A data chart image of Higher paid workers more likely to have access to retirement benefits than lower paid workers

Higher paid workers more likely to have access to retirement benefits than lower paid workers

June 23, 2017

Sixty-six percent of private industry workers had access to employer-provided retirement plans in March 2016. Forty-nine percent of private industry workers participated in retirement plans in March 2016. That results in a take-up rate—the percentage of workers with access to a plan who participate in the plan—of 75 percent. Access, participation, and take-up rates were all higher for workers in higher wage groups than for workers in lower wage groups.

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June 22, 2017

A data chart image of Seven states at historically low unemployment rates in May 2017

Seven states at historically low unemployment rates in May 2017

In May 2017, unemployment rates in seven states were at their lowest levels since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976. Colorado had the lowest unemployment rate in May, 2.3 percent, followed by North Dakota, 2.5 percent, both of which were the lowest rates ever recorded in those states. The rates in Arkansas (3.4 percent), California (4.7 percent), Mississippi (4.9 percent), Oregon (3.6 percent), and Washington (4.5 percent) were also at series lows.

June 21, 2017

A data chart image of Employment up 3.3 percent in Utah over the year ending May 2017

Employment up 3.3 percent in Utah over the year ending May 2017

From May 2016 to May 2017, nonfarm payroll employment increases occurred in 28 states. The largest percentage gain, an increase of 3.3 percent, occurred in Utah (where employment increased 46,600). The largest job gain, in terms of number of jobs, was 266,600 in Texas (an increase of 2.2 percent).

June 20, 2017

A data chart image of Import prices decline 12.9 percent from June 2014 to May 2017

Import prices decline 12.9 percent from June 2014 to May 2017

Import prices fell 12.9 percent from a recent peak in June 2014 to May 2017. Import prices from every locality of origin for which BLS publishes decreased during this period. From June 2014 to May 2017, prices for imports originating from Canada fell 21.0 percent, and prices for imports from Mexico declined 10.9 percent.

June 19, 2017

A data chart image of Real average hourly earnings increased 0.6 percent over the year ended May 2017

Real average hourly earnings increased 0.6 percent over the year ended May 2017

Average hourly earnings for all employees increased 2.5 percent, and average weekly earnings were up 2.5 percent over the year ended May 2017. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, which is used to adjust earnings estimates for inflation, increased 1.9 percent over the year. After adjusting for inflation, real average hourly earnings increased 0.6 percent from May 2016 to May 2017.

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