Primary income payments: Compensation of employees
IEAMIC • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
7,926.00
Year-over-Year Change
21.92%
Date Range
1/1/1999 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Compensation of employees' trend measures the total earnings of U.S. workers, including wages, salaries, and benefits. This key economic indicator provides insights into labor market dynamics and consumer spending.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
Compensation of employees is a component of the primary income account within the U.S. balance of payments. It represents the total remuneration, in cash or in kind, payable by employers to employees in return for work done during the accounting period.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis through surveys of businesses and households.
Historical Context
This metric is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and investors as a gauge of economic health and consumer purchasing power.
Key Facts
- Compensation of employees accounts for over 50% of U.S. gross domestic product.
- This metric increased by 6.7% in 2021 compared to the prior year.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 3.3% decline in compensation of employees in 2020.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Compensation of employees' trend measures the total earnings of U.S. workers, including wages, salaries, and benefits.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This key economic indicator provides insights into labor market dynamics and consumer spending, which are crucial for understanding the overall health of the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis through surveys of businesses and households.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This metric is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and investors as a gauge of economic health and consumer purchasing power, which informs decision-making and policy development.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published quarterly by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, with some lag from the end of the reporting period.
Related Trends
Primary income payments: Investment income
IEAMII
Imports of Goods: General Merchandise: Capital goods except automotive
IEAMGC
Advance U.S. International Trade in Goods: Imports: Automotive Vehicles, etc.
AITGIAS
Imports of Services, Balance of Payments Basis
BOPSIMP
U.S. Imports of Services: Government Goods and Services, not included elsewhere
ITMGGSM133S
Imports of Services: Government goods and services n.i.e.
IEAMSG
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Compensation of employees (IEAMIC), retrieved from FRED.