Average hourly earnings in the United States rose 0.4% in February 2026 compared with the previous month, matching January’s 0.4% gain on a month-over-month basis. The data, updated on 06 March 2026, indicate that wage growth maintained the same pace at the start of the year, with no acceleration or slowdown between January and February.
The comparison period is month-over-month, meaning February’s figure reflects how average hourly earnings changed relative to January, while January’s reading captured the change versus December. The unchanged 0.4% rate across both months suggests a consistent short-term wage trend heading into late winter 2026. Investors and policymakers typically watch this indicator closely for signals about consumer spending potential and underlying inflation pressures, but this release provides a picture of stability rather than a shift in direction.
