Exploring Factors Influencing the Czech Employees' Earnings

Abstract

The study contributes to the body of knowledge on job-related and individual characteristics determining the earnings of those working as employees. A multivariate analysis of the 2010 and 2015 European Survey on Working Conditions data (N=1,168) documents the differences in earnings across studied variables, such as gender, educational level, the skill level of profession, years of experience or perceived discrimination. The obtained results are interpreted in line with the prior research. It follows from the main findings that the highest earnings are observed among managerial professions and the lowest among the least skilled occupations. Returns to education are increasing with the obtained level of formal education and are highest for doctoral studies graduates. The positive impact has also years of experience and the number of working hours per week. Quite surprisingly, the conducted analysis does not prove any significant effect of discrimination (sexual orientation, religion, disability, race, ethnic background or colour) on individuals' earnings. The study might be of interest to the Czech labour market researchers and policymakers as it, besides the analysis, provides several future research suggestions.