Story perspectives

Stagnant Wages Persist Amid Rising Unemployment in September

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real wages adjusted for inflation were unchanged in September, marking the second consecutive month of stagnation.
Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.8% year over year, the slowest pace since mid-2024.
Hiring was concentrated in health care and leisure sectors.
Unemployment rose.
Hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees decreased, with inflation's impact on consumer spending concentrated among wealthier Americans.

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Story summary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real wages adjusted for inflation were unchanged in September, marking the second consecutive month of stagnation.
Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.8% year over year, the slowest pace since mid-2024.
Hiring was concentrated in health care and leisure sectors.
Unemployment rose.
Hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees decreased, with inflation's impact on consumer spending concentrated among wealthier Americans.