Longevity and Occupational Choice New!

The average adult spends nearly half of their waking hours at work. We document significant implications of occupational choice for individual health outcomes, which are not explained by other known determinants of socioeconomic status, such as income and wealth. Using administrative vital records for 15 percent of the U.S. population, we estimate substantial differences in lifespan associated with different occupations, after controlling for income, location, and demographic determinants. The estimated order of magnitude is large, comparable to the longevity gap between men and women. We also show that occupations associated with lower life expectancy are characterized by a high percentage of time working indoors (rather than outdoors), working in a sitting position, and lack of social interaction. Overall, occupational choice emerges as a key lifestyle determinant of longevity, with implications for occupation-based healthcare and retirement plans.