Here is an interesting article that disputes the usual whining by BIAW and other conservative groups about state/public employee pay. The basic point is as usual the BIAW and other conservative groups arguments don't really hold water. BTW I find the BIAW to be one of the most corrupt, useless, lying groups in the state.

Then there's the paragraph buried in a 2/23 DW story about Hoquiam's sidewalks:
The city council approved adding a second city electrician, a position eliminated in layoffs in 2004, to assist the current electrician. The new electrician would be paid $75,000 a year...

$75K for an assistant electrician! That's one of those numbers that make me think I'm in the wrong line of work. I did some checking. $75K/year is 50% over the top scale of $25/hour.

The job announcement says "$4078 - $4871/month" but that's still over top dollar. Where's the rest of the $75K going?

And you're right about the BIAW.

I'm sure the difference would be in the benefit package.

Agreed about BIAW.

It is clearly "Wages plus benefits". "Benefits" usually includes not only Medical Insurance, Vacations, and Holidays, but also the employer-paid portion of the State and Federal taxes.

Stash is correct. And actually, the City is hiring a licensed journeyman electrician, not an assistant electrician.

Then, at $75,000 per year, they're getting a deal.