Occupational Requirements Survey: Questions and Answers

General Questions and Answers

1. What is the Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS)?▸
   • The Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) is conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) under an interagency agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The ORS provides information about the requirements of work in the U.S. economy including:
   • Physical demands of work (such as pushing or pulling, reaching overhead, lifting or carrying)
   • Environmental conditions (such as extreme heat, exposure to outdoors, proximity to moving parts)
   • Education, training, and experience requirements (minimum education, credentials, on-the job training, prior work experience)
   • Cognitive and mental requirements of work (such as verbal interactions, working around crowds, work pace)
2. What are some uses of the ORS?▸
   • The ORS provides job information useful to a wide variety of audiences, including: jobseekers, researchers, insurance companies, the disability community, and vocational experts. For more information see the Handbook of Methods.
3. What economic sectors are included in ORS?▸
   • The ORS estimates represent civilian workers, which combines private industry workers as well as state and local government workers. Separate economic sector estimates (private and public) are not available. The category "civilian workers" excludes workers in the federal government, military, agricultural sector, private household workers, and self-employed workers.
4. Are small employers included?▸
   • Yes, small employers are an important part of the U.S. economy. Establishments of all employment sizes are necessary for job requirement estimates to be representative of the national economy.
5. Does the ORS publish information by other worker or establishment characteristics aside from occupation?▸
   • The ORS annual release of estimates available through the ORS Databases page does not publish estimates based on worker characteristics such as work status (full-time or part-time), bargaining status, demographics, or earnings. Establishment characteristics such as industry, employment size, or geographic location are also not available.
   • However, the August 2024 special release ORS estimates do include estimates for full-time workers by specific vocational preparation (SVP) requirements.
6. What level of occupational detail is available?▸
   • Reference year 2024 estimates are considered preliminary and are classified using the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.  Estimates are available for detailed occupations (6-digit SOC codes), 21 major occupational groups (2-digit SOC codes), and civilian workers (which represent workers in private industry as well as state and local government).
   • The ORS does not publish estimates for every SOC code at the 6-digit level, however, estimates for occupational groups at the 2-digit level include all detailed occupations that fall within that grouping. The ORS collects data from many detailed occupations that do not have detailed occupation level estimates in the database. Estimates for occupational groups at the 2-digit SOC level include the data from those detailed occupations and can be used to provide a broader estimate of the requirements for an occupation.
   • Reference year 2023 estimates are considered final and are classified using the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. See Implementing 2018 SOC for more information on the changes to occupational detail made with the second wave estimates.
   • Reference year 2018 estimates are considered final and are classified using the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and O*NET's detailed occupational taxonomy referred to as “O*NET-SOC 2010 Occupations” where possible.
7. Are collection forms available online?▸
   • Current and prior collection forms and manuals are available on the Information for Survey Participants page.
8. Where can I find ORS response rates?▸
   • The ORS response rates can be found in the ORS database (see the ORS Databases page).The Office of Survey Methods and Research (OSMR) currently maintains information on household and establishment survey response. The ORS survey response rates are included along with other BLS establishment surveys in Chart 2. Additionally, the number of responding establishments is included in the technical note of the ORS news release.
9. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?▸
   • Economists are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (Eastern Time) and can be reached electronically or by phone at 202-691-6199.
10. How often is ORS published?▸
    • ORS is published annually. Annual samples are collected over a multi-year period called a wave. Each year of a wave, a preliminary dataset is published from data in the collected samples. (e.g., at the conclusion of year two, the combined preliminary estimates for the first and second years are published). Once all samples have been collected, the final dataset is published.
11. When is ORS published?▸
    • ORS is typically published each November. There may be changes to the publication schedule when needed to accommodate improvements. The timing of the next release is announced on the Next Release section on the ORS homepage. You can also sign up to receive an email when new ORS estimates are released through the ORS subscription list. 
    • The final second wave estimates were published in February 2024 to allow for the implementation of process improvements. An updated release in August 2024 included additional strength and SVP estimates, also a result of process improvements.
    • A special release of cumulative 2023 reference year estimates were published in August 2024. These estimates are not part of the regular publication schedule. More information is available in the August 2024 Special Release ORS Estimates factsheet.

