A single economic unit such as a mine, factory or store engaged in one, or predominantly one activity, typically at one physical location.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) has been used for industry classification of the QCEW data since 2001. Data prior to 2001 were classified using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
More information regarding the industry coding systems used by the QCEW
A business entity, firm or company which may consist of one or more establishments, where each establishment may participate in different economic activities.
Most employment is included, including all workers covered by Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) Law, and Federal workers covered by the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program. Excluded are members of the armed forces, the self-employed, proprietors, domestic workers, unpaid family workers, and railroad workers.
Monthly employment represents the number of workers who worked during, or received pay for, the pay period including the 12th of the month. Full time and part time workers are included, whether the job is temporary or permanent.
Wages represent total compensation paid during the calendar quarter, regardless of when services were performed. Included in wages are pay for vacation and other paid leave, bonuses, stock options, tips, the cash value of meals and lodging.
Average Weekly Wages calculated are derived by dividing quarterly total wages reported by average employment and then dividing the quotient by 13 weeks per quarter.
The QCEW data is based on an establishment census which counts only filled jobs, it is likely that a multi-job holder will be counted two or more times in QCEW data.
No. This information is treated as sensitive information because it was collected under a pledge of statistical confidentiality.
In some series, information may be suppressed in order to eliminate the possibility of determining employer specific data. This information is treated as sensitive information because it was collected under a pledge of statistical confidentiality.
Yes, but not on our website. Only NAICS classified QCEW data (2001-present) is available on our website. Please contact our customer response team at 717-787-6466 or Toll Free at 1-877-493-3282 for historical SIC classified QCEW data. We can also be reached via email: workforceinfo@pa.gov.
The specific number of employees employed by a company comes to us via the unemployment compensation system. As such, that data’s confidentiality is guaranteed by both state and federal statute, and can only be released by CWIA to certain government officials/agencies and even then only under certain circumstances.