National Compensation Survey (NCS)
Back to all collectionsSummary
The National Compensation Survey (NCS) is conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on wages and benefits for America's workforce. Data gathered through the NCS is used to generate the Employment Cost Index (ECI), Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC), Employee Benefits, and Modeled Wage Estimates (MWE).
| Agency | DOL, BLS |
|---|---|
| Data Checkup |
Historical Data Availability
No Known Issue
Future Data Availability
No Known Issue
Data Quality
No Known Issue
Statutory Context
No Known Issue
The Bureau of Labor Statistics “…is authorized and directed to make continuing studies of... labor costs in the manufacturing, mining, transportation, distribution, and other industries” under Title 29 of the U.S. Code, (29 USC 2b) and this information supports a principal federal economic indicator.
Staffing and Funding
High Risk
In 2025, the BLS Commissioner was removed and as of 2026, many leadership roles remain vacant. BLS staffing has decreased by about 20% from FY2024 to FY2026.
Policy
No Known Issue
Last updated: 2026-06-17
Details
| OMB Control Number | 1220-0164 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorizing Statutes | 5 USC 5304, 5 USC 5318, 2 USC 4501, 29 USC 2b | |||
| Related ICRs |
| Reference Number | Title | Agency | Status | Request Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202310-1220-004 | National Compensation Survey | DOL/BLS | Active | Extension without change of a currently approved collection |
| 202506-1220-001 | National Compensation Survey | DOL/BLS | Active | Revision of a currently approved collection |