direct labor

American  

noun

1. labor performed, as by workers on a production line, and considered in computing costs per unit of production.

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Compare meaning

How does direct-labor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• direct labor vs. indirect labor

Example Sentences

He added that “robotaxis have a much higher value proposition in high-wage developed markets as a direct labor substitute for drivers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

But using an estimate of about 30 hours of work to assemble a vehicle, Tesla would have a direct labor cost advantage of as much as $660 per vehicle over one of the Detroit Three.

From Reuters • Jul. 20, 2023

The governments of nearly all the combatants sooner or later assumed command of their economies to direct labor and resources to their war efforts.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

If the direct labor costs used are for 10 units, then all of your other numbers must be gauged to apply to 10 units as well.

From Encyclopedia.com • Feb. 5, 2018

So we have a fairly accurate statement of the direct labor embodied in the table.

From Socialism A Summary and Interpretation of Socialist Principles by Spargo, John