May 2023 – U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)

Current Level is 84.46 | Change From Last Month +0.25%

Graph showing an overall downward trend since inception. Since March 2011, the trend is upward, but still much lower than March 1990.

Based on JQI data report as of June 2, 2023.

About the JQI

The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI) assesses job quality in the United States by measuring desirable higher-wage/higher-hour jobs versus lower-wage/lower-hour jobs. The JQI results also may serve as a proxy for the overall health of the U.S. jobs market, since the index enables month-by-month tracking of the direction and degree of change in high-to-low job composition.

By tracking this information, policymakers and financial market participants can be more fully informed of past developments, current trends, and likely future developments in the absence of policy intervention. Economists and international organizations have in recent years developed other, complementary conceptions of job quality such as those addressing the emotional satisfaction employees derive from their jobs.

For the purposes of this JQI, “job quality” means the weekly dollar-income a job generates for an employee. Payment, after all, is a primary reason why people work: the income generated by a job being necessary to maintain a standard of living, to provide for the essentials of life and, hopefully, to save for retirement, among other things.

JQ-Instant

Bar chart showing the JQI Instant levels, shows an increase in the percentage of high quality jobs as compared to low quality jobs.

JQI Explainer Video

The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index Explanatory Slide Deck

Download a PDF of the slide deck from JQI

Media Mentions

+ March 2022

Harvard Business Review, Workers Don’t Feel Like a 9-to-5 Job Is a Safe Bet Anymore

+ June 2021

Street Insider: U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® May 2021
TNR: We Regret to Inform You That Workers Are Not Suddenly Winning

+ February 2021

Cision PRWeb: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® January 2021
Yahoo Finance: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® January 2021

+ January 2021

Benzinga: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® December 2020
Cision PRWeb: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® December 2020

+ December 2020

Insurance News Net: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI) November 2020

+ November 2020

Benzinga: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® October 2020
Cision PRWeb: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® October 2020
Yahoo Finance: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® October 2020

+ October 2020

Center for American Progress: A Multiple Measures Approach to Workforce Equity
Red Green and Blue: September jobs report: Coronavirus recovery is NOT on pace
Yahoo Finance: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® September 2020
Yahoo Finance: New Cornell-JQI-RIWI Survey Questions the True, Real-Time U.S. Jobs Picture on the Eve of the Election
City A.M.: US election: Trumpism won the argument on US economic policy

+ September 2020

Detroit News: Trump’s jobs record fell short of promises even before the virus
Yahoo Finance: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® August 2020
Forbes: GM Leads In Shipping Jobs To Mexico; Company Shifting Focus To China

+ August 2020

Business Insider: Black and Latino workers are more likely to lose their jobs in the 2nd wave of COVID-19 layoffs, study finds
Forbes: Consumer Confidence Bouncing Back Even As Coronavirus Fears Remain
Cheddar: Unemployed Again: 2nd Wave of Coronavirus-Driven Layoffs Underway, Say Economists
Industrial Distribution: Second Wave of Coronavirus Layoffs Is Here
Food Manufacturing: Second Wave of Coronavirus Layoffs Is Here
Manufacturing Business Technology: Second Wave of Coronavirus Layoffs Is Here
New York News: Study shows second wave of layoffs underway
Axios: July’s jobs report could be an inflection point for the coronavirus recovery
New York Times: Coming Next: The Greater Recession
National Review: The Capital Note: COVID’s Casualties
Business Insider: Nearly one third of people that have gone back to work after being laid off during the coronavirus pandemic have lost their jobs again, study finds
Yahoo Finance: New Cornell-JQI-RIWI Survey Shows A Second Wave of U.S. Layoffs and Furloughs is Well Under Way
CNBC: Stock market live Tuesday: Dow up 150 points, Nasdaq record close, stimulus talks continue
Forbes: A Second Wave Of Layoffs Is Coming As Lockdowns Persist
The Hill: Survey finds nearly one-third of rehired workers laid off again

+ July 2020

Martinsville Bulletin: AP Explains: 5 key takeaways from a strong June jobs report
Benzinga: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® June 2020
AP News: AP Explains: 5 key takeaways from a strong June jobs report
WRAL WireTech: Analyzing big jobs report – the good, the bad, the ugly
Yahoo Finance: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® June 2020
Wilson County News: US Adds 4.8 Million Jobs as Economy Regains Some Pre-COVID Employment

