WHO WORKS FOR PIECE RATES AND WHY

The decision whether to work on a piece-rate or time-rate agricultural job depends on workers' preferences for earnings and nonpecuniary att ributes of jobs. These preferences differ geographically and with work ers' demographic characteristics, particularly age. Based on estimates that control for sample selectivity, nonpecuniary effects of age domi nate earnings effect in most age groups. A substantial share of prime- age workers do not choose to work in the more lucrative piece-rate job s. Indeed, all else the same, prime-age workers are the least likely a mong all age groups to work piece rate.