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The Importance of Education–Occupation Matching During a Period of Changing Mexican Migration

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Listed:
  • Sarah Pearlman

    (Vassar College)

  • Stephen Rubb

    (Sacred Heart University)

Abstract

Labor market conditions in Mexico influence migration flows to the U.S. This paper examines the education–occupation match and its impact on migration before and after the Great Recession. Using detailed Mexican labor market data we find that men with higher education than their occupation typically requires are more likely to migrate. This trend intensified after 2008, resulting in a shift in the profile of migrants. Migrants are now more educated than before, a finding confirmed by U.S. data. Meanwhile, the gap between their education and their Mexican occupation’s requirements widened. These changes may affect their integration into the U.S. economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Pearlman & Stephen Rubb, 2025. "The Importance of Education–Occupation Matching During a Period of Changing Mexican Migration," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 51(3), pages 373-402, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:51:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1057_s41302-025-00298-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-025-00298-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O54 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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