The USA is a post-industrial society with a pronounced shift in priority towards information technology (infotech), financial technology (fintech), biotechnology (biotech), and scientific research.
At least, this conclusion can be drawn from the analysis of the structure of industries in terms of value added and the structure of labor remuneration.
Service Sector Dominance
In the U.S., wage growth at the national level (rather than on a per-employee basis) has been in the service sector, which has generated 80% of the nationwide payroll growth over the past three years and three-quarters (3/4) since 2009.
High-Wage Industries
Since 2009, roughly 40% of the growth in total U.S. household income has been concentrated in high-wage industries (this trend has become more pronounced since 2019), i.e., where wages are at least 20% above the economy-wide average.
This trend is responsible for the integral increase in the ability of U.S. consumers to pay, which keeps consumer demand high. From 2000 to 2009, the growth of labor remuneration was concentrated in the mass segment of low and middle wages.
Automation and Industry Changes
At the same time, the share of the state is decreasing. In 2009 - 2011, the state's share of the total income was, on average, 21% of the national income, and in 2022, it was 16.9%. In the USA, the weight of the private sector is increasing, with a rather pronounced trend of reducing the share of industry and low-end industries, as well as the conventional "old" way of life.
The decrease in the share of industry is mainly due to the increased automation of production, which, given the relatively high level of industrial output, requires fewer laborers employed in the industry.
Not all labor can be automated, and the service segment of the service sector (culture, sports, entertainment, catering, hotels, and consumer services) is quite stable in aggregate. The share of the above-mentioned industries has been maintained at approximately the same level for the last 10 - 15 years.
The share of healthcare, education, science and technology, information technology, business services, management and administrative services, and the financial sector is growing steadily. These are the sectors where the main driver of wage growth is present, and where the main growth of added value is concentrated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States has undergone a transition with a strong emphasis on information technology, financial technology, biotechnology, and scientific research. This transition is evident in wage trends, where the service sector plays a key role, and in the decline of the government's share of income. Automation has reduced the importance of traditional industries, while sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology have shown steady growth, contributing to wages and economic value.