Two Survey Sources
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes employment data from two monthly surveys. The household survey measures unemployment and labor force participation from individuals. The establishment survey tracks payroll employment, hours, and earnings from employers.
Household Survey Gaps
The unemployment rate excludes jobless people not actively seeking work. Marginally attached and discouraged workers sit outside the labor force. Part-time workers wanting full-time hours count as employed, masking underutilization.
Data Revisions
Payroll figures are preliminary and change substantially. The October 2026 release revised August employment up by 53,000 and September by 31,000. Revisions reflect late reports and recalculated seasonal factors.
Sources
Keep researching
Compare FX brokers · Explore prop firm profiles · Suggest a correction