Panel:
Wages and Employment in the Face of Occupational Licensing
(Employment and Training Programs)
Saturday, November 5, 2016: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Jay (Washington Hilton)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Panel Organizers: Morris Kleiner, University of Minnesota
Panel Chairs: Morris Kleiner, University of Minnesota
Discussants: Jason Hicks, University of Minnesota and Bob McNamara, Institute for Justice
Recent assessments of occupational licensing have shown varying effects of the institution on labor market outcomes. This panel revisits the relationship between occupational licensing and labor market outcomes. The panel examines occupational licensing attainment to examine the labor market outcomes of occupational licensing and how workers obtain these licenses from government. More specifically, the panel examines whether there is evidence of a licensing wage premium, and how this premium varies with aspects of the regulatory regime such as the requirements to obtain a license or certification and the level of government oversight. The panel examines if those with a governmental license earn higher pay, are more likely to be employed, and have a higher probability of retirement and pension plan offers. In addition, the panel will specifically examine the influence of occupational licensing on wages and employment of three occupations with large numbers of practitioners to include barbers, accountants, and nurses. Each paper will provide potential policy implications of changing governmental policies of occupational licensing on the labor market outcomes.