+ June 2020

Alkhaleej Today: Arab News recording exposes Nissan lawyer’s lie on IMF bailout for Lebanon
PR Web: Statement #3 from the U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (“JQI”) Team on Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Related Unemployment
Yahoo Finance: Statement #3 from the U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (“JQI”) Team on Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Related Unemployment
Arab News: US workers face an unequal future when virus recedes
Yahoo Finance: America’s job crisis amid coronavirus is having a ‘disproportionate impact’ on black Americans
ABC13: New unemployment claims decline, but economists project long, slow recovery from outbreak
Business Insider: Friday’s May jobs report surprised economists. It could be a sign that the government’s program to rescue small businesses is paying off
International Business Times: Is The US Economy Recovering From The Coronavirus? Experts Say It’s Too Early To Declare Victory Despite Jobs Report
Markets Insider: The US faces not a V-shaped recovery but a ‘reverse tick shape’ after shocking jobs data, analysts say
PR Web: The U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® May 2020
Business Insider:The US faces not a V-shaped recovery but a ‘reverse tick shape’ after shocking jobs data, analysts say
International Business Times: Is The US Economy Recovering From The Coronavirus? Experts Say It’s Too Early To Declare Victory Despite Jobs Report
Business Insider: The US Government is refusing to say which businesses received over $500 billion in coronavirus bailout loans
Bloomberg: U.S. Jobs Focus Shifts Back to Losses After May’s Surprise Gain
Pineville Voice: US workers face an unequal future when virus recedes

+ May 2020

Statesman News: Two Views: Don’t raise taxes when Texans can least afford it
Business Insider: Wages are about to jump faster than ever in history — for all the wrong reasons
ABC 11: Economic downturns, like the one during the COVID-19 pandemic, hit harder in communities of color
NY Post: Unemployment rate hits record 14.7% with 20.5M jobs lost in April
San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area gig workers join 3.17 million filing for unemployment in US
Yahoo Finance: Breaking – Nonfarm Payrolls Fell 20.5 Million in April; Jobless Rate at 14.7%
Tom’s Guide: How to spend your stimulus check wisely — what experts are saying
MarketWatch: Opinion: Why the ‘great’ jobs market was always an illusion
Tom’s Guide: Stimulus check 2: Second round payment date, status and news
Live Mint: US employees face an unequal future when coronavirus recedes
The Straits Times: US workers face an unequal future when coronavirus recedes
AlKhaleej Today: US workers face an unequal future when virus recedes

+ April 2020

Lane Report: Depth of recession depends on containment of COVID-19, says UofL health economist
Christian Science Monitor: Faces of the new jobs crisis, from restaurants to real estate
Vox: 11 questions about the coronavirus economic crisis you were too embarrassed to ask
CS Monitor: Faces of the new jobs crisis, from restaurants to real estate
CNBC: The jobs numbers have been so bad that even the good news is bad news
Yahoo Finance: U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® March 2020
Benziga: U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® March 2020
Nikkei Asian Review: Signs of flattening in New York trigger massive stock rally
Penn Live Patriot News: Small businesses show large appetite for federal payroll loans to keep workforce intact during coronavirus closures
Investor’s Business Daily:As Coronavirus Shutdown Ends, Get Ready For The Masked Economy
Eater: By the Numbers: How the Coronavirus Pandemic Continues to Devastate the Restaurant Industry
Business Insider: The coronavirus shows it’s time to reshape the relationship between the US government and American workers
FX Street: US: Unemployment rate could be the highest ever – ANZ
Business Insider Nordic: As the coronavirus crisis continues, more tech workers are feeling concerned about their jobs …
CFO Magazine: Jobless Claims Hit Record 22M Over Four Weeks
The Guardian: Five million more Americans file jobless claims as Covid-19 downturn deepens – business live
Business Insider: US weekly jobless claims hit 5.2 million, wiping out all jobs created since the Great Recession in just 4 weeks
Fox Business: US now has 22 million unemployed workers, but millions more may be impacted by the losses
WSJ:Newsletter: China’s Economy Contracts, Foreshadows Pain to Come
Search Engine Journal: 17 Ways to Help Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
USA Today: Key swing states Michigan and Pennsylvania are among hardest hit by coronavirus-fueled job losses
Mic: Even with bailouts and eviction freezes, another housing crisis is coming
PR Web: Second Statement From the U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (“JQI”) Team on Vulnerabilities of Jobs to the COVID-19 Economic Shutdown
Yahoo Finance: Second Statement From the U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (“JQI”) Team on Vulnerabilities of Jobs to the COVID-19 Economic Shutdown
DevOps: Metropolis Now: The Two Worlds of Employment in the Age of Automation
NY Times: Coronavirus puts 4.4 million more out of work, bringing crisis total to 26 million
CBS News: Layoffs move from restaurants to warehouses and law offices
Yellow Hammer: Alabama legislators react to first phase of reopening Alabama’s economy

