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Treasury Dept. Issues Letter to Sen. Whitehouse
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (TNSletter) -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following letter to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island:
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Here is the text of the letter:
August 17, 2026
The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Whitehouse:
Thank you for your July 24, 2026 letter regarding the Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) aircraft valuation formula set forth in the Treasury Regulations.1 We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
The Internal Revenue Code generally includes in gross income an employee's compensation
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (TNSletter) -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following letter to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island:
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Here is the text of the letter:
August 17, 2026
The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Whitehouse:
Thank you for your July 24, 2026 letter regarding the Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) aircraft valuation formula set forth in the Treasury Regulations.1 We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
The Internal Revenue Code generally includes in gross income an employee's compensationfor services, including fringe benefits. In general, employees must include in gross income as a fringe benefit the value of the use of employer-provided aircraft for personal purposes and treat the value as wages for employment tax and information reporting purposes. To determine the value of personal flights on employer-provided piloted aircraft, employees may use an amount equal to the amount that an individual would have to pay in an arm's-length transaction to charter the same or a comparable piloted aircraft for that period for the same or a comparable flight. Alternatively, employees may use the SIFL method to value the flight.
Under the SIFL method, finalized in 1989, employees may determine the value of an employer provided flight by multiplying the SIFL cents-per-mile rates applicable for the period during which the flight was taken by the appropriate aircraft multiple, and then adding the applicable terminal charge. The SIFL cents-per-mile rates and the terminal charge are calculated by the Department of Transportation, are revised semi-annually, and published semi-annually in a Revenue Ruling. For example, for flights taken between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, the terminal charge is $54.48. The SIFL mileage rates for flights taken during that period are $.2980 per mile for flights up to 500 miles, $.2272 per mile for flights between 501 and 1500 miles, and $.2184 per mile for flights over 1500 miles.2
As explained in the 1989 preamble to the final SIFL regulations, calculating the precise fair market value of every employer-provided flight taken by an employee for personal purposes would be administratively burdensome for taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service. Accordingly, use of the SIFL method as a standardized valuation method is intended to produce consistent results among taxpayers and eliminate the burden of obtaining individualized appraisals for all of an employer's flights provided to employees for personal purposes. In addition, the semi-annual updates of SIFL cents-per-mile rates published in the semi-annual Revenue Ruling is intended to take into account current market conditions in calculating the value of employer-provided flights.
Thank you for the feedback you have provided and your interest in this subject. If you have any further questions, please contact our Office of Legislative Affairs.
Sincerely,
Mason Champion, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs
Identical letter sent to:
The Honorable Elizabeth Warren
The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
The Honorable Edward J. Markey
The Honorable Bernard Sanders
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Original text and footnotes here: https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Response-to-2026.07.25-Whitehouse-Warren-Et-al_WhiteHouse-1.pdf
News Release here: https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/trump-administration-refuses-to-close-tax-loophole-exploited-by-private-jet-owners/
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Issues August 2026 Beige Book
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity expanded further at a slight pace. Consumer spending grew only marginally overall. Manufacturing activity ticked up further on balance. Nonfinancial services firms noted small revenue gains, and bank loan volume increased a bit. Commercial real estate activity was mostly unchanged, but office leasing showed small improvements. Residential real estate sales improved modestly. Employment edged up, although labor demand was somewhat mixed. Wages
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity expanded further at a slight pace. Consumer spending grew only marginally overall. Manufacturing activity ticked up further on balance. Nonfinancial services firms noted small revenue gains, and bank loan volume increased a bit. Commercial real estate activity was mostly unchanged, but office leasing showed small improvements. Residential real estate sales improved modestly. Employment edged up, although labor demand was somewhat mixed. Wagesrose slightly overall. Output prices continued to rise at a slight pace, with contacts expressing heightened uncertainty about the path of inflation. The outlook was mixed, but became somewhat more pessimistic on balance, with contacts expressing concerns about inflation, conflict in the Middle East, tariffs, and longer-term interest rates.
Labor Markets
Head counts rose slightly overall, reflecting minimal to moderate increases among various manufacturers, tourism and retail businesses, and nonfinancial services firms. Employment was flat for hospitals and financial services firms, whereas moderate layoffs occurred in higher education. Job openings ranged from flat to up moderately among nonfinancial services firms and rose a bit among retailers and manufacturers. On the other hand, one college enacted a hiring freeze. Job opportunities for recent college graduates improved from a year ago but remained scarce relative to the number of applicants. Retail and tourism contacts perceived small improvements in labor supply, but selected contacts in other sectors experienced tighter labor supply. Wages and benefits rose slightly on average, with most of the gains occurring among manufacturers. Retail and tourism contacts saw modest increases in health insurance costs. On average, contacts expected head counts to rise marginally over the next six months.
