Washington, DC—U.S. economy added 312,000 jobs in December, and Average hourly earnings rose by 3.2% over the past 12 months, according to the latest report of the Department of Labor.
2.6 million new jobs were created in total in 2018. The American economy surpassed 150,000,000 jobs for the first time ever.
“Significant job gains were widespread including the construction, manufacturing, retail trade, education and health services and leisure and hospitality sectors,” said Alexander Acosta, U.S. Secretary of Labor. “More individuals moving into the labor force is welcomed news as job creators look to fill seven million open jobs.”
America’s average wage earnings are on the rise. December is the third straight month that the year-over-year wage gains exceeded 3%.