Declines in labor costs among manufacturing industries
November 24, 2000
Between 1997 and 1998, unit labor costs declined in 65 of 119 manufacturing industries measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[Chart data—TXT]
The computer and office equipment industry experienced the largest drop in unit labor costs in 1998 (-29.2 percent). Other manufacturing industries with double-digit drops in labor costs were electronic components and accessories (-18.5 percent), aircraft and parts (-17.5 percent), and industrial inorganic chemicals (-14.7 percent).
Unit labor costs—the cost of the labor input required to produce one unit of output—are computed by dividing total compensation by real output.
This information is from the Industry Productivity Program. Additional information is available from "Productivity and Costs: Manufacturing Industries, 1990-98" news release USDL 00-335.
OF INTEREST
Recent editions of Spotlight on Statistics
- Fatal Injuries to Foreign-Born Hispanic or Latino Workers
Explores the industries, occupations, and events related to these fatalities.
- For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Sector Jobs in 2022
Compares the labor force characteristics and experiences of workers in the for-profit, nonprofit, government, and self-employed sectors.
- Union Membership, Activity, and Compensation in 2022
Focuses on trends in union membership, work stoppages, and pay and benefits among union members.
- A Look at a Neat Industry: Distilleries
Examines trends in employment, establishments, wages, and consumer prices for distilleries.
- Healthcare Occupations: Characteristics of the Employed
Compares the demographic characteristics of workers in healthcare occupations.
United States Department of Labor
