Black Employment Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Black Employment Statistics

Black employment gains coexist with unequal access to good jobs, with Black workers at a 59.4 percent employment population ratio in 2023 and unemployment reaching 6.1 percent in January 2024 after 5.3 percent in December. See how the workforce shifts from service work to professional roles, how earnings lag by about 18.8 percent in 2023, and what Black prime age participation tells us about momentum and barriers.

146 statistics5 sections10 min readUpdated 16 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The employment-population ratio for Black workers aged 16+ was 59.4 percent in 2023, below the 61.1 percent national average.

Statistic 2

Black men aged 20+ had a 65.2 percent employment rate in 2023 annual average.

Statistic 3

Employment rate for Black women 20+ was 57.8 percent in 2023.

Statistic 4

Black youth (16-19) employment-population ratio was 27.5 percent in summer 2023.

Statistic 5

In 2023, 19.2 million Black workers were employed, up 0.8 percent from 2022.

Statistic 6

Black employment in full-time jobs was 74.3 percent of employed Blacks in 2023.

Statistic 7

Self-employment rate among Black workers was 4.8 percent in 2023.

Statistic 8

Black employment growth in professional occupations was 2.1 percent in 2023.

Statistic 9

Employment-population ratio for Black college grads was 75.1 percent in 2023.

Statistic 10

Black workers in goods-producing industries numbered 1.8 million in 2023.

Statistic 11

In service-providing sectors, Black employment reached 17.4 million in 2023.

Statistic 12

Black part-time employment for economic reasons was 2.9 percent in 2023.

Statistic 13

Employment rate for Black high school grads was 56.4 percent in 2023.

Statistic 14

Black multiple jobholders were 5.2 percent of employed in 2023.

Statistic 15

In December 2023, Black employment rose by 45,000 to 19.5 million.

Statistic 16

Black employment in government sector was 2.9 million in 2023.

Statistic 17

For Black workers aged 55+, employment-population was 58.3 percent 2023.

Statistic 18

Black employment in healthcare grew 3.2 percent year-over-year 2023.

Statistic 19

Employment rate for Black less-than-HS was 45.2 percent in 2023.

Statistic 20

Black workers in management occupations: 1.2 million employed 2023.

Statistic 21

In retail, Black employment totaled 1.7 million in 2023.

Statistic 22

Black prime-age (25-54) employment rate 62.1 percent 2023.

Statistic 23

Temporary help employment for Blacks was 0.4 million in 2023.

Statistic 24

Black employment in construction up 1.5 percent in 2023.

Statistic 25

In manufacturing, 1.1 million Blacks employed 2023.

Statistic 26

Black employment in education services: 2.1 million 2023.

Statistic 27

Employment-population for Black some college: 60.8 percent 2023.

Statistic 28

Black workers in transportation: 0.8 million employed 2023.

Statistic 29

Labor force participation rate for Black 16+ was 62.7 percent in 2023 annual average.

Statistic 30

Black men 20+ LFPR 68.4 percent in 2023.

Statistic 31

Black women 20+ LFPR 59.2 percent 2023.

Statistic 32

Black youth 16-19 LFPR 33.1 percent in 2023.

Statistic 33

LFPR for Black college grads 76.5 percent 2023.

Statistic 34

Black high school grads LFPR 58.9 percent 2023.

Statistic 35

Prime-age Black (25-54) LFPR 64.8 percent 2023.

Statistic 36

Black 55+ LFPR 56.2 percent in 2023.

Statistic 37

Black LFPR in Northeast 61.5 percent 2023.

Statistic 38

In South, Black LFPR 63.2 percent 2023 regional data.

Statistic 39

Black less-than-HS LFPR 52.1 percent 2023.

Statistic 40

Some college Black LFPR 61.7 percent 2023.

Statistic 41

Black veterans LFPR 64.3 percent 2023.

Statistic 42

December 2023 Black LFPR 62.9 percent.

Statistic 43

Black disabled LFPR 39.2 percent 2023.

Statistic 44

Black parents LFPR 70.1 percent for those with children 2023.

Statistic 45

Black single mothers LFPR 72.4 percent 2023 CPS data.

Statistic 46

In Midwest, Black LFPR 60.8 percent 2023.

Statistic 47

Black LFPR with advanced degree 78.9 percent 2023.

Statistic 48

Foreign-born Black LFPR 67.1 percent 2023.

Statistic 49

Native-born Black LFPR 61.4 percent 2023.

Statistic 50

Black LFPR in urban 62.5 percent 2023.

Statistic 51

Rural Black LFPR 59.8 percent 2023 estimates.

Statistic 52

Black LFPR aged 16-24 45.2 percent 2023.

Statistic 53

Black LFPR in California 64.1 percent 2023 state data.

