The value of early physical maturity to young adult labor market outcomes.

Puberty is the most important developmental milestone closely preceding a young adult's labor market decisions. Thus, we examine the variation in the timing of physical maturity during adolescence to isolate its association with employment and hourly wages for US young adults. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data, we find an early maturity premium of about 6% for females and 8% for males, but no employment advantage, in excess of gains from height and physical attractiveness. Cognitive and personality factors significantly explain this premium for both genders, but job attributes are also important for males.