InvesTrust Wealth Management

Inflation Cuts into Wage Gains

April 26, 2022
by Mark Williams
Comments are off

Driven by labor shortages, median hourly wages increased at an annual rate of 5.2% in December 2021, the highest level since June 2001. However, inflation cuts into buying power, and real wages — adjusted for inflation — actually dropped as inflation spiked in 2021. By contrast, negative inflation (deflation) during the Great Recession sent real wages skyrocketing temporarily even as non-adjusted wage growth declined.

Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, 2022, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022, data 1/2001 to 12/2021. (Wage growth is calculated by comparing the median percentage change in wages reported by individuals 12 months apart; real wage growth is calculated by subtracting CPI-U inflation from wage growth.)

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2022.

About the Author

Cameron Enterprises

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that all investments are subject to risk, including loss of principle. Risk is defined as fluctuation in returns from one period to the next and the potential for loss. A well diversified portfolio may help investors reduce the risk associated with investing. However, diversification does not insure protection against a loss in a declining market.

Circular 230 Disclosure: Please note that Treasury regulations effective June 20, 2005 impose extensive requirements for a formal tax opinion. Since this communication (including any attachments) is not such a formal tax opinion, we are required to advise you that it was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used (i) for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. If you would like further information, please contact us.