Real terms pay for blue-collar workers has barely increased since the 1970s

Average hourly wage for US blue-collar workers, adjusted for inflation

$35

Jan 2024

$30.25

30

25

20

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

$35

Jan 2024

$30.25

30

25

20

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

$35

Jan 2024

$30.25

30

25

20

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

$35

Jan 2024

$30.25

30

25

20

1965

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

Guardian graphic. Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data, US labour department inflation calculator. Wages are adjusted for inflation, to August 2024 values