Data Sources & Methodology
Transparency is important to us. Here's where our data comes from and how we ensure accuracy in our career and education information. Learn more about our mission to provide reliable career guidance for educators.
Salary Data
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Primary source for occupational employment and wage statistics
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program
- Updated annually with May 2023 data being the most recent
- Covers employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations
National Education Association (NEA)
Teacher salary rankings and state-by-state comparisons
- Annual teacher salary benchmark reports
- State rankings and district-level data
- Cost of living adjustments by region
State Education Departments
District-specific salary schedules and employment data
- Individual state department of education websites
- District salary schedules and step increases
- Benefits and compensation packages
School District Information
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Comprehensive education data from the U.S. Department of Education
- Common Core of Data (CCD) for public schools
- District demographics and enrollment figures
- School and district contact information
- Updated annually with 2022-2023 being the latest complete dataset
U.S. Census Bureau
Demographic and geographic data
- School district geographic boundaries
- Population demographics by district
- Economic indicators by region
State Report Cards
Performance and accountability data
- Test scores and academic performance
- Graduation rates and college readiness
- School quality indicators
Career Information
O*NET OnLine
Detailed occupational information sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor
- Job duties and responsibilities
- Required skills and abilities
- Education and training requirements
- Career outlook and projections
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career guidance and employment projections
- 10-year employment projections
- Detailed career profiles
- Education and training pathways
- Updated biennially
Growth Projections
Employment Projections Program (BLS)
10-year projections for occupational growth
- 2022-2032 employment projections
- Fastest growing occupations
- Industry employment trends
Education Commission of the States
Policy tracking and education trends
- 50-state policy comparisons
- Education workforce trends
- Legislative tracking
Our Methodology
Data Collection
We gather data from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. When sources conflict, we:
- Prioritize government sources (BLS, NCES, Census)
- Use the most recent data available
- Note ranges when exact figures vary
- Update our database periodically as new data becomes available
Salary Calculations
Our salary figures represent:
- Median salaries unless otherwise noted
- Base salary without benefits or bonuses
- Full-time, school-year positions for education roles
- Regional adjustments noted where applicable
District Information
School district data includes:
- Public school districts only (not private or charter networks)
- Elementary districts and unified districts serving K-5
- Most recent enrollment figures from NCES
- Geographic coordinates from U.S. Census TIGER database
Important Notes
Data Limitations
- Salary data may not reflect recent collective bargaining agreements
- Benefits packages vary significantly and are not included in base salary
- Cost of living differences can significantly impact purchasing power
- Some rural districts may have limited data availability
Updates and Accuracy
While we strive to maintain current information, education data changes frequently. We recommend:
- Verifying salary information with specific districts
- Checking state education department websites for the latest requirements
- Contacting districts directly for employment information
Data Corrections
Found an error or have updated information? We want to hear from you. Please contact us with corrections, and include your source documentation.
We review all submissions and update our database periodically to ensure the most accurate information for job seekers and educators.