CPS Supplement: Contingent Work
Back to all collectionsSummary
The Current Population Survey (CPS) Contingent Work Supplement is conducted periodically and focuses on people with contingent jobs, those that people do not expect to last or that are temporary, and workers in alternative employment arrangements, such as independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary help agency workers, and workers provided by contract firms. There are also questions to identify digital labor platform workers, those who obtain work or pick tasks by using a digital labor platform mobile application or website to directly connect them with customers or clients and arrange payment for the tasks.
| Agency | DOL, BLS |
|---|---|
| Related Agency | DOC, CENSUS |
| Data Checkup |
Historical Data Availability
No Known Issue
Future Data Availability
No Known Issue
Data Quality
No Known Issue
Statutory Context
High Risk
Statutory authorization is vague.
Staffing and Funding
Moderate Risk
A new BLS Commissioner has been confirmed but many leadership roles remain vacant, and reductions in staffing have affected the ability to maintain core data collections. Prior to the shutdown, hiring had resumed to augment CPI data collection. From FY2024 to FY2026, the Census Bureau has lost more than 2,500 staff (approximately 20%).
Policy
No Known Issue
Last updated: 2026-08-27
Details
| OMB Control Number | 1220-0153 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorizing Statutes | 29 USC 1, 29 USC 2 | |||
| Related ICRs |
| Reference Number | Title | Agency | Status | Request Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202603-1220-001 | Contingent Work Supplement to the Current Population Survey | DOL/BLS | Active | Revision of a currently approved collection |
| 202501-1220-001 | Contingent Work Supplement to the Current Population Survey | DOL/BLS | Active | Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection |