Overview of BLS Statistics by Occupation

Workers are classified into occupational categories based upon work performed, skills, education, training, and credentials. Two examples of occupations are accountants and auditors and janitors and cleaners. Some occupations are found in just one or two industries; however, many occupations are found in a large number of industries.

Most BLS occupation data use the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System. However, some National Compensation Survey data are still based an older occupational classification system. The conversion of BLS data to SOC is expected to be completed in 2008. (See the SOC Implementation Schedule for more information.)

BLS publishes a large amount of information by occupation, including career information, employment levels and projections, and various types of data on earnings and working conditions.

Career Information

   Occupational Outlook Handbook

This publication describes, for a wide range of occupations, the nature of the work, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects.

   Occupational Outlook Quarterly

This periodical provides practical information on jobs and careers. It contains articles covering a wide variety of career and work-related topics, such as new and emerging occupations, training opportunities, and salary trends.

Employment: Occupational Employment Statistics

BLS conducts an annual mail survey of establishments that provides data on employment and wages by occupation and industry for over 800 occupations and for about 400 industries throughout the Nation, and similar data for all States and selected metropolitan areas.

Wages by Area and Occupation

Wage data are available by occupation for the Nation, regions, States, and many metropolitan areas. Wage data by area and occupation are from the National Compensation Survey, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, or the Current Population Survey. See Wages by Area and Occupation to determine which information suits your needs.

Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities

This program provides data on illnesses and injuries on the job and data on worker fatalities, by occupation and by other worker characteristics.

Employment Projections

This program provides estimates of the labor market 10 years into the future and other career information.

 

Last Modified Date: July 19, 2008