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# Overview of BLS Research Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts research on many economic and statistical topics that are relevant to the BLS mission.

Research Papers

This page allows you to search for online BLS research papers, including those from the Economic Working Paper series and the Statistical Survey Paper series.

Employment Research and Program Development Staff

The Employment Research and Program Development Staff (ERPDS) initiates, plans, and directs activities for improving the quality and enhancing the analytical usefulness of Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics (OES) programs. Two main functions of ERPDS are to assist in the development of OEUS data programs and to conduct original research using BLS data.

Compensation Research and Program Development Group

The Compensation Research and Program Development Group (CRPDG) carries out research that addresses methodological, conceptual, and technical issues of concern to the Office of Compensation and Working Conditions (OCWC) and other Bureau programs.

Price and Index Number Research

The Price and Index Number Research (PINR) division conducts research to strengthen and improve existing price and expenditure measurement concepts and techniques and enhance the analytical usefulness of BLS programs.

Productivity Research & Program Development

The Division of Productivity Research and Program Development (DPRPD) conducts research to strengthen and improve existing productivity measurement concepts and techniques and understand the sources and effects of productivity and technological change on the economy.

Office of Survey Methods Research

The Office of Survey Methods Research (OSMR) plans and directs activities for improving the quality of current statistical output and for long-term program developments by evaluating BLS programs and by conducting research on statistical and behavioral science issues relevant to the BLS mission.

Researcher Access to Confidential Data Files

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) allows eligible researchers the opportunity to gain access to restricted data files for select statistical research projects. The federal statistical system has adopted a standard application process (SAP) for applying for access to confidential data assts from the nation’s statistical agencies. All applications requesting access to BLS restricted data must be submitted using the SAP Portal common application.

## Useful Links for Researchers

              - BLS Guidelines for Informing Users of Information Quality and Methodology
              - Confidentiality of Data Collected by BLS for Statistical Purposes
              - ASA/NSF/BLS Fellowships

 

BLS Overviews
Business Costs | Demographic Data | Employment | Geography | Industry | Inflation and Prices | International Data and Technical Cooperation | Occupation | Pay and Benefits | Productivity | ***Research Programs*** | Spending and Time Use | Unemployment | Wages by Area and Occupation | Women Workers | Worker Safety and Health

 

**Last Modified Date:**January 31, 2024

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