Prices
Output prices rose slightly on average, although many firms kept their prices fixed. The majority of manufacturers and services firms registered stable output prices, although some reported minimal price increases. Prices rose moderately at high-end resorts but rose only minimally for budget-friendly accommodations. Cost pressures varied across industries, although some common drivers existed, most notably fuel and energy. Specifically, restaurants' menu prices increased modestly in response to higher food and energy costs. Retailers cited elevated transportation and fuel expenses as factors that contributed to small price increases. Manufacturers reported slight increases in input prices, citing cost pressures from fuel and energy, raw materials, tariffs, and transportation. Input prices were mostly stable among financial and nonfinancial services firms. Hospitals planned to keep prices steady going forward, while expected price changes among tourism contacts were mixed. Contacts across industries expressed heightened uncertainty and upside risks to inflation around elevated energy prices and potential new tariffs.
Consumer Spending
Consumer spending increased slightly in recent months, as tourism spending grew modestly and retail spending was flat on balance. Hotel contacts saw modest revenue gains on average, driven by increases in daily room rates, particularly among higher-end accommodations and for Boston locations. Mid-market lodging options saw only very small increases in revenue amid softer demand. Boston restaurant and retail sales were strong throughout July and into early August, rising considerably from the previous summer; the momentum started in June with the World Cup and persisted during July's tall ships festival--part of the nation's semi-quincentennial--and other high-profile events. Restaurant and retail sales on Cape Cod decreased modestly, as above-average temperatures kept visitors at beaches instead of shopping districts, and higher lodging costs left households with less to spend otherwise. Retailers elsewhere in the First District saw flat revenues, with some noting softer demand and rising inventories, while others saw modest revenue growth. The outlook for consumer spending was cautious. Many contacts cited high energy costs as a strain on consumer budgets and were concerned that the impacts could intensify during the home heating season if the conflict in the Middle East remained unresolved.
Manufacturing and Distribution
Manufacturing activity and revenues were up slightly in recent months, with most contacts reporting performance at or above expectations. Profits increased somewhat on average, but the changes ranged from slight decreases to large increases. Most firms reported solid to robust demand, but some consumer-facing firms experienced softer demand, and a polymer manufacturer cited tariff uncertainty as a drag on demand for its materials. Capital expenditures increased slightly overall, with one contact noting higher spending on automation in response to labor scarcity. The outlook improved on balance, even though more contacts perceived an increase in uncertainty rather than a decrease. Contacts expected business activity to expand overall but cited the conflict in the Middle East, inflationary pressures, and tariffs as ongoing sources of uncertainty.
Nonfinancial Services
Revenues increased slightly on average among nonfinancial services firms, with one professional services firm noting a large increase. However, education contacts noted a moderate slowdown in activity, as one Massachusetts college closed recently, and another reversed expansion plans and trimmed head counts in response to declining enrollments. Capital expenditures increased marginally on average among contacts in the health-care, software, legal, and accounting industries, and one health-care contact expected further slight increases in capital outlays going forward. Contacts agreed that uncertainty remained elevated, but most carried on with decision-making regardless. The outlook became more optimistic on balance, with contacts in professional services expecting activity to pick up a bit going forward. However, the outlook for higher education appeared increasingly pessimistic.
Financial Services
Business activity among banking contacts and non-bank financial services firms increased slightly on average in recent months. A large financial services firm reported stable revenues, profits, and capital expenditures. Loan volume among banking contacts grew somewhat overall, although some recorded no change in loan volume and a few experienced moderate increases. Changes in loan demand ranged from very small decreases to moderate increases. Credit standards were mostly unchanged, although one contact said standards had tightened. Loan pricing rose a bit, and nonperforming loans were unchanged. The outlook was mostly stable, although banking contacts expressed growing uncertainty related to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and the impact of those factors on spending and borrowing by households and businesses.
