The shift in employment from manufacturing to services in 1981-86 slowed the increase in average annual pay of U.S. nonagricultural workers, with greater impact in nonmetro than metro areas. However, the distribution of employment in high, middle, and low paying jobs changed little. (Author/SV)

In 1981-86, approximately 10 million workers were displaced from full-time jobs, with displacement proportionately higher among nonmetro workers, high school dropouts, and production workers. Nonmetro displaced workers were more likely than metro workers to experience long unemployment, relocate, or change occupations and earn less at new jobs.…

Relative to metro growth, nonmetropolitan employment growth was 0.7-1.0 percent lower in the 1970s and 1980s than expected based on eight labor force and labor market variables. Discrepancies between actual and expected growth increased in more rural counties, suggesting the importance of the spatial dimension of rurality. (SV)

Presents results of a 1981 survey of 2,554 household heads in low income counties in 10 southern states. Finds lack of job opportunities, not knowing the right people, not having enough training or education, not knowing where to look for jobs, and discrimination to be major problems perceived by respondents. (LFL)