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Do minimum wage increases benefit worker health? Evidence from China

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  • Jiwei Chen

    (Jinan University)

Abstract

This paper investigates whether minimum wage increases affect worker health in China. Using data on low-skilled workers from the 2014 and 2016 China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS), I find minimum wage increases significantly improve several measures of health, including self-reported health status and the presence of health conditions. When examining the potential channels underlying the relationship between minimum wages and health, I find the health behaviors (smoking, drinking, and regular exercise) of low-skilled workers do not change significantly after minimum wage increases. Minimum wage increases significantly improve the living standards and job satisfaction of low-skilled workers. Finally, I find minimum wage increases play a larger role in improving the health of rural hukou workers and workers aged 35 and above.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiwei Chen, 2021. "Do minimum wage increases benefit worker health? Evidence from China," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 473-499, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:19:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s11150-020-09500-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-020-09500-3
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