Real Estate and Construction
Commercial real estate activity remained stable on average. In the industrial market, leasing activity was mixed, and rents and vacancy rates were flat. Retail leasing activity, rents, and vacancy rates were unchanged, with one contact noting lack of new supply. Office leasing activity increased slightly, driven by class A properties, resulting in a small increase in rents and reduction in vacancy rates. One contact attributed the improvements to increased return-to-office policies by large employers. Multifamily leasing softened, with vacancy rates edging up, and construction slowing. Nonresidential construction was flat. Loan activity to the sector increased, resulting in tighter credit spreads. Contacts expressed a somewhat more negative outlook, with increased uncertainty tied mostly to interest rates.
Residential markets saw a modest increase in activity for both single-family homes and condominiums. Closed and pending sales increased somewhat more than expected for the season, which one contact attributed to the region's relatively cool spring and resulting delay in the typical warm-weather surge. There were small increases in inventory in most New England states, though inventory continued to decrease in Massachusetts. Sales prices remained stable on average. Contacts reported a mostly positive outlook, consistent with the previous cycle, although one New Hampshire contact perceived the market was softening.
For more information about District economic conditions visit: https://www.bostonfed.org/in-the-region.aspx.
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Original text here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202608-boston.htm
BLS Western Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Oregon First Quarter 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Oregon First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 6 of the 7 largest counties in Oregon from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Oregon employment decreased 1.3 percent over the year to 1,952,300 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that Washington County (-2.8
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Oregon First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 6 of the 7 largest counties in Oregon from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Oregon employment decreased 1.3 percent over the year to 1,952,300 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that Washington County (-2.8percent) had the largest over-the-year decrease in employment. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Oregon, March 2026
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Multnomah County (484,400) had the highest employment level in Oregon in March 2026. Together, the seven largest counties accounted for 75.0 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in 6 of the 7 large counties in Oregon were above the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Washington had the largest gain (+9.2 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among the other six large Oregon counties ranged from 5.8 percent to 3.1 percent.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Oregon, first quarter 2026
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Weekly wages in 2 of the 7 largest counties in Oregon were above the national average of $1,654: Washington ($1,882) and Multnomah ($1,712). Average weekly wages among the other five large counties ranged from $1,462 in Clackamas to $1,204 in Jackson.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 4.6 percent over the year to $1,481. Oregon ranked 23rd in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 8th in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 29 smaller counties in Oregon, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller counties were below the national average. Morrow reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,420) among small counties. Wheeler reported the lowest average weekly wage ($825) in the state.
Among all 36 Oregon counties, 6 reported average weekly wages less than $1,025, 16 had wages from $1,025 to $1,149, 5 had wages from $1,150 to $1,274, and 9 had average weekly wages of $1,275 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Oregon, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the seven largest counties in Oregon, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Oregon, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_oregon_20260904.htm
BLS Western Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Idaho employment increased 1.9 percent over the year to 867,900 in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Employment rose 2.1 percent in Ada County from March 2025 to March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that the rate of employment growth in Ada ranked 10th
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Idaho employment increased 1.9 percent over the year to 867,900 in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Employment rose 2.1 percent in Ada County from March 2025 to March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that the rate of employment growth in Ada ranked 10thamong the 371 largest U.S. counties with published data.
Employment was 295,300 in Ada and 90,100 in Canyon in March 2026. Together these two large counties accounted for 44.4 percent of total employment in Idaho. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
The average weekly wage in Ada increased 7.9 percent over the year (ranked 12th nationally) to $1,503 (132nd). The average wage in Canyon increased 3.3 percent (196th) to $1,048 (364th). The national average was $1,654, up 3.9 percent over the year.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 6.2 percent over the year to $1,254. Idaho ranked 44th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 2nd in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 42 smaller counties in Idaho, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in 41 of the 42 smaller counties were below the national average. Butte reported the highest average weekly wage ($2,380) in the state. Bear Lake reported the lowest average weekly wage ($781).
