Income Determinants of Long-Term Care Workers: A Quantile-Based Approach

This study aims to suggest policy implications through empirical analysis of income determinants across different income quantiles of long-term care workers. With utilizing the 2022 Long-Term Care Survey data provided by the micro data information system(MDIS) of Statistics Korea, this study applied quantile regression models to identify income determinants by income quartile. The analysis results confirmed differences in most variables controlled for in the research model across income quantiles. The findings, derived while controlling for individuals' human capital, showed that the income advantage of care workers among long-term care personnel decreased as income quantiles increased. Regarding long-term care benefit types, home-visit care, home-visit bathing, and home-visit nursing were found to be disadvantageous in terms of income compared to care-giver, with this phenomenon being more pronounced in lower income quantiles. Additionally, work place in agricultural region were found to be more advantageous in terms of income than urban area. The main primary contribution of this study are twofold: First, it confirms that the income of long-term care workers is fragmented, highlighting the need for policy interventions to address these disparities. Second, by examining the income distribution among long-term care workers, the study evaluates the timeliness and alignment of current government policies and draws out important policy implications.