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Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) data are collected from a national probability sample of establishments and occupations. Probability samples are subject to sampling and nonsampling errors, which are discussed in the Calculation section.
The ORS program uses a probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) technique to select a sample of private industry establishments as well as state and local government establishments from across the nation. The larger the establishment's employment size, the greater its chance of being selected. Establishments from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible for selection.
The second wave total sample size will include approximately 60,000 establishments, collected over a 5-year period (2018–23). Private industry establishments will account for 85 percent (51,000) of the total, and state and local government establishments will account for the remaining 15 percent (9,000). Approximately one-fifth of the total sample size will be independently sampled each year from private industry and state and local government establishments in proportion to their representation in the full 5-year sample. When establishments are selected in more than one sample, collection is only performed once in that wave.
The sampling design for the 5-year private industry sample is a two-stage stratified sample of private industry establishments and occupations within selected establishments. Forty strata are formed by the cross-classification of the predicted presence and absence of predetermined occupations in establishments, four U.S. Census regions (Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and West), and aggregate industry (education services, financial activities, goods-producing, healthcare and social assistance, and service-providing). For the purposes of sample selection, predetermined occupations are the 200 six-digit SOCs with the lowest employment across all ownerships based on the May 2017 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates.
SOC code | Occupation |
---|---|
11-3111 |
Compensation and benefits managers |
11-9071 |
Gambling managers |
11-9161 |
Emergency management directors |
11-9171 |
Funeral home managers |
13-1011 |
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes |
13-1021 |
Buyers and purchasing agents, farm products |
13-1032 |
Insurance appraisers, auto damage |
15-2021 |
Mathematicians |
17-1021 |
Cartographers and photogrammetrists |
17-2021 |
Agricultural engineers |
17-2121 |
Marine engineers and naval architects |
17-2151 |
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers |
17-2161 |
Nuclear engineers |
17-3021 |
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians |
17-3024 |
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians |
17-3025 |
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians |
19-1012 |
Food scientists and technologists |
19-1013 |
Soil and plant scientists |
19-1023 |
Zoologists and wildlife biologists |
19-1041 |
Epidemiologists |
19-2011 |
Astronomers |
19-2012 |
Physicists |
19-2021 |
Atmospheric and space scientists |
19-2032 |
Materials scientists |
19-2043 |
Hydrologists |
19-3022 |
Survey researchers |
19-3032 |
Industrial-organizational psychologists |
19-3041 |
Sociologists |
19-3091 |
Anthropologists and archeologists |
19-3092 |
Geographers |
19-3093 |
Historians |
19-3094 |
Political scientists |
19-4043 |
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians |
19-4051 |
Nuclear technicians |
19-4092 |
Forensic science technicians |
19-5012 |
Occupational health and safety technicians |
23-1022 |
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators |
25-1031 |
Architecture teachers, postsecondary |
25-1041 |
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary |
25-1043 |
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary |
25-1051 |
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary |
25-1053 |
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary |
25-1054 |
Physics teachers, postsecondary |
25-1061 |
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary |
25-1062 |
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary |
25-1063 |
Economics teachers, postsecondary |
25-1064 |
Geography teachers, postsecondary |
25-1065 |
Political science teachers, postsecondary |
25-1067 |
Sociology teachers, postsecondary |
25-1082 |
Library science teachers, postsecondary |
25-1111 |
Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary |
25-1112 |
Law teachers, postsecondary |
25-1113 |
Social work teachers, postsecondary |
25-1192 |
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary |
25-1193 |
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary |
25-2023 |
Career/technical education teachers, middle school |
25-4011 |
Archivists |
25-4012 |
Curators |
25-4013 |
Museum technicians and conservators |
25-9021 |
Farm and home management educators |
27-1012 |
Craft artists |
27-1013 |
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators |
27-1027 |
Set and exhibit designers |
27-2021 |
Athletes and sports competitors |
27-2023 |
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials |
27-2031 |
Dancers |
27-2032 |
Choreographers |
27-2041 |
Music directors and composers |
27-3023 |
News analysts, reporters, and journalists |
27-3092 |
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners |
27-4014 |
Sound engineering technicians |
29-1022 |
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons |
29-1023 |
Orthodontists |
29-1024 |
Prosthodontists |
29-1081 |
Podiatrists |
29-1124 |
Radiation therapists |
29-1125 |
Recreational therapists |
29-1128 |
Exercise physiologists |
29-1161 |
Nurse midwives |
29-1181 |
Audiologists |
29-1218 |
Obstetricians and gynecologists |
29-2033 |
Nuclear medicine technologists |
29-2091 |
Orthotists and prosthetists |
29-2092 |
Hearing aid specialists |
29-9092 |
Genetic counselors |
31-2012 |
Occupational therapy aides |
33-2021 |
Fire inspectors and investigators |
33-2022 |
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists |
