Census workers get pay raise as officials work to fill positions

Census workers in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties are getting a slight pay raise as officials push to fill positions ahead of the upcoming population survey.

Workers in Westmoreland will earn $18 per hour compared to the $16 per hour wage suggested last year, while those in Allegheny will earn $21 to $23.50 per hour, an increase from $18.50.

“Rates have gone up in some counties across the country,” said census spokesperson Susan Licate. “We are hiring for peak operations and, nationwide, seek to fill 500,000 temporary, part-time positions. Locally, we seek hundreds of applicants to fill a variety of positions, including many census takers.”

Census officials are using the extra pay as a way to combat fewer applications due to a low unemployment rate — which was 3.5% in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Officials also are incorporating strategies aimed at social media, partnerships with local organizations, public service announcements and recruitment booths at public events to help fill open positions.

Across the state, available jobs include state range field supervisors and representatives, and recruiting managers. Allegheny County has one of the highest pay rates, with surrounding counties ranging from $15.50 per hour in Somerset County to $22 per hour in Washington County.

Officials also are banding with libraries to host hiring events, with several upcoming across Allegheny County.

The hiring push comes months ahead of an invitation to respond, which will be sent out between March 12 and 20. The invitation will encourage most households to respond online, marking the first census that can be done on the internet, while others will receive a paper questionnaire.

Interested applicants can apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs. More information is available by calling 855-5627-2020.