2009 salary survey arriving in January

Michigan Retailers Association is conducting its fifth survey of retail salaries, wages and benefits.

Survey questionnaires will be mailed in early January (not in December as was stated in October’s Michigan Retailer), with results available in late winter.

The survey results will inform retailers about starting wages, average wages, health care benefits, bonuses, commissions and retirement plans for retail businesses in Michigan, broken down by geographic regions. The information helps retailers remain competitive and understand the current compensation climate.

For the first time, members may choose to fill out the survey online. Details will be included on the survey form.

Members who participate will receive a copy of the survey report at no cost. Members who don’t participate can purchase the report for $50; the price is $100 for non-members.

The survey project is being conducted by Anderson Economic Group of East Lansing, together with Mitchell Research and Communications, also in East Lansing. Anderson and Mitchell Research also conducted the first four surveys.

The questionnaires will be given unopened to Mitchell Research to ensure confidentiality of members’ answers. Respondents are asked not to put their names on the questionnaires, but will fill out a separate card so that Mitchell can inform MRA which retailers are to receive a free copy of the report.