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Survey finds 60% of businesses expect no wage increases

August 12, 2015

Despite the recent drop in unemployment and rising expectations that wage increases will follow, a survey released today by Express Employment Professionals casts doubt on the belief that workers' paychecks will soon see increases.  

The survey found 60% of businesses expect wages in their market to stay the same and 39% expect an increase; only 1% said wages would decrease.

The study reinforces last week's US Department of Labor report that showed wage growth last quarter was the slowest in 33 years.  

Businesses were also asked in which areas they plan to hire people in the third quarter. “Commercial and light industrial” was the most popular choice at 40%. Notably, 25% said they didn't have plans to hire.

Responses include:

  • Commercial and light industrial: 40%
  • Administrative and office clerical: 19%
  • Accounting and finance: 10%
  • Engineering: 8%
  • Marketing: 6%
  • Information technology: 4%
  • Healthcare: 2%
  • Other: 19%
  • None: 25%

"It's a mixed bag for the rest of the year,” said Express CEO Bob Funk. “Businesses are the ones ultimately making hiring decisions, and most aren't expecting to see wage growth in their communities.”

The survey of 373 businesses was conducted in July 2015; the respondents are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals.