Where do I find unemployment rates and labor force rates and trends on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website?

I am doing a project for macroeconomics and am having problems trying to find unemployment rates and labor force rates and trends. If possible, I'd like them for the airline industry. I have looked on the Bureau of Labor Statistics and am still struggling. Where and how do I find this information?

Answer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the best place to find this type of information. Browsing the site is sometimes better than searching it, and a good place to start is in the Subjects tab. In the Subjects tab, you will notice that there are areas for both Unemployment and Employment

Unemployment and employment information underneath Subjects

Use the Unemployment subject area to find information related to unemployment statistics. Click on the subsection National Unemployment Rate and then pick Labor Force Characteristics and then Occupation and Industry. This will allow you to to identify unemployment rates in a certain industry or occupation. Be sure to look at the annual tables and not just the most recent charts and reports. Characteristics of the Unemployed, in the annual tables, for example, is very detailed. Note that what you think of as an "industry" may not match the BLS's categories. Have a look at their category page on industry names to pick the "right" one.

Use the Employment subject area to find information on labor force rates and trends. Two subcategories, Employment Projections and Employment By Occupation, will be of helpful.

 

Topics

  • Last Updated Feb 08, 2021
  • Views 179
  • Answered By Kate Anderson, Librarian

FAQ Actions

Was this helpful? 0 0

Hello! We're here to help! Please log in to ask your question.

Log in
Ask Us!

Need an answer now? Search our FAQs!

How can I find my course textbook?

You can expect a prompt response, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Central Time (by the next business day on weekends and holidays).

Questions may be answered by a Librarian, Learning Services Coordinator, Instructor, or Tutor. 

Fields marked with * are required.