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

Macro

2026-08-07

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

The latest data shows that the average weekly hours for the US private sector in July 2026 stood at 34.3 hours, flat from the previous month and in line with market expectations. Although the number of new nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly turned negative in the same month, working hours did not shrink, indicating that companies have not yet initiated the reduction in hours that typically precedes layoffs, and overall labor demand remains fundamentally sound.

AI Data Insight

The latest data shows that the average weekly hours for the US private sector in July 2026 stood at 34.3 hours, flat from the previous month and in line with market expectations. Although the number of new nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly turned negative in the same month, working hours did not shrink, indicating that companies have not yet initiated the reduction in hours that typically precedes layoffs, and overall labor demand remains fundamentally sound.

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