Pew Research: Understanding Black Workers' Perspectives

In the vast landscape of the U.S. labor force, the experiences of Black workers are undeniably distinct. With over 21 million Black Americans actively participating in the workforce, their roles, challenges, and aspirations stand out in significant ways. This Labor Day, let's delve into the facts and figures that paint a comprehensive picture of Black workers' labor force experiences and attitudes.

Occupational Diversity:

One notable aspect of Black workers' presence in the labor force is their prominent roles in specific occupational fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2022, Black workers constitute approximately 13% of all U.S. workers. However, their representation is particularly significant in certain professions such as postal service clerks (40.4%), transit and intercity bus drivers (36.6%), nursing assistants (36.0%), security guards and gambling surveillance officers (34.5%), and home health aides (32.5%). Conversely, they are underrepresented in fields like agriculture and certain science, engineering, and technology occupations.

Earnings Disparities:

Despite their contributions across various sectors, Black workers, on average, earn less than their counterparts. In 2022, the median weekly earnings for Black workers aged 16 and older were $878, compared to $1,059 for all U.S. workers in the same age group. This earnings gap persists even when considering education levels, with Black workers earning less than others, even among those with bachelor's or advanced degrees.

Household Income:

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a longstanding trend of lagging household income for Black Americans in comparison to other racial groups. This income disparity has persisted for several decades.

Unemployment Rates:

Another striking statistic is the unemployment rate among Black Americans, which remains the highest among all racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, the unemployment rate for Black Americans was roughly double the rate for the overall U.S. population. While there was a brief record-low unemployment rate for Black Americans in April of this year, it subsequently increased.

Discrimination at Work:

Regrettably, discrimination based on race or ethnicity remains a prevalent issue in the workplace. According to a February 2023 survey, Black workers are the most likely to report experiencing discrimination at work, with 41% indicating that they have faced discrimination or unfair treatment due to their race. This figure is significantly higher than the percentages reported by workers of other racial backgrounds.

Value of Diversity:

Black workers consistently emphasize the importance of workplace diversity. A survey from February found that 53% of Black workers consider it extremely or very important to work in an environment with a mix of employees from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This percentage surpasses that of Hispanic, White, and Asian workers. Additionally, Black workers highly value a workplace that includes employees of different ages and is accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts:

While the majority of Black workers view increasing DEI efforts at work positively, a significant portion feels that their employers do not prioritize these initiatives enough. Notably, 28% of Black workers believe their companies or organizations pay too little attention to DEI, making them the most critical of any racial or ethnic group surveyed.

To review the complete report and graphs, click here.