How BLS Handles Self-Employed Workers in Wage Data
July 21, 2026
One of the most important limitations of BLS OEWS wage data — and one that's easy to overlook — is its treatment of self-employed workers. For occupations with high self-employment rates, the BLS figures can significantly misrepresent the full market picture.
What BLS OEWS Excludes
The OEWS program surveys establishments — businesses and organizations — and asks about wages paid to employees. Self-employed workers (sole proprietors, independent contractors, gig workers) are excluded from the main OEWS figures because they don't have a wage relationship with an employer in the traditional sense.
Occupations Most Affected
Several high-profile occupations have substantial self-employed populations that affect the BLS wage picture:
- Real estate agents — majority work as independent contractors
- Dentists — most eventually own their practices
- Lawyers — many solo practitioners are self-employed
- Physicians — private practice owners
- Construction trades — many work as subcontractors
- Artists and writers — high freelance rates in creative fields
Interpreting the Data Accordingly
When you see a lower-than-expected BLS wage for an occupation known for high self-employment, consider that the figures likely capture only the employed (salaried/hourly) subset. The full income distribution — including self-employment income — may look quite different. Browse with this context in mind at WageDepth occupations.