Current Population Survey (CPS)
CPS is a household sample survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population conducted by the BLS [BLS 2003b]. Respondents are interviewed to obtain information about the employment status of each member of the household aged 15 and older, although data are routinely published on those aged 16 and older. The survey inquires about work activity or status during the calendar week (Sunday through Saturday) that includes the 12th day of the month. This is known as the reference week. Field interviewing is conducted in the following week, referred to as the survey week.
The CPS sample is drawn from 754 sample areas, with coverage in every State and the District of Columbia. The sample provides estimates for the Nation as a whole and provides data for model-based estimates for individual States and other geographic areas. Since 2001, estimates have been based on interviews of an expanded sample of 60,000 households per month. Before 2001, estimates were based on 50,000 households per month. In an average month, the nonresponse rate is about 6%–7%.
The CPS provides estimates of employment, unemployment, and other characteristics of the general labor force, the population as a whole, and various other population subgroups. These statistics are available for various demographic characteristics including age, sex, race, marital status, and education. They are also available by occupation, industry, and class of worker. Supplemental questions are also often added to the regular CPS questionnaire to produce estimates on other topics, including school enrollment, income, previous work experience, health, employee benefits, and work schedules.
For further information, contact
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Division of Labor Force Statistics
Suite 4675
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212–0001
Telephone: 202–691–6378
CPS data questions: cpsinfo@bls.gov
www.bls.gov/cps/ and www.bls.census.gov/cps/
