Comparing with the original: a look at Current Employment Statistics vintage data

Each month, the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program surveys approximately 143,000 businesses and government agencies, representing approximately 588,000 work sites, for detailed employment data. The initial publication of these data generally attracts the most attention, however, these are mere preliminary estimates that will be revised multiple times before they are finalized. New data are collected for up to 2 months after original publication and incorporated in the sample. Once this early data collection is complete, the numbers are subject to further revisions through annual benchmarking and seasonal readjustment.1 Vintage data tables complete the historical record by preserving accurate, point-in-time CES data, from original estimates to the most recent updated data.