For a long time, China has formed a low-wage—high-employment and low-consumption—high-accumulation production and distribution system, thereby maintaining its international competitiveness of export products and strictly controlling the pace of labor cost increases. But it also results in relatively slow income growth for manufacturing workers. This study examines the reasons for the formation of the " low-wage labor system" from the perspective of the complementary relationship between economic growth systems and labor systems, focusing on four dimensions of growth model, industrial structure, social policy, and social system. Based on the current context of China's comprehensive deepening of industrial workforce team building and promoting Chinese-style modernization, the study further proposes recommendations for improving the income levels of industrial workers: fi rst, establishing an initial, "labor-oriented" income distribution pattern; second, creating a harmonious and mutually benefi cial labor relations landscape; and third, accelerating the formation of an industrial transformation pattern driven by "new quality productivity".