Gender differences in wage growth and job mobility of young workers in Spain

This paper analyzes the work histories of young workers, focusing on gender differences in work interruptions and job changes. I use the European Community Household Panel (Spanish section, 1994- 2001) to build a measure that considers heterogeneity in the accumulation of experience and to compare men’s and women’s mobility patterns. Returns to cumulated experience are greater than returns to potential experience, especially for women. Turnover rates are similar, but for males it is important to hold a position with responsability, to have a family or to live in economic poles whereas for females, to work part-time or the firm size.