Before World War II (Pre-1941)
- Wages were relatively low, and the economy was recovering from the Great Depression of the 1930s.
- The average weekly earnings of non-agricultural employees were around $25.00 in 1939.
During World War II (1941-1945)
- The onset of World War II brought increased economic activity and demand for labor.
- War production and the need for workers in various industries led to increased job opportunities.
- Wages rose substantially, with the average weekly earnings of non-agricultural employees reaching $44.00 by 1945, marking an approximate 76% increase compared to pre-war levels.
- The growth in average wages was partly driven by strong unionization efforts and collective bargaining during this period.
After World War II (Post-1945)
- Wages continued to rise in the post-war years as the economy transitioned from wartime to peacetime production.
- By 1951, the average weekly earnings of non-agricultural employees had climbed to $63.00, indicating an additional increase of approximately 43% since the end of World War II.
- This rise in wages was influenced by factors such as increased productivity, inflation, and the strengthening of labor unions.
Comparison
- Wages during World War II showed a substantial increase compared to pre-war levels as a result of the economic boom and high demand for labor in wartime industries.
- After the war, wages continued to rise as the economy adjusted to peacetime conditions, driven by ongoing economic expansion and the bargaining power of organized labor.