Final answer:
The labor efficiency variance is calculated by multiplying the difference between actual hours worked and standard hours allowed by the standard rate. In this case, the variance is an unfavorable $1,800, as it took 90 hours more than the standard to complete the job.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the labor efficiency variance, we need to compare the actual hours worked to the standard hours allowed for the completed work, multiplied by the standard rate. The formula for labor efficiency variance is:
Labor Efficiency Variance = (Actual Hours - Standard Hours) x Standard Rate
Let's apply this to the given problem:
- Standard Hours for Job #601 = 500 hours
- Standard Rate = $20.00 per hour
- Actual Hours worked = 590 hours
- Actual Rate (irrelevant for efficiency variance) = $19.90 per hour
We then calculate the variance:
Labor Efficiency Variance = (590 hours - 500 hours) x $20.00 per hour
Labor Efficiency Variance = 90 hours x $20.00 per hour
Labor Efficiency Variance = $1,800 unfavorable
Since the actual hours worked (590) are more than the standard hours (500), this results in an unfavorable variance, which means that the labor was less efficient than expected.