Analysis of U.S. State-Level Hourly Earnings in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Economic Data as an Indicator for SDG 8

This report analyzes the June 2025 data on average hourly earnings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, contextualizing the findings within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with additional consideration for SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The data reveals significant regional disparities in economic progress and the provision of decent work across the United States.

State-Level Performance and Progress on Decent Work (SDG 8)

Massachusetts: A High-Performing State Analysis

As of June 2025, Massachusetts demonstrates strong indicators related to SDG 8, although its national ranking has shifted. The state is now ranked third-highest for average hourly earnings, having been surpassed by the state of Washington.

• Average Hourly Earnings: $42.00
• Average Weekly Hours: 33.4
• Average Weekly Earnings: $1,402.80

These figures suggest a robust labor market that contributes to economic growth and provides high-wage employment, a key target of SDG 8. The moderate average work week may also indicate a positive trend towards work-life balance, an element of decent work.

Comparative Analysis and National Disparities (SDG 10)

National Wage Distribution and Economic Inequality

The data highlights significant economic inequality between different regions of the country, a central concern of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The gap between the highest and lowest-earning states underscores the challenge of ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all citizens.

• Highest Earning Jurisdiction: Washington, D.C., with average hourly earnings of $54.21.
• Second-Highest Earning State: Washington, with average hourly earnings of $42.26.
• Third-Highest Earning State: Massachusetts, with average hourly earnings of $42.00.
• Lowest Earning State: Mississippi, with average hourly earnings of $27.95.

The substantial difference of over $26 per hour between Washington, D.C., and Mississippi illustrates a profound sub-national inequality that impedes progress towards SDG 10.

Regional Economic Standing: New England

Within its own region, Massachusetts leads in promoting high-wage employment. This regional strength is a positive indicator, though disparities persist even within New England. The following list details the average hourly earnings for the region, reflecting varied progress toward SDG 8 targets.

1. Massachusetts: $42.00
2. Connecticut: $38.98
3. Rhode Island: $36.38
4. New Hampshire: $35.18
5. Vermont: $34.79
6. Maine: $32.43

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work)

High average hourly earnings in states like Massachusetts, Washington, and the District of Columbia are critical drivers for achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) by providing incomes that support a higher standard of living. These wages are indicative of progress towards Target 8.5, which calls for full, productive employment and decent work for all.

Challenges in Achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

The stark contrast in earnings between the top and bottom-ranked states demonstrates a significant challenge to achieving SDG 10. Such economic divergence can exacerbate social and economic exclusion. Addressing these disparities is essential for fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of economic development are shared across all states, thereby advancing the national commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

The article’s focus on employment statistics, such as hourly and weekly earnings and average work hours, directly connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  This goal is central to the article, which revolves around promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on earnings and work hours are key metrics for assessing the state of employment and economic well-being in different regions.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This goal is addressed by the article’s comparative analysis of earnings across different states. By highlighting the significant disparities in average hourly wages—from Washington, D.C. ($54.21) and Washington state ($42.26) at the top to Mississippi ($27.95) at the bottom—the article implicitly points to economic inequalities within the country.

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

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all

  By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. The article’s core subject is the “average hourly earnings” in Massachusetts ($42.00) and other states, which is a direct measure related to the “pay” aspect of decent work.

• Target 10.1: Sustain income growth for the bottom 40 percent

  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 provides the foundational data needed to analyze this target by reporting on average earnings and identifying the lowest-earning state, Mississippi, where workers earn just “$27.95” per hour. This data is crucial for tracking income levels and disparities between different economic segments of the population.

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

Yes, the article explicitly mentions several indicators that are used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

• Indicator for Target 8.5: Average hourly earnings

  The primary indicator discussed throughout the article is the “average hourly earnings.” This is a direct component of the official SDG indicator 8.5.1 (Average hourly earnings of employees). The article provides specific data points for this indicator, such as “$42.00 per hour” for Massachusetts and “$27.95” for Mississippi.

• Supporting Indicators for Decent Work

  The article also provides data on “average weekly earnings” ($1,402.80 for Massachusetts) and the “average number of hours Americans work per week” (33.4 hours for Massachusetts). These are crucial supporting indicators that provide a more complete picture of employment conditions and the quality of work, which are central to SDG 8.

• Indicator for Target 10.1: Disparity in Earnings

  The comparison of average hourly earnings between the highest-earning region (Washington, D.C., at $54.21) and the lowest-earning state (Mississippi, at $27.95) serves as a clear indicator of economic inequality. The significant gap between these figures illustrates the income disparities that SDG 10 aims to reduce.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com