WAGES AND GENDER COMPOSITION - WHY DO WOMENS JOBS PAY LESS

Occupational sex segregation and its relationship with wages during 19 73-93 are examined. Wage level and wage change models are estimated us ing Current Population Survey data matched with measures of occupation al skills and job disamenities. Standard analysis confirms that wage l evels are substantially lower in predominantly female occupations, Gen der composition effects are reduced by about a quarter for women and b y over one-half for men following control for skill-related occupation al characteristics. Longitudinal analysis indicates that two-thirds or more of the standard gender composition effect is accounted for by oc cupational characteristics and unmeasured worker skill or taste differ ences.