The actual wages in the United States climbed last year.

Consumers are still very frustrated with the rise in prices. However, new data from the Department of Labor shows that for the average worker, the speed of wage increase last year exceeded that of prices. Adjusted for inflation, wages have risen by 1.1% in 2025, which is a solid increase, indicating a continued improvement in the purchasing power of average salaries. Of course, distribution factors mean that many workers are better off than the average, while many others are worse off.