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Workers

Labor Day: A Closer Look at Wages and Benefits for Unionized Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Labor Day, originally celebrated as a parade in 1882, has evolved into a federal holiday recognizing the contributions of labor unions. On the eve of Labor Day, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics provided insights into the wages and benefits of unionized workers. The data highlights the disparities in median weekly earnings and access to benefits between unionized and non-unionized workers in various occupations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unionized workers in protective service occupations earned a higher median weekly wage ($1,519) compared to non-unionized workers ($937) in 2024.
  • In contrast, non-unionized workers in computer and mathematical occupations earned a median weekly wage ($1,963) higher than unionized workers ($1,655) in 2024.
  • In March 2024, nearly all civilian workers represented by unions (97%) had access to personal leave, sick leave, paid family leave, or vacation, compared to 87% of civilian non-union workers.
  • Unionized workers had significantly higher access rates to retirement (95%) and medical benefits (95%), compared to non-unionized workers (72% and 71% respectively).

Statistics:

  • In 2024, the median weekly earnings of workers represented by labor unions were $1,320, while non-union workers earned $1,138.
  • Protective service occupations saw a $582 median weekly earnings difference between unionized and non-unionized workers.
  • Computer and mathematical occupations had a $308 median weekly earnings difference between unionized and non-unionized workers, with non-unionized workers earning more.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Labor Day: A closer look at wages and benefits for unionized workers at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/labor-day-a-closer-look-at-wages-and-benefits-for-unionized-workers.htm (visited August 30, 2025).
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, "Union Members -- 2024" and "Employee Benefits in the United States -- March 2024."

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