Ability to Quit Smoking Linked to Higher Wages

WSJ ^ | July 18, 2013 | Khadeeja Safdar

[Drango]

Former smokers earn higher wages than smokers and people who have never smoked, according to new research.

In a working paper published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, research economists Julie L. Hotchkiss and M. Melinda Pitts studied the relationship between smoking and wages. Using data from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey over the period of 1992 to 2011, the economists found that people who had quit smoking for at least a year earned higher wages than smokers and people who had never smoked. The data shows that nonsmokers, which include never smokers and former smokers, bring in about 95% of the hourly wages of former smokers.

Smokers, on the other hand, are not rewarded as much in the workplace. They earned about 80% of nonsmokers’ wages. Even one cigarette a day triggers a wage gap between smokers and nonsmokers, the economists write. “Smoking erodes the value of your human capital in the labor market,” said Ms. Pitts.

`snip They noted that education level was the largest contributing variable. Nonsmokers tend to be more educated, are less likely to have spouses who smoke and live in states where cigarette prices are higher than smokers. ~snip “It takes a special person to quit an addictive behavior, and there is a higher reward for smoking cessation than not ever starting it,” said Ms. Pitts. “I think the qualities of persistence, patience and everything else that goes along with being able to quit are valuable to employers.”

[grimalkin]

I quit last year and bought a new car. It was very difficult, but I got sick and tired of having a useless and expensive habit.

It's tough and I would never lecture a smoker to quit. You have to want to do it.

[cripplecreek]

I guarantee these same people will tell you that turd burglars make more money right up there with Prius drivers.

[mosaicwolf]

Oh my! You mean Congress passed the biggest regressive tax on low income people ever? Not to worry, they are the low information voters and won't figure that one out.

[joe fonebone]

i was a smoker for 40 years.. last month i had a stroke..

fortunately for me, no physical damage, but i am just beginning to learn about the mental damage i have suffered..

want the unadultered motivation to quit smoking??

spend 5 days in the stroke ward of your local hospital..

[Drango]

Ouch. Glad you are still with us. FReep on!

[onedoug]

What’s soetoro’s excuse?

[OldPossum]

Did we pay for this study? (Just wondering.)

That seems to be a common comment on all threads about studies.

[Clemenza]

Maybe he had a “thing” for gay minorities.

[Drango]

I think it’s always wise to question the funding of the study. However, given that there are likely over 100 studies showing a negative correlation between smoking and income (as well as education), I wonder if anyone can point to a study showing a positive correlation?

[bgill]

Or just maybe it has to do with motivation and goals.

[Marie]

According to this logic, former heron addicts should be earning more money than anyone.

After all, they’ve shown persistence, self-control and dedication by battling their addiction. Why aren’t all employers looking for their CEO’s at AA meetings?

There are lies, damn lies and statistics.

[Eric Blair 2084]

Funny.