RR, that graph is not accurate. That figure is not compensation, but rather total average hourly labor cost. That includes all pensions to retirees, health benefits, hourly compensation, etc. to include even the toilet paper placed in the factory restrooms. All of that adds up to $73 an hour to build a car. The median hourly compensation for a line supervisor is about $32/hour. Still sounds pretty middle class to me.

Following that, GM's CEO makes about $4,800/hour just in compensation. Add in the cost of his jet, corporate parties, limo, etc., and the labor costs skyrocket.

One of the biggest reasons Toyota's labor costs aren't as high now is because they are relatively new here in the U.S. so they don't have the pension costs.