In the United States, millions of people work hard every day. But when it comes to how much they earn, not everyone gets the same for the same effort.
And many Latinos, especially those in manual, casual or unsalaried jobs, have noticed this without anyone having to tell them. Now, the data confirms it: yes, Latinos continue to earn less. And in some states, the wage gap is wider than ever.
What does the latest data say?
An analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Economic Policy Institute, updated in 2025, found that Latino workers earn, on average, 24% less than non-Latino white workers, even when performing similar jobs.
The gap is more serious in sectors such as:
- Construction
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Restaurants and food services
- Agriculture
- Personal care and domestic assistance
In addition, regional differences were identified as a cause for concern.
States such as Texas, Georgia and North Carolina show even larger wage margins, especially when Latino employees are undocumented or work per diem.
Even with the same experience, hours or responsibility, simply being Latino can mean you get paid less.
Why is this happening?
The causes are multiple:
- Discrimination (sometimes overt, sometimes very subtle)
- Employers taking advantage of immigration status
- Lack of clear contracts or labor protection
- Fear of whistleblowing for fear of losing job or facing retaliation
Most Latino workers do not complain or report abuses out of necessity or ignorance of their rights.
And that perpetuates the problem.
What can you do?
Buzzy
Even if you don’t have papers, you have rights as a worker. Here are steps that can help protect you:
✅ Keep as many records as possible: hours worked, messages, cash or deposit payments, photos.
✅ Talk to colleagues: if it happens to you, it may happen to them too.
✅ Seek free legal help from organizations such as: Centro de los Derechos del Migrante (CDM), Legal Aid Foundation, LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
✅ Never sign unread or uncopied documents
Even the U.S. Department of Labor can investigate complaints of unfair pay, regardless of your immigration status.
You are not alone
Inequality is not fixed in silence.
Reporting is not only valid, it is necessary.
Because no worker should earn less just because of his or her last name, the language he or she speaks, or because he or she was born in another country.
Latinos continue to earn less, and in some states, the wage gap is wider than ever
QueOnnda.com
