After years of wages rising around the region, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is asking its members one question: What do you pay for help these days?

        The chamber is mailing wage surveys to 250 of its 1,900 members. Survey questions cover not only salaries, but benefits and other compensation, chamber President Gary Toebben said.

        With a tight labor market causing huge competition for skilled workers, wages clearly are increasing and becoming a major cost for employers.

        A study by the Tri-County Economic Development Corp. earlier this year showed that the average annual salary in Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties was $29,449, nearly double the rate of 15 years ago.

        Greater Cincinnati's average salary was more, $33,271, but increased at a lesser rate, 74 percent, from 1983 to 1998.

        Tri-ED in the past has told some companies considering relocating to Northern Kentucky not to bother unless they pay at least $10-$12 per hour.

        But the chamber wants to know firsthand exactly what it takes to attract workers, Mr. Toebben said.

        “The point is to make sure our companies know what it takes to be competitive in attracting employees,” he said.

        The chamber has hired a firm to tabulate the electronic results, which should be available by December.

        Have a tip about a Tristate company that should be included in our daily Buzz? Call 768-8147 or e-mail business@enquirer.com.

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