Center for Microeconomic Data

 
SCE LABOR MARKET SURVEY
July Survey: Job Satisfaction Improves; Job Offer Arrival Expectations at Lowest Level Since March 2021
  • The proportion of individuals who reported searching for a job in the past four weeks rebounded to 24.9 percent from 22.5 percent in March 2026. The increase was largest for those with annual incomes less than $60,000.
  • Satisfaction with wage compensation, nonwage benefits, and promotion opportunities increased by 2.9, 3.6, and 0.9 percentage points (ppt), respectively. However, satisfaction with wage compensation and promotion opportunities remain close to series lows reached in March 2026.
  • The average expected likelihood of receiving at least one job offer in the next four months decreased by 1.1 ppt to 18.0 percent, its lowest reading since March 2021. This decrease was largest for those without a college degree, those younger than age 45, and women.
  • The average nominal reservation wage—the lowest wage respondents would be willing to accept for a new job—continued to increase and reached a series high of $88,387 in July. This increase was most pronounced for men, respondents with a college degree, and those younger than age 45.

About:
The SCE Labor Market Survey is fielded every four months as a rotating module of the Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE). The data are updated online as results come in.

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Fielding the Survey
The SCE Labor Market Survey, fielded every four months as part of the Survey of Consumer Expectations, collects information on individuals' experiences and expectations with respect to earnings, job transitions, and job offers, among other topics. The results of the November 2018 survey show that the average full-time offer wage rose to $58,035, up from $52,590 in July.
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