U.S workers just took home their smallest share of capital since at least 1947—and the lowest ever recorded

Summary: Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows American workers are receiving their smallest share of the country’s overall income since at least 1947, even as corporate earnings and GDP rise.

The United States is experiencing a widening disconnect between broad economic growth and workers’ share of the gains. While corporate earnings are soaring and gross domestic product is expanding, American employees are taking home less of the nation’s overall income, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Workers’ share declines amid economic growth

The latest reading marks the lowest recorded share for workers and the smallest portion since at least 1947. The data highlights that growth in corporate earnings and national output has not translated into a comparable share of income for the workforce.

That contrast matters because headline measures of economic strength do not fully capture how income is being distributed. The source does not provide a specific figure for the current worker share, but it identifies the decline as the weakest level in the available record.

Employment growth is expected to slow

The labor market outlook is also becoming less supportive. Employment in the United States is set to continue slowing, adding another pressure point for workers as their portion of overall income remains historically low.

Together, the income-share data and employment outlook suggest that the benefits of strong corporate performance and GDP growth are not being felt evenly across the American workforce. The trend will remain important to watch as the economy continues to expand.