Real earnings in the United States were unchanged in July 2026, ending a recent stretch of gains and signaling a pause in workers’ purchasing power momentum. According to the latest data updated on 12 August 2026, real earnings growth on a month-over-month basis came in at 0.0%, down from a 0.8% increase recorded in June 2026.
The data are presented on a month-over-month comparison basis, meaning July’s figure reflects the change in real earnings relative to June, while June’s previously reported 0.8% gain was measured against May. The shift from solid growth to a flat reading suggests that, after a strong improvement in June, inflation-adjusted paychecks did not advance further in July, potentially tempering the boost to consumer spending power seen earlier in the summer.
