Which quarterly BLS measure tracks the output per hour worked in the U.S. business sector?

The quarterly BLS measure that tracks output per hour worked in the U.S. business sector is labor productivity.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates labor productivity by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked. In plain language, it estimates how much inflation-adjusted production is generated for each hour of labor. The BLS publishes the measure for the business sector, nonfarm business sector, manufacturing, and other major sectors, generally as quarterly changes, index levels, and annual comparisons.

Labor productivity is a partial productivity measure because it focuses on labor input rather than every input used in production. It can rise because of better technology, improved worker skills, more productive machinery, stronger management, or changes in the mix of industries. It does not mean that individual workers simply worked harder.

A common mix-up is total factor productivity, which considers a combination of inputs such as labor and capital. Unit labor cost is different again: it compares hourly compensation with labor productivity and helps economists assess cost pressures. Output per worker is also related, but output per hour better captures changes in working time.