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CPS

Current Population Survey

Labor outcomesPublicWorker-side
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Specific Type
Core labor force survey
Dataset Type
Rotated panel
Institution
BLS & Census
Institution Type
Federal government
Level of Focus
Individual
Most Granular Level
State level (limited CBSA)
Perspective
Worker-side
Time Coverage
1940-present
Frequency
Monthly
Sample Size
~60,000 households
Geographic Detail
State; limited CBSA
Occupational Classification
4-digit census 2018
Industrial Classification
4-digit NAICS 2022
Other Classification
Demographic characteristics; supplement weights
Key Variables
Employment status, occupation, industry, wages, hours, demographics, union status
AI/Tech Tracking
Computer and internet supplemental questions on an occasional basis
Access Details
Publicly available through BLS, Census, and IPUMS CPS
Notes
Primary source for unemployment rate; includes supplements; sample redesign began April 2025 based on 2020 Census

Key Papers

Webb (2019); Autor et al. (2001); Autor & Dorn (2009); Acemoglu & Autor (2011); Jaimovich & Siu (2012); Acemoglu & Restrepo (2017); Hubmer (2023); Acemoglu & Restrepo (2021); Autor (2024); Bick et al. (2024); Autor et al. (2022); Katz (2025); Acemoglu et al. (2024); Autor & Thompson (2025); Fossen et al. (2022); Handa et al. (2025); Gimbel et al. (2025); Manning & Aguirre (2026); Madrian & Lefgren (2000) Journal of Economic and Social Measurement