National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett highlighted robust wage growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector, citing an estimated $3,000 increase per worker in 2025. Speaking in a brief 66-second video clip, Hassett emphasized that wage growth remains the most critical metric for the future of the American labor market under the administration’s “America First” economic agenda.

“The bottom line is the thing we care most about for the future of the labor market is what’s happening to wage growth — and if you look at the wage growth for this year, manufacturing wages, for example, were up $3,000 per worker,” Hassett stated, underscoring progress in earnings for U.S. workers engaged in the country’s industrial base.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, manufacturing hourly earnings averaged $29.36 in late 2025. Year-over-year nominal wage growth ranged from 2.8% to 4.9%, translating to approximately $1,200 to $2,000 in annual earnings for a full-time worker. While inflation adjustments suggest real wages experienced a modest decline of 0.1% to 0.9%, Hassett framed the nominal gains as evidence that U.S. labor is benefiting from policy measures designed to support American manufacturing, incentivize investment, and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Hassett’s remarks align with broader administration objectives to boost labor market participation, enhance productivity, and ensure that wage growth outpaces declines in consumer purchasing power over time. Manufacturing, as a key pillar of the American economy, serves as a strategic indicator of the administration’s success in creating high-quality, high-paying jobs while reinforcing the United States’ position as a global industrial leader.

The NEC Director’s comments highlight the administration’s focus on tangible worker outcomes, signaling that policies promoting domestic manufacturing, reshoring of production, and workforce development are beginning to yield measurable economic benefits.