The NLSY79

The NLSY79 is a nationally representative sample of 12,686 young men and women who were 14-22 years old when they were first surveyed in 1979. These individuals were interviewed annually through 1994 and are currently interviewed on a biennial basis. [More]

Information in the NLSY79

• Summary of variables available in each round of the NLSY79 (PDF)
• Overview of the NLSY79 (PDF)

NLSY79 Data and Documentation at NLSinfo.org

• Download or order public-use data, questionnaires, and other documentation
• NLS Investigator: - Access all NLSY79 public-use variables online
• NLSY79 User's Guide - Helps you get started and answers many data questions
• Correction of errors that appeared in previous NLSY79 data files
• Customized sampling weights to properly represent the population groups your research is examining

NLSY79 Data that Require Special Permission

• Information about the NLSY79 Geocode file and how to apply for access
• Request access to the Census Tract, or Zip Code files

NLSY79 Press Releases

• August 25, 2006: Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings Growth Among the Youngest Baby Boomers: Results from a Longitudinal Survey [NLSY79 Round 21] (TXT) (PDF 82K) (Supplemental Tables about number of jobs and unemployment spells)
• August 25, 2004: Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings Growth Among Younger Baby Boomers: Results from More Than Two Decades of a Longitudinal Survey [NLSY79 Round 20] (TXT) (PDF 82K) (Supplemental Tables )
• August 27, 2002: Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings Growth Among Younger Baby Boomers: Results from More Than Two Decades of a Longitudinal Survey [NLSY79 Round 19] (TXT) (PDF 79K) (Supplemental Tables )
• April 25, 2000: Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings Growth Over Two Decades: Results From a Longitudinal Survey [NLSY79 Round 18] (TXT) (PDF 67K)
• June 24, 1998: Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, and Earnings Growth: Results from a Longitudinal Survey [NLSY79 Round 17] (TXT)

Last Modified Date: January 22, 2008