It's nowhere near Europe levels just yet, but it's getting there.

Staying competitive in the U.S. is requiring more and more automation. Low-skilled labor is becoming too costly (once risks are included), and is evaporating. You can't fire a young kid without just cause, but s/he can say "I quit" at any moment. The investment is just not worth it. Restaurants are finding new ways to reduce their dependence on workers (e.g., no service staff, bus your own table). Minimum wage hikes are just making it worse. If you aren't a high-skilled worker, your job is going to be replaced by machines.

All the while, the socialistic ideology clamors that this is why we need a welfare state. <<facepalm>></facepalm>