Statistic 54

In New York, Black LFPR 59.3 percent 2023.

Statistic 55

Texas Black LFPR 65.7 percent 2023.

Statistic 56

Black LFPR declined 0.3 points to 62.7 percent over 2023.

Statistic 57

Black married men LFPR 72.8 percent 2023.

Statistic 58

Blacks represented 12.6 percent of the labor force but only 6.5 percent of managers in 2023.

Statistic 59

In 2023, 32.1 percent of employed Blacks were in service occupations, vs 16.4 percent Whites.

Statistic 60

Black workers comprised 13.2 percent of production and transportation jobs in 2023.

Statistic 61

Only 9.8 percent of Black workers were in management compared to 32.5 percent Whites 2023.

Statistic 62

Blacks made up 20.4 percent of healthcare support occupations in 2023.

Statistic 63

In sales and office, 24.3 percent of Black employed vs 28.1 percent White 2023.

Statistic 64

Black representation in computer/math occupations: 8.1 percent of those jobs 2023.

Statistic 65

15.7 percent of Black women in healthcare practitioner roles 2023.

Statistic 66

Blacks 11.2 percent of natural resources/construction/maintenance workers 2023.

Statistic 67

In protective services, Blacks held 22.6 percent of jobs 2023.

Statistic 68

Black men overrepresented in transportation at 18.9 percent 2023.

Statistic 69

Only 4.2 percent of lawyers are Black despite 13.6 percent population 2023.

Statistic 70

Blacks 26.1 percent of postal service clerks 2023.

Statistic 71

In education/training/library, Blacks 12.4 percent 2023.

Statistic 72

Black overrepresentation in food prep/serving: 28.3 percent 2023.

Statistic 73

7.5 percent of physicians/surgeons Black 2023.

Statistic 74

Blacks 14.2 percent of building/grounds maintenance 2023.

Statistic 75

In business/financial operations, Blacks 9.3 percent 2023.

Statistic 76

Black women 35.2 percent of nursing assistants 2023.

Statistic 77

3.1 percent of software developers Black 2023.

Statistic 78

Blacks 19.8 percent of security guards 2023.

Statistic 79

In architecture/engineering, Blacks 5.6 percent 2023.

Statistic 80

16.4 percent of child care workers Black 2023.

Statistic 81

Black share of CEOs: 1.6 percent in Fortune 500 2023.

Statistic 82

In personal care aides, 31.7 percent Black 2023.

Statistic 83

10.2 percent of accountants/auditors Black 2023.

Statistic 84

Blacks 24.5 percent of home health aides 2023.

Statistic 85

In legal occupations overall, 5.8 percent Black 2023.

Statistic 86

2.9 percent of civil engineers Black 2023.

Statistic 87

In 2023, the annual average unemployment rate for Black or African American workers aged 16 years and over was 5.8 percent, compared to 3.4 percent for White workers.

Statistic 88

The Black unemployment rate in December 2023 stood at 5.3 percent for those 16 and older, higher than the 3.1 percent national average.

Statistic 89

Black youth (ages 16-19) experienced an unemployment rate of 12.9 percent in 2023, nearly triple the rate for White youth at 4.5 percent.

Statistic 90

In Q4 2023, the unemployment rate for Black men aged 20 and over was 6.1 percent, versus 3.2 percent for White men.

Statistic 91

Black women aged 20 and over had a 5.9 percent unemployment rate in 2023 annual average, compared to 3.3 percent for White women.

Statistic 92

The long-term unemployment rate (27 weeks or more) for Black workers was 24.5 percent of all unemployed Blacks in 2023, higher than 18.2 percent for Whites.

Statistic 93

In January 2024, Black unemployment reached 6.1 percent, up from 5.3 percent in December 2023.

Statistic 94

During the COVID-19 peak in April 2020, Black unemployment hit 16.7 percent, compared to 12.4 percent for Whites.

Statistic 95

Black unemployment in the South region averaged 6.2 percent in 2023, higher than the national Black average of 5.8 percent.

Statistic 96

For Black workers with less than a high school diploma, unemployment was 10.2 percent in 2023.

Statistic 97

College-educated Black workers had a 3.4 percent unemployment rate in 2023, still above the 2.1 percent for White college grads.

Statistic 98

Black unemployment in construction industry was 7.8 percent in 2023.

Statistic 99

In manufacturing, Black workers faced 6.5 percent unemployment in 2023 annual data.

Statistic 100

Black teens (16-19) not in school or working numbered 22.1 percent in 2023.

Statistic 101

Discouraged Black workers (wanting job but stopped looking) were 1.2 percent of labor force in 2023.

Statistic 102

Black involuntary part-time workers averaged 3.1 percent of employed in 2023.

