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Is Bigger Still Better? The Decline of the Wage Premium at Large Firms

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  • Even, William E.

    (Miami University)

  • Macpherson, David A.

    (Trinity University)

Abstract

This study shows that the wage premium paid by large firms fell over the past 20 years and that the decline in the size premium has been most pronounced among the least educated work force. Empirical evidence supports several explanations for the decline in the size premium. First, there has been a convergence in the returns to worker characteristics at large and small firms over time. Second, there has been a convergence in the types of workers employed at small and large firms. Particularly important have been changes in the distribution of workers across industries and the greater rate of decline in unionism at large firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Even, William E. & Macpherson, David A., 2009. "Is Bigger Still Better? The Decline of the Wage Premium at Large Firms," IZA Discussion Papers 4082, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4082
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Edison Roy César & François Vaillancourt, 2010. "Does a Specific Union Impact on Wage Increases? Evidence from Canada, 1985-2007," CIRANO Working Papers 2010s-09, CIRANO.
    2. Fernando Rios-Avila & Barry T. Hirsch, 2014. "Unions, Wage Gaps, and Wage Dispersion: New Evidence from the Americas," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(1), pages 1-27, January.
    3. Callaci, Brian & Gibson, Matthew & Pinto, Sergio & Steinbaum, Marshall & Walsh, Matt, 2023. "The Effect of Franchise No-Poaching Restrictions on Worker Earnings," IZA Discussion Papers 16330, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    firm size; fringe benefits; wages;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods

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