Compensation costs rose 1.4% for civilian workers in the first quarter of 2022, after last quarter’s 1% increase, according to the latest report from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages and salaries went up 1.2% and benefits costs jumped 1.8% this past quarter.
Over the past 12 months ending in March 2022, civilian compensation costs went up 4.5%, nearly double March 2021’s increase of 2.6%. Wages and salaries climbed 4.7% for the period (compared to +2.7% for the period ending in March 2021), and benefits costs went up 4.1% (compared to +2.5% in March 2021).
Private industry compensation increased 4.8% in the 12-month period ending in March 2022 (compared to +2.8% in March 2021), with industry increases ranging from 4.0% (natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations) to 7.8% (service occupations).
Compensation costs rose 3.2% over the period for state and local government employees (compared to +2.0% in March 2021).
