Author Description

The Bureau of Labor Statistics 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 objective, timely, accurate, and relevant. Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor publishes dozens of reports and studies geared toward fulfilling the organization's mission. These publications include working papers, national longitudinal studies, wages publications, compensation cost trends publications, and more. This document is one of these publications.