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Using tools to distinguish general and occupation-specific skills

Author

Listed:
  • Cindy M. Cunningham

    (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

  • Robert D. Mohr

    (University of New Hampshire)

Abstract

Data on tool use from O*Net’s Tools and Technologies Supplement can, in conjunction with task-based measures, provide a new proxy for measuring and distinguishing general and specific skills at the occupational level. The tools and types of tools used in an occupation generate reasonable proxies for skill that vary across occupations and appear to capture features of occupations that differ from and complement task-based proxies for skill. Wage regressions indicate that job-specific tools, which correspond to particular occupations, are associated with higher pay. Non-specific tools correlate to lower-paying sales, service and administrative occupations.

Suggested Citation

  • Cindy M. Cunningham & Robert D. Mohr, 2019. "Using tools to distinguish general and occupation-specific skills," Journal for Labour Market Research, Springer;Institute for Employment Research/ Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), vol. 53(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jlabrs:v:53:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1186_s12651-019-0256-1
    DOI: 10.1186/s12651-019-0256-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Tool use; Occupation-specific skills; Job skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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