33-3041 |
Parking enforcement workers |
33-3052 |
Transit and railroad police |
33-9011 |
Animal control workers |
33-9031 |
Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators |
35-2013 |
Cooks, private household |
39-2011 |
Animal trainers |
39-3012 |
Gambling and sports book writers and runners |
39-3021 |
Motion picture projectionists |
39-3092 |
Costume attendants |
39-3093 |
Locker room, coatroom, and dressing room attendants |
39-4011 |
Embalmers |
39-5011 |
Barbers |
39-5091 |
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance |
39-5093 |
Shampooers |
39-7012 |
Travel guides |
41-9012 |
Models |
41-9091 |
Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers |
43-2021 |
Telephone operators |
43-3041 |
Gambling cage workers |
43-4021 |
Correspondence clerks |
43-9031 |
Desktop publishers |
43-9081 |
Proofreaders and copy markers |
43-9111 |
Statistical assistants |
47-2011 |
Boilermakers |
47-2022 |
Stonemasons |
47-2042 |
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles |
47-2043 |
Floor sanders and finishers |
47-2053 |
Terrazzo workers and finishers |
47-2072 |
Pile driver operators |
47-2082 |
Tapers |
47-2142 |
Paperhangers |
47-2171 |
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers |
47-2231 |
Solar photovoltaic installers |
47-3014 |
Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons |
47-3016 |
Helpers--roofers |
47-4061 |
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators |
47-4091 |
Segmental pavers |
47-5011 |
Derrick operators, oil and gas |
47-5012 |
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas |
47-5023 |
Earth drillers, except oil and gas |
47-5032 |
Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters |
47-5041 |
Continuous mining machine operators |
47-5043 |
Roof bolters, mining |
47-5044 |
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining |
47-5051 |
Rock splitters, quarry |
47-5081 |
Helpers--extraction workers |
49-2021 |
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers |
49-2091 |
Avionics technicians |
49-2092 |
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers |
49-2093 |
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment |
49-2096 |
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles |
49-3052 |
Motorcycle mechanics |
49-3091 |
Bicycle repairers |
49-3092 |
Recreational vehicle service technicians |
49-9045 |
Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons |
49-9061 |
Camera and photographic equipment repairers |
49-9063 |
Musical instrument repairers and tuners |
49-9064 |
Watch and clock repairers |
49-9081 |
Wind turbine service technicians |
49-9092 |
Commercial divers |
49-9094 |
Locksmiths and safe repairers |
49-9095 |
Manufactured building and mobile home installers |
49-9097 |
Signal and track switch repairers |
51-2021 |
Coil winders, tapers, and finishers |
51-2061 |
Timing device assemblers and adjusters |
51-4022 |
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4032 |
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4035 |
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4051 |
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders |
51-4052 |
Pourers and casters, metal |
51-4061 |
Model makers, metal and plastic |
51-4062 |
Patternmakers, metal and plastic |
51-4071 |
Foundry mold and coremakers |
51-4192 |
Layout workers, metal and plastic |
51-4194 |
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners |
51-6041 |
Shoe and leather workers and repairers |
51-6042 |
Shoe machine operators and tenders |
51-6051 |
Sewers, hand |
51-6061 |
Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders |
51-6062 |
Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders |
51-6091 |
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers |
51-6092 |
Fabric and apparel patternmakers |
51-7021 |
Furniture finishers |
51-7031 |
Model makers, wood |
51-7032 |
Patternmakers, wood |
51-8011 |
Nuclear power reactor operators |
51-8012 |
Power distributors and dispatchers |
51-8092 |
Gas plant operators |
51-9031 |
Cutters and trimmers, hand |
51-9051 |
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders |
51-9082 |
Medical appliance technicians |
51-9123 |
Painting, coating, and decorating workers |
51-9191 |
Adhesive bonding machine operators and tenders |
51-9192 |
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders |
51-9193 |
Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders |
51-9194 |
Etchers and engravers |
53-1041 |
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors |
53-2022 |
Airfield operations specialists |
53-3011 |
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians |
53-4013 |
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers |
53-4022 |
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers |
53-4041 |
Subway and streetcar operators |
53-5022 |
Motorboat operators |
53-5031 |
Ship engineers |
53-6011 |
Bridge and lock tenders |
53-6041 |
Traffic technicians |
53-7031 |
Dredge operators |
53-7041 |
Hoist and winch operators |
53-7071 |
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators |
53-7072 |
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers |
53-7073 |
Wellhead pumpers |
53-7121 |
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders |
Note: Predetermined occupations represent those with the lowest number of employed workers in the occupation across all ownerships based on 2017 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. |
Each sampled establishment has an assigned six-digit industry code from the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). When a single physical location encompasses two or more distinct economic activities, the industry code assigned is based on the establishment's principal product or products, whether produced or distributed, or the principal services rendered by the establishment. When determining the principal product or service rendered, employment is used to determine the primary business activity and assign an industry code. When the primary activity cannot be determined by employment then it's determined based on the revenue generated.
