Bonus Standards

Dear Dave
I work for a small engineering and surveying firm. The last couple of years have been tough due to a variety of reasons and no bonuses have been paid to anyone. This year is starting out much better and the potential for a yearend bonus seems much more likely to occur.
Regarding bonus amounts, is there an industry standard for bonuses paid as a percent of salary? Is there an industry standard for bonus paid by various classification of staff level within firms?
BH – CO

Dear BH
I’m not aware of any particular standards, but I can offer you the following. According to a 2003 survey conducted by Wind2 Software, Ft Collins, CO, discretionary distributions reported by the sub-group of 80 engineering firms who participated in the 2003 survey worked out to an average (mean) of 5.43% of total firm revenue. The survey did not break down this percentage by staff classification however.

For detailed salary and benefit information you can purchase comprehensive surveys from either ZwiegWhite (www.zweigwhite.com) or PSMJ (www.psmj.com). Both companies compile exhaustive surveys each year covering pay and benefit practices by engineering and architectural firms.