Observations
- The US is no longer a manufacturing economy – where unions had thrived.
- Private sector unions and union membership have collapsed.
- Public sector unions exploded while private sector unions almost vanished.
- There were some law changes that affected union participation
- Unions may no longer deliver as much benefit to workers. During this time, median household incomes rose sharply, without unions.
Median household income is only available since 1968 – but still … people appear to be earning more even after inflation.
| Year | Median Household Income (Nominal) | Inflation Adjusted (Approx. Current $) |
| 1968 | $7,005 | $65,952 |
| 1970 | $8,330 | $71,297 |
| 1980 | $16,400 | $70,828 |
| 1990 | $28,838 | $72,986 |
| 2000 | $40,551 | $76,357 |
| 2010 | $49,578 | $72,537 |
| 2020 | $68,400 | $83,906 |
| 2023 | $74,202 | $77,753 |
| 2025 | $83,592 | $83,592 |
