Contingent Work and Nonstandard Employment: Prevalence and Outcomes

Alisha J. Coleman, Pennsylvania State University
Diane K. McLaughlin, Pennsylvania State University

Contingent work has received much attention in the United States; however, it affects only a small percentage of workers (4.2%). Nonstandard employment, which includes contingent work, part-time employment, and work with varying hours, is more prevalent (26.3%). This study examines the extent of nonstandard employment, the characteristics of those most likely to hold nonstandard jobs, and whether nonstandard jobs are more likely to be found in nonmetropolitan areas, suburban metropolitan areas or central cities. We use the 1999 and 2001 Current Population Survey Supplement on Contingent Work to estimate logistic regression models to determine whether residential differences in nonstandard employment are explained by the composition of workers and jobs across residence areas. We also examine the earnings and benefits of those in nonstandard work to assess job quality. When controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, nonmetropolitan workers are more likely than central city or suburban workers to be employed in nonstandard work.