The Bureau of Labor Statistics - How it works

By Allen Yang

January 1, 1970

About this collection

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has been in the news recently (Aug 2025) - what exactly is this federal agency and how does it work? This is a curated, non-partisan set of resources giving an introduction to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It covers topics like its mandate, its past commissioners, the employment data it publishes, and academic studies of payroll data revisions.

Curated Sources

How Important Have Employment Revisions Been the Past Two Years

The article examines the importance of employment revisions in the context of labor market conditions and monetary policy. The author, Kevin L. Kliesen, analyzes the monthly employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and highlights the significance of revisions to initial payroll employment estimates. The data from January 2012 to April 2014 shows that initial estimates are often downward-biased, with an average monthly gain of 153,900 jobs, while the current estimate reveals a higher average of 188,900 jobs per month. The revisions are found to be procyclical, indicating that they tend to be positive during expansions and negative during slowdowns. The article concludes that policymakers and financial market participants should be cautious when relying on initial estimates, as they can be significantly revised. The author suggests that the outlook for the economy remains positive, and the April employment report could be revised upward from 288,000 to around 325,000 jobs.

Key Takeaways

  • The initial payroll employment estimates are often downward-biased and subject to significant revisions, highlighting the need for caution when relying on these numbers for policymaking.
  • The procyclical nature of revisions suggests that they tend to reinforce the existing economic trend, whether positive or negative.
  • The article implies that policymakers and financial market participants should consider the potential for revisions when making decisions based on initial employment estimates.

Mixed Story: What the Revision to the Jobs Data Means – CEPR

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revised its jobs data, showing that the US economy created 2.1 million jobs from March 2023 to March 2024, down from the initial estimate of 2.9 million. The revision is attributed to a gap between the establishment survey and state unemployment insurance filings. Despite the downward revision, the economy still created jobs at a rapid pace, comparable to the pre-pandemic period. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in July, relatively low by historical standards. The revision implies faster productivity growth, as the economy generated output with fewer jobs than previously estimated. The article discusses the implications of the revision on the economic picture, highlighting both concerns about weakness and hopes for a productivity upturn.

Key Takeaways

  • The downward revision to jobs data implies faster productivity growth, potentially leading to more rapid gains in living standards.
  • The labor market remains strong, with low unemployment rates and high employment-to-population ratios, especially among prime-age workers.
  • The revision highlights the importance of accurate population controls in the Current Population Survey to capture the impact of immigration on employment growth.

Sifting Through Revisions, Labor Market Seems Strong | Richmond Fed

The January 2025 employment situation report was revised based on updated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The establishment survey was benchmarked to employment counts from state unemployment insurance records, and seasonal adjustment factors were updated. The total payroll employment level was revised downward by 598,000 for March 2024, resulting in an average monthly job growth of 166,000 in 2024, rather than 186,000. However, November and December 2024 saw upward revisions, indicating a strong labor market at the end of the year. January 2025 saw 143,000 new jobs, with gains in healthcare, retail trade, government, and social assistance. Adverse weather conditions may have reduced hiring by 84,000 jobs. The household survey incorporated new population estimates from the Census Bureau, increasing the estimated civilian population by 2.9 million. Despite this, the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate remained relatively stable.

Key Takeaways

  • The labor market remains strong despite revisions to employment data, with a three-month moving average of payroll gains rising to 237,000 in January 2025.
  • The incorporation of new population estimates from the Census Bureau significantly increased the estimated size of the civilian population and labor force, but had a minimal impact on key labor market ratios.
  • Weather conditions may have depressed payroll growth by 84,000 jobs in January 2025, masking underlying labor market strength.

DO MARKETS RESPOND MORE TO MORE RELIABLE LABOR MARKET DATA? A TEST OF MARKET RATIONALITY

This paper examines whether financial markets respond more to labor market data as its reliability improves. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment survey sample size nearly quadrupled between 1979 and 1995, increasing data reliability. A model of rational Bayesian updating predicts that investors should assign more weight to the BLS employment survey as it becomes more precise. However, regression analysis finds no evidence that the bond market's reaction to employment news intensified over time. An unexpected increase of 200,000 jobs is associated with an 8 basis point increase in the interest rate on 30-year Treasury bonds and a 9 basis point increase in the interest rate on 3-month bills. The study also finds that interest rates are not significantly affected by announcements of revisions to past months' employment data, and that announced hourly wage increases are associated with higher long-term interest rates.

