Inflation-adjusted (real) average weekly earnings decreased by 0.1 percent from June to July after seasonal adjustment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.

A 0.4 percent increase in average hourly earnings was more than offset by a 0.5 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Average weekly hours were unchanged.

Real, or inflation-adjusted, average weekly earnings are calculated by adjusting earnings in current dollars for changes in the CPI-W.

Average weekly earnings rose by 4.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, from July 2005 to July 2006. After deflation by the CPI-W, average weekly earnings decreased by 0.1 percent. Before adjustment for seasonal change and inflation, average weekly earnings were $571.48 in July 2006, compared with $542.49 a year earlier.