AVERAGE WAGES IN VIRGINIA

	The average weekly wage in Northern Virginia ranges up to
double the average in some other parts of the state, according to a
new report from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for
Public Service. 

	In the third quarter of 1996, the most recent period for which
data are available, the statewide average weekly wage was $526,
according to the report, "Average Wages in Virginia," by John L.
Knapp, director of the Cooper Center's business and economic research
section.  The report is the latest in the center's "Spotlight on
Virginia" series.

	The average weekly wage in Northern Virginia was $683, or 30
percent more than the state average. The figure includes wages of all
types of employees.

	Areas with the lowest average weekly wages were the Eastern
Shore, $321; the Danville area, $346; the Northern Neck, $351;
Southside, $366; Mount Rogers, $368; and Middle 
Peninsula, $374.

	The Richmond region, at $546, was the only other of Virginia's
21 planning districts besides Northern Virginia with a figure higher
than the state average.

	Because of their large concentrations of employment, both
areas heavily influence the state average, Knapp noted. The
Charlottesville area at $478 and Hampton Roads at $457 had the next
highest average weekly wages.

	Virginia's average annual wage is close to the national
average, 96.6 percent of the U.S. figure in 1995.

	Of the major employment sectors, manufacturing and the federal
government paid the highest wages in the state. The retail sector paid
the lowest, partly because it uses many unskilled and part-time
workers.

	Wages can vary so much among Virginia localities for many
reasons, Knapp said. One reason is variations in the cost of living.
Higher costs of living are reflected in wages if there is sufficient
demand for labor so that employers are willing to pay a differential. 

	Another factor is the skill mix needed in an area. Virginia's
metropolitan areas have industries that require a highly skilled work
force and their wages partly reflect this. An additional factor is
that some areas are high growth areas where labor is in demand. 

	The study also contains information on average annual wages in
the nation's metropolitan areas. Virginia is represented in eight of
the 311 areas.  The Washington metropolitan area, including Northern
Virginia, ranked ninth in average wages in 1995.  Richmond-Petersburg,
the only other Virginia area in the top 100, ranked 62.  Other
rankings were as follows:  Charlottesville (149), Roanoke (176),
Hampton Roads (194), Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol (196), Lynchburg
(216), and Danville (259). 
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May 21, 1997

	For additional information or interviews John Knapp may be
reached at the Cooper Center for Public Service at (804) 982-5638.
Television reporters should call our TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.