ROCHESTER, N.Y., January 06, 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.
U.S. Small Business Employment Remains Consistent Throughout 2025
