The Associated Press

Midpay jobs aren't coming back from the Great Recession, partly because jobs in the middle are the most vulnerable to computer technology. That shortfall has helped prevent the total jobs lost in the recession from being regained. A look at how midpay jobs have fared in the five most recent U.S. recessions that were followed by a recovery that lasted at least 42 months:

-- In the Great Recession, 3.76 million, or 50 percent, of the 7.48 million jobs lost were in midwage industries, according to Moody's Analytics. But only 2 percent of the 3.52 million jobs gained the 42 months since the recession ended have been midpay.

-- In the 2001 recession, 566,000, or 35 percent, of the 1.603 million jobs lost were midpay. And 30 percent of the 2.47 million jobs created the 42 months after the recession were midpay.

-- In the 1990-1991 recession, 717,000, or 58 percent, of the 1.24 million jobs lost were midpay. And 38 percent of the 6.62 million jobs created the 42 months after the recession were midpay.

-- In the 1981-1982 recession, 1.99 million, or 70 percent, of the 2.83 million jobs lost were midpay. And 38 percent of the 10.45 million jobs created in the 42 months after the recession were midpay.

-- In the 1973-1975 recession, 874,000, or 69 percent, of the 1.26 million jobs lost were midpay. And 46 percent of the 10.97 million jobs created the 42 months after the recession were midpay.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.