Labor cost variance means the difference between standard labor cost and actual labor cost.

Average direct labor cost is the opening direct labor cost + closing direct labor cost / 2

In labor intensive industry direct labor cost is used as cost driver.

Rates is cost-per-hour, labor cost is the total, regardless of time.

If indirect labor change with the change of units of product then indirect labor is a variable cost.

If change in the quantity of units has no impact on indirect labor cost then it is a fixed cost.