MNI: 5 Things We Learned From 3Q Employment Cost Index Data>

By Sara Haire and Holly Stokes 

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following are the key points from the 

third quarter employment cost index report released Tuesday 

by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: 

     - Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.7% for the 

third quarter, as expected, and up from +0.5% last quarter. 

     - The Y/Y for the 12-month period ending in September 2017 saw a 

slight increase to 2.5% for compensation for civilian workers, up from 

the +2.4% seen in second quarter and +2.3% Y/Y seen in the third quarter 

of 2016. 

     - Wages and salaries increased 0.7% Q/Q, up from the 0.5% increase 

seen for the second quarter. Year-over-year was also up 2.5% from the 

+2.3% in the second quarter, and the +2.4% Y/Y seen in third quarter of 

2016. 

     - Benefits increased 0.8% Q/Q, up from 0.6% in 2Q. Year-over-year 

slid slightly to +2.4% from +2.5% in 2Q, but remained above the +2.3% 

Y/Y in third quarter of 2016. 

     - Compensation cost increases for private industry workers for 

the 12-month period ending in September ranged from +1.9% for 

education and health services to +3.4% for leisure and hospitality.

 ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 ** 

[TOPICS: MAUDS$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]