Latina Equal Pay Day

Latinas in the U.S. are paid on average 45% less than White men and 30% less than White women. According to data from the National Partnership on Women and Families and Unidos US, prior to the pandemic, the median wage for Latinas in the United States was $36,110 per year, compared to the median wage of $65,208 for White, non-Hispanic men – meaning the wage gap costs Latinas $29,098 each per year. In the past year, Latinas were more likely to lose jobs and income than White, non-Hispanic men. These lost wages mean Latinas have less money to support themselves and their families, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services. 

Data

According to data by the National Partnership for Women and Families and Unidos US, a “persistent gender-based wage gap continues to harm women, their families and the economy – it is particularly damaging for Latinas.” Over a 40-year career, a woman starting her career today stands to lose a staggering $406,280 to the wage gap. But Latinas face typical lifetime losses that total over $1.1 million. Lower earnings mean that Latina workers and their families have had fewer resources to meet the devastating impact of COVID-19. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research close to six in ten (57 percent) Latinx households experienced loss of income due to COVID-19, a higher share than Black (51 percent), multiracial (51 percent), Asian (46 percent), or White (41 percent) households.

Reports

According to data compiled by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a third of Latinx workers report experiencing hiring discrimination. One study found that for every 100 entry-level men who are promoted to manager, just 68 Latinas are promoted. Discrimination and occupational segregation mean that the pay gap between Latinas and White men with a college degree is essentially the same as Latinas and White men without a high school degree.