Census Takers

Census takers will interview household residents and update address lists. Applicants who are hired will attend paid training before beginning work.

Prior to the census, census takers used maps and address lists to determine if the addresses are correct. Next, they will visit households that haven't responded to the census, speaking with residents and using electronic devices (such as smartphones and tablets, issued by the Census Bureau) to collect census data.

Number of Positions: Hundreds of thousands
Hours: Schedules are flexible and dependent on the area. Many of the positions require availability to work in the evenings and on weekends.

Location: Work is done in the field.

Hiring Timeline: Most job offers were made between January and April 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau continues to accept applications for temporary part-time positions with the 2020 Census. Although many job offers have been made, there is still an opportunity for jobs to be offered. Training dates will vary based on the operation you are hired to work on. Once the training details have been finalized you will be notified by your Area Census Office via telephone and you will receive an email providing you with the training details. For the latest scheduling updates, please see 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19.