Although the recession has produced a large number of the long-term unemployed, there are, ironically, some benefits for those who have been able to keep their jobs.

• Though wages usually fall during economic downturns, this recession has seen a growth in salaries.
• Some regions have been hit harder than others but areas in the central US are relatively unscathed.
• Although blue collar jobs suffered most at the beginning of the recession, we’re currently seeing a downturn in white collar jobs instead.

Facts & Figures

• Nearly 45% of unemployed workers today have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
• Since the recession began, real average hourly wages have risen almost 5%.
• The unemployment rate for college graduates is still only 4.5%, and the disparity between their pay and that of non-graduates has never been greater.

Tags: economy, Education, recession, salary, unemployment