BLS State and Area Employment Statistics

The BLS State and Area Employment program (SAE) extends the CES methodology to states and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Monthly employment estimates are produced for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and about 450 metropolitan and micropolitan areas.

The Benchmark Revision Process

State employment data is benchmarked annually against unemployment insurance tax records — which cover nearly all employers. Because the benchmark uses administrative data rather than a survey, it is more accurate. The annual benchmark revision (typically in March) can significantly revise state estimates, sometimes by tens of thousands of jobs.

State-level OEWS wage data is also available for most occupations, allowing comparisons of occupation wages across states. Explore area wage data by clicking on occupation profiles at our wages section.