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Midwest Employment Growth Steady Amid Slow Earnings Rise

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In October, the Paychex Small Business Jobs Index stood at 99.27, unchanged over the past year.
Hourly earnings growth slowed to 2.58%.
Weekly earnings rose to 2.94% due to more hours worked.
The Midwest led employment growth for the 17th consecutive month, with experts noting rising hours could signal future hiring amid the government shutdown affecting data reporting.

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Story summary

In October, the Paychex Small Business Jobs Index stood at 99.27, unchanged over the past year.
Hourly earnings growth slowed to 2.58%.
Weekly earnings rose to 2.94% due to more hours worked.
The Midwest led employment growth for the 17th consecutive month, with experts noting rising hours could signal future hiring amid the government shutdown affecting data reporting.