Bureau of Labor Statistics: Real weekly earnings up 7.4% for year ending May 2020, reflecting loss of lower-paying jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 19, 2020: Real weekly earnings up 7.4% for year ending May 2020, reflecting loss of lower-paying jobs

Real average hourly earnings for all private non-farm employees increased 6.5% from May 2019 to May 2020. The increase in real average hourly earnings combined with a 0.9-percent increase in the average workweek resulted in a 7.4% increase in real average weekly earnings over the year. The increases in real average hourly and weekly earnings largely reflect the substantial job loss over the year among lower-paid workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain it.