Wage Calculation - for Special Occupations

Pulp cutters

Hours are always 40. Use a wage of $300 unless accurate information is available on earnings and actual hours worked.

Taxicab drivers

If tips are not known, use a 15% tip rate off their gross weekly average.

Newspaper carriers

Use minimum hours of 10 if no hours are reported.

Volunteer Firefighters and Rescue Squad Members (EMT’S)

Use current maximum wage. See Rule 80.30. If full-time firefighters in the area earn less than maximum wage, the volunteer firefighters’ wage can be based on that prevailing for the full-time firefighters, with the same job classification title. The carrier checks with other municipalities in the area for the average. This method is used regardless of whether the volunteer receives an actual hourly wage or other type of cash payment. Most full- time firefighters work 56 hours per week, but check to see if the schedule if different. See information page on Volunteers.

Milk Haulers and Truckers

If the employee furnishes the truck and pays its operating expenses, one-third of the gross income is considered wage and the balance truck expense. See DWD Rule. 80.51(2).If the injured employee has not worked less than 6 weeks, then you must investigate under 102.11(1)(c).

Airline Flight Attendants

Raise to minimum 24 hrs unless rebutted by reasonably clear and complete documentation.

Prisoners Injured in Prison Industries

Use maximum wage since only permanent partial disability benefits are paid. See DWD Rule 80.51(3).

Newspaper, Delivery & Inserter Employees

The department uses a minimum of 10 hours per week, if weekly worked hours are not known. Divide the gross by the number of weeks worked to arrive at an average weekly rate, then divide by the number of hours worked per week to arrive at an average hourly rate. Set wage at the minimum of 24 hours per week. Wage must be at least set at minimum wage.

Teachers

Many school districts may pay their teachers on a 12 month basis. This is just a method of payment and not pay for 12 months of service. Since service is only performed in 9 to 10 months of the year, the salary is only for those months. To obtain compensation wage divide total year’s earnings only by the number of weeks in which service was performed. Wages for extracurricular activities and additional duties are also included in total earnings. For more information see Calculating Wages for School Employees.