Flyer - Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS (OES) REPORT
Q: What is the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) report?
A: The OES report is a cooperative effort between Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry’s
Center for Workforce Information & Analysis and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS). Our agencies work together to produce employment and wage estimates for more
than 800 occupations for various state and sub-state areas.
Q: How is this information used?
A: Your data, as well as other Pennsylvania businesses’ data, is used to produce wage information.
This information is used by economic developers, planners, educators, and government officials to
make informed decisions regarding our workforce.
Q: My company is concerned with confidentiality, what is your stand on this issue?
A: Your information is compiled in such a way that no private employer can be identified. As a
partnering statistical agency with BLS, we will use the information you provide for statistical
purposes only, in accordance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency
Act of 2002 (Title 5 of Public Law 107-347). We will hold the information in confidence to the full
extent permitted by law.
Q: Why did I receive this form and how was I selected?
A: You were randomly selected based on your Pennsylvania tax records by BLS. Your response is
extremely valuable, as we only sample a small portion of PA employers (approximately 3%).
Q: Where are the results of this report?
A: This information is available at www.paworkstats.pa.gov under the Products tab at the top right
of the page. National data can be found at: www.bls.gov/oes
Q: How do I complete the OES report?
A: Below are some guidelines for completing the report:
1. The report contains directions for completion. Just return the form in the postage paid
envelope provided within two weeks of receipt. Other response alternatives are listed in #5
below.
2. Assign an occupational title and wage range to each employee regardless of whether he or
she is part-time, full-time, hourly or salaried.
3. Report each employee only once regardless of the number of jobs he/she performs.
Classify each in a job title that reflects his/her highest skill level.
4. Report the number of employees by occupation as shown in the sample report section on
the back of this sheet.
5. Alternatives
a. Call us at (800) 832-2090 and we will take the information over the phone
b. Fax us at (866) 798-8100 or (717) 705-4318
c. Mail us a file with job titles, number of active employees in each title and rates of
pay (hourly or annually), and we will complete the form for you
d. E-mail a spreadsheet, text file, database file, or HRIS extract file to

OESPA@IDCF.BLS.GOV

e. Enter your information online at

https://idcfoes.bls.gov

TOO BUSY TO FILL OUT FORMS???
Wage
(Annual
or
Job Title
Hourly)
City Planner
$19.71
W elder
$21.43
Backhoe Oper
ator
$18.83
Solar Panel Insta
ller $45,279
Police Dispatch
er
$14.15
Receptionist
$23,581
General Mainte
nance $41,22
3
Electrician
$22.43
Plum ber
$21.00
Carpenter
$17.75
Maintence Supe
rvisor $51,00
0

Job Title
Accountant
Secretary
se
gi
Re stered Nur
Cook
ng Asst.
Certified Nursi
Midwife
ort Specialist
Computer Supp
Specialist
Public Relations
ent Repair
Medical Equipm
Receptionist

F G H
A B C D E
1
3 1
1 3 1
1
4 2 1

3
2

1
1 2

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J K L TOTA
1
4
5
1
7
3
2
1
3
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3

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Statement to Respondent on the Use of Electronic Data Transmission
As a participant in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statistical survey, you should be aware that
use of electronic transmittal methods in reporting data involves certain inherent risks to the confidentiality
of those data. Further, you should be aware that responsible electronic transmittal practices employed by
BLS cannot completely eliminate those risks. The BLS is committed to the responsible treatment of the
data you report and will take appropriate steps within their ability to protect confidentiality of those data.

Give us a call!! Typically, we can take your
information over the phone in a few
minutes, Mon-Fri 8 AM – 4 PM:
(800) 832-2090
Fax a completed form or your own printout
to us:
(866) 798-8100
E-mail us a file directly:
OESPA@IDCF.BLS.GOV

NEW!!!!
Enter your information on-line at our secure
site:

https://idcfoes.bls.gov