US wage growth falls behind inflation despite rising median earnings

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that despite a steady rise in median earnings, wage growth in the United States has lagged behind inflation. Median weekly pay for full-time workers rose by 1.5% to $1,232 in the third quarter of 2026, up from $1,227 a year earlier. However, consumer prices surged 3.5% over the same period, diminishing the real value of each paycheck.

The earnings peak varies between men and women, with women in their mid-30s earning the most at $1,263 weekly. Men's earnings peaked in the 45-54 age group at $1,563 per week. Across age groups, median weekly earnings were highest for those with a bachelor's degree or higher at $1,752, compared to $993 for high school graduates and $819 for workers without a high school diploma.

Occupation also plays a significant role, with management, professional, and service occupations paying differing amounts. Men in management roles earned a median $1,910 weekly, while women in the same category made $1,493. In contrast, workers in service occupations earned considerably less, at $876 for men and $760 for women.

The data also shows disparities across racial and ethnic groups, with Asian workers earning the highest median weekly pay at $1,633, followed by White workers at $1,261, Black workers at $1,012, and Hispanic workers at $981. The Current Population Survey, conducted by the BLS, measures workers' usual earnings before taxes and deductions, excluding self-employed individuals in unincorporated businesses.