Key Takeaways

  • The bond market's reaction to employment news did not increase over time despite improvements in data reliability.
  • The findings suggest that financial markets may not rationally respond to changes in the precision of relevant information.
  • The study's results are consistent with the broader phenomenon of individuals placing too much weight on recent information and too little weight on prior data.

NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES

This paper combines information from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey and ADP payroll microdata to improve the accuracy of real-time measurement of U.S. private payroll employment. The authors describe the ADP-derived data series, compare it to the CES data, and benchmark the series to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). They use a state-space model to infer 'true' unobserved payroll employment growth and find that the optimal predictor puts approximately equal weight on the CES and ADP-derived series. The combined state estimate contains information about future CES estimates and improves forecasting accuracy. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different payroll employment data sources and explores the potential for using private payroll microdata to supplement official statistics.

Key Takeaways

  • Combining CES and ADP data reduces measurement error and improves real-time employment estimates.
  • The state-space model puts approximately equal weight on CES and ADP-derived series, indicating their complementary value.
  • The ADP-FRB index outperformed CES in tracking employment declines during the Great Recession.

Payroll employment data: measuring the effects of annual benchmark revisions

This article examines the effects of annual benchmark revisions on payroll employment data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The authors analyze the revision process, including monthly survey-based revisions and annual benchmark revisions, and investigate whether past revisions contain information useful for anticipating future revisions. The study finds that benchmark revisions dominate the revision process and display a consistent pattern over the past two business cycles. The authors also provide empirical evidence that past benchmark revisions are useful for explaining the variation in subsequent payroll employment benchmark data.

Key Takeaways

  • Benchmark revisions have a significant impact on payroll employment estimates and often negate the effects of monthly survey-based revisions.
  • The history of benchmark revisions contains exploitable information for anticipating future revisions, suggesting that a sophisticated time-series model could predict the size and direction of future benchmark revisions.
  • The BLS has implemented methodological improvements to reduce measurement error in payroll employment data, which should lead to smaller revisions in future benchmarks.

Why a top economist discounts Trump’s claim U.S. jobs data are ‘rigged’ | Science | AAAS

Cornell University economist Erica Groshen, former head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), disputes President Donald Trump's claim that the BLS 'rigged' US jobs data. Groshen explains that the BLS's mission is to provide accurate data about the US labor market, and that revisions to initial data are a normal part of ensuring accuracy. The BLS combines data from a national survey of households and companies to produce its monthly employment report. Groshen warns that Trump's criticism could undermine public confidence in the data and potentially impact participation rates in BLS surveys.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS's data revision process is a standard practice to ensure accuracy, not an indication of manipulation or bias.
  • Trump's criticism of the BLS could lead to decreased participation rates in surveys, potentially compromising the accuracy of future employment data.
  • Groshen emphasizes the importance of maintaining the independence and integrity of the BLS to ensure the reliability of US economic data.

How does the BLS gather data? What to know

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) prepares the monthly jobs report through a survey of American households and businesses. The process involves collecting data from 60,000 households and government agencies and businesses, with strict confidentiality maintained. The data is reviewed by analysts and formatted for the monthly report, which includes the number of jobs added, revisions for prior months, and the unemployment rate. Former BLS officials clarified that the commissioner does not have a role in preparing the report and that revisions are a normal part of the process, not indicative of manipulation. The BLS uses this methodology for other reports, including inflation figures and productivity reports.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS jobs report is compiled through a rigorous survey process involving households and businesses, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
  • Revisions to prior months' data are a standard feature of the BLS reporting process, reflecting additional information and corrections.
  • The independence of the BLS and the reliability of its data are crucial for accurate economic analysis, as emphasized by economists like Michael Feroli.