+ March 2020

PR Web: U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® February 2020
Business Insider: The US government has never had a better opportunity to truly reshape our economy
Business Insider: American workers are more vulnerable than ever to crises like the novel coronavirus
LA Times: Some employers are doing the right thing in the coronavirus crisis. Some aren’t
Governing:Coronavirus Reveals Inequalities Across Employer Benefits
Yahoo Finance: JQI estimates over 37 million U.S. jobs may be vulnerable to potential layoffs in the short term
Asian Review: Dow erases Trump-era gains as tougher restrictions expand
Cision PR: Statement from the U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (“JQI”) Team on Vulnerabilities of Jobs in Certain Sectors to the COVID-19 Economic Shutdown
Market Watch: The coronavirus crisis could see 37 million jobs lost, and these workers will be the hardest hit, chart shows
Financial Times: This time, small guys should get the bailouts
Central Banking: A Vaccine for a Global Economy
Chicago Now: The coronavirus cure is worse than the disease — II
WishTv: Monday’s business headlines
Brinkwire:Coronavirus US: Over 37 MILLION jobs could be lost
Daily Mail:How the rich stay rich: Jeff Bezos and other top executives offloaded shares just in time before the pandemic slashed company values, saving them billions
Daily Mail: Morgan Stanley warns Trump that reopening the country too soon could BACKFIRE because it will increase the peak in infections, and projects 30% plunge in GDP next quarter
RT:Covid-19 lockdown threatens to destroy 37 MILLION jobs in US
MarketWatch: A day of reckoning nears for the stock market if a coronavirus rescue deal isn’t sealed before a Thursday labor report, says BTIG analysts
The Philadelphia Tribune: Some businesses ramping up hiring during the coronavirus outbreak
Vox: How the coronavirus crisis will hit American workers, in one chart
International Business Times: Infographic: Coronavirus Outbreak Puts 37 Million US Jobs At Risk
Forbes: UNESCO: COVID-19 School Closures Have Impacted Nearly 1.4 Billion Students [Infographic]
OAN: Study: President Trump Could Create 800K Jobs, Reduce Drug Prices By Bringing Pharma Manufacturing Back To The U.S.
Desert News:Guest opinion: Coronavirus reveals need to rebuild USA-made medicine production
Yahoo Finance: Paytouch Partnering with UberEats and Local Restaurants to Boost Delivery Orders During COVID-19 Lockdown
Tasnim News Agency: US May Be Headed for Highest Unemployment Ever
The Hour: Another housing crisis is coming – and bailouts and eviction freezes won’t be enough to prevent many from losing their homes
Richmond Times: Editorial: COVID-19’s stranglehold on our economy
Yahoo Money: Government to Give Americans Up to $1200 Each Under Massive Coronavirus Relief Plan
Yahoo Finance: Paytouch Partnering with UberEats and Local Restaurants to Boost Delivery Orders During COVID …
Money: Here’s How Congress Is Trying to Protect Your Credit Score During the Coronavirus Crisis
Atlantic Council: Coronavirus crisis sends shockwaves through US labor market
KQED: Sex Workers Are Moving Online, Supporting Each Other During Coronavirus
Stockton Records: Tough times call for tough decisions
Barrons: Low-Wage Workers Need Fast Relief to Maintain ‘Law and Order,’ Says Banker
MarketWatch: What life is like now for the 3 million Americans suddenly out of work
MarketWatch: Americans struggle with sudden job loss from coronavirus
: Infographic: Coronavirus Outbreak Puts 37 Million US Jobs At Risk
: Don’t Buy Dips, Buy Bonds as US Markets Will Extend Plunge
Penn Live: Coronavirus has infected the economy, hitting hourly workers and small business owners the hardest

+ February 2020

CounterPunch: Enemies of Democracy: Neoliberalism and Authoritarian Finance
WAMC: Michael Meeropol: The Data On The Economy Hides An Important Failure For Wage Earners
GRBJ: Technology hurts wages in hospitality industry
The Guardian: US jobs report: record-breaking streak continues as 225,000 added in January
Yahoo Finance:U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index Revised to 82.68 from Previous Month – Reflecting a Lower Proportion of U.S. Production and Non-Supervisory Jobs.
CBS News: America’s job problem: Employers are hiring, but pay is low
CNBC: Quality of jobs remains low, says Westwood’s Dan Alpert
Brinkwire: US jobs report: record-breaking streak continues as 225,000 added in January
Korn Ferry: So Many Low-Quality Jobs
The New Republic: The Perils of Economic Boosterism
Business Insider: It’s clear the US economy is giving average American workers the short end of the stick
Los Angeles Times: Op-Ed: What’s behind the rise of Bernie Sanders? Voter concern over economic inequality
Capital & Main: INCOME GROWTH DECLINES FOR POOR AMERICANS UNDER TRUMP
Brookings: A Roadmap for Growing Good Jobs: Background on data and methodology
MSN: South Carolina: Gobs of jobs, but not enough offer living wage
CBS News:In South Carolina, gobs of jobs — just not enough paying a living wage

