Dropouts Need Not Apply? The Minimum Wage and Skill Upgrading

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Clemens, Jeffrey; Kahn, Lisa B.; Meer, Jonathan
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California San Diego; University of Rochester; Texas A&M University System; Texas A&M University College Station
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/711490
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: S107-S149
• 关键词: labor-labor substitution; EMPLOYMENT; MARKET; IMPACT

摘要

We explore whether minimum wage increases result in substitution from lower-skilled to slightly higher-skilled labor. Using 2011-16 American Community Survey (ACS) data, we show that workers employed in low-wage occupations are older and more likely to have a high school diploma following recent statutory minimum wage increases. To better understand the role of firms, we examine the Burning Glass vacancy data. We find increases in a high school diploma requirement following minimum wage hikes, consistent with our ACS evidence on stocks of employed workers. We see substantial adjustments to requirements both within and across firms.