Oregon Paychecks Fall Behind as U.S. Workers’ Share of Economy Nears Lowest Level Since 1929

As personal income growth in Oregon failed to keep up with national increases, wages and salaries nationwide accounted for about 42% of Gross Domestic Income in the first quarter of 2026, near the lowest share since records began in 1929.

US Workers are Receiving a Smaller Share of Income Generated Nationally

In the first quarter of 2026, U.S. wages and salaries totaled an annualized $13.27 trillion, equal to about 42% of Gross Domestic Income.

US wages and salaries totaled an annualized $ 13.39 trillion, up from $13.27 trillion in the first quarter and $12.88 trillion one year earlier. Despite the dollar increase, wages and salaries represented only about 43% of the total economy.

While workers’ paychecks haven’t actually fallen, wages have grown more slowly than other parts of the economy, and the 43% share is close to its lowest level since national records began in 1929.

Oregon Ranks Near The Bottom For Personal Income Growth

Oregon recently ranked near the bottom for personal income growth, which increased only 4.1% in 2025- compared with 4.9% nationally- as household income failed to keep pace with much of the country. The low rate saw Oregon fall to 46th in the state rankings for income growth.

On per-capita income growth, Oregon ranked 44^th. Per-capita personal income in the state was $73,678, compared with $76,393 nationally, and net earnings provided 57.6% of Oregon personal income- lower than the national share of 60.6%.

In 2025, Oregon per-capita income stood at 96.4% of the national level. Currently, the state ranks 28th for per-capita net earnings, at $42,427. Compared with national figures, Oregonians relied less heavily on earnings than the national average.