Weld topped nation in wage decline

WELD COUNTY – Weld County had the largest year-over-year decrease in average weekly wages in the second quarter of 2009, according to a report released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nationally, average weekly wages fell by 9 percent during the quarter. Occupations in trade, transportation and utilities had the largest over-the-year decline in average weekly wages with a loss of 32 percent, according to the report.

Average weekly wages in Weld County fell to $686 in the second quarter of 2009, while the average weekly wage in Larimer County rose to $723, a 0.6 percent increase.

The report also said…