USA: Labor cost
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
The most recent value is 128.82 index points as of Q2 2026, an increase compared to the previous value of 128.22 index points. Historically, the average for the USA from Q1 1960 to Q2 2026 is 66.39 index points. The minimum of 18.32 index points was recorded in Q1 1960, while the maximum of 128.82 index points was reached in Q2 2026.
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* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
- Measure: index points
- Definition: The index reflects the level of the total compensation of employees in the economy. Labor costs are defined as core expenditure borne by employers for the purpose of employing staff. They include employee compensation, with wages and salaries in cash and in kind, employers' social security contributions and employment taxes regarded as labor costs minus any subsidies received.
- Source: OECD
| Recent values | USA: Labor cost index |
|---|---|
| 2026 Q2 | 128.82 |
| 2026 Q1 | 128.22 |
| 2025 Q4 | 127.89 |
| 2025 Q3 | 127.21 |
| 2025 Q2 | 126.86 |
| 2025 Q1 | 127.23 |
| 2024 Q4 | 125.34 |
| 2024 Q3 | 124.5 |
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| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 174.83 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 4.20 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 4.18 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 4.21 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 9.34 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 61.70 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 45.63 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 56.34 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 67.06 | 2025 | percent |
| Hours worked | 1,705.17 | 2023 | hours |
| Self-employment | 6.07 | 2025 | percent |
| Employment | 162.97 | Q3/2026 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 4.20 | 9/2026 | percent |
| Labor cost | 128.82 | Q2/2026 | index points |