The evolution of labor market disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic men: 1970-2019

We describe how labor market disparities between prime-age Hispanic and non-Hispanic men have evolved over the last 50 years in the United States. Using data from the decennial Census, the American Community Survey, and the March Current Population Survey, we examine several employment and earning outcomes, distinguishing between U.S.-born and immigrant Hispanics. U.S.-born Hispanics have experienced gains to employment, having a 2% disadvantage compared to non-Hispanics prior to 1990 and a 1% advantage after 2010. In terms of earnings, the results are less positive. Hispanics face a substantial negative earnings disparity of between 10 and 20% that shows only modest improvement over time. Most of the employment gain is driven by those with less than a high school degree, while the earnings disparity increases with education. Immigrant Hispanics who completed their education in the U.S. have experienced an even greater increase in employment, reaching a positive 10% differential compared to non-Hispanics, but their earnings persistently remain 15-25% lower than non-Hispanics. English language proficiency accounts for a substantial part of the earnings disparity between Hispanic immigrants and non-Hispanics.