The employment data found in this report is predominantly sourced from government-conducted surveys and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more information, please visit the BLS website.
When Is the Next Update?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases employment data monthly; however, the most recent data is usually 4-5 weeks lagged. The table below lists upcoming BLS release dates. Mployer Advisor publishes the data 4-5 business days after the BLS release date.
Survey Month
Release Date
November 2022
12/29/2022
December 2022
2/1/2023
January 2023
3/17/2023
February 2023
4/5/2023
March 2023
5/3/2023
April 2023
5/31/2023
May 2023
6/28/2023
June 2023
8/2/2023
July 2023
8/30/2023
August 2023
9/27/2023
September 2023
11/1/2023
October 2023
11/30/2023
How Are Metropolitan Areas Defined?
Metropolitan/Micropolitan areas, collectively referred to as core-based statistical areas (CBSAs), are defined by the United States Census Bureau as a conglomerate of one or more counties surrounding an urbanized cluster whose population exceeds 10,000 or more inhabitants. To review the complete crosswalk of counties to CBSAs, please visit this link.
What Is Seasonally vs. Non-Seasonally Adjusted Data?
Employment varies considerably in regular, predictable, and seasonal patterns. For example, we would expect the number of ski lift operators to be much higher in the winter months than in the summer months. Seasonally adjusted data attempts to smooth out these patterns via complex algorithms so that comparisons can be made between different months. Please note that seasonal adjustments do not smooth out recessionary and expansionary business cycles; we would expect to see the unemployment rate significantly increasing month to month during a recession.
Who Qualifies as Employed or Part of the Labor Force?
The labor force population includes all people aged 16 and older who are classified as either employed or unemployed. Individuals are generally classified as “employed” if they worked at least one hour as an owner or paid employee of a business and if they are temporarily absent from their employer (vacation, sick leave, FMLA, etc.). Conversely, the “unemployed” include those without jobs who are actively seeking work and those who were laid off but expect to be recalled.
