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A new measure of multiple jobholding in the U.S. economy

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  • Bailey, Keith A.
  • Spletzer, James R.

Abstract

We create a measure of multiple jobholding from the U.S. Census Bureau's Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics data. This new series shows that 7.8 percent of persons in the U.S. are multiple jobholders, this percentage is pro-cyclical, and has been trending upward during the past several decades. The data also show that earnings from secondary jobs are, on average, 27.8 percent of a multiple jobholder's total quarterly earnings. Multiple jobholding occurs at all levels of earnings, with both higher- and lower-earnings multiple jobholders earning more than 25 percent of their total earnings from multiple jobs. In a regression analysis that controls for age, gender, and industry, multiple jobholders earn more at all jobs than do non-multiple jobholders. These new statistics tell us that multiple jobholding is more important in the U.S. economy than we knew.

Suggested Citation

  • Bailey, Keith A. & Spletzer, James R., 2021. "A new measure of multiple jobholding in the U.S. economy," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:71:y:2021:i:c:s0927537121000440
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2021.102009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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