US Employment Costs Rise Less than Expected

2026-02-10 13:35 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

Compensation costs for civilian workers in the United States went up by 0.7% in Q4 2025, the least since Q2 2021, after a 0.8% increase in the prior period, amid softer demand for labor.

Figures came in slightly below market forecasts of a 0.8% rise.

Wages and salaries increased 0.7% and benefit costs rose 0.7% from the September quarter of 2025.

Compensation costs for private industry workers were up 0.7% (vs 0.8% in Q3), and those for state and local government workers advanced by 0.8% (vs 0.8%).

Year-on-year, employment costs rose by 3.4%, after a 3.5% growth in Q3.



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US Employment Costs Rise Less than Expected
Compensation costs for civilian workers in the United States went up by 0.7% in Q4 2025, the least since Q2 2021, after a 0.8% increase in the prior period, amid softer demand for labor. Figures came in slightly below market forecasts of a 0.8% rise. Wages and salaries increased 0.7% and benefit costs rose 0.7% from the September quarter of 2025. Compensation costs for private industry workers were up 0.7% (vs 0.8% in Q3), and those for state and local government workers advanced by 0.8% (vs 0.8%). Year-on-year, employment costs rose by 3.4%, after a 3.5% growth in Q3.
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US Employment Costs Rise Less than Expected
Compensation costs for civilian workers in the United States increased 0.8% in Q3 2025, easing from a 0.9% rise in the previous period, slightly below market forecasts of 0.9%. Wages and salaries increased 0.8%, down from a 1% rise in Q1, while benefit costs increased 0.8%, up from 0.7% previously. Compensation costs for private industry workers rose by 0.8% (vs 1%), and those for state and local government workers advanced by 0.8% (vs 0.8%). Year-on-year, employment costs rose by 3.5%, after a 3.6% advance in Q2.
2025-12-10
US Employment Costs Slightly Above Forecasts
Compensation costs for civilian workers in the United States increased 0.9% in Q2 2025, the same as in the previous period, slightly above market forecasts of a 0.8% rise. Wages and salaries increased 1%, up from a 0.8% rise in Q1, while benefit costs increased 0.7%, down from 1.2% previously. Compensation costs for private industry workers rose by 1% (vs 0.8%), and those for state and local government workers advanced by 0.8% (vs 0.9%). Year-on-year, employment costs rose by 3.6%, the same pace as in the previous period.
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