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BobbyJotoday at 4:34 PM2 repliesview on HN

Median earnings in 1970 were closer to 56k in today's dollars. 1970-1980 was a recessionary period, followed by stagflation in the 80s. I hate when people use that time period as an anchor to show growth. It's like using 2009 as an anchor.


Replies

WillPostForFoodtoday at 5:29 PM

What data are you using? It is hard to get solid numbers pre 1975. I looked at SSA Wage index which has 1970 at $6,186. Adjust using PCE, that is only $42,808 in present dollars.

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libartsreadertoday at 5:21 PM

What start date would you prefer? https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LES1252881600Q