WAGES HAVE RISEN 30% IN PAST FIVE YEARS

As you know, Washington passed legislation that annually increases the minimum wage. Workers in Washington State will now earn the highest minimum wage in the US at $15.54/hr. Some cities in Washington have even higher rates. Seattle’s minimum wage is $18.69/hr, The City of SeaTac raised its minimum wage to $19.06/hr, and starting July 1, Tukwila’s new minimum wage will be $18.99/hr.  The result of these wage increases has increased the minimum wage in Washington by 30% or more depending on the jurisdiction over the past 5 years.  

Although the minimum wage rate does not directly impact us, it indirectly affects our wages. We have always paid above minimum wage for our entry-level labor positions. Our work is more challenging and requires more effort and training than most traditional minimum-wage jobs. Our current entry-level wage is $19.25 and our average wage is $21.37. Our wages have also increased 30% over the past five years and 12% over the past two years due to the increasing minimum wage and historically low unemployment levels due to the strong economy.

We are at record low unemployment which makes finding and keeping employees difficult. The low unemployment has driven up wages for all service and construction industries. Low unemployment impacts our wages just as much as the minimum wage increases.

We work hard to maintain a great work environment and that has helped us attract and retain a great staff. We also use the H2B Visa program for our seasonal labor. We hear about other contractors who cannot perform their work due to their struggle with labor. We feel somewhat lucky but we know it's more than luck, it's our focus. And we are proud to have again been selected one of the Best Companies to for in Oregon.