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Exploring Wage Determination by Education Level

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  • Penelope B. Prime
  • Donald Grimes
  • Mary Beth Walker

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explain urban wage differentials with a special focus on educational levels. The authors explore whether the share of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher in the community matters to the wages of those within specific educational cohorts, accounting for cost of living, human capital externalities, consumer externalities, policy factors, and local labor market conditions. Using data for all U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas between 2005 and 2012, the authors find that the presence of more highly educated people will result in a higher median wage in the community overall, as do many studies, but that this factor does not significantly increase the wage for any individual education cohort. These results are hidden if we only look at the entire workforce in the aggregate.

Suggested Citation

  • Penelope B. Prime & Donald Grimes & Mary Beth Walker, 2016. "Exploring Wage Determination by Education Level," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 30(3), pages 191-202, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:30:y:2016:i:3:p:191-202
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242416628995
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donald R. Grimes & Penelope B. Prime & Mary Beth Walker, 2019. "Geographical Variation in Wages of Workers in Low-Wage Service Occupations: A U.S. Metropolitan Area Analysis," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 33(2), pages 121-133, May.

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