Real median wages grew 29% since 1979: Cumulative change in real median hourly wages of all workers, 1979–2024
| 50th percentile | 50th percentile | 50th percentile | 50th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 0.0% | |||
| 1980 | -0.8% | |||
| 1981 | -1.8% | |||
| 1982 | -1.9% | |||
| 1983 | -2.3% | |||
| 1984 | -1.4% | |||
| 1985 | -0.5% | |||
| 1986 | 1.4% | |||
| 1987 | 1.4% | |||
| 1988 | 1.0% | |||
| 1989 | 0.3% | |||
| 1990 | -0.2% | |||
| 1991 | 0.0% | |||
| 1992 | 0.2% | |||
| 1993 | 0.8% | |||
| 1994 | -0.4% | |||
| 1995 | -0.8% | |||
| 1996 | -1.3% | -1.3% | ||
| 1997 | -0.2% | |||
| 1998 | 3.7% | |||
| 1999 | 6.2% | |||
| 2000 | 6.6% | |||
| 2001 | ||||
| 2002 | 10.7% | 10.7% | ||
| 2003 | 11.7% | |||
| 2004 | 12.0% | |||
| 2005 | 11.4% | |||
| 2006 | 11.9% | |||
| 2007 | 12.3% | |||
| 2008 | 12.2% | |||
| 2009 | 14.7% | |||
| 2010 | 13.6% | |||
| 2011 | 11.2% | |||
| 2012 | 10.6% | |||
| 2013 | 11.2% | |||
| 2014 | 11.2% | 11.2% | ||
| 2015 | 13.8% | |||
| 2016 | 16.4% | |||
| 2017 | 18.2% | |||
| 2018 | 19.3% | |||
| 2019 | 21.9% | |||
| 2020 | 29.9% | |||
| 2021 | 27.0% | |||
| 2022 | 25.8% | |||
| 2023 | 27.4% | |||
| 2024 | 29.0% |
Notes: Shaded areas denote recessions.
Source: Economic Policy Institute, State of Working America Data Library, "Hourly wage percentiles - Real hourly wage (2024$)," 2025.