Gender Differences in Labor Market Returns to High School Career and Technical Education

• In Event: Student Success Outcomes in Career and Technical Education

Abstract

A growing body of evidence suggests that male and female students participate in CTE in different ways, and experience the benefits of CTE differently as well. Using student coursetaking and earnings data, we find evidence of starkly gendered differences in who concentrates in which fields, with men often concentrating in fields with the most lucrative labor market returns. Even after accounting for differential selection, we find substantial gaps in the extent to which men and women can expect earnings benefits following their participation in CTE, raising important questions and concerns about the opportunities available for women who pursue CTE.

Authors

• Walter G. Ecton, Florida State University

• Shaun Michael Dougherty, Vanderbilt University