Key findings:
Wisconsin Job Market Hits Record High Adding 25,700 New Jobs
In June 2024, Wisconsin had a record high of 3,048,000 jobs. Job growth has been steady across the year, with 25,700 jobs added from July 2023 to July 2024.
Historic Rise in Median Wages for Wisconsin
From 2022-23, the inflation-adjusted median hourly wage increased by 97 cents. Since 1979, wage growth has only been this strong in two years: 2019 and 2023.
Lower-Wage Workers See Stronger Wage Growth
As has been true across the recovery from the pandemic shutdowns, wages of lower-wage workers are increasing more rapidly than wages for higher-wage workers, shrinking wage inequality in the state.
Wisconsin’s Union Decline Outpaces Neighbors Despite Increased Popularity
In contrast to rising public support for unions, unionization in the state continues to fall. From 2011-23, Wisconsin’s unionization rate fell from 14.0% to 8.4%, a decline larger than that of neighboring states.
Gender Pay Gap Persists for Wisconsin Women
In 2023, women in Wisconsin earned a median wage of $22.03, compared to $25.09 for men. Women earned 88 cents for every dollar earned by men, a notable gap that persists. Gaps are especially pronounced for Black and Hispanic women.
“Lower-wage workers and people of color are securing higher wages in recent years, and it is great to see this long overdue trend raising the floor for the workers who need it most.” stated High Road Strategy Center Associate Director Laura Dresser. “To help ensure that these gains are durable in the coming years, Wisconsin could look to states on our borders. Raising the state’s minimum wage, restoring union rights, and investing in quality early care and education can help address these ongoing challenges, which are covered throughout this report.”
