Labor productivity has improved substantially over the last decade, rising at an average annual rate of about 2% between 1987 and 1999. [BLS 2001] Investments in new technologies, facilities, employee training, and product development have reduced the number of man-hours required to produce a ton of castings, despite the trend toward more complex, value-added castings. The average hourly earnings in the metalcasting industry were $15.94 in 2001. [DOC 2001]

Labor Productivity – 1992-2001
(Labor output per hour, indexed to 1987)

Source: BLS 1996, 2001

* SIC 332 represents Iron and Steel Foundries
** SIC 336 represents Nonferrous Foundries