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Handbook of Methods National Longitudinal Surveys Overview

National Longitudinal Surveys: Overview

The National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS) are a set of surveys designed to gather information at multiple points in time on the labor market activities and other significant life events of several groups of men and women. NLS data have served as an important tool for economists, sociologists, and other researchers for more than 50 years. NLS data cover multiple cohorts: Older Men (born in 1907–21 and interviewed during 1966–81), Young Men (born in 1942–52 and interviewed during 1966–81), Mature Women (born in 1923–37 and interviewed in 1967–2003), Young Women (born in 1944–54 and interviewed in 1968–2003), NLSY79 (born in 1957–64 and interviewed in 1979–present), NLSY79-CYA (children of women in the NLSY79 sample and interviewed in 1986–2020), and NLSY97 (born in 1980–84 and interviewed in 1997–present).

Quick Facts: National Longitudinal Surveys
Subject areas Employment, Hours, Income, Pay, Unemployment, Work experience
Key measures
  • Hours of work
  • Number of jobs held
  • Hourly wages
  • Educational attainment
  • Health limitations
  • Income
  • Assets
  • Program participation
How the data are obtained Administrative records, Survey of individuals
Classification Demographic
Periodicity of data availability Annual
Geographic detail National
Scope Civilian noninstitutional population, Military
Sample sizes

Varies by cohort, approximately 10,000 each

Key products

Annual NLS News releases

NLS Public Use Microdata Files

NLS Data Documentation

Program webpage

www.bls.gov/nls

Last Modified Date: May 28, 2025