CHICAGO — A new federal analysis shows that blue-collar workers have seen one of the most significant real wage increases in U.S. history, marking the fastest growth in nearly six decades.
The surge occurred in the first five months of President Donald Trump’s second term, with hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory workers rising nearly 2 percent when adjusted for inflation — a level of real wage expansion last seen under President Richard Nixon.
Treasury Report: Real Wages on the Rise
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, real hourly wage growth stands at 1.7 percent year-to-date for blue-collar workers. That’s in stark contrast to a 1.7 percent wage decline reported during the same time frame under the previous administration.
As highlighted in a recent Epoch Times article, this growth isn’t just statistical — it’s showing up in paychecks across the country.
“This isn’t theoretical,” said Joe LaVorgna, counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “It’s showing up in the paychecks of everyday Americans.”
Historical Context: Nixon vs. Trump
The last time wage gains outpaced inflation at a comparable rate was in 1969, when Nixon’s administration reported a 0.8 percent increase in real blue-collar wages — far below today’s 2 percent gain.
Economists point to Trump’s tax reform and deregulation policies as key contributors, helping fuel measurable increases in working-class income, especially across trade and industrial sectors.
Political and Economic Implications
Supporters argue the wage data reinforces Trump’s pro-worker economic narrative, especially among voters in manufacturing-heavy regions. Critics, however, caution that long-term sustainability of such growth remains uncertain amid inflationary pressures and shifting labor demands.
Regardless of interpretation, the Treasury’s figures have ignited fresh conversations around how federal policy impacts the lives of working Americans, and whether similar momentum could continue under future leadership.
Have recent wage changes impacted your household income? We’re gathering real stories from working families across Illinois — share yours with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
