what is unskilled labor 
 unskilled labor is an outdated term once used to describe a segment of the workforce associated with a limited skill set or minimal economic value for the work performed the correct term is low wage labor according to the center for global development the term unskilled and skilled were derived from institutions politicians and other interest groups based on the classifications a determination has been made as to who is and is not powerful in the labor market also the idea that the unskilled labor force is characterized by lower educational attainment such as a high school diploma ged or lack thereof which typically results in lower wages is also outdated 1once characterized by lower educational attainment such as a high school diploma ged or lack thereof it was assumed unskilled laborers made less money however in the 21st century there are jobs for high school graduates or those without a college degree understanding unskilled laboragain unskilled labor is an outdated term but low wage laborers provide a significant part of the overall labor market performing daily production tasks that do not depend on technical abilities or skills menial or repetitive tasks are typical unskilled labor positions jobs that can be fully learned in less than 30 days often fall into the low wage labor category low wage labor jobs may be held by individuals with less education or experience than others when this is the case employers may take advantage of these workers offering low to minimum wage as pay 