About the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support public and private decision making. As an independent statistical agency, BLS serves its diverse user communities by providing products and services that are accurate, objective, relevant, timely, and accessible.

What We Do

The first BLS Commissioner, Carroll D. Wright, described the Bureau’s mandate as “the fearless publication of the facts.” See our history page for a BLS historical timeline and pictures through the years.

Our Core Values

• Just the Facts: “Is the glass half empty or half full?” At BLS we see an 8-ounce glass containing 4 ounces of liquid.

• Complete transparency: We document the design and methods of our programs throughout our website. For example, see our Handbook of Methods, which documents every statistical program. Plus, see our Policies page.

• Confidentiality: All respondent data are completely confidential and used for statistical purposes only. See our data integrity guidelines, our confidentiality pledge and laws, and our statement on protecting online privacy.

• Gold-standard data: BLS data are accurate, objective, relevant, timely, and accessible. See the Information Quality Guidelines for more information.

• Customer input: We sponsor three customer advisory groups and belong to two partnership groups:
  • Customer advisory groups:
    • Data Users Advisory Committee
    • BLS Technical Advisory Committee
    • Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee
  • Partnership groups:
    • BLS Labor Market Information Oversight Committee
    • Workforce Information Advisory Committee

• Customer service: Our staff of experts can answer your questions. At the top of every webpage, you’ll find a link to the contact us page. The “contact us” page includes phone numbers, email, and physical addresses for national and regional statistical and information staffs. We also have speakers available to talk to your group. Sometimes updates about what is happening at BLS appear in announcements.

• Innovation: We continuously improve our processes, products, and services to better serve the American people.

Who We Serve

Public and Private Decision Makers

• Business Leaders
• Consumers
• Economists
• Financial Investors
• Jobseekers
• Media
• Public Policymakers
• Students and Teachers
• Researchers

Survey Respondents

Check out our BLS Survey Respondents page for more information.

Potential Employees

• See our Career Opportunities Website to help you get started.
• We also have jobs in our regional offices across the country.
• You might be interested in our fellowship program.

Who We Are

• About half of our 2,400 employees are economists and statisticians, and almost 1,000 employees work across the country in regional offices.
• Our Commissioner is nominated by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and serves a 4-year fixed term. The Commissioner is the only political appointee at BLS. This position is currently vacant. View our past Commissioners.
• Deputy Commissioner William J. Wiatrowski is our highest ranking career employee and has been acting Commissioner since January 2017. Learn more about Bill and our other senior staff.
• Interested in how much of your tax dollars we use? You can see our budgets and strategic plan.

Want to know more?

• Contact us.
• Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Plan to visit our headquarters in Washington, DC? Use these directions.

Last Modified Date: February 16, 2018

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