How the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report really works and why data revisions are not ‘a scam’ as Trump claims | CNN Business

Former President Donald Trump accused the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of rigging the latest jobs report, claiming it was done to make him and Republicans look bad. He fired BLS Commissioner Dr. Erika McEntarfer, alleging she had the biggest miscalculations in over 50 years. However, the revisions made by the BLS were not unprecedented and were attributed to factors such as low survey responses and seasonal adjustments. The BLS collects data through household and business surveys, producing critical reports on employment, inflation, and other economic indicators. The data is used by various organizations, including the Federal Reserve, to inform decision-making. Trump's accusations were deemed unfounded by experts, who praised the BLS as a trusted statistical agency.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS plays a crucial role in providing accurate economic data, which is essential for informed decision-making by businesses, government organizations, and the Federal Reserve.
  • Trump's unfounded accusations against the BLS and its commissioner may undermine trust in the agency, potentially having long-term consequences for the economy.
  • The BLS' data collection methods, including household and business surveys, are subject to limitations and revisions, but remain the gold standard for economic indicators.

Monthly Employment Situation Report: Quick Guide to Methods and Measurement Issues : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a monthly Employment Situation news release based on data from two surveys: the Current Employment Statistics (CES) or payroll survey, and the Current Population Survey (CPS) or household survey. The payroll survey samples approximately 121,000 businesses and government agencies, producing employment, hours, and earnings estimates for the nation, states, and metropolitan areas. The household survey samples about 60,000 households, providing labor force characteristics of the civilian noninstitutional population. The document details the methods, concepts, and measurement issues related to both surveys, including sample design, data collection, estimation methodology, seasonal adjustment, and benchmarking. It also compares the employment measures from the two surveys and discusses their differences.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS uses a combination of payroll and household surveys to provide a comprehensive picture of the US labor market, with the payroll survey measuring nonfarm wage and salary jobs and the household survey estimating employed people.
  • The payroll survey's birth-death model is used to account for new firm births and deaths, which can significantly impact employment estimates.
  • The household survey provides labor force characteristics by demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, and educational attainment, making it a valuable resource for policymakers and analysts.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Geoffrey H. Moore served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics from March 1969 to January 1973, appointed by President Richard Nixon. Moore came from the National Bureau of Economic Research and worked closely with Arthur Burns and Julius Shiskin. During his tenure, Moore aimed to make BLS data more relevant, timely, accurate, and impartial. He improved various statistical programs, including local area data, public sector labor relations, and occupational safety and health statistics. Moore also oversaw the development of a national system of job vacancy statistics and the revision of the Consumer Price Index. His term was marked by controversy surrounding data release procedures, with debates about the neutrality and objectivity of statistics. Moore discontinued BLS press briefings to maintain impartiality, but this decision was met with criticism. He was eventually asked to resign in November 1972, following President Nixon's re-election, which sparked concerns about the politicization of the BLS commissionership.

Key Takeaways

  • Moore's efforts to improve BLS data quality and impartiality had significant implications for the credibility of government statistics.
  • The controversy surrounding data release procedures during Moore's tenure highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing transparency with the need to maintain the neutrality of statistical agencies.
  • Moore's removal from office in 1973 marked a break with the tradition of non-political appointments to the BLS commissionership, raising concerns about the potential for future politicization.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Julius Shiskin served as the ninth U.S. Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics from July 1973 to October 1978, appointed by President Richard Nixon and continuing under Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Shiskin had a distinguished career in public service and economics, graduating from Rutgers University and doing further graduate work at Columbia University. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes and innovations in labor statistics, including the revision of the Wholesale Price Index (renamed Producer Price Index), the introduction of new statistical series on occupational injury and illness, wage and benefit costs, and international prices. He also expanded unemployment and employment statistics and initiated a continuing consumer expenditure survey. Shiskin was known for his commitment to forthrightness and candor in describing data, including their limitations, and for his openness with the media and Congress. His leadership and innovations had a lasting impact on the Bureau and the field of labor statistics.

