Wages climb nationwide in US with highest increase in Benton, AR
The growth shows broader trend with the national employment level rising to 155.4 million
Employment level in the U.S. rose 0.8% for the year ended September 2024 to $155.4 million showing a broader trend. Kings County, New York, showed the largest increase in job numbers over the year at 4.9%.
According to data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), Kings County saw notable job growth in specific sectors like education and health services, which surged by 11.1%.
Meanwhile, the report posted on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website showed Elkhart, IN, experienced the most significant drop in employment, with a 2.7% decline, largely due to a downturn in the manufacturing sector.
Wages across the country also rose with average weekly wages rising by 4.5% to reach $1,394. Benton County, AR, stood out with the highest wage growth rate at 15.5%, because of significant gains in the professional and business services sector.
Wage Disparities in Key Sectors
Despite the overall positive trends, some regions faced challenges. Weld County, CO, witnessed a 1.3% decrease in average weekly wages, with wages in natural resources and mining sector dropping by 30.2%.
Performance of Major Counties
The report highlighted the performance of the nation's ten largest counties, where employment and wage increases were prevalent. Miami-Dade, FL, for example, recorded the most substantial employment growth among the largest counties at 1.7%, with notable contributions from the education and health services sectors.
In terms of wages, King County, WA, saw the largest increase in average weekly wages among the largest counties, growing by 6.4%. This increase was majorly influenced by the information sector, which saw wages rise by 14.4%.
