Alternative Measures of Offshorability: A Survey Approach

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2013
Volume: 31
Issue: S1
Pages: S97 - S128

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

This article reports on household survey measurements of the "offshorability" of jobs, defined as the ability to perform the work from abroad. We develop multiple measures of offshorability, using both self-reporting and professional coders. All measures find that roughly 25% of US jobs are offshorable. Our three preferred measures agree between 70% and 80% of the time. Professional coders appear to provide the most accurate assessments. Empirically, more educated workers appear to hold somewhat more offshorable jobs, and offshorability does not have systematic effects on either wages or the probability of layoff.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/669061
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24