Analysis of State-Level Wage Data in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes March 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on average hourly and weekly earnings. The findings are assessed in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Economic Profile of Delaware and SDG 8

The economic conditions for workers in Delaware provide a key indicator of the state’s progress toward SDG 8, which advocates for full, productive employment and decent work for all. The data from March 2025 offers a snapshot of this progress.

Key Labor Statistics for Delaware

• Average Hourly Earnings: $32.37
• Average Weekly Hours: 32.5
• Average Weekly Earnings: $1,052.03

These figures serve as a benchmark for evaluating economic well-being and the provision of decent work within the state. The average work week of 32.5 hours also provides insight into work-life balance, a component of quality employment.

National Wage Disparities and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

A significant challenge to achieving SDG 10 is the pronounced economic inequality observed between different states. The wage data reveals substantial disparities that impact the goal of reducing inequality within and among countries.

Regional and National Comparisons

A comparison with neighboring states shows varied economic landscapes:

• New Jersey: $37.68 per hour
• Maryland: $35.63 per hour
• Pennsylvania: $32.52 per hour

The national data highlights extreme disparities, directly contradicting the principles of SDG 10. The highest average earnings are found in Washington, D.C., at $52.25 per hour, while the lowest are in Mississippi, at $27.88 per hour. This gap of nearly $25 per hour underscores the deep economic inequalities prevalent across the nation, which can exacerbate challenges in achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) in lower-wage regions.

Leading States in Hourly Earnings and Economic Growth

The states with the highest average hourly earnings demonstrate stronger economic output, aligning with the “Economic Growth” component of SDG 8. However, high averages do not preclude internal inequalities, a critical consideration for the comprehensive achievement of SDG 10.

Top 10 States by Average Hourly Earnings

1. Washington, D.C.: $52.25
2. Massachusetts: $42.21
3. Washington: $41.61
4. California: $40.69
5. Colorado: $39.10
6. Minnesota: $39.04
7. New York: $38.50
8. Connecticut: $38.43
9. Hawaii: $37.84
10. New Jersey: $37.68

Conclusion: Implications for Sustainable Development

The analysis of state-level wage data indicates varied progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. While states like Delaware exhibit metrics that align with aspects of SDG 8, the vast national disparities present a significant obstacle to achieving SDG 10. Addressing these economic inequalities is fundamental to ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable, thereby promoting decent work and reducing poverty for all citizens.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on key aspects of employment and economic conditions. It provides detailed statistics on “total private average hourly earnings,” “average weekly earnings,” and the “average number of hours Americans work per week.” This data is fundamental to assessing the quality of work and the state of economic growth. The comparison of wages across different states, such as Delaware’s $32.37 per hour versus Mississippi’s $27.88, highlights regional disparities in economic prosperity and the nature of “decent work” available to citizens.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This goal is central to the article’s narrative, which is built around comparing economic outcomes between different geographical areas within the United States. By explicitly contrasting the highest average hourly pay (Washington, D.C., at $52.25) with the lowest (Mississippi, at $27.88), the article underscores significant income inequality among states. This analysis of income disparity is a core component of tracking progress toward reducing inequalities.

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  While the article does not mention poverty lines, the data on hourly and weekly earnings is directly relevant to SDG 1. Wages are the primary source of income for most households, and low hourly earnings, such as the $27.88 average in Mississippi, are a major factor contributing to in-work poverty. The data presented allows for an analysis of economic well-being and the financial vulnerability of workers in different parts of the country, which is essential for understanding and addressing poverty.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.

   The article provides data on “average hourly earnings” and “average weekly hours,” which are direct measures related to “decent work” and “productive employment.” The discussion revolves around the adequacy of wages in states like Delaware, where the average is $32.37 per hour. While the article does not disaggregate data by gender, its focus on earnings is a primary component of this target.

2. Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

   The article’s comparison of wages across states serves as a proxy for tracking income levels of different population segments. Identifying Mississippi as the state with the lowest average hourly earnings ($27.88) points directly to a region representing the lower end of the national income spectrum. This data is crucial for assessing whether income growth in lower-earning regions is keeping pace with or exceeding the national average, which is a key aspect of this target.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of … employees.

  The article is built around this specific indicator. It explicitly states the “total private average hourly earnings” for Delaware ($32.37), Washington, D.C. ($52.25), Mississippi ($27.88), and other states. This data is a direct measurement used globally to track progress on wages and decent work.

• Average weekly earnings

  This is another direct indicator mentioned in the article. For Delaware, it specifies that “the average weekly earnings are $1,052.03.” This figure provides a broader view of income beyond the hourly rate and is a key metric for assessing economic well-being and progress towards decent work.

• Average weekly hours

  The article states that “Delawareans work 32.5 hours per week, on average.” This indicator is used to measure the extent of employment and can provide context to earnings data, reflecting on the balance between work and life and the prevalence of full-time versus part-time employment.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: delawareonline.com