Paychex Inc. reported that U.S. small business employment and wage growth remained consistent throughout 2025, according to its latest Small Business Employment Watch. The Small Business Jobs Index, based on payroll data from companies with fewer than 50 employees, averaged 99.67 for the year and ended December at 99.26, reflecting minimal change in job growth. Hourly earnings growth stayed below three percent for the 17th consecutive month, closing December at 2.71%. Weekly hours worked growth rose by 0.25% to the highest level since May 2021. The Midwest led regional employment growth in 2025, tying with the Northeast in December at a 99.65 index. Indiana ranked first among states with an average index of 100.52 and a December reading of 101.50. The Education and Health Services sector led all industries in small business job growth every month in 2025, continuing nearly five years of positive growth.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Paychex Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire (Ref. ID: 20260106907262) on January 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.