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Retail jobs have long been low-wage positions, but by one measure store employment pays even less today than a decade ago. When adjusted for inflation, the average earnings of non-supervisory retail worker was lower in September, $14,46 an hour, than it was the same month in 2004, $15,20 an hour. The figures, an analysis of Labour Department data, are expressed in 2014 dollars.

Across the broader economy, the recovery has yet to feature meaningful wage growth. The US has added to payrolls each month for nearly four straight years.

But on an inflation-adjusted basis, private-sector average hourly wages were lower last month than they were the same month in 2010.

Historically high unemployment since the recession has given employers ample workers to choose from, and put little upward pressure on wages.

But as the unemployment rate falls back to near historical norms — it was 5,9 percent in September — low-wage employers might need to become more creative in order to attract workers.  – Wall Street Journal.