Jobs and Wages in 2028
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.
The American labor market underwent significant turbulence in the 2020s - record unemployment during the pandemic, a rapid recovery, widespread labor shortages, and then a more uncertain environment as interest rates rose. Workers in many industries saw real wage gains, but the sustainability of those gains is contested.
The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2009, creating a widening gap between federal law and state-level minimums that many cities and states have raised substantially. Union membership declined for decades but saw renewed organizing activity in the 2020s.
The emergence of AI and automation raises longer-term questions about which jobs are at risk and what the government's role should be in supporting displaced workers.
Why it matters in 2028
Workers remain a key constituency in both parties, and the question of who the economy is working for will be central to 2028 campaigns. Candidates will need clear positions on minimum wage, union policy, trade's effect on domestic jobs, and how to prepare the workforce for a changing economy.
How each party frames jobs and wages
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats broadly support raising the federal minimum wage, expanding the right to organize unions, and using trade policy to protect domestic manufacturing jobs. Many in the party advocate for investments in worker training and education, and for policies that give workers more leverage in negotiations with large employers. Democrats tend to emphasize worker protections and safety nets for those displaced by automation or trade.
Republican approach
Republicans generally favor limiting federal wage mandates and allowing states and markets to set compensation levels. The party tends to prioritize conditions for job creation - lower taxes, reduced regulation, and domestic energy production - as the path to wage growth. Some Republicans also emphasize vocational training and apprenticeship programs as alternatives to four-year college. There is internal debate on trade and whether protectionist policies help or hurt workers.
Who is in the field on jobs and wages
No party has nominated a 2028 candidate yet. As contenders formally declare and stake out positions on jobs and wages, each candidate profile will be updated. The leading contenders so far:
Democratic contenders
- Gavin NewsomLikely to run
- Kamala HarrisLikely to run
- Pete ButtigiegLikely to run
- Alexandria Ocasio-CortezLikely to run
- Josh ShapiroLikely to run
Republican contenders
- JD VanceLikely to run
- Marco RubioLikely to run
- Ron DeSantisLikely to run
- Ted CruzPossible
- Rand PaulPossible
Tracker updated July 14, 2026. Click any name to see their full profile, background, and current status.
What 2028 will have to answer on jobs and wages
- Would candidates raise the federal minimum wage?
- How do candidates plan to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.?
- What is each candidate's position on unions and collective bargaining?
- What would candidates do to help workers displaced by AI and automation?
- How would trade policy change under each candidate?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
The future solvency and structure of the two largest federal entitlement programs for older Americans.