skilled labor

American  

noun

1. labor that requires special training for its satisfactory performance.

2. the workers employed in such labor.

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Etymology

Origin of skilled labor

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Some tech leaders attribute the drop in industry employment mostly to overhiring following the pandemic, when skilled labor was hard to obtain and retain.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 1, 2026

And although skilled labor shortages persist in the U.S., pharmaceutical training demands are lower than those in high-tech sectors.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

In its place, a new system gave priority to family reunification and skilled labor, unintentionally setting the stage for large-scale immigration from Asia, Latin America and Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 27, 2025

But the private sector wants to retain the ability to recruit skilled labor from abroad.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2025

The task was called moenia, and since it was the lowest and least skilled labor, work of that kind later came to be known as menial, the work of slaves and servants.

From The Childhood of Rome by Lamprey, Louise