Wages for workers in Wisconsin were up 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015, compared to a year prior, the fifth highest increase in the nation, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor.
Wage gains in Wisconsin were topped only by Oregon, 4.4 percent; Nebraska, 4.2 percent; Illinois, 3.9 percent; and Montana, 3.7 percent.
Only North Dakota saw wages fall, with a 2.3 percent dip.
“Today’s BLS release of Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data shows that Wisconsin is tied for the 5th highest percentage in average weekly private-sector wage growth in the nation, which is great news for working families across our state,” state Department of Workforce Development Secretary Ray Allen said. “Under Governor Walker, Wisconsin has made important investments in worker training programs designed to help Wisconsinites develop the skills needed to fill the quality jobs in our growing economy. We will continue our efforts to ensure that everyone who wants a good-paying job has the skills needed for these opportunities as employers create new jobs today and in the years to come.”
However job growth remains sluggish in Wisconsin. The state only posted a 0.9 percent increase in employment in the third quarter of 2015, compared to a year prior, which outpaced only 12 other states.
Read more in the BizTracker, a compilation of economic data reports.
