South Bend – Elkhart 2021 Wages and Benefits Report Released

In a survey of employers in the South Bend and Elkhart region, the South Bend–Elkhart Regional Partnership found more than 60 percent of participants added workers in the last six months, with 80 percent already planning further employment growth yet this year. The average annual wage of many occupations in the region’s specialized industry clusters exceeded the average private sector wages, and the South Bend – Elkhart region is catching up in those specialized industries compared to the national average.

The workforce outlook was informed by a voluntary survey of compensation practices and policies of 143 employers representing over 40,000 employees in eight counties across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Survey participants include some of the area’s leading employers engaged in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, financial, education, and other industries, some with annual sales of hundreds of millions of dollars and others with only a few employees.

“The diversity of participants and regional focus make the report a valuable tool for supporting the growth of existing employers and attracting new investment to the region,” said South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership President and CEO, Regina Emberton. “The report demonstrates the competitive workforce practices of employers in the South Bend – Elkhart region.”

The survey collected data about benefits packages and policies including health care costs paid by employers and employees, retirement benefits, training, vacation, and other employment perks. The report includes regional wage data collected by Emsi Burning Glass based on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and compiled state data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiative. Annual average wage data for the region’s specialized and emerging industry clusters is also featured, offering a comprehensive 2021 Wages and Benefits Report for the region.

Emberton explained that the report serves two main purposes. The collection of data helps the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership and participating economic development organizations recruit investment in the area by providing an accurate picture of workforce costs in the region. In addition, participating employers learn how their compensation practices compare with other employers in the region.

To view the 2021 Wages and Benefits Report please, click here.