Wage differentials by gender in Venezuela (1997-1998): A two-step estimation approach

This paper uses the information provided by the Household Sample Survey (1997-1998) to develop a model to explain the structure of wages by gender in Venezuela, taking into account variables such as sector of employment, age, education, among others, using the two-step method suggested by Heckman. Next, the study attempts to quantify, if any, the magnitude of the wage differential between the two groups and whether this is due to differences in the returns to human capital. Main results indicate a positive wage differential favoring women. This differential can be explained not only by the fact that women tend to have relatively higher levels of education, but also the returns to their human capital is higher, especially at the public sector level. Results also indicate that the probability of working or nor is significant in the estimation of the salary equation. It suggests a possible selection bias, corrected at least partly.