Proud To Be Broome: Local Wages See One of the Biggest Jumps in the U.S.

If you work in Broome County, you may have noticed your paycheck stretching just a little further these days, and you're not imagining things.

According to new data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Broome County saw one of the biggest jumps in average weekly pay in the entire country during the third quarter of 2024.

A 5.4% Boost in Wages, That’s No Small Change

Compared to the same time in 2023, average weekly earnings for workers in Broome County rose by 5.4%. That might not sound huge at first glance, but in terms of wage growth, that’s a pretty big deal. It was actually the 48th highest increase out of 365 large counties across the U.S., putting Broome in the top 15% nationwide.

Top Spot in Upstate, Second in the Whole State

Among all the counties in Upstate New York, Broome had the highest wage growth rate in that third-quarter window. Statewide, only Suffolk County on Long Island saw a bigger bump, with a 9.5% increase. That means Broome County workers saw stronger wage growth than people in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and just about everywhere else in New York north of the city did.

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So, What Are People in Broome County Earning?

On average, workers in Broome County earned $1,175 a week during the third quarter of 2024. That figure includes all job categories from healthcare to education to manufacturing and everything in between. While that figure is still a bit below the national average, which is $1,394 per week, it’s moving in the right direction and fast.

How Does Broome Stack Up Nationally?

Nationwide, wages went up an average of 4.5% from the previous year. That means Broome’s 5.4% wage growth wasn’t just better than most counties in New York, it outpaced the country as a whole. While Broome didn’t lead the pack, we certainly held our own in a very competitive field.

Who Had the Biggest Jump?

That honor goes to Benton County, Arkansas, which saw an incredible 15.5% increase in weekly pay. Workers there earned an average of $1,516 a week. Still, with hundreds of counties in the mix, Broome’s strong performance puts it in an impressive position.

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What It All Means for Local Workers

If you're living and working in Broome County, this wage growth is good news. It reflects a healthier local economy, more competitive pay, and potentially stronger job opportunities. Whether you’re saving up, paying off debt, or just trying to keep up with the cost of living, every little boost helps, and it’s encouraging to see our community on the rise.