How to read the U.S. jobs report
Payroll jobs and the unemployment rate come from different surveys. They measure different things and can move differently.
Why are there two surveys?
The household survey measures people’s labor-force status, including employment and unemployment. The establishment survey measures payroll jobs and other workplace information. The two use different definitions and methods.
Are payroll jobs the same as employed people?
A person is counted once in the household survey. In the establishment survey, someone working at more than one covered workplace can appear on more than one payroll. Coverage also differs for groups such as the self-employed.
Why are figures revised?
Survey estimates have sampling uncertainty. Payroll figures can change as additional reports arrive and seasonal factors are updated. Read revisions alongside the newly reported month.
What should I check in a jobs headline?
Identify the survey, reporting month, seasonal adjustment and whether the estimate is preliminary or revised. A payroll change and an unemployment-rate change are not interchangeable measures. The technical note explains the definitions behind the release.
Read the official explanation
Source for this background guide: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗. This guide explains definitions and interpretation; it does not provide a current data release.
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