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The Geography of Job Tasks

Author

Listed:
  • Enghin Atalay
  • Sebastian Sotelo
  • Daniel I. Tannenbaum

Abstract

We introduce new measurement tools to understand the sources of earnings differences across space. Based on the natural language employers use in job vacancy text, we develop granular measures of job tasks and of worker specialization. We find that jobs in larger commuting zones involve greater interpersonal interactions and have higher computer software requirements. Between 10 and 50 percent of task and technology variation between large and small commuting zones exists within occupations. Further, workers in larger markets are more specialized within occupations. Tasks, technologies, and worker specialization account for a substantial portion of the market size premium even within occupations.

Suggested Citation

  • Enghin Atalay & Sebastian Sotelo & Daniel I. Tannenbaum, 2022. "The Geography of Job Tasks," NBER Working Papers 30421, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30421
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Chilosi, David & Lecce, Giampaolo & Wallis, Patrick, 2025. "Smithian growth in Britain before the Industrial Revolution, 1500-1800," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 128849, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Rouwendal, Harm Jan & Koster, Sierdjan, 2025. "Does it take extra skills to work in a large city?," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    4. Nicole Nestoriak & David H. Oh, 2025. "What Makes Work from Home Work? Evidence on Telework and Worker Tasks," NBER Chapters, in: The Changing Nature of Work, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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