RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Why Wait? JF Journal of Human Resources JO J Hum Resour FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 326 OP 349 DO 10.3368/jhr.44.2.326 VO 44 IS 2 A1 David S. Loughran A1 Julie M. Zissimopoulos YR 2009 UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/44/2/326.abstract AB We use data from the earlier and later cohorts of the NLSY to estimate the effect of marriage and childbearing on wages. Our estimates imply that marriage lowers female wages 2–4 percent in the year of marriage. Marriage also lowers the wage growth of men and women by about two and four percentage points, respectively. A first birth lowers female wages 2–3 percent, but has no effect on wage growth. Male wages are unaffected by childbearing. These findings suggest that early marriage and childbearing can lead to substantial decreases in lifetime earnings.