ORS concepts

1. Is there a glossary of terms or definitions of job requirements available?▸
   • Yes, the Handbook of Methods includes a Concepts section with definitions as they pertain to published estimates. Additionally, the collection manuals also provide lists of terms and definitions for each collection year.
2. Are accommodations provided by employers considered when determining job requirements?▸
   • No, modifications or adjustments to job requirements that enable workers to carry out the critical tasks in support of the critical job functions are not included in the ORS. ORS estimates reflect job requirements without accommodations.
3. Does the ORS produce estimates on occupations available to workers with criminal records?▸
   • The ORS does not provide information on occupations that could disqualify job candidates based on a criminal record. Within the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) produced by BLS some occupation profiles indicate that criminal records can disqualify workers for the occupation.
   • Getting back to work: Returning to the labor force after an absence provides information and resources for those re-entering the labor market after an absence, including absences like incarceration.
   • The US Department of Labor provides information specifically for jobseekers who have a criminal record through its Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders.

Using the ORS

1. How many datasets are available?▸
   • The most recent dataset is for the 2024 reference year estimates. This dataset includes data from one sample in the third wave. These estimates are considered preliminary until all samples are collected and estimated for the third wave.
   • Reference year 2023 estimates are considered final and are based on five samples in the second wave.
   • Reference year 2018 estimates are considered final and are based on three samples in the first wave.
   • Final datasets will remain available indefinitely while preliminary datasets will be replaced with each annual update.
2. How can I access and search the ORS data?▸
   • On the ORS data page, you’ll find the ORS database query tools as well as the ORS complete datasets. Preliminary and final complete datasets can be downloaded, and the columns can be filtered to view specific estimates. See the question above, “How many datasets are available?” for an explanation of the differences in the datasets.
   • The most recent estimates are available in the database query tools. There are 4 database query tools that can be used to filter through the estimates:
   • Top picks – these are pre-selected series that have been determined to be of interest to a general audience and are evaluated and modified based on user interests each year.
   • Data finder – This tool allows for a simple text search to retrieve the latest estimates. You can search by specific occupations and by job requirements.
   • One screen – This tool allows for selecting occupations, job requirements, categories, and estimates all on one screen.
   • Multiscreen – This tool uses multiple screens when selecting occupations and job requirements. The series available in each screen are based on selections made in previous screens.
   • See the ORS databases factsheet for more ways to view the estimates.
3. Where can I find historical information on job requirements?▸
   • The Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) was first established as a test survey in 2012. Testing was done through 2015 to make sure collection of job requirements was possible. The History section of the ORS Handbook of Methods and the ORS research page provide more information on the survey and these tests.
   • The final first wave estimates with a reference year of 2018 are available in the 2018 complete dataset. The final second wave estimates with a reference year of 2023 are available in the 2023 complete dataset. The third wave estimates are considered preliminary and will be considered final once data from all samples are combined and published. See the dynamics of occupational change for an explanation on the research done to determine the frequency at which job requirements data would need to be updated in the ORS.
   • The ORS estimates are produced through an interagency agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA plans to use the ORS estimates, along with other sources of occupational information, to create the Occupational Information System (OIS) which will be used when determining disability claims. Previously SSA used the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and its companion, the Selected Characteristics of Occupations (SCO), as their primary source of occupational requirements which was produced through the Department of Labor. This questions and answers page on the SSA website provides some more information on the DOT and the OIS project.
4. How can I search by occupational title?▸
   • ORS estimates are classified using the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Illustrative examples of jobs within specific SOCs are listed in the 2018 SOC definitions and on the major groups page.
   • The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*Net) can be used to search job titles. O*Net will provide a list of likely occupations based on the job title. The first 6 digits of the O*Net code correspond to the 2018 SOC code that contains that occupation. You can then find job requirement estimates in the ORS database query tools or the Excel dataset filtering for that SOC code. In some cases, O*Net provides more detailed occupations within a SOC code. For instance, all registered nurses are captured under the 2018 SOC code 29-1141. O*Net further breaks this SOC code into acute care nurses (O*Net code 29-1141.01), advanced practice psychiatric nurses (29-1141.02), critical care nurses (29-1141.03), and critical nurse specialists (29-1141.04).
5. Are wage or employment estimates available along with ORS data?▸
   • The ORS does not produce wage or employment estimates. Another program at BLS, the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), produces annual employment and wage statistics for occupations using the Standard Occupational Classification system, the same classification system used by the ORS. See Calculating occupational employment for job requirements for approaches to combine estimates from the ORS and OEWS surveys.
   • It is important to note that the establishments in scope for the OEWS differ slightly from the ORS. The ORS excludes all establishments in
   • the federal government
   • the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry
   • private households.
   • The OEWS excludes:
   • Most establishments in the federal government
   • Most establishments in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry
   • All private households
   • The OEWS includes the Executive branch and USPS portion of the federal government as well as establishments in the agriculture sector that are part of logging (NAICS 1133), support activities for crop production (NAICS 1151), and support activities for animal production (NAICS 1152).
   • More information is available in the ORS Handbook of Methods and the OEWS Handbook of Methods.

