Average Weekly Hours of Production Employees: Manufacturing in Wisconsin

Monthly

SMU55000003000000007 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

39.00

Year-over-Year Change

1.30%

Date Range

1/1/2005 - 7/1/2025

Summary

The 'Monthly' economic trend measures the average weekly hours worked in the manufacturing sector in the United States. It is a key indicator of economic activity and labor market conditions.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The 'Monthly' series tracks the average number of hours employees in the U.S. manufacturing industry work per week. This metric provides insight into production levels, labor utilization, and the overall health of the manufacturing sector.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists closely monitor this trend to assess the strength of the U.S. economy and guide economic and labor market policies.

Key Facts

  • The average weekly hours in U.S. manufacturing peaked at 42.1 in 1997.
  • Manufacturing accounts for approximately 11% of total U.S. employment.
  • Hours worked declined sharply during the 2008-2009 recession but have since recovered.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The 'Monthly' trend measures the average number of hours worked per week by employees in the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into production levels, labor utilization, and the overall health of the manufacturing industry, which is a key driver of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor this trend to assess the strength of the U.S. economy and guide economic and labor market policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The 'Monthly' data is released with a lag of approximately one month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly (SMU55000003000000007), retrieved from FRED.