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Are dangerous jobs paid better? European evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Nikolaos Georgantzis

    (GLOBE & Economics Department, University of Granada, Spain
    LEE & Economics Department, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón-Spain)

  • Efi Vasileiou

    (University of Panthéon-Assas (Paris-2), France
    LEE, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón-Spain)

Abstract

This article tests whether workers are indifferent between risky and safe jobs provided that, in labour market equilibrium, wages should serve as a utility equalizing device. Workers’ preferences are elicited through a partial measure of overall job satisfaction: satisfaction with job-related risk. Given that selectivity turns out to be important, we use selectivity corrected models. Results show that wage differentials do not exclusively compensate workers for being in dangerous jobs. However, as job characteristics are substitutable in workers’ utility, they could feel satisfied, even if they were not fully compensated financially for working in dangerous jobs.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolaos Georgantzis & Efi Vasileiou, 2012. "Are dangerous jobs paid better? European evidence," Working Papers 2012/18, Economics Department, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón (Spain).
    • Handle: RePEc:jau:wpaper:2012/18
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Satisfaction with Job Risk; Compensating Wage Differentials; Dangerous Job;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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