ORS calculation

1. How can I learn more about ORS methodology?▸
   • For information regarding ORS methodology, see the Handbook of Methods. Additional publications, collection materials, and research are available on the ORS website.
2. How are estimates calculated?▸
   • The Calculation section of the Handbook of Methods provides an explanation of the various estimation formulas for calculating percent of workers, durations, strength levels, and specific vocational preparation levels.
   • Some estimates have been provided as ranges. Ranges are estimates that would otherwise go unpublished and provide users with a more complete understanding of an occupation’s job requirements. See the factsheet on data ranges for more information.
3. Are measures of reliability available▸
   • Yes, standard errors are available to assist users in ascertaining the reliability of ORS estimates. Standard errors provide users a measure of the precision of an estimate to ensure that it is within an acceptable range for their intended purpose. The standard errors are calculated from collected and imputed data, the BLS is researching methods for estimating the variance excluding imputed values. For further information see reliability of ORS estimates and standard errors.
4. Do estimates reflect work or calendar days?▸
   • The components of education, training, and experience, which include minimum formal education, credentials, prior work experience, and on-the-job training, are measured in calendar days after standardizing to a full-time schedule. For example, if a four-hour-per-day job and eight-hour-per-day job each require two days of on-the-job training. The two-days of on-the-job training is converted to one calendar day for the four-hour-per-day job. No conversion is necessary for the eight-hour-per day job.
   • For physical requirements and environmental conditions elements, the percentage of the workday takes into account the work schedule. For example, if 2 hours of standing or walking are required for four-hour-per-day and eight-hour-per-day jobs, then standing or walking is required 50 percent of the day for the four-hour-per-day job and 25 percent of the day for the eight-hour-per-day job.
5. How are strength levels determined?▸
   • Strength levels are derived from several physical requirements. The estimates reflect the amount of weight workers are required to lift or carry, how often, and whether standing or walking is required to perform critical tasks in the workday. The strength factsheet provides additional detail and examples.
   • Strength estimates produced by other sources include pushing and pulling requirements as part of the calculation. While the ORS publishes both pushing and pulling requirements and pushing of pedals with feet and legs, these requirements are not included as part of the strength level calculations. Pushing and pulling requirements indicate the duration of the day that workers must either push or pull 10 pounds of force or push or pull any amount for more than 2/3 of the workday as well as whether one or both extremities are needed to push or pull. Foot or leg controls account for smaller, more precise foot movements that typically do not require the upper leg muscles to create force.
6. Does the ORS calculate estimates combining job requirements?▸
   • Following the publication of final second wave reference year 2023 estimates, the ORS program released additional estimates for the following job requirement combinations.
     • Specific vocational preparation, weekly work hours, and minimum education requirements
     • Cumulative job requirements
     • Strength and specific vocational preparation for civilian workers
   • These estimates can be found on the ORS Data page under ‘Special Release Datasets’. Examples and more information about each dataset can be found in the August 2024 Special Release and Strength and specific vocational preparation factsheets.
   • The ORS annual release of estimates available through the ORS Data page does not include estimates for combined job requirements. A guide for using Pivot Tables to compare and analyze multiple occupational requirements provides step-by-step instructions to view multiple job requirements for occupations with the ORS complete dataset.

Respondent Questions and Answers

1. Why should I participate?▸
   • The quality of data produced by the BLS is a direct reflection of the quality of information and cooperation received from employers. Your participation will help the BLS deliver accurate and representative estimate of job requirements in the national economy. The data will help SSA determine whether individuals meet the requirements for disability benefits.
2. Will my information be kept confidential?▸
   • Yes, your organization‘s participation and specific occupational information will be held in confidence to the fullest extent of the law. The BLS will use the information you provide for statistical purposes only in accordance with BLS Confidentiality Pledge and Federal Laws.
3. Who do you typically speak to within establishments to obtain your survey data?▸
   • The people we typically speak with can answer questions about the job requirements to complete critical tasks in support of the critical job functions. This could be someone in human resources, risk management, or a supervisor.
4. How do I provide data?▸
   • A BLS economist will contact you to provide more information about the questions that will be asked and to determine your preferred method for providing data such as a personal visit, a phone call, or via email.
5. Do I need to have anything prepared?▸
   • Job descriptions, if your company uses them, and current payroll information would allow for a more efficient and targeted interview.
6. Can I just e-mail you a job description?▸
   • Written job descriptions are helpful in understanding the duties and tasks of an occupation. However, we need to ask additional questions to obtain a complete assessment of the job requirements.
7. How much of my time is required?▸
   • The typical interview averages approximately one hour but may vary depending on the company size and the types of jobs discussed.