Statistic 103

In 2022, Black unemployment duration averaged 23.4 weeks, vs 20.1 weeks for Whites.

Statistic 104

Black unemployment in urban areas was 6.0 percent in 2023, vs 5.2 percent in suburbs.

Statistic 105

For Black veterans, unemployment was 5.2 percent in 2023.

Statistic 106

Black workers aged 55+ had 5.1 percent unemployment in 2023.

Statistic 107

In leisure and hospitality, Black unemployment hit 8.4 percent in 2023.

Statistic 108

Black high school grads (no college) unemployment at 6.3 percent in 2023.

Statistic 109

During 2023 recession fears, Black unemployment rose to 6.1 percent in October.

Statistic 110

Black unemployment in professional services was 4.2 percent annual 2023.

Statistic 111

Marginally attached Black workers were 2.5 percent of labor force in 2023.

Statistic 112

Black workers in retail trade had 6.0 percent unemployment in 2023.

Statistic 113

In education and health services, Black unemployment was 5.0 percent 2023.

Statistic 114

Black unemployment for those with some college was 5.1 percent in 2023.

Statistic 115

In transportation sector, Black unemployment averaged 5.9 percent 2023.

Statistic 116

Black workers aged 25-54 prime age unemployment at 5.7 percent 2023.

Statistic 117

Median weekly earnings for full-time Black workers were $993 in 2023 Q4, 81.2 percent of White median $1,223.

Statistic 118

Annual median earnings for Black full-time workers in 2022 were $49,300, versus $61,100 for Whites.

Statistic 119

Black men full-time weekly earnings $1,058 in 2023, 80.5 percent of White men's $1,315.

Statistic 120

Black women earned $899 weekly full-time in 2023, 84.3 percent of White women's $1,066.

Statistic 121

In management occupations, Black median weekly pay $1,450 in 2023, vs $1,780 White.

Statistic 122

Black service workers earned $682 weekly in 2023, 88 percent of White service pay $775.

Statistic 123

College-educated Blacks earned 73 percent of White college grads' wages in 2023.

Statistic 124

Black high school grads median weekly $785 in 2023, vs $912 White.

Statistic 125

In sales occupations, Black weekly earnings $842, 82 percent of White $1,027 in 2023.

Statistic 126

Black construction workers median $950 weekly 2023, vs $1,120 White.

Statistic 127

Overall Black-White wage gap narrowed to 18.8 percent in 2023 from 20.1 percent 2022.

Statistic 128

Black professionals in healthcare earned $1,120 weekly 2023, 85 percent White $1,318.

Statistic 129

In manufacturing, Black hourly median $22.10 in 2023 May, vs $24.50 White.

Statistic 130

Black retail sales median $15.80/hour 2023, 92 percent of White $17.20.

Statistic 131

For Black bachelor's holders, earnings ratio to White was 82.4 percent in 2022.

Statistic 132

Black supervisors in production earned $28.50/hour 2023, vs $32.10 White.

Statistic 133

In transportation, Black drivers median $24.20/hour 2023, 89 percent White $27.10.

Statistic 134

Black office clerks weekly $750 in 2023, 90.4 percent White $829.

Statistic 135

Wage premium for Black union members 15.2 percent higher than non-union 2023.

Statistic 136

Black median family income $52,860 in 2022, 59 percent White $89,050.

Statistic 137

In finance, Black weekly earnings $1,200 2023, vs $1,550 White.

Statistic 138

Black food service workers $14.50/hour median 2023, 94 percent White $15.40.

Statistic 139

For Black advanced degree holders, earnings 78 percent of White counterparts 2023.

Statistic 140

Black janitors median $16.20/hour 2023, vs $17.80 White.

Statistic 141

In education, Black teachers weekly $1,150 2023, 87 percent White $1,320.

Statistic 142

Black security guards $18.10/hour median 2023, 91 percent White $19.90.

Statistic 143

Overall controlled wage gap after education/experience: Blacks earn 88 cents per White dollar.

Statistic 144

Black cashiers median $13.90/hour 2023, 93 percent White $14.90.

Statistic 145

In nursing, Black RNs median $38.50/hour 2023, vs $41.20 White.

Statistic 146

Black laborers $17.40/hour 2023, 89 percent White $19.50.

Sources
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Rachel Svensson

Written by Rachel Svensson·Edited by Alexander Schmidt·Fact-checked by Katherine Brennan

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 4, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

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Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

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Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Black unemployment is 6.1 percent in January 2024, up from 5.3 percent in December. At the same time, Black employment has still climbed to 19.5 million, a jump of 45,000 in December. This post traces how those gains and setbacks show up across job rates, industry totals, education levels, and wage gaps.

