Dropouts Need Not Apply? The Minimum Wage and Skill Upgrading

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2021
Volume: 39
Issue: S1
Pages: S107 - S149

Score contribution per author:

1.345 = (α=2.02 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

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.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/711490
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25