operational expense; work cost
Refers to the cost or expense incurred in carrying out a task, project, or operation. Often used in business, accounting, or project management contexts.
The operational expenses for this project have exceeded the budget.
We reviewed the process to reduce work costs.
人件費 refers specifically to personnel or labor costs, whereas 作業費 can include materials, equipment, and other operational costs beyond just labor.
Compound of 作業 (work, operation) and 費 (expense, cost). The meaning is transparent from its components.