Two factors in have been constant in Southern Illinois labor since the middle of the 20th century.
One, there is a large and mobile labor supply. Two, that labor supply is available at a favorable wage. Both factors are attractive traits for an area actively enticing economic development.
There are two more factors that should be taken into consideration when considering this labor market. One, the work ethic rivals that of any labor force to be found in the nation. Two, the education level and the training level of the area’s workforce is exemplary.
Wages
Experienced Franklin County wage earners have a median income of $38,612 or $18.56 an hour. Entry-level wage earners make an average income of $16,783 or $8.07 an hour.
Franklin County, Hourly Wage Rates by Occupation
Source: Illinois Workforce Information Center
Major Employers
The diversified Franklin County workforce is spread across agriculture, forestry, construction, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and social assistance, hospitality, education, and transportation.
Eleven employers have employment rolls of over 100 people including a pair of boat manufacturers – Crownline Boats, Inc., and Bombadier of America -- that have a combined workforce of nearly 1,000.
There are 40 employers with at least 50 people on staff. A quarter of the largest employers are elementary and secondary schools.