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Some facts about concentrated labor markets in the United States

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  • Elizabeth Weber Handwerker
  • Matthew Dey

Abstract

We estimate employer concentration by occupation in the United States from 2003 to 2018. Findings include the following: (1) concentration is a characteristic of small labor markets; (2) patterns of concentrated employment differ from patterns of employment in very large employers, with overlap largely in the public sector; (3) the public sector and hospital industry play prominent roles in concentrated employment; (4) more concentrated labor markets are associated with slightly lower wages, only within the private sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Weber Handwerker & Matthew Dey, 2024. "Some facts about concentrated labor markets in the United States," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(2), pages 132-151, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:63:y:2024:i:2:p:132-151
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Azar, José & Marinescu, Ioana & Steinbaum, Marshall & Taska, Bledi, 2020. "Concentration in US labor markets: Evidence from online vacancy data," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    2. Efraim Benmelech & Nittai K. Bergman & Hyunseob Kim, 2022. "Strong Employers and Weak Employees: How Does Employer Concentration Affect Wages?," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 57(S), pages 200-250.
    3. José Azar & Ioana Marinescu & Marshall Steinbaum, 2019. "Measuring Labor Market Power Two Ways," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 109, pages 317-321, May.
    4. Glenn Ellison & Edward L. Glaeser & William R. Kerr, 2010. "What Causes Industry Agglomeration? Evidence from Coagglomeration Patterns," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 100(3), pages 1195-1213, June.
    5. Ben Lipsius, 2018. "Labor Market Concentration does not Explain the Falling Labor Share," 2018 Papers pli1202, Job Market Papers.
    6. Elena Prager & Matt Schmitt, 2021. "Employer Consolidation and Wages: Evidence from Hospitals," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 111(2), pages 397-427, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jonathan Hambur, 2023. "Did Labour Market Concentration Lower Wages Growth Pre-COVID?," RBA Research Discussion Papers rdp2023-02, Reserve Bank of Australia.

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