The relationship between external job mobility and salary attainment across career stages

The current study examines the relationship between external job mobility and salary for employees in different career stages. Based on career stage and career timetable theories, we predict that external job mobility would generate the greatest salary benefits for early-career employees whereas external job mobility would generate fewer salary benefits for employees in mid- and late career stages. Data collected from multiple industries in Hong Kong and the United States consistently show that, as expected, highly mobile early-career employees earn significantly greater salaries than their less mobile peers do. The positive effects of external job mobility on salary were stronger for early-career workers than for mid-and late-career workers.

Research highlights
► This study examines the relationship between external job mobility and salary.
► This study also investigates career stage as a moderator.
► Data were collected from multiple industries in Hong Kong and the United States.
► Highly mobile early-career employees earn greater salaries than their peers do.
► The effect of job mobility on salary is strongest for early-career workers.