Abstract

CHARLES-LEIJA, Humberto  and  TORRES GARCIA, Aldo Josafat. English Proficiency and Salary in Mexico. Anál. econ. [online]. 2022, vol.37, n.94, pp.167-180.  Epub Apr 08, 2022. ISSN 2448-6655.  https://doi.org/10.24275/uam/azc/dcsh/ae/2022v37n94/charles.

The research aims to identify if there are salary advantages in Mexico for individuals who speak English. The study uses data from the first INEGI survey that integrates questions on English language proficiency and salary aspects. The questionnaire was created in 2014 and more than 20 thousand respondents participated. A Mincer-type equation is estimated, with correction for selection bias using the two-stage Heckman method. The results show that, in Mexico, there are salary advantages for people who are fluent in English as a second language. English was estimated to represent a wage premium of 19.4% for the survey respondent. The study identified that knowing English is a scarce competence in Mexico, since less than 10% of those surveyed said they speak that language. Future studies may extend the research to other Latin American countries.

Keywords : Human Capital; English proficiency; Wage; Mexico; Earnings; J64; J24; J31.

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