Skip to main content
Cornell University mobile logo
abstract collage representing compensation studies

Employment Cost Index Commentaries

U.S. Employment Cost Index

Feb 10, 2026

For full commentary, email: ICS-ILR@cornell.edu

2011 First Quarter

Deceleration in health benefits costs surprises private sector employers.
2011 First Quarter

2010 Fourth Quarter

ECI consistent with an economy accelerating away from the recession’s labor market trough, but “very, very slowly.”
2010 Fourth Quarter

2010 Third Quarter

Latest ECI figures reveal labor market “anemic”; private-sector employees faring better
2010 Third Quarter

2010 Second Quarter

Benefits explain why U.S. employers’ costs rise, ut employees might feel worse off.
2010 Second Quarter