The Fragile Backbone of the U.S. Economy: Inside the Labor Economy

Wage to Wallet™ Index: Measuring the Labor Economy’s Impact on U.S. Financial and Economic Health

They stock shelves, serve meals and keep the lights on, but their take-home paychecks shape more than their household budgets. The new Wage to Wallet™ Index, a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence, WorkWhile and Ingo Payments, reveals how 60 million U.S. workers move $1.7 trillion through the economy each year and details how even minor delays to their pay can ripple into inflation, reduced demand and blunted growth. The stakes for U.S. resilience may be higher than anyone realizes.

Inside the October Index
  • The 60 million U.S. workers who earn under $50,000 annually fuel more than $1.7 trillion in consumer spending each year—making their financial stability a key driver of national growth.
  • With savings 40% below the national average, even short pay delays or missed shifts can dampen household confidence and reduce overall demand.
  • More than half of Labor Economy workers choose instant wage access when available, improving liquidity and reducing reliance on costly credit.

Wage to Wallet™

Wage to Wallet™ Index: Wage Volatility’s $14B Consumer Spending Gap
Wage to Wallet Index: Measuring the Labor Economy’s Impact on U.S. Financial and Economic Health