The following frequently asked questions explain the importance of responding to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey and why your business should participate.
Index:
- What is the OEWS Survey and what is its purpose?
- How is this information helpful?
- Is my data confidential?
- What kind of businesses participate?
- How do I submit the completed survey?
- How long will it take to complete the survey?
- Can I save and return to the survey later?
- What information do I need to complete the survey?
- Are there guidelines for how to report wages and salaries?
- When is my response due?
- Who can I talk to if I have questions?
- Where can I see results from this survey?
- What do the Idaho analysts want me to know?
- Contact information
What is the OEWS Survey and what is its purpose?
OEWS stands for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The purpose of the OEWS Survey 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 survey, you are:
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- 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 survey.
How do I submit the completed survey?
You can submit your information in the following ways:
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- 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 208-332-3570 ext. 3478 and we can take your information over the phone.
How long will it take to complete the survey?
It depends. The time to complete the survey varies by company size.
Can I save and return to the survey later?
Unfortunately, no. If you are using the online portal, please make sure to complete the survey in one session. You will not be able to save and return to the survey later and your progress will be lost.
What information do I need to complete the survey?
You will need the wages and titles for all employees within your company’s reporting period identified in the survey.
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 or annual pay for full-time and part-time workers only. 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 208-332-3570 ext. 3478.
Where can I see results from this survey?
A summary of the most recent results can be found here.
For more details, you can reach out to the OEWS analysts Amanda Rea and Christin Hoard by email. Or contact your local regional labor economist.
What do the Idaho analysts want me to know?
Senior Analyst Amanda Rea says: “I know this can be a daunting task and feel burdensome for employers. However, the information is so important to so many different areas of the economy that it is vital we collect the best we can. While it may be a cumbersome process, it allows Idaho to get a good idea of what job and wage options are out there. We try to make it as easy and efficient as we can. I am happy to talk you through it via phone or email.”
Research Analyst Christin Hoard shares: “Providing job titles/wages is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Every company is different, and we are happy to accommodate to what will be easiest for you, while ensuring the analysts get the information they need. I’d encourage anyone with concerns to reach out. I’ve found that a quick two to three-minute call resolves many concerns.”
Contact information
For questions regarding the OEWS Survey:
Amanda Rea: 208-332-3570 ext. 3478
Christin Hoard: 208-332-3570 ext. 4141
Email: oewsidaho@idcfmail.bls.gov