Key Takeaways

  • Shiskin's insistence on transparency and candor in data reporting enhanced the credibility of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • The revision of the Wholesale Price Index to the Producer Price Index under Shiskin's leadership marked a significant improvement in measuring price changes in the economy.
  • Shiskin's initiatives, such as the continuing consumer expenditure survey and expanded employment statistics, demonstrated his commitment to providing more accurate and comprehensive data for policymakers and analysts.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Janet Norwood served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from May 1979 to December 1991, appointed by President Jimmy Carter and reappointed by Ronald Reagan. During her tenure, she oversaw significant developments in statistical programs, including the launch of the Continuing Consumer Expenditure Survey, research on alternative approaches to measuring homeownership costs in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the introduction of multifactor productivity indexes. Norwood also ensured the continuation of the National Longitudinal Survey and strengthened Federal-State cooperative programs. She promoted professionalism within BLS, elevated the role of statisticians, and established a cognitive laboratory. Most notably, Norwood asserted the independence of BLS from political interference and the rest of the Labor Department on scientific matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Norwood's leadership at BLS was marked by significant methodological innovations, including the introduction of a 'rental equivalence' measure for homeownership costs in the CPI, which improved the accuracy of inflation measurement.
  • The assertion of BLS's independence under Norwood's tenure had a lasting impact on the agency's credibility and the reliability of its statistical releases.
  • Norwood's efforts to promote professionalism within BLS and foster cooperation with the academic community contributed to the agency's enhanced statistical quality and relevance.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dr. Katharine G. Abraham served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1993 to 2001, appointed by Bill Clinton. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has taught at various institutions including MIT and the University of Maryland. During her tenure, she implemented improvements in consumer, producer, and international price statistics, and employment and wage statistics. She initiated the first U.S. Government survey of time use and established the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee. Abraham also oversaw revisions to the Consumer Price Index based on objective research and expanded coverage of prices of services in the Producer Price Index. After her term, she received the Julius Shiskin Award for Economic Statistics in 2002 for her methodological improvements in U.S. price and employment statistics.

Key Takeaways

  • Dr. Abraham's work as Commissioner significantly enhanced the accuracy and relevance of U.S. economic statistics, particularly in areas such as consumer and producer price indices and employment statistics.
  • The establishment of the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee under her leadership marked a significant development in collaborative statistical governance.
  • Her efforts to revise the Consumer Price Index in response to public debate demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based policy adjustments.
  • Abraham's contributions to labor market statistics have had lasting impacts on both business and government affairs, as recognized by the Julius Shiskin Award.
  • The breadth of her academic and professional experience, including positions at Harvard, MIT, Brookings Institution, and Princeton, likely informed her comprehensive approach to improving economic statistics.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kathleen Utgoff served as the 12th Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from July 2002 to July 2006, appointed by President George W. Bush. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from UCLA and has a background in economic research, having worked with the Center for Naval Analysis, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. During her tenure at BLS, she oversaw significant program improvements, including the introduction of new data series on job openings, hires, and separations, as well as expanded coverage of service-sector industries in various indexes. Utgoff also implemented changes to improve data collection, such as internet data collection facilities and expanded e-mail data collection services, which eased the burden on respondents and improved response rates. Under her leadership, BLS accelerated the release of several data series, including the Employee Benefits Survey and the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, providing more timely information for employers, policymakers, and researchers.

Key Takeaways

  • Utgoff's background in economic research and experience in labor market issues made her a strong candidate for Commissioner of BLS, enabling her to drive meaningful improvements in the agency's data collection and dissemination.
  • The introduction of new data series and expanded coverage of service-sector industries during Utgoff's tenure significantly enhanced the relevance and usefulness of BLS data for understanding the U.S. labor market and economy.
  • Utgoff's efforts to modernize data collection methods, such as through internet and e-mail facilities, not only reduced costs but also improved response rates and data quality, setting a precedent for future innovations in data collection.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dr. Keith Hall served as the 13th Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from January 2008 to January 2012, appointed by President George W. Bush. He held a Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University and had over 20 years of federal service experience across various departments, including the Department of the Treasury, International Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, and the Executive Office of the President. As BLS Commissioner, Dr. Hall prioritized modernizing BLS pricing programs, including continuous updates to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) components and redesigning the Consumer Expenditure Survey. He also oversaw improvements in data analysis and dissemination, such as redesigning the BLS website and implementing a Customer Information System. Additionally, Dr. Hall successfully completed a major information technology project to modernize the Producer Price Index Program and led the celebration of the BLS's 125th Anniversary.

