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Working Paper

Workplace Segregation between College and Non-College Workers

National Bureau of Economic Research

April 19, 2025

Abstract

We measure the level and growth of education segregation in American workplaces from 2000 to 2020. American workplaces show an educational segregation, measured by the degree to which the establishment has mostly workers of similar education levels, that is comparable to racial residential segregation in a typical metro area. Workplace isolation was particularly high for young and male workers without college degrees. The isolation of non-college workers is increasing over time.

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