Question

Consider two occupations (A and B) in which people have the same skills and abilities. When employed, workers in the two occupations work the same number of hours per day. In occupation A, employment is stable throughout the year, while employment in occupation B is characterized by seasonal layoffs.
The hourly wage will be higher in occupation ___.

Answer 1

Answer: The hourly wage will be higher in occupation B.

Explanation:

From the information given in the question, workers in occupations A and B possess the same skills and abilities as work for the same number of hours. The difference between both occupations is that there is stability of employment for workers in occupation A while there are seasonal layoffs in occupation B.

Due to the seasonal changes in occupation B, the hourly wage will be higher in occupation B. Workers in occupation B need to be compensated in order to overcome the layoffs and uncertainties.