Labor scale factor is the rate at which the labor required changes relative to the rate at which the mass changes. A low value means that there are large economies of scale, so that large structures are relatively inexpensive compared to small structures. A high value means that there are small or no economies of scale, so that large structures are relatively similar in cost compared to small structures. This would be the case if extremely automated manufacturing was used, where the cost of the structure is close to the cost of the raw materials. Labor scale factor can be used along with empty mass and ten ton craft work to calculate initial hours.

initial hours = pow( ( empty mass / 10,000 ), labor scale factor ) * ten ton craft work
 
 

This is used in rocket cost and spacecraft cost.
 
 

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