Using the State and Area Selective Data Retrieval System

This help document explains how to use the State and Area Create Customized Tables (multiple screens) data retrieval system. A general help document explains how to formulate and submit a query to the BLS LABSTAT database for the purpose of extracting time series data, while specific information on building a query for State and Area data follows.

All CES State and Area data are on-line. They are current and updated in a timely manner on the day of the State and Area press release. If a query--constructed correctly--contains no data, it simply means BLS does not publish that information.

This data query system, which consists of seven screens, allows you to extract data in a very flexible manner. A query selects data from the general to the specific. A good analogy would be climbing to a specific branch on a tree--you must always start at the tree truck and then climb to the desired branch; the same logic applies to this query system. So you must be equipped with a navigational device in order to retrieve the desired data, which is the intent of this document.

Note: At any time during your query you can toggle back and forth and change a desired variable. This can be done by clicking on the directional arrows of your web browser. Windows users should note that pressing the Ctrl key will allow multiple selections at a menu. Macintosh (and other) users may have to press the Option (or another) key.

Below is a schematic of the State and Area Current Employment Statistics database.

Screen One: Select Seasonally Adjusted Data or Unadjusted Data

Data is divided into seasonally adjusted data and unadjusted data. Only statewide employment estimates at the supersector level are seasonally adjusted; area estimates as well as all hours and earnings estimates are not available seasonally adjusted. Therefore, if you are looking for any data type other than employment (i.e., average hourly earnings) or any area estimates, you will have to select unadjusted data at this screen. If you are unsure as to what exactly you want at this screen, you can always select both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted data.

Screen Two: Select Data Type

You are given the option of selecting from seven different data types; they are: (1) all employment, (2) women workers employment, (3) production workers employment, (4) average weekly earnings, (5) average weekly hours, (6) average hourly earnings, and (7) average overtime hours.

Again, only employment at the supersector level level is seasonally adjusted. The remaining data types are all unadjusted. Please note that only one state publishes average overtime hours, while only a few states publish women workers and production workers employment. Most states only publish average hourly earnings for manufacturing, but other industry average hourly earnings are available.

Screen Three: Select State

All states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are available. The numbers to the left of the state names are the corresponding FIPS codes. If you would like to select multiple states simply press Ctrl on your keyboard and then point and click your appropriate selections (Non-Windows users may have to press another key).

Screen Four: Select Area

All areas corresponding to your selected states are available for your selection. The first selection (0000) Statewide refers to the state as a whole. Select this item if you desire statewide estimates. As with other menus, if you would like to select multiple areas simply press Ctrl on your keyboard and then point and click your appropriate selections (Non-Windows users may have to press another key).

Screen Five: Select Supersector

This is the two digit code which identifies the NAICS supersector.

Screen Six: Select Industry

You are given the option of selecting from a list of industries. This list of available industries was determined by the previous variables you selected. If a desired industry is unavailable, you may want to toggle back and redefine your query by clicking the directional arrows of your web browser.

Screen Seven: Select Date and the Output Format

This screen allows you to select data from a range of years as well as determine your desired output format.

Last Modified Date: March 20, 2003