Introduction to the Workforce Information Database (WID)
The Workforce Information Database (WID) is a standardized relational database structure used by states to organize, store, and deliver labor market information.
The WID is not a software product or a single application. It is a data framework—a set of tables, relationships, and conventions that states implement in their own database environments, typically SQL Server or Oracle. It provides a common data blueprint that brings together diverse datasets in a consistent, comparable format. Because every state uses the same structure, the WID makes it easier to integrate data, build and share tools and code, and communicate findings clearly.
The WID is designed and maintained collaboratively by states through the Analyst Resource Center (ARC), which provides documentation, training, and structural updates.
Why the WID Matters
The WID plays a central role in how states manage and share labor market information. It helps teams:
- Organize data in a consistent, well‑tested, automated structure.
- Reduce duplication of effort by using a shared schema rather than building one from scratch.
- Consistently integrate data from multiple federal, state, and private sources.
- Produce high‑quality, comparable information for public and internal use, including cross-state comparisons.
- Power websites, dashboards, and analytical tools that rely on standardized data such as wage finders, industry profiles, and career exploration sites
- Improve internal efficiency by providing a set structure to store and retrieve data
- Improve cross state collaboration opportunities by making it easier to adopt shared tools and best practices across states.
The WID strengthens collaboration across states and supports national consistency in workforce information.
Direct Users
These users work with the WID itself:
- LMI analysts who extract, analyze, and interpret data.
- DBAs and IT staff who maintain the database and ensure data quality.
- Web and application developers who build applications that query the WID.
Indirect Users
These users rely on products built from WID data:
- Policymakers and state leadership.
- Economic developers and business leaders.
- Educators and workforce planners.
- Researchers and journalists.
- Job seekers, students, and the general public.
Most users never see the WID directly—they interact with tools, reports, and dashboards built on top of it.
What the WID Contains
The WID includes a broad set of labor market and economic data. Major categories include:
- Employment and wage data such as CES, QCEW, and OES.
- Industry and occupational projections at state and local levels.
- Demographic and economic indicators from federal and state sources.
- IPEDS post-secondary data
- Crosswalks and classification systems such as NAICS, SOC, and CIP.
- Lookup tables and metadata that support consistent interpretation.
- The Employer Database, a licensed dataset used for business listings and analysis.
- Reference data that links datasets together and supports integration.
These components work together to create a comprehensive, flexible foundation for workforce analysis and public information tools.
Where WID Data Comes From
The WID brings together data from multiple sources. These include:
- Federal statistical agencies such as BLS, Census, and BEA. Federal agencies publish data in multiple forms on many individual websites. The WID pulls the sources most important to LMI into one central location so analysts don’t have to search and decide. It also helps states remain consistent with different versions of the data that are published.
- State‑generated datasets such as projections or local program data from workforce and education agencies. State agencies can directly provide select datasets to the WID as they are created, ensuring that it contains the most current, locally relevant information
- ARC‑provided national datasets and lookup tables. The ARC sources and publishes core datasets through WidCenter.org
The WID can also be customized and enhanced by individual states to meet their own needs. Custom data might include
- Statistical or survey datasets produced at the state level
- Licensed third-party datasets acquired at the state level
This mix of sources allows states to build a rich, multi‑dimensional picture of their labor markets.
How the WID Supports State LMI Work
The WID provides the backbone for many core LMI functions. It helps states:
- Maintain a stable, consistent structure for storing and updating data.
- Automate recurring updates and reduce manual data handling.
- Support cross‑state comparisons and national benchmarking.
- Deliver public‑facing tools such as wage finders, industry profiles, and career exploration sites.
- Improve internal efficiency by reducing custom coding and one‑off data structures.
- Strengthen collaboration between analysts, DBAs, and developers.
Because the WID is standardized, it also makes it easier to adopt shared tools and best practices across states.
The Role of the Analyst Resource Center (ARC)
The ARC is a national consortium of state LMI professionals who maintain and evolve the WID. The ARC:
- Oversees the WID structure and updates.
- Provides documentation, onboarding materials, and training.
- Provides core table updates
- Coordinates collaboration across states.
- Supports shared resources such as lookup tables and the Employer Database.
- Maintains communication channels such as the ARC website and newsletters.
The ARC ensures that the WID remains current, consistent, and responsive to state needs.
How the WID Is Maintained
Maintaining the WID is a shared effort across roles:
- State LMI teams load data, validate quality, and coordinate updates.
- DBAs manage the technical environment, database performance, and data integrity.
- Analysts ensure that data is accurate, interpretable, and useful for end users.
- ARC provides structural updates, guidance, and shared resources.
Most states use SQL Server or Oracle environments, along with standard tools for querying, loading, and serving data. Technical procedures and workflows are covered in the analyst and DBA training modules.
Summary
The Workforce Information Database is the central organizing framework for state labor market information. It brings together diverse datasets in a consistent structure, supports a wide range of users and applications, and enables states to deliver high‑quality workforce information efficiently and reliably.