Key Takeaways

  • Dr. Hall's leadership at BLS resulted in significant modernization of pricing programs, including continuous CPI updates and a redesigned Consumer Expenditure Survey.
  • His tenure saw improvements in data analysis and dissemination through website redesign, implementation of a Customer Information System, and strategic planning for social media use.
  • The successful completion of the Producer Price Index modernization project and the celebration of BLS's 125th Anniversary were notable achievements during his term.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dr. Erica L. Groshen served as the 14th Commissioner of Labor Statistics from January 2013 to January 2017, appointed by President Barack Obama. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and previously worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. During her tenure, BLS joined the Federal Statistical Research Data Center network, published the Occupational Requirements Survey estimates, and received funding for the Current Population Survey Contingent Worker and Alternative Work Arrangements supplement. Dr. Groshen led innovations in data releases, stakeholder engagement, and the DOL Hall of Honor inductions. Her research focused on labor markets, regional economics, and wage rigidity.

Key Takeaways

  • Dr. Groshen's leadership at BLS was marked by significant innovations, including the use of web-scraping and auto-coding methods for data releases, enhancing the Bureau's data collection and dissemination capabilities.
  • The Occupational Requirements Survey estimates published during her tenure have enabled the Social Security Administration to make more informed decisions about disability programs, demonstrating the practical impact of BLS's work under her leadership.
  • Dr. Groshen's extensive engagement with stakeholders through over 350 events highlights her commitment to understanding customer needs and promoting the work of BLS.
  • The replication of the Current Population Survey Contingent Worker and Alternative Work Arrangements supplement in 2017, after a 12-year gap, underscores the importance of tracking changes in labor market dynamics and the evolving nature of work.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dr. William W. Beach served as the 15th Commissioner of Labor Statistics from March 2019 to March 2023. Appointed by Donald Trump, he continued to serve under Joseph R. Biden. Before joining BLS, Dr. Beach held various positions, including Vice President for Policy Research at the Mercatus Center and Chief Economist for the Senate Budget Committee. His priorities at BLS included improving productivity measurement, enhancing global value chain understanding, and technical enhancements to price programs. During his tenure, BLS introduced new statistical products, such as state productivity data and research-level import and export price indexes. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted BLS operations, prompting new data collection methods and surveys on pandemic-related changes. Dr. Beach advocated for alternative data sources and established the Data Science Research Center. BLS accelerated the release of employment projections and updated CPI spending weights from biennial to annual during his term.

Key Takeaways

  • The establishment of the Data Science Research Center under Dr. Beach's leadership marked a significant shift towards leveraging new data sources and methodologies in labor statistics.
  • BLS's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including new survey questions and data collection methods, demonstrated the organization's adaptability and commitment to providing timely and relevant data during crises.
  • The introduction of new statistical products and program improvements during Dr. Beach's tenure, such as state-level consumer expenditure tables and Producer Price Indexes on inputs to industry, enhanced the comprehensiveness and granularity of labor statistics available to researchers and policymakers.
  • Dr. Beach's background in economics and experience in various roles, including at the Heritage Foundation and George Mason University, likely influenced his priorities and initiatives at BLS, particularly in areas like productivity measurement and global value chains.
  • The acceleration of employment projections and CPI spending weight updates from biennial to annual reflects a broader trend towards more frequent and timely data releases in response to rapidly changing economic conditions.

Commissioners : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The document provides a comprehensive list of past Commissioners of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), including their dates of service and the administrations they served under. It also includes a list of Acting Commissioners who served between the departure of one Commissioner and the appointment of another. The list of Commissioners includes notable figures such as Carroll D. Wright, who served from January 1885 to January 1905, and more recent appointees like Erika McEntarfer, who served from January 2024 to August 2025. The document is maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Publications and Special Studies.

Key Takeaways

  • The list of BLS Commissioners provides insight into the historical leadership of the organization, highlighting the tenure and succession of Commissioners over time.
  • The inclusion of Acting Commissioners reveals the periods of transition and interim leadership within the BLS.
  • The document demonstrates the BLS's commitment to transparency and historical record-keeping, providing a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in labor statistics and policy.

Major U.S. Governmental Statistical Agencies - Government Statistics and Data - Research Guides at Indiana University

This document provides an overview of major U.S. governmental statistical agencies and other sources of government statistics and data. It lists and describes various federal agencies responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical data across different fields such as economics, labor, health, education, transportation, and energy. The document highlights the role of agencies like the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others in providing timely, relevant, and accurate data. It also mentions specialized databases and resources such as the Economic Statistics Briefing Room, Energy Information Administration, and National Center for Education Statistics. The document serves as a guide to accessing a wide range of statistical information produced by the U.S. government.

