Historical data goes back to 1988, allowing for long-term trend analysis.

Question 3

What's the difference between mean and median salary?

Accepted Answer

Mean salary is the average of all reported salaries, which can be skewed by very high or very low earners. Median salary is the middle value when all salaries are ordered - half earn more, half earn less. Median is often more representative of a 'typical' worker's salary. We show both metrics to give you a complete picture.

Question 4

How do I use the salary calculator?

Accepted Answer

Our salary calculator converts between hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates. Simply enter any salary amount and select the time period (e.g., $25 per hour), and the calculator will show you equivalent amounts in all other time periods. This is useful for comparing job offers or understanding your total compensation.

Question 5

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP) and real wages?

Accepted Answer

Regional Price Parities adjust for cost-of-living differences across locations. A 'real wage' accounts for purchasing power - $80,000 in San Francisco doesn't go as far as $80,000 in a lower-cost area. You can freely toggle between nominal (actual dollar amount) and real (cost-of-living adjusted) wages for accurate comparisons - it's free for everyone.

Question 6

Can I export salary data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Salary data and CSV exports are free for everyone. We also offer a free PDF report with a detailed salary breakdown, historical trends, growth outlook and AI-risk analysis - perfect for salary negotiations or research documentation. Just enter your email on any salary page and we'll deliver it to your inbox.

Question 7

How do I find my occupation's SOC code?

Accepted Answer

You can search for occupations by name on our platform - we'll show you the corresponding SOC code. We also have a comprehensive SOC Code Guide that explains the classification system and helps you find your occupation's code. SOC codes are used by the BLS to organize occupations consistently.

Question 8

Is Wage Atlas really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All salary data, full percentiles (P10-P90), cost-of-living adjusted real wages, historical trends, maps, comparisons, career tools and PDF reports are 100% free with no view limits. Wage Atlas is supported by advertising and partner referrals. There are no paid products.

Question 9

How accurate is the salary data?

Accepted Answer

Our data comes directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which surveys over 1.2 million businesses annually. The data represents actual wages paid to workers, not estimates. However, individual salaries can vary based on experience, education, company size, and other factors. Our data shows market ranges and percentiles to account for this variation.

Question 10

Can I compare salaries across multiple locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our platform allows you to compare salaries for any occupation across different states and metropolitan areas, side-by-side with real wage adjustments - free for everyone. This is perfect for job seekers considering relocation or professionals negotiating remote work arrangements.

Question 11

What if I can't find my occupation?

Accepted Answer

We cover 800+ occupations from the BLS OEWS survey. If you can't find your specific role, try searching for related occupations or broader categories. You can also contact our support team - we may be able to help you find the closest match or explain how your role might be classified.

Question 12

How do I interpret percentile data?

Accepted Answer

Percentiles show salary distribution. The 25th percentile means 25% of workers earn less, 75% earn more. The 50th percentile is the median. The 90th percentile represents top earners. Use percentiles to understand where you fall in the market and set realistic salary expectations based on your experience level.

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