This paper explores the labor market experiences of Central American men and women in Washington, DC, analyzes the variables that determine their wage levels, and assesses the factors that may account for the differences in men's and women's employment mobility over time. The research questions focus on the labor market experiences and economic assimilation of international migrants to ascertain whether Central American migrants in Washington were following conventional adjustment patterns. The research also centered on gender patterns in wage labor, and the ways in which the labor market experiences of Central American women differ from those of Central American men. The findings substantiate that wage levels and mobility are differentiated on the basis of gender. The sector of employment and industry of occupation emerged as the most important determinants of wages for men. Men showed considerable mobility out of low-wage job categories into high-paying jobs, particularly if they moved into skilled positions in the construction industry. -from Author

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labour participation migrants' experience economic assimilation Central American migrants USA Washington wage level gender difference District of Columbia