Payscale Labor Market & Wage Trend Report: New Data Shows Labor Market Bifurcation Accelerating as Wage Growth Falls Behind Inflation

Q2 data shows average wage growth at 3.5%, running below inflation at 4.2%, implying real wage pressure for many workers. However, skilled trades and operational roles are seeing double-digit wage growth, indicating targeted labor tightness despite softer headline averages.

Analysis

Q2 data shows average wage growth at 3.5%, running below inflation at 4.2%, implying real wage pressure for many workers. However, skilled trades and operational roles are seeing double-digit wage growth, indicating targeted labor tightness despite softer headline averages.