Average Pay Rates Up Year to Date

Most propane marketers have been in a constant state of hiring since the beginning of the pandemic. Employees left their jobs across all industries, including many who retired from the propane industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employee pay rates, across the board, increased from April 2022 to April 2023. Transportation and warehousing jobs saw a significant 5.9% increase in wages according to the nationwide average. Workers in the utilities sector saw a 6.1% increase in their average hourly wages over the same period. Professional and business services, like management and customer service, saw a smaller increase of 4.9%. Overall, the wage increases over the past 12 months far exceed the differential between 2019 and 2022 where the average pay increase for the same categories was between -.5% and 4%. The demand for commercial drivers and service technicians is evidenced by the increase in wages offered over the past 12 months.

NPGA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity to address your company’s workforce needs, with statistics showing a high retention rate: 94% of apprentices remain with their employer. As employer sponsors, marketers take a hands-on approach with their apprentices using the program guide and PERC training. One benefit for the apprentice is that employers guarantee at least one pay increase to employees in the program.  Click here to learn more about the Apprenticeship program or contact NPGA’s Eric Sears.