Information on the employment status of recent science, engineering, and humanities doctorate recipients is presented, with special emphasis on the 1973-1976 graduates. The primary data source is the 1981 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, which is appended. Attention is directed to the increasing number of Ph.D.s awarded over the last decade or two, especially to women and minority groups. For 1973-1976 Ph.D.s, the analysis covers variables such as employment status, field mobility, type of employers, tenure status, and academic position. Comparisons are made by field, sex, postgraduation plans, and employment setting, and with other Ph.D. year cohorts. Findings for science and engineering Ph.D.s include: almost two-thirds of the 1960-1964 graduates had firm commitments for employment immediately after receiving their doctorates, compared to only half of the 1977-1980 graduates; and there has been an increasing movement into nonacademic employment for recent science and engineering doctorate recipients. Findings for humanities Ph.D.s include the following: for 1973-1976 graduates, a larger percentage of women were part-time employed in 1981 than were men; and except for the fields of art history and music, a maximum of one-third of the graduates were working in nonacademic jobs. (SW)