Fact Check: Average Hourly Earnings Increased by 3.7% from the Previous Year
What We Know
The claim that "average hourly earnings increased by 3.7% from the previous year" is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the Employment Cost Index (ECI), total compensation costs for civilian workers rose by 3.6% for the year ending March 2025. This figure includes both wages and salaries, which increased by 3.5%, and benefits costs, which rose by 3.8%.
Additionally, another source indicates that average hourly earnings for all employees on U.S. private nonfarm payrolls increased by 3.9% year-over-year in May 2025, which slightly exceeds the 3.7% figure mentioned in the claim (Trading Economics).
Analysis
While the claim is close to accurate, it does not precisely reflect the most recent data available. The BLS reported a 3.6% increase in total compensation costs, which includes wages and benefits, but the specific increase in average hourly earnings was reported as 3.9% in May 2025, thus surpassing the 3.7% figure.
The reliability of the sources is high, as the BLS is a reputable government agency known for its comprehensive labor statistics. The data from Trading Economics also appears credible, as it aggregates economic data from reliable sources, including government reports.
However, the discrepancy in the figures (3.6% vs. 3.9%) suggests that the claim may be an oversimplification or misrepresentation of the data. It is important to note that the average hourly earnings figure can vary slightly depending on the specific month and the methodology used to calculate it.
Conclusion
The claim that average hourly earnings increased by 3.7% from the previous year is Partially True. While the increase in average hourly earnings is indeed close to this figure, the most recent data indicates a slightly higher increase of 3.9%. The claim does not account for the nuances in the data, which is essential for a complete understanding of wage trends.
