Latinas in the U.S.: Are they better off and continuing to improve? Opinions are split

Half of Latinas perceive notable progress in the situation of Hispanic women in the United States over the past decade and a similar proportion are optimistic about further improvements in the next ten years. However, two-thirds of Latinas identify the gender wage gap as a significant issue for Hispanic women today.

These are two of the main conclusions from a report by the Pew Research Center, which delved into the group's economic, educational and social situation to produce an in-depth analysis about their stance in the country.

As mentioned, half of Latinas believe that the situation for Hispanic women has improved, while 39% think it has remained the same. Only 10% feel it has worsened. Hispanic men have a slightly more positive outlook, with 52% noting improvements, 36% seeing no change and 10% perceiving a decline.

Perceptions of progress can vary depending on demographic factors. Among those identifying as Republican or leaning towards the Republican Party, 58% believe in improvement, compared to 48% of Democrat-identifying or Democrat-leaning Latinas.

Younger Latinas (ages 18 to 29) are less optimistic (45%) compared to those aged 30 and older (about 50%). Education also plays a role: 56% of Latinas with a bachelor's degree or higher report seeing progress, versus 47% with a high school diploma or less. Additionally, Latinas born outside the U.S. are more likely to see progress than those born in the U.S. (53% vs. 47%).

Looking forward, half of Latinas expect the situation to improve over the next decade, while a third anticipate it will remain unchanged. In comparison, 57% of Hispanic men believe in a positive future for Hispanic women, slightly higher than the 52% of Latina women who share this view.

Education and nativity influence these future outlooks. Latinas with higher education are more hopeful (57% with a bachelor's degree or higher vs. 50% with a high school diploma or less). Similarly, 56% of Latina immigrants expect improvements compared to 50% of U.S.-born Latinas.

The gender pay gap remains a significant concern, with 66% of Latinas viewing it as a major problem for Hispanic women, and 62% seeing it as a major issue for women in general. Hispanic men are less likely to perceive the pay gap as a serious problem.

Among Latinas, the younger demographic (ages 18 to 29) is more concerned about the issue (73%) compared to those aged 50 to 64 (60%). Higher education correlates with greater concern about the pay gap (76% vs. 59% for those with a high school education or less).

Political affiliation also influences views: 74% of Latina Democrats view the pay gap as a major issue, versus 54% of Latina Republicans. U.S.-born Latinas (72%) are more likely to see the pay gap as a problem than Latina immigrants (60%).

Educational and economic circumstances among Latinas vary widely. Younger Latinas and U.S.-born Latinas are more likely to have a bachelor's degree compared to their older and immigrant counterparts. Specifically, 30% of Latinas aged 25 to 29 hold a bachelor's degree compared to 14% of those aged 65 or older. U.S.-born Latinas are more likely to hold a bachelor's degree than those born outside the U.S. (30% vs. 19%).

Labor force participation among Latinas has risen over the last two decades. However, this participation is influenced by education, nativity, marital status, and the presence of children. Latinas with higher education are more active in the labor force (82% with a bachelor's degree or higher vs. 60% with a high school education or less).

U.S.-born Latinas are more likely to participate in the labor force than immigrant Latinas (75% vs. 64%). Those living with a Hispanic spouse or partner are less likely to work or seek work than those with a non-Hispanic partner (63% vs. 77%). Latinas with children at home are also less likely to participate in the labor force than those without children (67% vs. 73%).

Occupational distribution among Latinas also varies by education. In 2023, 15% of employed or job-seeking civilian Latinas worked in office and administrative support occupations, while 13% were in management, business, and financial occupations, and 12% in education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations.

Those with a bachelor's degree were more likely to be in education, legal, community service, arts, and media jobs (27%) or management, business, and financial jobs (24%). In contrast, those without a bachelor's degree commonly worked in office and administrative support (17%) and health care support, protective service, and personal care and service (15%).

Wage disparities persist among Latinas, influenced by education, nativity, and marital status. Latinas with a bachelor's degree earn a median hourly wage of $28.85, compared to $16.67 for those with a high school education or less. U.S.-born Latinas earn more than immigrant Latinas ($21.25 vs. $17.90 per hour). Latinas living with a non-Hispanic spouse or partner earn more at the median than those with a Hispanic spouse or partner ($25.00 vs. $19.00).

Regarding household financial dynamics, 13% of Latinas living with a spouse or partner are the primary breadwinners, and 28% are in financially egalitarian relationships. Latinas with higher education are more likely to be breadwinners or in egalitarian financial relationships. Hispanic women living with non-Hispanic partners are more likely to be breadwinners and less likely to be in relationships where their partner is the primary breadwinner compared to those with Hispanic partners.