Why are Professors 'Poorly Paid'?

19 Pages Posted: 29 Jan 2018

See all articles by Daniel S. Hamermesh

Daniel S. Hamermesh

University of Texas at Austin - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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Abstract

Using Current Population Survey data, I demonstrate a 15-percentage point wage disadvantage among academics compared to all other doctorate-holders with the same demographics. Time-diary data show that academics' workhours are distributed more evenly over the week and day, although their total workweeks are equally long. This smoother distribution of work time accounts for as much as one-third of the wage disadvantage. Survey data (of economists only) indicate that flexible scheduling is an attraction, but only fourth among the characteristics of academic life.

Keywords: time use, compensating wage differentials, flexibility

JEL Classification: J44, J33, J31

Suggested Citation

Hamermesh, Daniel S., Why are Professors 'Poorly Paid'?. IZA Discussion Paper No. 11266, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3111140 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3111140

Daniel S. Hamermesh (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin - Department of Economics ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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