If the minimum wage had increased as much as Wall Street bonuses since 1985, it would be worth $61.75 today.
By Sarah Anderson, Inequality.org
While inflation has wiped away wage gains for most U.S. workers, just-released data reveal that Wall Street employees are enjoying their biggest bonus bonanza since the 2008 crash.
The Inflation Divide
The average annual bonus for New York City-based securities industry employees rose 20 percent to $257,500 in 2021, far above the 7 percent annual inflation rate. By contrast, typical American workers lost earnings power in 2021. Average weekly earnings for all U.S. private sector employees rose by only 2 percent between January 2021 and January 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unlike hourly wage data, average weekly earnings reflect the fact that many Americans had to cut back on work hours last year, largely due to Covid-related illness, lack of child care, and other family care pressures. The average weekly hours worked by U.S. private sector employees dropped from 35.0 to 34.5 between 2020 and 2021.
Recent Posts
How To Be A Peace President
April 23, 2025
Take Action Now We cannot build peace without the voices for peace in government.By Kelsey Coolidge At his inauguration in January, President…
Israel Breathes in Gaza’s Dust Of Death
April 23, 2025
Take Action Now A forensic study of the self-inflicted consequences of modern warfare.By Dennis Kucinich, The Kucinich Report Gaza is suffering…
Trump Holds Government Funds Hostage To Further His Politics
April 23, 2025
Take Action Now The government funds institutions that stretch across American society. The Trump administration is demanding the relinquishment of…
IDF Report On Gaza Medics’ Killing Called A Cover-up As Rights Groups Demand Independent Probe
April 22, 2025
Take Action Now Despite video evidence and global outrage, Israeli military report denies executions and offers limited disciplinary action for…