TED: The Economics Daily

Real average hourly earnings for all employees increased 1.4 percent, seasonally adjusted, from March 2024 to March 2025. The change in real average hourly earnings combined with a 0.6-percent decrease in the average workweek resulted in a 0.8-percent increase in real average weekly earnings over this period. Real earnings are earnings that have been adjusted for changes in consumer prices.

From March 2024 to March 2025, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 2.4 percent after rising 2.8 percent over the 12 months ending in February. Energy prices decreased 3.3 percent for the 12 months ending March 2025, while food prices increased 3.0 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose in March 2025 (+228,000), higher than the average monthly gain of 158,000 over the prior 12 months. Private-sector employment increased in March (+209,000), while government employment changed little (+19,000), despite a decline in federal government employment.

From February 2024 to February 2025, unemployment rates increased in 255 metro areas, decreased in 97 areas, and were unchanged in 35 areas.