Can online learning alter labor force attachment? Evidence from U.S. labour markets ¹

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has surged in the U.S. This paper addresses two key questions: Who is participating in online learning, and how does enrolment in online learning impact labour market outcomes? Using data from the Current Population Survey, I construct a measure of occupational exposure to online learning and track the labour market outcomes of thousands of individuals from 2019 through 2022. I find that individuals engaged in online learning tend to be more educated, earn higher wages, and are typically employed in computer- and office-focused occupations. On average, exposure to online learning is associated with greater employment stability. Notably, women with young children are more likely to exit the labour force than those without; however, online learning is associated with a reduction in these excess exits.