low-skilled labor
What to know
Low-skilled labor is a term used by government departments such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics to reference work that does not require postsecondary degrees, credentials, or high levels of formal training. The term “unskilled work” is also used in these contexts. However, advocates, researchers, journalists, economists, and public officials have called out this terminology as misleading and argued that it can create conditions for worker exploitation—particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic reinforced such roles as essential. The National Bureau of Economic Research published a paper in 2021 suggesting the term STARS instead, or “skilled through alternative routes.”
Naming specific roles such as “line cook,” “parking attendant,” or “agricultural laborer” is useful for clarity and accuracy. If in need of catch-all terms, journalists can use categories such as “manual,” “physical,” or “jobs that don’t require postsecondary education.” “Low-wage job” can also be considered when reporting on compensation, if backed by data.
Additional resources
- ‘‘Unskilled’ labor is a misnomer: term disrespected by mainstream culture. (Monterey County Weekly)
- Labor shortage: The US doesn’t have enough workers to fill open jobs (Vox)
- There’s no such thing as a “low-skilled worker” (National Fund for Workforce Solutions)
- What experts say Eric Adams gets wrong about ‘low skilled’ workers (CNBC)
- Skills, degrees, and labor market inequality (National Bureau of Economic Research)
- Against “poor” reporting (Columbia Journalism Review)
Summary
Low-skilled labor is a term used by government departments such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics to reference work that does not require postsecondary degrees, credentials, or high levels of formal training. The term “unskilled work” is also used in these contexts. However, advocates, researchers, journalists, economists, and public officials have called out this terminology as misleading and argued that it can create conditions for worker exploitation. Naming specific roles such as “line cook,” “parking attendant,” or “agricultural laborer” is useful for clarity and accuracy.