Staffing Stats

Average Hourly Earnings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) July 3rd report, the average hourly earnings for all employees in the United States rose to $36.30 in June, up only .08 from May.  While there has been consistent upward momentum (up $1.30 or 3.7% over the past 12 months), the rate of growth has slowed.  This slowdown in wage growth could ease inflation concerns and may influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

July’s Employment Situation (out Aug 1^st) and the JOLTS report (out the end of July) will signal whether wage softness is persistent.  Keeping an eye on this data can help guide conversations with clients and employees. 

Contract Staffing Employment

According to the American Staffing Association, contract staffing employment jobs for the four weeks ending 6/29/2025 decreased 5.5% year over year, and the staffing index is currently at 85.  For reference, in June of 2006, ASA established an index baseline of 100.   “Staffing employment is inching ahead despite a broader freeze in labor market conditions,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “A gradual incline within the Index’s four-week moving average suggests increased preference for temporary workers to fulfill necessary gaps amid broader uncertainties about future business conditions.”

Temporary Help Penetration Rate

Historically, the temp help penetration rate has been around 2% of total employment; however, in October of 2022, it dropped below 2% and for over two years continued to decline.  In February 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it hit a low of 1.59% and has stalled at that level.   As employers look to the staffing industry to fill necessary roles during these uncertain times, we may see this penetration rate start to increase again. 

GDP Projection

Click here for the Conference Board’s full GDP report and their US economic outlook, but the following chart shows how GDP ties to staffing industry metrics.  

Data for the chart below is sourced from BEA, Atlanta Fed GDPNow, ASA, and SIA Indicator. 

Job Openings

According to the BLS, the July 1^st JOLTS report, the number of job openings is now at 7.8 million.

Categories of jobs with the highest gains in employment

• Healthcare and Social Assistance   6.5
• Leisure and Hospitality   6.5

See the full chart here.