Quartile ranking definitions and data ranges

Quartile rankings identify the relative magnitude of variables in terms of the distribution of employment. For example, 2002 employment and 2002 median annual earnings data were assembled for each occupation. Each occupation's employment as a percent of 2002 total employment was calculated. The occupations were sorted by median annual earnings in descending order and the cumulative percent of 2002 employment for each was determined. Occupations within the group comprising less than 25 percent of total employment are designated VH for Very High median annual earnings. Similarly, occupations sorted by descending order of median annual earnings comprising 25-50 percent of employment receive H for High; 50-75 percent, L for Low; and 75-100 percent, VL for Very Low. Occupations were sorted by the percent of part-time and unemployed workers and rankings were determined in the same manner.

Data ranges for the percent part-time workers, percent unemployed workers, and median annual earnings quartiles are shown in the table below.

Last Modified Date: August 16, 2004

URL: http://www.bls.gov/EMP