2006 salary survey easier to complete

With minimum wage increases underway and the cost of benefits continuing to rise, retailers must regularly reexamine their compensation strategies. Don’t miss the opportunity to find out what stores in your area are paying employees and what benefits they are offering.

Michigan Retailers Association is conducting the fourth in a series of surveys of salaries, wages and benefits. Survey questionnaires were mailed in late-August and are due by September 15.

“The 2006 edition of the survey will be shorter and easier to complete than the 2004 survey,” said Bruce Johnson, of Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo, who chairs the committee of MRA directors overseeing the questionnaire.

“As with the past three surveys, this year’s survey will inform retailers about starting wages, average wages, health care benefits, bonuses, commissions and retirement plans for retail businesses in Michigan and its distinct geographic regions,” he added.

Members who participate will receive a copy of the results at no cost. The full report is expected to be issued in late October

Members who don’t participate can purchase the report for $75; the price will be $125 for non-members.

The survey project is being conducted by Anderson Economic Group of East Lansing, together with Mitchell Research and Communications, also in East Lansing. Anderson and Mitchell Research also conducted the first three surveys.

The questionnaires will be given unopened to Mitchell Research to ensure confidentiality of members’ answers. Respondents are asked not to put their names on the questionnaires, but will fill out a separate card so that Mitchell can inform MRA which retailers are to receive a free copy of the report.