The National, State, Metropolitan, and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (OES) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), United States Department of Labor, are calculated from data collected in a national survey of employers. Data on occupational employment and wages are collected from employers of every size, in every State, in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, in all industry sectors. These estimates are cross-industry estimates; each occupation's employment and wage estimates are calculated from data collected from employers in all industry sectors. Self-employed persons are not included in the survey or estimates.
Occupational employment data are used to develop information regarding current and projected employment needs and job opportunities. These data enable the analysis of the occupational composition of different industries, and the comparison of occupational composition across States and local areas, including analysis for economic development purposes. OES employment estimates also are used as job placement aids by helping to identify industries that employ the skills gained by enrollees in career-technical training programs. In addition, OES survey data serve as primary inputs into occupational information systems designed for those who are exploring career opportunities or assisting others in career decision making.
Occupational wage data are used by job seekers and employers to determine salary ranges for different occupations in different locations and in different industries.
Finally, employment and wage data are used by academic and government researchers to study labor markets and wage and employment trends. These data inform the so-called “good-jobs/bad-jobs” debate on how business cycles and structural economic change impact wages and employment across the range of occupations; and how many and what types of jobs are impacted by off-shore outsourcing.
