Perbedaan Pendapatan Berdasarkan Curah Waktu Kerja, Pendidikan, dan Beban Tanggungan pada Pekerja Aron dan Pekerja Non Pertanian di Kecamatan Berastagi, Kabupaten Karo

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the income differences between the Aron work group (seasonal agricultural laborers) and non-agricultural laborers in Berastagi District, Karo Regency, in terms of working hours, level of education, and household dependent burden. The background of this research is based on the differences in job characteristics and socioeconomic conditions that influence the income levels of the two groups. The method used in this research is a comparative quantitative approach, with data collected through questionnaires distributed to 50 respondents consisting of 25 Aron workers and 25 non-agricultural laborers. The data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test to determine significant differences between the two work groups. The results show that there is a significant income difference between the Aron group and non-agricultural laborers. In general, non-agricultural laborers have a higher average income compared to Aron workers. Working hours and education level contribute positively to income, while the number of dependents has a negative effect. This means that the higher the working hours and education level, the higher the income tends to be; conversely, the greater the dependent burden, the lower the net income received by the workers. This study implies that improving access to education and more stable employment opportunities should become a focus in the local economic development of Berastagi District. In addition, it is important for local government and stakeholders to pay attention to the welfare of the Aron work group, which structurally remains in a more economically vulnerable condition.