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The Global Insight

Is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics accurate?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 28, 2026

The statistical reliability of the BLS wage data is adequate for most metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas (at least 90 percent of areas). For a small proportion of areas, the BLS data are not as reliable.

How often does the US Bureau of Labor Statistics gather information?

BLS conducts quarterly wage and benefit updates over a 6-week period for the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month for March, June, September, and December.

What does the Bureau of Labor Statistics do?

BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data for the public, Congress, other federal agencies, state and local governments, business, and labor. BLS also serves as a statistical resource for the U.S. Department of Labor.

What is the projected number of annual openings?

In most occupations, replacement needs provide more job openings than employment growth provides. Between 2014 and 2024, about 9.8 million new jobs are projected because of employment growth but 35.3 million openings are projected because of replacement needs.

Is the Bureau of Labor Statistics nonpartisan?

Innovative – We employ highly trained professionals and pursue modern survey methods and technologies. Objective and nonpartisan – We provide facts, not opinions.

How does the US Bureau of Labor Statistics gather information?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) field economists are extensively trained and given detailed instructions on data collection techniques. They employ a variety of methods, including personal visits, mail, telephone, and email, to obtain data from Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) respondents.

Why does the Bureau of Labor Statistics analyze labor trends?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making.

What does Bureau of Labor Statistics stand for?

Bureau of Labor Statistics – BLS. What is the ‘Bureau of Labor Statistics – BLS’. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is federal agency that produces a range economic data which reflect the state of the U.S. economy.

Where can I find the current Labor Statistics?

The Current Labor Statistics (CLS) is a compilation of the latest labor, employment and related statistics accompanied by data highlights. The major data producers in government and the various offices of the DOLE are the data sources. Published every January, April, July and October, it can be downloaded from the PSA website.

What are the labor force statistics for the United States?

The Census Bureau’s labor force statistics provide information about employment status, employment dynamics, and work experience (usual hours worked, and the number of weeks worked in the last year). Topics and Definitions Get Labor Force Data Guidance for Data Users

Who is Toby Walters, Bureau of Labor Statistics?

Toby Walters is a financial writer, investor, and lifelong learner. He has a passion for analyzing economic and financial data and sharing it with others. What Is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that collects and disseminates various data about the U.S. economy and labor market.