PCDC Provides Wage Data to Assist Local Industry with Workforce Retention and Attraction

June 20, 2022

Workforce shortages are top of mind for many industries and businesses. Forbes reports that the Great Resignation seen at the beginning of the year has morphed into the “Great Reshuffle.” While 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs in February, more than half of the workers who quit are switching their occupation or field of work rather than leaving the labor force altogether.

While the desire for positive company culture and flexible work schedules are factors for those seeking new employment, higher pay is still a significant driving force. Adjusting company pay scales to remain competitive in the market is a critical first step to retaining and attracting employees.

Local Competitive Wage Data

Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) has the data local manufacturers need to determine how their wages compare to others in the area. This edge is key for the development of a competitive pay scale.

The Nebraska Public Power District compiled the “Local Competitive Wage Data” report for PCDC. It contains demographic and industry data tabulated for areas within a 20-, 30-, and 50-miles radius of Holdrege, Nebraska.

The data for these geographical areas are further categorized by occupations. Occupational categories include:

Logisticians and Project Management Specialists
Mechanical Engineers
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Miscellaneous Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal, and Plastic
Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal, and Plastic
Machinists
Molders and Molding Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal, and Plastic
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal, and Plastic
Tool and Die Makers
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
Miscellaneous Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers
Laborers and Material Movers

Potential Target Recruitment Counties

PCDC has 2022 Q1 data for top-ranked potential target recruitment counties in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota based on workers and wage differences. Targeted recruitment efforts can give companies a critical edge.

PCDC Relocation Grants Aid Recruitment Efforts

PCDC’s GO! Home housing incentive programs are also available to aid employee recruitment efforts. The grants are intended to encourage the relocation of new residents and the construction and sales of local workforce housing in all Phelps County communities.

Employee Relocation Grants include:

Down Payment Assistance
- PCDC will match dollar for dollar, up to $2,500, any Phelps County employers’ contributions to assist a current or new employee living outside the county to move to Phelps County. Employees renting a Phelps County residence for less than 12 months may also qualify.
- PCDC also offers these grants to public employees (teachers, government workers, police, etc.) without an employer match. Self-employed new residents may also qualify for a grant.
- Grants may be used to purchase a single-family home, townhouse, or condo. A smaller amount (up to $1,000) is available to help purchase a mobile home.
Renter Relocation Assistance
- PCDC will also offer $500 renter relocation grants to help current employees living outside the county, or new employees move to Phelps County as renters. Employers must complete relocation grant applications as they are awarded to employers as a tool to encourage their employees to move closer to their workplace or help recruit new employees.

GO! Home also has risk mitigation programs for developers.

PCDC

Visit www.phelpscountyne.com for more information. Or, contact Sally Sadd at sally@phelpscountyne.com or Ron Tillery at ron@phelpscountyne.com to speak to a PCDC representative about the wage data and housing grants.

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