Boise is among the nation’s bottom 10 mid-sized metro areas for wage growth, among both the lowest- and highest-paid workers, according to Headlight Data, a data aggregation company. Analysts reviewed U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data between 2005 and 2014. They found Boise’s median wages, adjusted for inflation, declined 6.1 percent for the highest-paid workers and 8.1 percent for the lowest-paid workers. According to BLS data for the first quarter of 2015, the average weekly wage in Ada County was $873. In Canyon County, it was $630. The average statewide was $736, compared with $1,048 nationwide and ranking Idaho 50th in the U.S. for wages, ahead of only Mississippi/Audrey Dutton, Idaho Statesman. More here.

DFO: I work in an industry with the lowest white-collar wages in the nation and in a state with the 2nd lowest wages in the nation. Yet, I've survived here for 33 years -- and even helped put 2 kids through private college. I'm thankful that I work for an out-of-state company. I might need government subsidies otherwise. Idaho needs to get its act together. Thoughts?