1.Using a local newspaper or job posting website, search for classified ads on
employment for the Fort Collins, Colorado area. Develop a list where you present a
summary of the kinds of jobs that are available including information on the average
level of skill/education required and the average wage available. Write 2 pages
Below is an example of what to summarize:
Occupational Category 1:
Number of Jobs Listed:
Average Wage:
Average Required Experience/Education
Occupational Category 2:
Number of Jobs Listed:
Average Wage:
Average Required Experience/Education
Occupational Category 3:
Number of Jobs Listed:
Average Wage:
Average Required Experience/Education
(Continue listing)
2. Go to website for
● Budget Calculator Links to an external site.
● http://www.epi.org/resources/budget/Links to an external site.
Find out what the average cost of housing and other costs are per month in the Fort
Collins area for a family with 1 parent, 1 child.
From your chart, note the overall averages of wages advertised and
education/experience required.
3. Write a short essay. Include the information from steps 1 and 2 and reflect on the
following questions:
a. If you were to take an average job at an average wage, would you be able to afford
average rent?
b. Does there appear to be enough adequate paying jobs to live comfortably here?
c. Based on the estimated family budget, how much income would you need to get by in
Fort Collins?
d. What do you think is meant by the term “living wage”? What would that look like
here? How is it different than minimum wage?
