During Women’s History Month, Latinas’ contributions, accomplishments, and struggles are too often overlooked.
Latinas In The U.S.
Just over two-thirds of the Latina population is native-born, and their numbers are increasing. There are over 31 million Latinas in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau, an increase of nearly 90% from the 16.6 million in 2010. Among racial and ethnic groups, this growth constitutes the largest increase for females.
According to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Latinas comprise 49.4% of the total Hispanic population and 17% of all adult women nationwide. Sixty percent of Latinas are 25 or older. While 32% were foreign-born, according to the Migration Policy Institute, only 13% of the Latinas in the U.S. are undocumented.
Latinas And Education
Nearly 22% of Latinas aged 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17% of Hispanic men. From 2010 to 2021, the number of Latinas obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree increased by 103%, compared to 38.3% for non-Latinas.
Economics, Labor Force Participation And Latinas
Latinas are significant contributors to large-scale economic gains and prosperity. Nonetheless, in their daily lives, whether it is health insurance coverage or median weekly earned income, for example, Latinas lag behind men and women in other racial and ethnic categories, and catch-up does not appear to be on the horizon. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, if current trends persist, it will take Latinas 182 years, or until 2207, to reach pay equity with white men.
Despite facing socioeconomic challenges and barriers, the economic contributions of Latinas are remarkable. The inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report reveals that Latina GDP outpaced the economies of all U.S. states except California, Texas, and New York. Specifically, the total economic output of Latinas in 2022 reached $1.3 trillion. From 2010 to 2021, Latina GDP grew by 51.1%, a growth rate 2.7 times faster than non-Latino GDP.
Since 2000, the number of Latinas in the labor force has steadily increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in just ten years, 2018 to 2028, the percentage of Latinas in the workforce is projected to increase by about 23%. According to researchers at UCLA and California Lutheran University, between 2000 and 2020, Latinas increased their labor force participation rate by nearly eight percentage points, while the rate for non-Latina women remained flat. From 2010 to 2021, the number of Latinas in the labor force grew by approximately 33%, compared to 3% for non-Latina women. Even though Latinas constitute roughly 9% of the U.S. population, since 2010, they have accounted for nearly 30% of the growth in the U.S. labor force.
While an increasing number of Latinas are joining the labor force and working for others, the Latino Community Foundation reports that Latinas lead nearly half of all Latino-owned businesses. This indicates that in addition to expanding the labor force, Latinas play a crucial role in job creation and supporting economic development in communities nationwide.
While Latinas drive growth in the labor force, many earn low wages and, consequently, struggle in other ways. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are much more likely than men to work in service jobs, including those in hospitality, personal care, customer service, cleaning, education, and health care. In 2024, 31% of Latinas were in service occupations compared to 20% of all employed women. Latinas in these positions had median weekly earnings of $613, the lowest among racial and ethnic groups.
During a community conversation with Latinas, one woman, who declined to give her name to protect her privacy, told her economic story. This story illuminates what life is like for many low-wage Latina workers.
“Personally, I do not have a savings account. What I make and what I pay out, whether it is through bills, rent, or my debt, comes first before any type of savings I could have with this current job. Even if it was to save $50 here and there, more often, I will pull it to pay some other external cost.”
At the same time, the U.S. is a country where having health insurance is inextricably tied to employment. Yet, despite ever-increasing numbers and percentages of Latinas doing paid formal labor, in December of 2024, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported about 20% of Latinas lacked health insurance coverage. This is nearly five times greater than the uninsured rate for white women and just over 2.5 times greater than for Black women.
During community conversations with Latinas, the economic and health consequences of lacking health insurance were a common topic. Many spoke of putting off seeing doctors and dentists and foregoing the purchase of prescription drugs. One woman, who did not give her name for privacy reasons, talked about the $200,000 in medical bills she could not pay. Another participant, who declined to give her name for privacy reasons, noted, “I know I am hurting my health, but what can I do? I pay to go to the doctor, and then I can’t pay my rent.”
Finally, a salient indicator of Latino economic struggles is when their equity payday falls. This symbolic day highlights the gender pay gap, signifying how far into the year a woman must work to match what a White man earned in the previous year. According to the American Association of University Women, the equity payday for all women falls on March 25, 2025. However, for Latinas, this date is Oct. 8, 2025, later than for Asian, Black, and most other groups of women, including mothers.
During a community conversation, one Latina who declined to give her name for privacy reasons summarized why raising Latinas’ wages benefits everyone. “Being paid a good salary means I spend more money, making the economy stronger and benefitting everyone,” adding, I care if you pay me $40 an hour, and we all will live well, and the economy will be better because the flow of money will go from the bottom up. If I earn $20 an hour, I will buy something, but if I earn $40 an hour, I will buy two things and will provide for the economy, and the businessmen will get paid somehow. I will be a frequent client because I have more money flow.”
A Few Policy Actions To Support Latinas
Although the macroeconomic contributions of Latinas are significant and growing, a deeper look at the Latina economic story shows it as more nuanced and complex. Their contributions to the nation’s overall economic health are not disputed, but examining how much of those benefits they are reaping paints a less rosy picture. While Latinas are entering the labor force in droves, they are earning less than men and women in other racial and ethnic groups. Pervasive barriers that Latinas face in their pursuit of economic stability and equity include being stuck in low-paying jobs and lacking access to the education and training opportunities necessary for economic and professional advancement.
Some possible policy actions at the state or federal level to benefit Latinas and all women in the labor force include facilitating greater access to capital to start and grow businesses, strengthening legislation focused on reducing the wage gap, especially the gender wage gap, and enhancing access to free, or at least more affordable, training programs that are designed to facilitate and support advancement in the workplace.
As the U.S. celebrates women’s accomplishments and recognizes their struggles, let us elevate the stories of Latinas to a more prominent place in our nation’s narrative. At the same time, policymakers can design and implement proposals to improve their economic circumstances.
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