DETERMINANTS OF EDUCATION MISMATCH IN TURKEY: EVIDENCE FROM HOUSEHOLD LABOR FORCE SURVEYS

Educational mismatch indicates the position in which a worker possesses a level of education higher or lower

than the required level of education to hold and perform a particular job. Using Turkish Household Labor

Surveys for the period 2009-2014 and 2-digit occupations, this study attempts to analyze some stylized

facts about and determinants of educational mismatch in Turkish labor market. It is observed that the

incidence of overeducation and its evolution differ for high school and higher education graduates. Taking

into account these differences, general profile of overeducated workers is presented via rich descriptive

analysis. Separate annual multilogistic regressions are estimated for 2009 and 2014 to find and compare

the determinants of educational mismatch. Results indicate that the incidence of overeducation is rising

among high school graduates. Gender gaps are observed to be wider across high school graduates. The

probability of being overeducated is higher for younger workers with less tenure. The effect of marital status,

and status of the workplace (public/private) has different effects on the probability of being overeducated

for high school and higher education graduates.