Immigrant Status and Labor Market Mismatch: New Evidence From the 2012 U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Updates

Abstract

We use the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) data to investigate the factors associated with education-job mismatches among first, second and third-plus generation workers in the U.S.. Mismatch occurs when a worker’s education level is above (overmatch) or below (undermatch) the modal educational level for the worker’s current occupation. Second generation immigrants were more likely to be overmatched even controlling for individual characteristics. Compared to White workers, Hispanics were significantly less likely to be overmatched to their jobs. Female workers were more likely to hold jobs for which they were overeducated. Work experience for all workers and years in the country and ability to speak English for immigrant workers were not significant predictors for mismatch.

Authors

• Jeanne M. Powers, Arizona State University

• Margarita Pivovarova, Arizona State University