Full Citation

Title: Can Workers in Low-End Occupations Climb the Job Ladder?

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2019

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0891242419838324

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Abstract: There is growing concern over rising economic inequality, the decline of the middle class, and a polarization of the U.S. workforce. This study examines the extent to which workers in the United States transition from low-end to higher-quality occupations, and explores the factors associated with such a move up the job ladder. Using data covering the expansion following the Great Recession (2011-2017) and focusing on short-term (i.e., less than 1 year) labor market transitions, the authors find that just slightly more than 5% of workers in low-end occupations moved into a higher-quality occupation. Instead, around 70% of workers in low-end occupations stayed in the same occupation, 11% exited the labor force, 7% became unemployed, and 6% switched to a different low-end occupation. Study results point to the importance of educational attainment in helping workers successfully climb the job ladder.

Url: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0891242419838324#articleCitationDownloadContainer

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Authors: Gabe, Todd; Abel, Jaison, R; Florida, Richard

Periodical (Full): Economic Development Quarterly

Issue: 2

Volume: 33

Pages: 92-106

Data Collections: IPUMS USA, IPUMS CPS

Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Other

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