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Report shows Persistent Gender Wage Gap for Latina Women in Every State and D.C.
Washington, D.C. – A new IWPR report released today ahead of Latina Equal Pay Day reveals that, in 2022, Latina women working full-time year-round were paid just 57.5 cents per dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. When earnings were calculated for all workers (full-time, part-time, full-year, or part-year), Latinas were paid only 51.9 cents per dollar, according to the report. Based on earnings trends since 2002, the report projects that this gender gap will not close until the year 2207.
“The persistent wage inequities faced by Latina women are not just a statistical issue; they represent a profound injustice that affects the economic security and well-being of countless families across our nation,” said IWPR Chief Strategy Officer Robyn Watson Ellerbe. “It is imperative that we recognize the urgency of closing this wage gap and implement meaningful policy changes to ensure pay equity for all.”
The report’s findings indicate that Latina women faced wage disparities in every single state and the District of Columbia in 2021, regardless of whether they worked full-time year-round or had varying employment statuses:
- In 10 states- California, New Jersey, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Alabama, North Dakota, and Washington- Latinas were paid less than 45 cents for every dollar paid to a White non-Hispanic man (based on median annual earnings for all workers).
- In California, the state with the largest wage gap, the median annual earnings for Latinas working full-time year-round were $48,553 less than White, non-Hispanic men in a single year. Over five years, 2017-2021, this meant $242,765 less for Latina women.
- The state of Maine was identified as having the smallest wage gap, with a typical Latina earning 65.3 cents per dollar paid to a typical White, non-Hispanic man when all workers with earnings are included. For full-time year-round work, the gap narrowed further, with Latinas earning 72.0 cents per dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men.
“At the current rate of change, the gender wage gap faced by Latina women will not disappear until the year 2207, well beyond the lifetime of anyone working today,” said Watson Ellerbe. “That is a national disgrace that should motivate policymakers, employers, and advocates to address this alarming issue with comprehensive strategies that promote pay equity and address workplace discrimination. So much work remains to be done to ensure a fair and equitable future for Latina women in the workforce.”
To access the full report and learn more about the wage gap experienced by Latina women, click here.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research strives to win economic equity for all women and eliminate barriers to their full participation in society. As a leading national think tank, IWPR builds evidence to shape policies that grow women’s power and influence, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic well-being of families. Learn more at IWPR.org and follow us on Twitter.
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