The University of Wisconsin-Madison-based, nonpartisan High Road Strategy Center has released the State of Working Wisconsin 2025.
The report shows continued economic growth, which began as the recovery from COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, and solid key economic indicators.
However, 2025 job growth has been slow statewide and nationally, suggesting that the economy is cooling.
Key findings of the report include:
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Wisconsin’s 2024 median wage — $25.01 per hour — reached a record high;
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The state has 2% more jobs than before the pandemic, while the nation has added 5% to its job base over the same time;
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Union coverage in Wisconsin collapsed from 14% to 7% from 2011-24, while over the same period, national unionization fell from 13% to 11%; and
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Wisconsin’s 320,000 immigrants make up 7% of the state’s workforce and generate $23 billion in economic output.
