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Low wages aren't a growing problem

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  • Abraham, David
  • Barkai, Simcha

Abstract

Statements by high-profile political figures and supporting academic research have led to a common perception of worsening job prospects for low-wage workers in the US. In this paper, we show that since the early 1980s there has been a decline in the share of workers earning low wages. This holds across sub-populations and across thresholds for determining what constitutes a low wage. Much of the decline occurs over two periods: the late 1990s and the late 2010s. The decline is greater and steadier for women than for men. We further show that the worker-level persistence of low wages has not increased, and has likely decreased, over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Abraham, David & Barkai, Simcha, 2022. "Low wages aren't a growing problem," Working Papers 322, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cbscwp:322
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    References listed on IDEAS

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