This variable has two implied decimal places. The IPUMS command files automatically make the necessary adjustment, so no further adjustment is needed.

99.96 = Refused
99.97 = Don't know
99.98 = No response
99.99 = Blank and NIU

Description

JTYEARS is a Census Bureau recode that gives the number of years the respondent has worked in his/her current job.

This variable is part of the Job Tenure Supplement.

Comparability

For 1983 and 1987, codebook universes are not reflective of empirical universes. Empirical universes are as stated in the universe section.

The number of months worked for an employer is not collected consistently before and after 1987. In 1983 and 1987, only those respondents who reported working less than one year for their current employer were asked to specify a number of months worked for said employer. As a result, for these samples, fractional years are only available for those who report less than a year with their current employer.

In 1983 and 1987, respondents could only report length of work in months or years, with a minimum value of one month. For 1991, if the respondent reported less than 1 year of work, they were asked to report the number of months. From 1996 onwards, respondents could report length of work in days, weeks, months, or years. If a respondent gave a length in years that was less than 3, they were asked to provide months instead.

After 1991, the universe includes employed individuals aged 15 and older; prior to 1991, employed individuals aged 14 and older are included.

This variable is completely comparable for all years between 1996 and 2012. Before 2012, all values were possible. In 2012 a topcode at 39 was introduced - all years 39 and above are coded 39. In 2014 and 2016, documentation states a topcode of 39, but the data show a possible true topcode of 32.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables