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February 1998, Vol. 121,
No. 2
Joseph R. Meisenheimer II
Economist, Division of Labor Force Statistics,
Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics, Bureau of Labor
Statistics
Because average wages are higher in manufacturing than in services, some observers view employment shifts to services as shifts from 'good' to 'bad' jobs. However, a deeper assessment reveals that, within each major industry and especially in services, there is a range of job quality. This article examines how the shift from manufacturing to services employment affects the quality of employment in the United States. A comprehensive analysis—examining pay, employee benefits, job security, occupational structure, and occupational safety—indicates that many jobs in the services industry compare favorably with those in manufacturing and other industries.
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