What does this indicator measure?

This indicator shows the average annual wage in 2009, and the wage growth from 1980 to 2009, for the Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s).  The average annual wage and wage growth measures are also provided for All Metro Areas aggregated and the 100 Largest Metro Areas aggregated.

Average wages account for the total real dollar amount of salary, wages, and tips paid per employee annually. Wages and average wage growth measure the ability of a metropolitan economy to secure a high and rising standard of living for its residents. Wages reflect back on worker productivity and the market value of their skills.  High wages relative to costs of living also attract talent. —explanation courtesy of the Brookings Institute