The Changing Quality of Nonstandard Work Arrangements: Does Skill Matter?

Abstract

This paper explores the implications of nonstandard employment for different types of workers and their change over time. Using data from 1995, 2005 and 2017, we trace the evolving forms of nonstandard employment over the last decade and the associated job quality patterns for workers with different skills, measured by educational attainment levels and content of tasks performed in their occupations. We find evidence that nonstandard employment reduces earnings and weekly work schedule, but does not affect the likelihood of feeling insecure about job continuity for workers in general. However, a closer examination reveals much variation across skill groups along these three job quality dimensions: high-educated nonstandard workers have lower earnings and fewer working hours than their standard employment counterparts over time and nonstandard routine occupation workers tend to feel greater job insecurity. Variations across gender and race/ethnicity are also discussed.