U.S. Small Business Employment Remains Consistent Throughout 2025
Rochester, N.Y. (January 6, 2026) – According to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch, 2025 marked a year of consistency for U.S. small business job and wage growth trends. The monthly report’s Small Business Jobs Index, which reflects the payroll data of Paychex’s customers with fewer than 50 employees, experienced minimal change throughout the year and averaged 99.67 in 2025. Meanwhile, hourly earnings growth (2.71%) closed the year below three percent for the 17th consecutive month.
Read the full news release on the Small Business Employment Watch site.
Tracy Volkmann
Tracy Volkmann began working at Paychex in July 2014 and currently manages public relations for the company. In this role, she is responsible leading the PR function, protecting the company's reputation, and driving positive earned media coverage for Paychex. Tracy is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and started her career in collegiate athletic communications, having spent seven years at West Point.