America First, Paychecks Up: Blue-Collar Wages Rise Fastest Since 1969

What Happened

Under the current administration, blue-collar workers have seen their real wages grow at the fastest pace in over half a century. In the first five months of the year, real hourly wages for production and non-supervisory employees have risen nearly 2%.

These workers make up more than 80% of the private workforce. This kind of wage growth hasn’t been recorded since 1969.

Policy moves that targeted economic growth, domestic industry, and job creation for working Americans are the likely driving factors. These efforts fall under Trump’s ‘America First’ initiative. 

Inflation, which typically eats into wage gains, has remained in check. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% in May, just a tick up from April’s 2.3%, and still below forecasts despite ongoing global tariff tensions.

As a result, those higher paychecks have had more real-world buying power. With inflation under control and job numbers strong, blue-collar earnings are starting to see actual traction in an economy that has often left them behind.

Why It Matters

Wage stagnation has defined the American working class for decades as manufacturing jobs disappeared and income flatlined. However, since Trump’s re-election, something has shifted.

During a recent hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed to deregulation, corporate tax cuts, and a reshoring strategy as the core drivers of wage growth. The administration also pitched the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ This proposal aims to raise worker wages by $6,100 to $11,600 annually as well as boost take-home pay for a family of four by up to $13,300.

Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation are beginning to see paychecks rising in ways they haven’t in years. As inflation continues to stay at manageable levels, these raises haven’t been swallowed up by higher gas or grocery bills yet. For a group that has long been considered economically stuck, this marks a rare upward shift with tangible impact.

The data also challenges the long-held assumption that wage growth for low and middle-income workers must come at the expense of broader economic stability. The data suggests that targeted pro-worker policies, when paired with business incentives, can drive growth from the bottom up without triggering runaway inflation. This challenges traditional economic thinking while also raising new questions about what’s possible in future labor policy, regardless of political leadership.

How It Affects Readers

For working Americans, especially in trades or hourly roles, this data is a welcome surprise. Bigger paychecks with more buying power can mean a real difference in daily life with everything from covering rent, handling debt, to setting money aside for an emergency fund.

It also reframes how economic success is measured. Wall Street hasn’t the only place winning, as blue-collar America has been making steady strides in wage growth.

But this growth isn’t guaranteed to last. Bessent warned that failing to pass the proposed wage and tax legislation would trigger what he deemed the ‘largest tax hike in history.’ This could raise unemployment and reverse hard-won gains.

Almost six months into the year, the connection between policy and take-home pay is starting to show.