BLS national versus state-and-area employment series IDs

BLS series identifiers are program-specific. Do not use the national employment series layout to split a state-and-area identifier. In the published national employment example CEU0800000003, positions 1–2 identify the CE prefix, position 3 is seasonal adjustment, positions 4–11 hold the supersector/industry code, and positions 12–13 hold the data-type code. [S1] The state-and-area example SMU19197802023800001 has a different layout: positions 1–2 are the SM prefix; 3 is seasonal adjustment; 4–5 are the state code; 6–10 are the area code; 11–18 are the supersector/industry code; and 19–20 are the data-type code. [S1] These positions are one-based and inclusive, as in the BLS documentation. The examples illustrate structure, not a recommendation to substitute one series for another. Identify the program first, then consult its linked code tables. Record the full identifier alongside units, geography and seasonal-adjustment status when comparing downloads. That final checklist is editorial advice.