US inflation -- who's keeping up, who isn't

Despite some of the worst inflation since World War II, many Americans are managing to stay a few dollars ahead of rising prices. Others, however, are falling behind. Here are how a few major job categories have fared during the past 10 years:

Occupation Average annual salaries Percent change (mid-range) 1969 1979 in real earnings Accountants $10,029 19,468 +1.8 Auditors 10,726 20,303 -.7 Chief accountants 17,714 36,561 +8.3 Attorneys 15,879 29,644 -2.1 Job analysts 10,595 20,106 -.4 Directors of personnel 16,738 34,285 +7.5 Chemists 11,063 21,025 -.3 Engineers 11,701 21,931 -1.7 Engineering technicians 8,040 15,094 -1.5 File clerks 4,328 8,265 +.2 Key entry operators 4,797 9,094 -.5 Secretaries 7,032 12,861 -4.0 General stenographers 5,192 10,931 +10.5 Typists 4,451 8,398 -1.0 (Consumer price index) 109.7 209.1 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics