# US pays workers just 27% of what its wealth allows The lowest share among OECD countries. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1c0ad298-3d4d-4d7c-896d-9f7e66800de9 ## US economic performance Despite its $32 trillion economy, the US pays workers only 27% of what its wealth allows - the lowest rate among OECD countries. Human rights measurements show the nation is underperforming its potential across multiple indicators. ## 25-year decline US performance in health, education and income distribution has either stagnated or declined over the past 25 years. Compared to other high-income nations, America fails to utilize its resources efficiently to improve citizens' wellbeing. ## Healthcare setbacks The US healthcare score stands at 80%, trailing Canada (90%) and Australia (93%). Gains from the Affordable Care Act were reversed by COVID-19 and policy changes. Up to 17 million Americans could lose health insurance by 2034 due to recent legislation. ## Food insecurity With an 81.1% food security score, the US ranks 30th among 37 OECD nations. Inflation and housing costs leave 14.8 million women and 9.1 million men without reliable access to nutritious food. SNAP program cuts exacerbate the problem. ## Education stagnation US education scores remain flat, mirroring other sectors. Inefficient resource allocation particularly limits low-income families' access to quality education, perpetuating economic inequality across generations. ## Income inequality Workers' share of national wealth remains disproportionately low compared to US economic size. This income disparity hinders social mobility and erodes the middle class, with wages consistently below OECD averages. ## Policy impacts The 2017 tax reform and 2025 legislative package reduced social program funding. These policies disproportionately affected low-income groups' access to healthcare and nutrition. Experts warn the situation will worsen in coming years. ## Path forward The US must distribute economic resources more equitably. Investing in social programs, raising minimum wage, and healthcare reform could improve human rights scores. Successful policies from other OECD nations offer potential models. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/13/us-worst-oecd-fair-pay-score/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._