Interpreting the Survey Data

The following special terms are used in the data analysis:
   Base: The total responses in a given category
   Mean: The value computed by averaging the responses
    Median: The value half way down the range of responses (e.g., if 57 responses are arranged from high to low, the median would be response # 29). The median is given only in the narrative summary. The National STC survey reports only the mean, except for certain ranges.
   Min: The lowest value reported in the category
   Max: The highest value reported in the category

This is the second year that the survey requested exact salary information, rather than salary in ranges. Before 2002, a respondent earning $51, 475 per year, would select the answer "50,001-55,000" from a multiple-choice list. Then all salaries in that category would be averaged in as $52,500. For this reason, data from 2002 onward are only roughly comparable to the data we gathered in 1999, 2000, and 2001, though they are now more easily compared to STC National data, which collects exact salaries rather than ranges.

The survey method is direct as opposed to random-sample. The survey is based on salary data for the year October 2002 through October 2003.

Compensation Analysis and Demographics

This report includes data that is appropriate for compensation analysis and data that is appropriate for demographic analysis. The two should not be confused. Compensation analysis is appropriate for a single job function. Demographic analysis includes data from all job functions.

Other Factors in Compensation

This report provides information sorted by commonly used categories. However, many qualitative factors can influence compensation: technical knowledge, the practices of a specific industry (semiconductor, software, medical), and so on. This report should be used as a tool, not an authority.

Back to 2003 Salary Survey