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The Economics of Professions

Professions: Recap

A recap of the economics of professions.

Professions combine skills, licences and status.

Module recap

  • Professions have training, licences and self-regulation.
  • Doctors choose between public and private work.
  • Nurses migrate for better pay.
  • Lawyers’ earnings are unequal.
  • CAs face tough exams.
  • Software pay varies widely.
  • Pilots pay heavily for training.
  • Chefs start low.
  • Architects face competition.
  • Pharmacist licences are sometimes rented.
  • Journalism pay fell.
  • Civil services are fiercely competitive.
  • Actuaries are scarce.
  • Mental health professionals are in demand.
  • Vets serve livestock and pets.

Lesson

Pay reflects scarcity, training costs and regulation.

The career choice

A student weighs training costs, pay and passion before choosing a profession.

Thinking pay reflects only hard work

Scarcity and regulation matter.

Key takeaways
  • Professions certify skills.
  • Pay reflects scarcity and training.
  • Regulation shapes entry.
  • Careers vary widely.
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