United States: Average Weekly Hours - Total Private (SA)

Macro

2026-10-02

Description

The United States Average Weekly Hours - Total Private is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and serves as a key indicator that measures the working hours of the overall labor force in U.S. private businesses. This indicator reflects changes in the average weekly hours worked by all employees in the private sector and is commonly used to analyze labor market demand and the intensity of business activity. An increase in average weekly hours typically indicates rising demand for labor, suggesting stronger economic activity; conversely, a decrease in weekly hours may signal weakening labor demand or an economic slowdown.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the changes in average weekly hours from the previous month.

Note: The difference between Seasonally Adjusted (SA) and Not Seasonally Adjusted (NSA) data lies in the fact that seasonally adjusted data removes fluctuations caused by seasonal patterns, offering a clearer view of long-term trends and economic activity.

Published by
United States Department of Labor (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update

AI Data Insight

Average weekly hours for the U.S. private sector in August 2026 (Q3) remained at 34.4 hours, flat from the previous month. Although companies did not significantly extend existing working hours, non-farm payrolls added 162,000 jobs during the month, significantly beating market expectations of 56,000. This highlights that labor demand has experienced a strong rebound following a brief softening in the summer.

AI Data Insight

Average weekly hours for the U.S. private sector in August 2026 (Q3) remained at 34.4 hours, flat from the previous month. Although companies did not significantly extend existing working hours, non-farm payrolls added 162,000 jobs during the month, significantly beating market expectations of 56,000. This highlights that labor demand has experienced a strong rebound following a brief softening in the summer.

Description

The United States Average Weekly Hours - Total Private is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and serves as a key indicator that measures the working hours of the overall labor force in U.S. private businesses. This indicator reflects changes in the average weekly hours worked by all employees in the private sector and is commonly used to analyze labor market demand and the intensity of business activity. An increase in average weekly hours typically indicates rising demand for labor, suggesting stronger economic activity; conversely, a decrease in weekly hours may signal weakening labor demand or an economic slowdown.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the changes in average weekly hours from the previous month.

Note: The difference between Seasonally Adjusted (SA) and Not Seasonally Adjusted (NSA) data lies in the fact that seasonally adjusted data removes fluctuations caused by seasonal patterns, offering a clearer view of long-term trends and economic activity.

Published by
United States Department of Labor (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update