What statistical measure would you most likely use to represent typical employee pay within an organization?

The median is the most appropriate statistical measure for representing typical employee pay within an organization because it provides a better reflection of the central tendency in cases where the salary distribution is skewed. In many organizations, a small number of high earners can significantly impact the mean, making it less representative of the typical pay an employee earns. The median, which is the middle value when all salaries are arranged in order, remains unaffected by extreme values, thereby giving a clearer picture of what a "typical" employee earns.

Utilizing the median in this context captures the salary of the employee who lies at the center of the pay distribution, making it a reliable indicator for policy-making, benchmarking, and understanding employee compensation structures. This is particularly important in discussions around equity and fairness in compensation, as it highlights the pay of the majority rather than being skewed by outliers.