Japan: Labor cost
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
The most recent value is 116.59 index points as of March 2026, an increase compared to the previous value of 116.52 index points. Historically, the average for Japan from March 1980 to March 2026 is 116.16 index points. The minimum of 99.37 index points was recorded in September 2013, while the maximum of 134.21 index points was reached in June 1994.
Click on the following link to see the values of: Labor cost around the world.
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* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
- Measure: index points
- Source: OECD
| Recent values | Japan: Labor cost index |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mar | 116.59 |
| 2025 Dec | 116.52 |
| 2025 Sep | 115.55 |
| 2025 Jun | 114.4 |
| 2025 Mar | 113.13 |
| 2024 Dec | 113.3 |
| 2024 Sep | 112.63 |
| 2024 Jun | 112.5 |
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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.
| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 69.39 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 2.45 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 2.30 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 2.58 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 3.90 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 63.45 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 45.43 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 55.90 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 71.48 | 2025 | percent |
| Hours worked | 1,607.00 | 2023 | hours |
| Self-employment | 9.05 | 2025 | percent |
| Employment | 67.76 | Q1/2026 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 2.50 | 5/2026 | percent |
| Labor cost | 116.59 | 3/2026 | index points |