The sampling frame, or universe, is the list of establishments from which the survey sample is selected. The ORS establishment sample is drawn from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) and units reporting to the Railroad Retirement Board.1
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) field economists use a four-step process to select and classify jobs for which data are to be collected from the sampled establishment.
The first step in the process differs depending on establishment ownership. For private industry establishments, the ORS utilizes an occupational sample that is drawn from a modeled occupational frame created by the OEWS program.2This frame informs the selection of occupations within establishments by joining industry information from the QCEW with occupational information from the OEWS. A modeled occupational frame is not available for state and local government establishments because of data constraints.
Field economists are given a prioritized list of six-digit occupational codes for each private industry sampled establishment. The number of jobs selected for data collection is based on the establishment's employment size at the time the sample was drawn, according to the criteria on exhibit 2, and the projected number of occupations at the establishment from the modeled occupational frame. These occupations are listed in priority order, with any predetermined occupations listed first. Field economists determine whether any of the listed occupations exist in the sampled establishment. Field economists stop matching when they reach the targeted number of selected jobs or when the end of the list is reached. This job selection method is used to ensure that occupations with lower probability of selection are included in the survey.
If none of the occupations on the prioritized list are present in the establishment, the field economist collects data by using probability sampling of occupations (PSO). The field economist uses the PSO technique to randomly select jobs for which data are to be collected. This process ensures that the probability of selecting a given job is proportional to the number of workers in the job at the establishment. This process is used to select jobs from state and local government establishments.3
Number of employees | Number of sampled jobs |
---|---|
1-49 |
Up to 4 |
50-249 |
6 |
250 or more |
8 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. |
Field economists classify the sampled jobs into occupations based on the workers' actual job duties and responsibilities, not based on their job titles or specific education. For example, an employee trained as an engineer, but is working as a drafter, is reported as a drafter. Field economists classify employees who perform the duties of two or more distinct occupations as working in the occupation that requires the highest level of skill or in the occupation in which the employee spends the most time if there is no measurable difference in skill requirements. Each sampled job is classified by the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system at the six-digit level of detail.
ORS classifies sampled jobs found in establishments into the most detailed occupational code available. Federal statistical agencies are mandated to use the SOC system for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating occupational or labor market data.
Field economists obtain work status (full-time or part-time) and work schedule for the selected job. The work status is based on the responding establishment's definition for full- and part-time and is not based on an hour threshold. The work schedule is used to determine the duration levels and reflects the usual expected hours in a day, days in a week, and weeks in the year. The job requirements in the establishment are for all workers in the selected job with the same work status and work schedule. For definitions of occupational characteristics, see the Concepts section.
Field economists evaluate the job to determine the work level of its duties and responsibilities using a point-factor system, which is based on the National Compensation Survey.4 The purpose of this step is to ensure that the job requirements of all workers in an occupation are the same. The work levels are determined by a system of points based on the following factors:
Knowledge
Job controls and complexity
Contacts
Physical environment
Each factor consists of several points and a description. Field economists evaluate the duties and responsibilities of the job, accounting for the work performed, skills needed, and education and training required for the job. Points are then totaled to determine the overall work level for the job. Generally, the greater the impact, complexity, or difficulty of the factor, the higher the number of points assigned and the higher the work level.
For some occupations, such as those listed in exhibit 3, a work level cannot be determined because the four factor points are not available.
SOC 2018 | Occupation title |
---|---|
11-1031 |
Legislators |
23-1021 |
Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers |
23-1022 |
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators |
23-1023 |
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates |
27-1013 |
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators |
27-2011 |
Actors |
27-2012 |
Producers and directors |
27-2021 |
Athletes and sports competitors |
27-2022 |
Coaches and scouts |
27-2023 |
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials |
27-2031 |
Dancers |
27-2032 |
Choreographers |
27-2041 |
Music directors and composers |
27-2042 |
Musicians and singers |
27-2091 |
Disc jockeys, except radio |
27-2099 |
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other |
27-3011 |
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys |
41-9012 |
Models |
Note: Work level is defined as the difference in average hourly wages based on a range of skills, knowledge, and duties within an occupation. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. |
1 The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages chapter in the Handbook of Methods provides information about the data sources, design, methodology, and availability of data.
2 The Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics chapter in the Handbook of Methods provides information about the data sources, design, methodology, and availability of data.
3 Establishments that are also part of an active National Compensation Survey (NCS) sample, job selection does not occur. Instead, field economists used the NCS sampled jobs.
4 For further information, see the National Compensation Survey: Guide for Evaluating Your Firm’s Jobs and Pay.