Among all 44 Idaho counties, 10 reported average weekly wages less than $925, 6 had wages from $925 to $999, 15 had wages from $1,000 to $1,074, 4 had wages from $1,075 to $1,149, and 9 had average weekly wages of $1,150 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Idaho, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the two largest counties in Idaho, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Idaho, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_idaho_20260904.htm
BLS Southwest Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Oklahoma First Quarter 2026
DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Oklahoma First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 2 of the 3 largest counties in Oklahoma from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Oklahoma employment was essentially unchanged over the year at 1,700,600 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner James B. Howard, Jr., noted that employment decreased
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DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Oklahoma First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 2 of the 3 largest counties in Oklahoma from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Oklahoma employment was essentially unchanged over the year at 1,700,600 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner James B. Howard, Jr., noted that employment decreasedin Cleveland (-0.9 percent) and Oklahoma (-0.8 percent) Counties. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Oklahoma, March 2026
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Oklahoma County (493,100) had the highest employment level in Oklahoma in March 2026. Together, the three largest counties accounted for 56.4 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in both large counties in Oklahoma with published data were below the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Cleveland had the largest gain (+2.5 percent). In Tulsa, the average weekly wage increased 1.2 percent over the year.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Oklahoma, first quarter 2026
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Weekly wages in all three large counties in Oklahoma were below the national average of $1,654: $1,441 in Oklahoma County, $1,352 in Tulsa County, and $1,014 in Cleveland County.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 3.6 percent over the year to $1,235. Oklahoma ranked 46th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 28th in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 74 smaller counties in Oklahoma, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller counties were below the national average. Dewey reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,637) in the state. Jefferson reported the lowest average weekly wage ($680).
Among all 77 Oklahoma counties, 19 reported average weekly wages of $899 and lower, 26 had wages from $900 to $999, 19 had wages from $1,000 to $1,099, and 13 had average weekly wages of $1,100 and higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Oklahoma, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the three largest counties in Oklahoma, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Oklahoma, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_oklahoma_20260904.htm
BLS Midwest Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in North Dakota First Quarter 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in North Dakota First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 0.6 percent in Cass, the only large county in North Dakota, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. North Dakota employment decreased 0.5 percent over the year to 420,700 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (see table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in North Dakota First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 0.6 percent in Cass, the only large county in North Dakota, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. North Dakota employment decreased 0.5 percent over the year to 420,700 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (see table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations MichaelHirniak noted that the rate of employment growth in Cass ranked 240th among the 371 largest U.S. counties with published data.
Employment in Cass stood at 126,700 in March 2026, accounting for 30.1 percent of total employment in North Dakota. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
The average weekly wage in Cass increased 3.1 percent over the year to $1,376. The national average was $1,654, up 3.9 percent over the year. Cass's weekly wage ranked 189th nationally, and the percent change ranked 216th among the largest U.S. counties.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 2.4 percent over the year to $1,333. North Dakota ranked 33rd in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 49th in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 52 smaller counties in North Dakota, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in 47 of the 52 smaller counties were below the national average. Dunn reported the highest average weekly wage ($2,002) in the state. Logan reported the lowest average weekly wage ($773).
Among all 53 North Dakota counties, 10 reported average weekly wages less than $975, 20 had wages from $975 to $1,099, 9 had wages from $1,100 to $1,224, and 14 had average weekly wages of $1,225 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in North Dakota, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the largest county in North Dakota, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in North Dakota, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_northdakota_20260904.htm
BLS Midwest Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Michigan First Quarter 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Michigan First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment rose in 4 of the 10 largest counties in Michigan from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Michigan employment increased 0.3 percent over the year to 4,357,500 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that Saginaw
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Michigan First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment rose in 4 of the 10 largest counties in Michigan from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Michigan employment increased 0.3 percent over the year to 4,357,500 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that SaginawCounty (+1.4 percent) had the largest over-the-year increase in employment. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Michigan, March 2026
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Wayne County (718,100) had the highest employment level in Michigan in March 2026. Together, the 10 largest counties accounted for 68.7 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in 6 of the 10 large counties in Michigan were below the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Macomb had the largest gain (+6.1 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among the other nine large Michigan counties ranged from 5.7 percent to 1.3 percent.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Michigan, first quarter 2026
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Wayne ($1,684) had a weekly wage above the national average of $1,654. Average weekly wages among the other nine large counties ranged from $1,640 in Oakland to $1,146 in Genesee.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 3.9 percent over the year to $1,445. Michigan ranked 24th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 22nd in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 73 smaller counties in Michigan, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller counties were below the national average. Calhoun reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,495) among small counties. Keweenaw reported the lowest average weekly wage ($693) in the state.
Among all 83 Michigan counties, 15 reported average weekly wages less than $900, 17 had wages from $900 to $999, 19 had wages from $1,000 to $1,099, 15 had wages from $1,100 to $1,199, and 17 had average weekly wages of $1,200 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Michigan, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the 10 largest counties in Michigan, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Michigan, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_michigan_20260904.htm
