Feds say Phoenix workers saw highest wage growth over past year
Sep 15, 2017, 4:01 AM | Updated: 2:32 pm
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — Workers in Phoenix saw their wages increase the most of any city in the country last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday.
“We’ve been laser-focused on building a more innovation-driven economy that works for everyone, and we’re seeing great results,” Mayor Greg Stanton said.
The bureau said wages were up an average of 7.6 percent in Phoenix this year when compared to last. The statistics only took into account private sector jobs.
“This significant private-sector wage growth is being driven by advanced industries like technology, biosciences, healthcare, financial services and precision manufacturing,” Stanton said.
The city said the average Phoenix worker makes $26.75 per hour, nearly 40 cents higher than the national average.
Despite taking the number one spot in wage growth, Stanton said his city still has work to do.
“Today is a good day, and it’s fun to say we’re No. 1, but I want to end up No. 1 overall on wages.”
Phoenix was far behind — 23rd, to be precise — in having the highest overall wages in the country. It’s hourly rate trailed San Francisco by more than $10 per hour.
Private sector workers in the Bay Area received an average of $38.03 per hour.
Arizona also received good economic news on Thursday, as the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent. The state added 41,900 jobs last month.
KTAR News’ Corbin Carson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
