Regional Economic Metrics
Industry Clusters
Occupational Composition
Regional Maps
Occupational Composition
Occupational Tiers
Not all jobs are equal. The following occupational tiers were developed to better understand the quality of jobs that are growing in the region.
Tier 1 Occupations
include managers (Chief Executives, Financial Managers, and Sales Managers), professional positions (Lawyers, Accountants, and Physicians) and highly-skilled technical occupations, such as scientists, computer programmers, and engineers. These occupations are typically the highest-paying, highest-skilled occupations in the economy.
In 2014, the average wage for Tier 1 occupations in North County was $43.35 an hour or approximately $90,200 a year (assuming a 40-hour work week for the entire year).
Tier 2 Occupations
include sales positions (Sales Representatives), teachers, and librarians, office and administrative positions (Accounting Clerks and Secretaries), and manufacturing, opearations, and production positions (Assemblers, Electricians, and Machinists). These occupations have historically provided the majority of employment opportunities and could be referred to as middle-wage, middle-skill positions.
In 2014, the average wage for Tier 2 occupations in North County was $21.23 an hour or approximately $44,200 a year (assuming a 40-hour work week for the entire year).
Tier 3 Occupations
include protective services (Security Guards), food service and retail positions (Waiters, Cooks, and Cashiers), building and grounds cleaning positions (Janitors), and personal care positions (Home Health Aides and Child Care Workers). These occupations typically represent lower-skilled service positions with lower wages that require little formal training and/or education.
In 2014, the average wage for Tier 3 occupations in North County was $11.39 an hour or approximately $23,700 a year (assuming a 40-hour work week for the entire year).
Change in Occupational Tiers
2010 to 2014