Key Takeaways

  • The document showcases the diversity of U.S. governmental statistical agencies, each with specialized domains and data offerings.
  • These agencies play a crucial role in informing policy decisions, research, and public understanding across various sectors.
  • The resources listed provide comprehensive and authoritative data, underscoring the importance of government statistics in understanding the U.S. economy, society, and environment.
  • The inclusion of international data sources, such as the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Statistical Database, highlights the global context of some U.S. government statistics.
  • The document implies that effective use of these resources requires navigating multiple agencies and databases, suggesting a need for coordinated data access initiatives or platforms.

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Wikipedia

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a unit of the United States Department of Labor and serves as the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in labor economics and statistics. Established on June 27, 1884, the BLS collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to various stakeholders. The BLS is headed by a commissioner who serves a four-year term. The agency publishes the Monthly Labor Review and releases various statistical reports, including the US Jobs Report. The BLS data satisfies criteria such as relevance, timeliness, accuracy, impartiality, and accessibility. The agency has faced challenges in data collection due to budget cuts and response rates. The BLS statistical reporting falls into four main categories: prices, employment and unemployment, compensation and working conditions, and productivity. The data is often categorized into Census Regions.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS plays a critical role in providing accurate and timely labor statistics, which are essential for informed decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and labor representatives.
  • The agency's independence and impartiality are crucial in maintaining the credibility of its data, as evident from the controversy surrounding the firing of Commissioner McEntarfer.
  • The BLS faces challenges in data collection due to budget constraints and declining response rates, which can impact the accuracy and reliability of its statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a U.S. Department of Labor agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity. The BLS FAQs provide detailed information on various economic indicators and data series, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), Employment Cost Index (ECI), and Current Employment Statistics (CES). The CPI measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of goods and services, while the PPI measures the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers. The BLS also publishes data on employment, wages, and benefits, as well as projections for future labor market trends. The FAQs cover topics such as interpreting indexes, using the CPI for escalating contracts, and understanding the differences between household and establishment data.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS provides critical economic data through various indexes and surveys, influencing fiscal and monetary policy decisions.
  • Understanding the CPI and PPI is essential for analyzing inflation and making informed economic decisions.
  • The BLS data has significant implications for consumers, businesses, and policymakers, affecting areas such as wage adjustments, contract escalation, and economic forecasting.

BLS Survey Respondent : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) requests participation in their surveys to gather vital information about the economy and society. They ensure confidentiality through strict legal and security measures, protecting respondent identities and data. The BLS designs surveys to be effortless and voluntary, with most being optional. Participation is crucial for accurate representation of economic and social conditions. The BLS provides various resources and links to specific surveys, such as the American Time Use Survey and Consumer Price Index. A letter from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell highlights the importance of BLS data. The BLS adheres to federal law, prohibiting the release of identifiable information without consent, and employs multiple layers of protection for computer systems and records.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS relies on voluntary participation to maintain accurate economic and social data, emphasizing the importance of respondent cooperation.
  • Strict confidentiality measures are in place, including federal law protections and multiple layers of data security, to safeguard respondent information.
  • The data collected by BLS is crucial for informing various stakeholders, including policymakers, economists, and business leaders, as underscored by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's letter.

