Economics & Finance / Economic Theory / Labor Economics

Why Taller Mexicans Earn 2% More Per Centimeter? The Shocking Truth About Height and Income

Height, Skills, and Labor Market Outcomes in Mexico

Tom Vogl

In Mexico, height isn't just a physical trait—it's a predictor of your paycheck. This video breaks down the surprising research by economist Tom Vogl from his paper 'Height, Skills, and Labor Market Outcomes in Mexico' (2012). We explore why every extra centimeter adds roughly 2% to hourly wages, double the premium seen in the US and UK. The real kicker? It's not about strength or manual labor. Instead, height is a proxy for early-life nutrition and health, which shapes cognitive skills and education. Taller workers naturally gravitate toward brain-intensive jobs, not brawn-intensive ones. We'll walk you through the 'cognitive skills hypothesis' and the 'Roy model' of occupational choice, showing how your height in adulthood is a window into your childhood environment. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to have a built-in advantage in the job market, this video will challenge everything you thought you knew about success and biology. No jargon, just eye-opening facts and a fresh perspective on inequality.