+ January 2020

Fox 61: Connecticut projected for $28 million deficit for Fiscal Year 2020
Reno Gazette Journal: America’s workers need better jobs | Stumo
Colorado Springs Independent: The class divide keeps growing
StarTribune: Why aren’t U.S. wages rising more quickly?
The Moguldom Nation:U.S. Jobs Market Isn’t As Healthy As It Seems
Investors’ Corner: US jobs wonder – not quite what it seems
Rome News Tribune: Editorial: Why aren’t wages rising more quickly?
Athens Banner-Herald: What Others Say: Why aren’t wages rising more quickly?
Yahoo Finance: U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index Revised Higher to Level of 80.53, up Slightly by 0.14% from Previous Month
World News Group: An economic boom for some

+ December 2019

Rockland Times: America’s Workers Need Better Jobs
Elko Daily: Commentary: America’s workers need better jobs
Towanda Daily Review: America’s workers need better jobs
Pekin Daily Times: Michael Stumo: America’s workers need better-paying jobs
Peoria Journal Star:Michael Stumo: America’s workers need better-paying jobs
Colorado Springs Gazette: GUEST COLUMN: America’s workers need better jobs
Harrisburg Patriot News: Too many American workers are barely surviving on low-paying jobs | Opinion
Forbes: In A Big Surprise, U.S. Job Growth Surged By 266,000 In November
Hellenic Shipping News:Understanding The U.S. Economy: Lots Of Rotten Jobs
Yahoo Finance:U.S. Private Sector Job Quality Index (JQI)® November 2019
Politico: It’s Jobs Day
Forbes: U.S. Economy Sputters Into Holiday Season
CNBC: Seeing a shift toward low-value-added service sector jobs: Expert
VOA: Trump Banks on Economy for 2020 Victory
Huntington Herald Dispatch: Trade, currency issues hurting workers
Weber Sentinel News: America’s Workers Need Better Jobs
Rockford Register Star: America’s workers need better jobs
Freeport Journal Standard: America’s workers need better jobs
The Oakland Press: America’s workers need better jobs
Greeley Tribune: America’s workers need better jobs
Alma Morning Sun: America’s workers need better jobs
Macomb Daily: America’s workers need better jobs
Royal Oak Tribune: America’s workers need better jobs
Colorado Springs Independent: This holiday season, remember the low-wage worker
The Real News Network: Great Employment Numbers: 44% of Fully Employed Make $18,000 a Year or Less
World Socialist Web Site: November US jobs report in perspective: Most jobs “added” to US economy are low wage
ETF Trends: Could Job Quality Be Suffering Despite A Positive Jobs Report?
WRLN: Let’s Hope NAFTA 2.0 Is A Hemispheric Shot In The Arm – Not Another Poke In The Ribs
NY Times: How the Fed Lost Its Faith in ‘Full Employment’
York Dispatch: EDITORIAL: Lots of jobs, but lousy ones
FX Street: Dollar Bugs Get Sent To The Woodshed
Bloomberg: The Jobs Market Isn’t as Healthy as It Seems
The Columbus Republic:America’s workers need better jobs
Citizen Truth: Almost Half Of All Americans Work Low Wage Jobs as Praise Heaped on ‘Strong Economy’
World Economic Forum: Long job hunts, poor pay and hectic hours – why is job quality in the U.S. so low?
Korn Ferry Institute: So Many Low-Quality Jobs
Yahoo Finance: The Jobs Market Isn’t as Healthy as It Seems
Arizona Capitol Times: America’s Workers Need Better Jobs
Don Fenley: Tri-Cities labor market posts another solid growth month, adds 600 jobs
Capital & Main: 2020’s Biggest Story? The (Rea l) Economy, Stupid

+ November 2019

Quartz: The great American labor paradox: Plentiful jobs, most of them bad
Financial Times: An economic boom the likes of which we have never seen before
Bloomberg: Surveillance: Value In International Stocks, Santos Says
WSJ: Newsletter: The U.S. Is Producing Lots of Jobs. Are They Good Jobs?
Bloomberg: Quality Work Is Trailing Quantity in the U.S. Job Market, New Index Shows
Yahoo Finance: Quality Work Is Trailing Quantity in the U.S. Job Market, New Index Shows
Transport Topics: Quality Trails Quantity in US Job Market, Index Shows
Politico: Wolf and Cooch
Nevada Current: ‘Job quality index’ may help explain why Nevada grows poorer as it grows
Handelsblatt: America’s job market creates many jobs, but not very good ones
The Hill: America’s workers continue to struggle despite ‘strong’ jobs report
CBS News: American jobs are getting worse, new economic index shows
Forbes: The Frightening Rise In Low-Quality, Low-Paying Jobs: Is This Really A Strong Job Market?
Gold Seek: Muddling for Solutions
Tribune Democrat: Michael Stumo | America’s workers need better jobs