BLS Guidelines for Informing Users of Information Quality and Methodology : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has established guidelines for informing users about the quality and methodology of its statistical products, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines and the Department of Labor (DOL) information quality guidelines. BLS is committed to ensuring the quality, utility, objectivity, and integrity of its information products. The guidelines outline the procedures for protecting data confidentiality, ensuring data integrity, and providing transparent documentation of methodology. BLS statistical products are subjected to a multi-stage review before dissemination, and the agency provides various levels of documentation to address user needs. The BLS Handbook of Methods and other publications provide comprehensive technical information about its statistical programs. BLS encourages user communication and has a formal complaint process for users to report any information that does not meet the guidelines.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS prioritizes transparency in its methodology to help users understand the uses and limitations of its data.
  • BLS statistical products undergo rigorous review and adhere to OMB and DOL guidelines to ensure quality and integrity.
  • The agency provides multiple channels for user feedback and communication, including formal advisory councils and contact information for subject matter specialists.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Data Integrity Guidelines : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has established guidelines to ensure the integrity of information maintained and disseminated by the agency. These guidelines emphasize the confidential nature of BLS information, including respondent identifiable information (RII) and prerelease information. The BLS requires that all confidential information be treated with utmost care to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. The guidelines outline procedures for safeguarding confidential information, including written procedures for handling and disposal, notification of non-BLS employees accessing confidential information, and adherence to federal statutes such as the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act. The BLS also has strict policies for data collection, ensuring that survey information is sound and complete, and that data entries accurately report respondent data. Additionally, the guidelines cover dissemination of news and data releases, requiring advance clearance through the Associate Commissioner for Publications. The BLS also secures data in accordance with federal requirements, including FISMA and NIST guidelines, and conducts regular audits and monitoring of security controls.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining confidentiality and data integrity, with strict procedures for handling respondent identifiable information and prerelease information.
  • The guidelines highlight the need for adherence to federal statutes and regulations, such as FISMA and NIST guidelines, to ensure the security of BLS information systems.
  • The BLS has implemented various measures to protect confidential information, including written procedures, notification of non-BLS employees, and regular audits and monitoring of security controls.

Overview of BLS Statistics : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) produces a wide range of statistics across various categories including demographic data, industry statistics, business costs, occupational data, and geographic data. Demographic data includes categories such as sex, age, race, and ethnic origin, with age data generally focusing on individuals 16 years and older. Industry data is classified using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), while occupational data uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System. BLS statistics are primarily published at the national level, but some data is also available for regional, state, or local areas. The data covers various aspects such as labor costs, prices of goods and services, and wage data for specific occupations across different geographic locations.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS provides comprehensive data across multiple categories, allowing for detailed analysis of labor market trends and characteristics.
  • The use of standardized classification systems like NAICS and SOC enables consistent categorization and comparison of data across industries and occupations.
  • The availability of data at various geographic levels (national, regional, state, local) facilitates nuanced understanding of labor market dynamics and trends.

About the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a fact-finding agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and publishing data on labor economics and statistics. The BLS measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity to support public and private decision-making. The agency serves various stakeholders, including business leaders, consumers, economists, financial investors, jobseekers, media, public policymakers, students, teachers, and researchers. The BLS provides data products and services through its website, www.bls.gov, which offers data retrieval tools, charts, customized tables, news releases, and publications. The agency values data integrity, transparency, and user feedback, working with advisory committees to improve its services.

Key Takeaways

  • The BLS plays a critical role in informing public and private decision-making by providing accurate and timely data on labor market activity and economic trends.
  • The agency's commitment to data integrity and transparency is reflected in its guidelines and policies for ensuring the quality and reliability of its data products.
  • The BLS serves a diverse range of stakeholders, from business leaders and policymakers to researchers and students, highlighting the broad relevance and importance of its data and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do the procyclical patterns in CES revisions (positive during expansions, negative during recessions) compare to the timing and magnitude of CPS population control adjustments, and what does this reveal about the relative reliability of the two surveys during different economic cycles?
  • Given that the St. Louis Fed found 2012-2014 revisions averaged 35,000 jobs higher than initial estimates while recent Richmond Fed analysis shows smaller average revisions, what factors explain the changing magnitude of revision patterns over time?
  • How does the BLS birth-death model's performance during periods of rapid business formation (like post-pandemic recovery) compare to its accuracy during normal economic conditions, and what does this suggest about the model's limitations?
  • What explains the disconnect between the NBER finding that markets don't respond more to improved CES data reliability and the widespread policy attention given to monthly employment reports by the Federal Reserve and other institutions?
  • How do the seasonal adjustment methodologies used in CES compare to those used in CPS, and do discrepancies in seasonal adjustment approaches contribute to the divergences between payroll and household survey employment measures?
  • Given that QCEW data (used for annual benchmarking) covers nearly all employers while CES samples ~30% of employment, what systematic biases might exist in the monthly estimates that only become apparent during the annual benchmark process?
  • How do response rates and data quality issues in the CES survey vary by industry sector and firm size, and do these variations contribute to the revision patterns observed in different economic sectors?
  • What role do state unemployment insurance filing practices and timing play in the magnitude of annual benchmark revisions, and how might changes in UI systems affect the accuracy of employment statistics?