Employment Cost Index Summary

Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until                                   USDL-26-0669
8:30 a.m. (ET) Thursday, April 30, 2026

Technical information: (202) 691-6199  •  ncsinfo@bls.gov  •  www.bls.gov/eci
Media contact:         (202) 691-5902  •  pressoffice@bls.gov

                                    EMPLOYMENT COST INDEX – MARCH 2026

Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period
ending in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Wages and salaries increased 0.8
percent and benefit costs increased 1.2 percent from December 2025. 
(See tables A, 1, 2, and 3.)

Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month 
period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent and benefit costs increased 3.6 
percent over the year. (See tables A, 4, 8, and 12.)  

Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month
period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 0.7 percent and benefit costs increased 1.3 
percent from December 2025. (See tables A, 1, 2, and 3.)

Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 
12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent and benefit costs increased
3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1 percent
over the year. (See tables A, 5, 9, and 12.)

Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 1.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, for
the 3-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 1.0 percent and benefit costs 
increased 1.2 percent from December 2025. (See tables A, 1, 2, and 3.)

Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted,
for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent and benefit costs
increased 3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1
percent over the year. (See tables A, 7, 11, and 12.)

The Employment Cost Index for June 2026 is scheduled to be released on 
Friday, July 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).

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                      2026 Seasonal Factors and Revised Seasonally Adjusted Series

Each year with the release of March Employment Cost Index (ECI) data, seasonal adjustment factors are 
calculated for use during the coming year and revisions of historical seasonally adjusted data are made 
for the most recent 5 years. For more information, see
www.bls.gov/eci/factsheets/annual-seasonal-adjustment.htm. 
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                                     Updated Fixed Employment Weights

Beginning with the publication of Employment Cost Index (ECI) data for December 2026, the ECI will 
introduce updated employment weights and remove workers’ compensation costs. For more information, 
see www.bls.gov/eci/notices/2026/eci-2026-fixed-weights-and-removing-workers-compensation.htm.
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