July 26, 2002 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Compensation costs rise

Compensation costs for civilian workers (not seasonally adjusted) increased 4.0 percent for the 12 months ended in June 2002 to 159.9 (June 1989=100). This compares with over-the-year increases of 3.9 percent in June 2001 and 4.4 percent in June 2000.

12-month percent change in Employment Cost Index, June 1997-June 2002
[Chart data—TXT]

Wages and salaries rose 3.5 percent for the year ended June 2002, after increasing 3.7 percent in the year ended June 2001. Benefit costs increased 5.0 percent for the year ended in June 2002, compared with an increase of 4.5 percent in June 2001.

These data are from the Employment Cost Trends program. Civilian workers include nonfarm private industry plus State and local government. See USDL 02-403, "Employment Cost Index--June 2002" (PDF) (TXT), for more information on changes in compensation costs.