Labor productivity in the US nonfarm business sector rose by 1.4% in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary estimates, exceeding market expectations for a 0.6% gain. During the quarter, output advanced 1.7%, while hours worked increased 0.3%.
In the manufacturing sector, labor productivity grew 1.9% in the second quarter, as output climbed 4.6% and hours worked rose 2.6%. Within manufacturing, productivity increased 2.7% in the durable goods segment and 2.0% in the nondurable goods segment.
On a year-over-year basis, nonfarm business sector labor productivity was up 2.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while total manufacturing sector productivity increased 0.9% over the same period.
