A tale of two data sets: comparing German administrative and survey data using wage inequality as an example

Abstract The IAB’s Sample of Integrated Labour Market Biographies (SIAB) and the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) are two data sets most commonly used to analyze wage inequality in Germany. While SIAB is based on administrative reports by employers social security system, SOEP a survey set which respondents self-report their wages. Both sources have specific advantages disadvantages. objective this study describe compare evolution for these types data. For purpose, different sample restrictions applied. comparison without any harmonization shows levels trends. When information largely harmonized, comparable trends similar emerge.