Indicators · Households
Wages' share of household income
Chart only
Wages and salaries were 49.2% of personal income in Aug 2026.
The share is lower than 96% of the readings since 1990.
What it measures
Wages and salaries as a share of US personal income.
Why it matters
If work comes to pay a smaller part of household income, the share falls while employment stays level.
Where it fits
Household income and spending. The argument predicts: Wages fall as a share of household income while employment stays level.
Other possible causes. In a recession, wage income falls along with employment.