Exploring changes in real average hourly earnings, June 2009 to December 2019

Abstract

This article examines trends in real average hourly earnings (1982–84 dollars) for all employees from June 2009, the trough of the 2007–09 recession, to December 2019. It looks at real earnings at the total private and major industry levels, with more detailed analysis for select industries. The article analyzes what drove the postrecession growth in real hourly earnings. In particular, it identifies which industries contributed the most to overall earnings growth during the period.