Allen County 2008 Fringe Benefit Survey

Overview

The 2008 Fringe Benefit Survey for Allen County was conducted by the Kansas Department of Labor as part of the statewide effort to measure the value of nonwage compensation provided to workers. Fringe benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and other employerprovided perks that supplement base salaries. The survey offers a snapshot of employer practices in the county during a period of economic recovery following the early 2000s recession.

Purpose of the Survey

• Provide reliable data on the prevalence and cost of fringe benefits in Allen County.
• Assist policymakers, wage analysts, and businesses in assessing compensation trends.
• Support the calculation of the Regional Price Parity Index and other economic indicators.

Methodology

The survey sampled privatesector establishments employing 20 or more workers. Data were gathered through mailed questionnaires and followup telephone interviews. Respondents reported the monetary value of each type of benefit as a percentage of total compensation. The final data set includes responses from 157 establishments, representing roughly 68% of the target population.

Key Findings

1. Overall Benefit Coverage

In 2008, 84% of employees received at least one type of fringe benefit. This was a modest increase from the 78% reported in 2007, indicating gradual improvement in employer benefit offerings.

2. Most Common Benefits

3. Cost of Benefits

The average total fringe benefit cost was 28.4% of an employees base wages. Health insurance was the most expensive component, averaging 12.9% of wages, followed by retirement contributions at 9.5%.

4. Industry Variation

Benefit provision varied noticeably across sectors:

• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services: 93% coverage, average benefit cost 30.6% of wages.
• Manufacturing: 81% coverage, average cost 27.1%.
• Retail Trade: 68% coverage, average cost 22.4%.

5. Employer Size Impact

Larger firms (500+ employees) offered more comprehensive packages, with 96% of their workers receiving health insurance, compared with 58% in firms employing 2049 workers.

Interpretation and Implications

The data suggest that Allen Countys labor market was moving toward more competitive compensation packages, especially in higherskill industries. However, the gap between large and small employers points to potential disparities in employee benefits. Policymakers could consider incentives for small firms to expand health coverage and retirement options, thereby strengthening overall workforce stability.

Comparisons with Statewide Data

When placed alongside the Kansas statewide 2008 survey, Allen Countys benefit coverage was slightly above average (84% vs. 80%). The countys average benefit cost (28.4%) also exceeded the state figure of 26.9%, reflecting a higher cost of living in the northeastern part of the state.

Data Sources & References

Kansas Department of Labor, 2008 Fringe Benefit Survey Allen County, https://www.kdol.gov/surveys/fringebenefits08. Accessed June2026.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Compensation and Benefits Survey (CPS), 2008.