The average hourly earnings for a construction worker is projected to be $24.50 in 2012. Jason wants to join the construction work force after he graduates in 2012. His friend tells him that average hourly earnings for construction workers will rise by 2% from 2009 to 2012. Based on the data below, assuming that the projected hourly earnings are correct, is Jason’s friend’s statement accurate?
Construction Industry - Average Hourly Earnings, 2000-2009
A line graph titled construction industry, average hourly earnings (dollars), 2000 to 2009, where the x-axis shows years and the y-axis shows average hourly earnings of production workers. Line starts at 17.2 on January 2000, slowly increases to 19.7 on January 2006, then increases more quickly to 20.5 on January 2007 and 22.4 on January 2009.
a.
His friend’s statement is accurate. The average hourly earnings will increase by 2%.
b.
His friend’s statement is not accurate. The percent increase will be more than 2%
c.
His friend’s statement is not accurate. The percent increase will be less than 2%
d.
His friend’s statement is not accurate. The average hourly earnings will decrease.