Productivity Rose 1.9% in Q4; Output Rose 3.1%

Washington, DC, March 7, 2019-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 3.1% and hours worked increased 1.2%.  

From the Q4 2017 to Q4 2018, productivity increased 1.8%, reflecting a 3.7% increase in output and a 1.9% increase in hours worked. Annual average productivity increased 1.3% from 2017 to 2018. 

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector increased 2.0% in Q4 2018, and 

increased 1.0% over the last four quarters.