The Value of Working Conditions in the United States and the Implications for the Structure of Wages

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2023
Volume: 113
Issue: 7
Pages: 2007-47

Authors (5)

Nicole Maestas (not in RePEc) Kathleen J. Mullen (RAND) David Powell (RAND) Till von Wachter (not in RePEc) Jeffrey B. Wenger (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.609 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We document variation in working conditions in the United States, present estimates of how workers value these conditions, and assess the impact of working conditions on estimates of wage inequality. We conduct a series of stated-preference experiments to estimate workers' willingness to pay for a broad set of working conditions, which we validate with actual job choices. We find that working conditions vary substantially, play a significant role in job choice, and are central components of the compensation received by workers. We find that accounting for differences in preferences for working conditions often exacerbates wage differentials and intensifies measures of wage inequality.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:113:y:2023:i:7:p:2007-47
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-26