Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

4-2015

Disciplines

Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Advisor

Shrawantee (Dora) Saha, Economics

Abstract

This thesis analyzes whether the decision to enter the military offers a different investment in human capital as indicated by the civilian earning of veterans. Using seven one month samples from the Current Population Survey, I run three linear regressions to compare the earnings of veterans by gender, the earnings of female veterans and non-veterans, and the earnings of male veterans and non-veterans. It appears that, between 2005 and 2013, veterans enjoyed a wage premium which existed for both male and female veterans. These results suggest that military service acts as a screening device or a bridge to employment in the civilian labor force. Additionally, female veterans earn less than male veterans in the civilian labor force. Even though female veterans are more successful in the civilian labor force than women with no military experience, they still suffer a gender wage gap.

Included in

Economics Commons

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