Frequently Asked Questions About Publications

1. When is the unemployment rate for the state, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), and parishes released by the Research and Statistics Unit? How can I obtain this information?

   The seasonally adjusted and unadjusted civilian labor force, employed, and unemployed data for the state, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), and parishes are monthly. This release can be viewed on the homepage of laworks under News. The Louisiana Workforce At A Glance (PDF) newsletter is also published each month and available online.

   To obtain this information, we invite everyone to subscribe to our list-serv which will send e-mail notification when new data is released. To subscribe to the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Labor Market Information listserv, please follow the directions below:

   • Submit an email to ldol-info-subscribe-request@listserv.doa.la.gov
   • Subject line should read: “subscribe” (without quotes)
   • Body of email should only include the word “subscribe” (without quotes)
     • Please remove any automatic signatures and/or images
   • An email will then be received from the State of Louisiana Department of Administration requesting confirmation of subscription.
     • Either reply “okay” (without quotes) or click the link provided to confirm subscription-- this link will expire after 48 hours.
   • Another email, from the same address, will appear officially confirming your new subscription.

   Return To Questions

2. What other types of data are in the monthly newsletter?

   The newsletter also contains the latest nonfarm wage and salary employment figures for the state and nine MSAs. This data is a useful tool as an economic indicator of job growth in an area. Other data available are U.S. labor force, employment, and unemployment figures and the U.S. consumer price index for all urban consumers; Louisiana unemployment insurance claimants report; and a glossary and technical notes section.

   Return To Questions

3. Are data available to show wages by occupation in the state?

   The Louisiana Occupational Wage Survey contains average wages by occupation for the state, RLMAs, and MSAs. The R&S Occupational Employment Statistics program will continue to survey covered workers in Louisiana to produce a standardized wage survey that will be comparable across state borders. In this endeavor, R&S will be able to provide continuously updated occupational wage information reflecting the economic picture of our state.

   Return To Questions

4. Does R&S have information about occupational licenses required for Louisiana?

   The Louisiana Licensing Guide contains listings of all licensing entities in Louisiana with pertinent information such as where to apply for license (licensing authority), address, phone number, fee, and requirements. Beginning with the 2005 edition job descriptions and average weekly wages are also included in this publication. The publication can be downloaded at the following Web site http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LMI/licensingguide.pdf (PDF).

   Return To Questions

5. Does R&S have any information to help me decide on a career or training program?

   On the homepage select Louisiana Star Jobs. This section will provide many different ways to help someone decide on a career or a training program. This can also be accessed by Web link http://www.laworks.net/Stars/default.aspx.

   Return To Questions