US nonfarm business sector productivity increased 3.6 percent in the third quarter of 2026, while unit labor costs decreased 0.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Both figures are annualized and seasonally adjusted.
Manufacturing lags the wider economy
In manufacturing, productivity rose a more modest 0.3 percent over the same period. Unit labor costs in that sector moved the other way, increasing 2.7 percent.
The divergence between the two sectors is stark.
Other labor and price readings
The bureau’s release page also lists payroll employment up 29,000 in September 2026, on a preliminary basis. Average hourly earnings rose 5 cents over the same month.
The Employment Cost Index increased 0.8 percent in the third quarter. Import prices rose 1.1 percent in September, and export prices rose 2.2 percent.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
