The average worker in the Bend metro area earned $19.05 an hour in May 2010; roughly 11% below the nationwide average of $21.35 an hour. This is according to a report just released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Food preparation and serving related workers were the lowest paid occupational group in the area at $11.11 an hour. The three largest occupational groups in Deschutes County are: : office and administration support,  sales related jobs and food preparation and food service. Healthcare practitioners and healthcare technical occupations in the area were highest paid at $38.97 an hour, followed by management occupations at $37.93 an hour.