Insights from the “State of Working Wisconsin” Report 2026
Overview
The latest report from the High Road Strategy Center reveals a complex economic landscape for workers in Wisconsin. While the median wage reached a peak of $26.17 per hour, job growth has stagnated, inflation continues to erode purchasing power, and disparities between employment rates of Black and white workers are widening.
Wage Increases and Job Growth
- Wage Growth: Wages have grown faster than inflation since 2020, except in 2022 when inflation surged. Low-wage workers (20th percentile) saw a 15.9% wage increase from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% for those in the 80th percentile.
- Stagnant Job Market: Since January 2025, Wisconsin has lost jobs while national rates have grown. Dresser warned that wage growth may not keep pace with inflation in 2026.
Unemployment Disparities
- Current Rates: Unemployment stands at 3.3%, up from 2.6% in 2023.
- Racial Disparities: The rate for Black workers is 7.2%, compared to 2.3% for white workers, emphasizing one of the nation’s largest racial unemployment gaps.
Policy Impact
The report examines the effects of certain policies from the Trump administration:
- Tariffs: Increased costs have had a negligible impact on bringing back manufacturing jobs.
- Collective Bargaining Rights: Public sector unions in Wisconsin have suffered due to laws like Act 10, leading to only 7.5% of workers being union members—a steep decline from 14% in 2011.
Contributions of Immigrant Communities
- Immigrants contribute $23 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies.
Affordability Issues
- ALICE Report: A significant portion of families in Wisconsin cannot afford basic needs; the survival threshold for a family of four is set at $84,732.
- Utility Costs: These costs have risen by 19% since 2022, compounding financial hardships for residents.
Data Concerns
The report highlights concerns about the reliability of federal labor data amid political upheaval, particularly after President Trump’s dismissal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner.
Conclusion
Dresser emphasizes the importance of viewing these findings not merely as data but as a call to solidarity among workers. She suggests that the resources exist to improve the lives of workers, advocating a collective approach to economic challenges.
