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Wage Differentials in the Presence of Unobserved Worker, Firm, and Match Heterogeneity

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  • Woodcock, Simon

Abstract

We consider the problem of estimating and decomposing wage differentials in the presence of unobserved worker, firm, and match heterogeneity. Controlling for these unobservables corrects omitted variable bias in previous studies. It also allows us to measure the contribution of unmeasured characteristics of workers, firms, and worker-firm matches to observed wage differentials. An application to linked employer-employee data shows that decompositions of inter-industry earnings differentials and the male-female differential are misleading when unobserved heterogeneity is ignored.

Suggested Citation

  • Woodcock, Simon, 2006. "Wage Differentials in the Presence of Unobserved Worker, Firm, and Match Heterogeneity," MPRA Paper 1341, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:1341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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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