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Data disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer carefully before using WageMap or relying on any data displayed on this site.

Important notice: WageMap is an informational tool only. Salary figures, pay equity data, and all other statistics displayed on this site are sourced from publicly available U.S. government datasets and are provided for general reference purposes. They do not constitute financial advice, legal advice, career counseling, or any other professional guidance. Individual compensation varies significantly based on factors not captured in statistical averages.

1. Nature of data

All salary data displayed on WageMap is sourced from the following U.S. federal government agencies and programs:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): Annual survey of approximately 1.1 million establishments. Data reflects median and percentile wages across hundreds of occupations and metropolitan areas.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI-U): Used for inflation-adjustment calculations. Annual average CPI values are applied to estimate purchasing power equivalents across years.
  • U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey (CPS): Used for pay equity analysis by gender, race, and ethnicity. These are survey-based estimates with associated margins of error.
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents (FMR): Annual estimates of gross rents for standard quality units in metropolitan areas. Used in cost-of-living and remote work calculations.
  • BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): Used for 10-year job growth projections and employment outlook information.

2. Limitations of statistical data

Statistical salary figures represent population-level averages and distributions. They do not and cannot represent any individual's specific situation. Key limitations include:

  • BLS OEWS data is collected annually and published approximately 12–18 months after collection. Figures may not reflect current market conditions.
  • BLS occupation categories (SOC codes) are broad. A "Software Developer" in BLS data includes roles ranging from junior to principal engineer — individual salaries within a category vary widely.
  • Geographic data is based on metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Salaries within an MSA may vary significantly by specific neighborhood, employer, or sub-market.
  • Pay equity data from the Census CPS carries margins of error and reflects population-level trends, not discrimination findings or legal conclusions about any specific employer.
  • Inflation adjustments are estimates using annual CPI-U averages and may not reflect individual cost-of-living experiences, which vary by consumption basket.
  • Cost-of-living comparisons are approximations. Individual housing costs, taxes, commute costs, and lifestyle expenses vary significantly.

3. Not professional advice

Nothing on WageMap constitutes:

  • Financial advice: WageMap is not a registered investment advisor, financial planner, or financial counselor. Salary information should not be used as the sole basis for financial decisions including but not limited to accepting job offers, negotiating compensation, or planning retirement.
  • Legal advice: WageMap is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Pay equity data does not constitute legal findings regarding discrimination, wage theft, or violations of any applicable law. If you believe you are experiencing pay discrimination, consult a licensed employment attorney.
  • Career advice: Occupational outlook data represents statistical projections by the BLS and does not guarantee employment, job growth, or income in any specific occupation or location.
  • Tax advice: State income tax information is general in nature and does not account for individual tax situations. Consult a licensed tax professional for tax guidance.

4. Data accuracy and currency

While WageMap makes reasonable efforts to display current government data accurately, we make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any data displayed. Government datasets are subject to revision and correction by the publishing agencies. WageMap assumes no liability for decisions made based on data displayed on this site.

Users are encouraged to verify figures directly with the source agencies:

5. Proprietary tools and calculations

WageMap's interactive tools (including the "Am I Underpaid?" calculator, Remote vs. In-Office Calculator, and Inflation Tracker) apply mathematical formulas to publicly available government data. These tools are designed to provide useful estimates for informational purposes. The outputs are estimates only and individual results will vary. No tool on this site can account for all factors that influence individual compensation.

6. Third-party links

WageMap may contain links to third-party websites including government agencies. WageMap is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party site. Links to government sites are provided as a convenience for users to verify source data.

7. No endorsement

WageMap is an independent product of StormGlass Interactive Inc. and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any other government agency. The use of government data is in accordance with the public domain status of federal government works.

8. Changes to this disclaimer

StormGlass Interactive Inc. reserves the right to update this disclaimer at any time. The date of the most recent revision is shown below. Continued use of WageMap following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised disclaimer.

Last updated: May 2026 — Designed and Developed by StormGlass Interactive Inc.