The following frequently asked questions explain the importance of responding to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Report and why your business should participate.

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What is the OEWS Report and what is its purpose?

OEWS stands for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The purpose of the OEWS Report is to collect wages and employment information from employers across Idaho. By participating, your data is used to create an overview of various industries’ occupational patterns and wage ranges. This allows job seekers and employers to be informed when making work-related decisions.

How is this information helpful?

Accurate wage information helps employers identify the competitive pay range for attracting employees for specific occupations in their area of the state.

By completing the report, you are:

• • Contributing to a better understanding of the labor market in your industry and area.
  • Promoting better policy decisions, business planning and workforce development strategies.
  • Helping students with career exploration.

Is my data confidential?

Yes. We only use aggregate data, so the data you provide will not be tied back to you or your company. Aggregate data provides us with a “big picture” overview.

What kind of businesses participate?

Employers from a variety of industries operating in Idaho are asked to participate in this report.

How do I submit the completed report?

You can submit your information in the following ways:

• • Use the online portal.
  • Email the department’s analysts a spreadsheet of your information (excel template available here).
  • If your business has fewer than 20 employees, call us at 208-246-8868 and we can take your information over the phone.

How long will it take to complete the report?

It depends. The time to complete the report varies by company size.

Can I save and return to the report later?

Unfortunately, no. If you are using the online portal, please make sure to complete the report in one session. You will not be able to save and return to the report later and your progress will be lost.

What information do I need to complete the report?

You will need the wages and titles for all employees within your company’s reporting period identified in the report.

You will also need your 11-digit IDCF identification number that starts with 162. This number can be found on any of the Department of Labor’s past correspondence with you. If you are unable to find this number, please email or call us and we can look it up for you.

Are there guidelines for how to report wages and salaries?

Yes. Please report hourly pay for part-time workers and either hourly or annual pay for full-time workers. Contract workers should not be included.

When is my response due?

The sooner you can provide the information, the better. Once you submit your data, we stop sending you monthly reminders.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

Please follow along with the excel template available here. If you are still uncertain, do not hesitate to call us at 208-246-8868.

Where can I see results from this report?

A summary of the most recent results can be found here.

For more details, you can reach out to the OEWS analyst Jordan Hendricksen by email. Or contact your local regional labor economist.

What do the Idaho analysts want me to know?

Senior Analyst Jordan Hendricksen says: “The information collected by OEWS is incredibly important to many programs across the state. It helps Idaho businesses make informed workforce decisions, allows our youth to explore and compare career paths and helps our economists project future occupation growth. We couldn’t do this without you and appreciate the time and effort you put into completing the report. Please feel free to email or give us a call with any questions or concerns.”

Contact information

For questions regarding the OEWS Report:
Jordan Hendricksen: 208-246-8868
Email: oewsidaho@idcfmail.bls.gov