Australia: Labor cost
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
The most recent value is 139.89 index points as of Q1 2026, an increase compared to the previous value of 138.35 index points. Historically, the average for Australia from Q3 1976 to Q1 2026 is 74.08 index points. The minimum of 22.51 index points was recorded in Q3 1976, while the maximum of 139.89 index points was reached in Q1 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 | Australia: Labor cost index |
|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 | 139.89 |
| 2025 Q4 | 138.35 |
| 2025 Q3 | 137.82 |
| 2025 Q2 | 135.85 |
| 2025 Q1 | 135.33 |
| 2024 Q4 | 133.68 |
| 2024 Q3 | 131.48 |
| 2024 Q2 | 130.3 |
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| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 15.13 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 4.09 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 4.05 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 4.13 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 9.61 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 66.54 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 47.68 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 62.51 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 70.68 | 2025 | percent |
| Hours worked | 1,713.11 | 2023 | hours |
| Self-employment | 16.10 | 2025 | percent |
| Employment | 14.80 | Q2/2026 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 4.43 | 6/2026 | percent |
| Labor cost | 139.89 | Q1/2026 | index points |