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Educational Attainment and Wage Growth in New England: Evidence from Four Decades of Administrative Wage Records

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Abstract

Per capita personal income in New England grew from $10,731 to $87,655 during the 1980–2024 period. This increase, the largest among all US census divisions, coincided with significant growth in educational attainment in the region. As of 2024, 53 percent of New England workers aged 25 to 64 held at least a bachelor’s degree, and 23 percent possessed advanced degrees, compared with national averages of 44 percent and 17 percent, respectively. This study provides new insights into the relationship between educational attainment and income growth in New England, examining both individual earnings and broader regional trajectories.

Suggested Citation

  • Annie Liu & Pinghui Wu, 2026. "Educational Attainment and Wage Growth in New England: Evidence from Four Decades of Administrative Wage Records," New England Public Policy Center Research Report 26-1, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedbcr:102345
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    File URL: https://www.bostonfed.org/publications/new-england-public-policy-center-research-report/2026/educational-attainment-wage-growth-in-new-england.aspx
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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