Employers are more optimistic for wage growth throughout the next three months, a survey released today by Express Employment Professionals found.

The survey found 40% of businesses expect wages in their market to increase, the highest percentage of respondents in the past year predicting an increase based on quarterly surveys conducted by Express. Fifty-nine percent expect wages to stay the same; only 1% said wages would decrease.

“Too many working families have gone too long without seeing rising wages, so this is welcome news and a trend we hope continues,” said Bob Funk, CEO and chairman of Express. “The best way to grow wages for everyone is to have robust economic growth. Clearly, there are still many areas of North America where wages are stagnant and we have a way to go on the growth front. But this survey, coupled with the increased optimism and other positive wage trend lines, indicates better days may be ahead.”

The survey of 1,951 businesses covers hiring trends for the first quarter of 2017. The respondents are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals.