The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in cooperation with state workforce agencies, runs a semi-annual survey that collects data from approximately 1.1 million non-farm establishments. It produces detailed employment and wage estimates by occupation across more than 580 areas such as states, metropolitan regions, and nonmetropolitan areas as well as the nation as a whole.

Under federal guidelines, participation in the OEWS survey is voluntary for employers nationwide. Certain states have enacted laws or regulations requiring employers selected in the OEWS sample to comply. These are known as “Mandated OEWS Reports by State.”

If your organization operates in a state that mandates participation in the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, compliance is legally required. The survey collects employment and wage data to support accurate labor market analysis. View mandated states here.

If your establishment is selected, you’ll receive a solicitation letter or email from BLS with an IDCF number and instructions. In mandated states, the letter will clearly state that participation is required by law. Some states also follow up with phone calls.

What information is needed?

• Job titles and duties for each employee at the sampled location
• Wage data: hourly rates or annual salaries
• Exclude contractors and owners

How do you usbmit?

• Online: Secure BLS portal using your IDCF number
• Email: Upload a spreadsheet to the designated address
• Phone or Mail: Available for smaller establishments

You’ll typically have two weeks to respond. In mandated states, non-compliance can lead to penalties.

If you operate in a state that mandates OEWS participation there are several key reasons tied to policy, planning, data integrity, and labor compliance.

By mandating OEWS participation, states aim to:

• Achieve complete and accurate labor data
• Support policy-making and economic development
• Maintain consistent state compliance standards
• Promote equitable workforce insights
• Provide employers with better benchmarking tools

These mandates ensure reliable, actionable labor market intelligence is a win for government planning, employers, and workers alike.

Check if your state requires OEWS reporting here.  Michigan does not.