Key Takeaways

  • The employment-population ratio for Black workers aged 16+ was 59.4 percent in 2023, below the 61.1 percent national average.
  • Black men aged 20+ had a 65.2 percent employment rate in 2023 annual average.
  • Employment rate for Black women 20+ was 57.8 percent in 2023.
  • Labor force participation rate for Black 16+ was 62.7 percent in 2023 annual average.
  • Black men 20+ LFPR 68.4 percent in 2023.
  • Black women 20+ LFPR 59.2 percent 2023.
  • Blacks represented 12.6 percent of the labor force but only 6.5 percent of managers in 2023.
  • In 2023, 32.1 percent of employed Blacks were in service occupations, vs 16.4 percent Whites.
  • Black workers comprised 13.2 percent of production and transportation jobs in 2023.
  • In 2023, the annual average unemployment rate for Black or African American workers aged 16 years and over was 5.8 percent, compared to 3.4 percent for White workers.
  • The Black unemployment rate in December 2023 stood at 5.3 percent for those 16 and older, higher than the 3.1 percent national average.
  • Black youth (ages 16-19) experienced an unemployment rate of 12.9 percent in 2023, nearly triple the rate for White youth at 4.5 percent.
  • Median weekly earnings for full-time Black workers were $993 in 2023 Q4, 81.2 percent of White median $1,223.
  • Annual median earnings for Black full-time workers in 2022 were $49,300, versus $61,100 for Whites.
  • Black men full-time weekly earnings $1,058 in 2023, 80.5 percent of White men's $1,315.

Black employment grew in 2023, but employment, unemployment, and wage gaps with Whites persist.

Related reading

Employment Rates

1The employment-population ratio for Black workers aged 16+ was 59.4 percent in 2023, below the 61.1 percent national average.
Directional
2Black men aged 20+ had a 65.2 percent employment rate in 2023 annual average.
Verified
3Employment rate for Black women 20+ was 57.8 percent in 2023.
Directional
4Black youth (16-19) employment-population ratio was 27.5 percent in summer 2023.
Verified
5In 2023, 19.2 million Black workers were employed, up 0.8 percent from 2022.
Directional
6Black employment in full-time jobs was 74.3 percent of employed Blacks in 2023.
Verified
7Self-employment rate among Black workers was 4.8 percent in 2023.
Single source
8Black employment growth in professional occupations was 2.1 percent in 2023.
Directional
9Employment-population ratio for Black college grads was 75.1 percent in 2023.
Verified
10Black workers in goods-producing industries numbered 1.8 million in 2023.
Verified
11In service-providing sectors, Black employment reached 17.4 million in 2023.
Verified
12Black part-time employment for economic reasons was 2.9 percent in 2023.
Verified
13Employment rate for Black high school grads was 56.4 percent in 2023.
Verified
14Black multiple jobholders were 5.2 percent of employed in 2023.
Single source
15In December 2023, Black employment rose by 45,000 to 19.5 million.
Verified
16Black employment in government sector was 2.9 million in 2023.
Verified
17For Black workers aged 55+, employment-population was 58.3 percent 2023.
Verified
18Black employment in healthcare grew 3.2 percent year-over-year 2023.
Verified
19Employment rate for Black less-than-HS was 45.2 percent in 2023.
Directional
20Black workers in management occupations: 1.2 million employed 2023.
Verified
21In retail, Black employment totaled 1.7 million in 2023.
Verified
22Black prime-age (25-54) employment rate 62.1 percent 2023.
Verified
23Temporary help employment for Blacks was 0.4 million in 2023.
Verified
24Black employment in construction up 1.5 percent in 2023.
Directional
25In manufacturing, 1.1 million Blacks employed 2023.
Verified
26Black employment in education services: 2.1 million 2023.
Verified
27Employment-population for Black some college: 60.8 percent 2023.
Single source
28Black workers in transportation: 0.8 million employed 2023.
Single source

Employment Rates Interpretation

While we celebrate incremental gains like a 3.2% rise in Black healthcare employment and a solid 75.1% employment rate for Black college graduates, the aggregate data—from the persistent gap in the overall employment ratio to the alarmingly low 27.5% summer employment for Black youth—reveals a system still delivering opportunity in frustratingly measured drips rather than a steady, equitable flow.

More related reading

Labor Force Participation Rates

1Labor force participation rate for Black 16+ was 62.7 percent in 2023 annual average.
Verified
2Black men 20+ LFPR 68.4 percent in 2023.
Verified
3Black women 20+ LFPR 59.2 percent 2023.
Directional
4Black youth 16-19 LFPR 33.1 percent in 2023.
Verified
5LFPR for Black college grads 76.5 percent 2023.
Verified
6Black high school grads LFPR 58.9 percent 2023.
Verified
7Prime-age Black (25-54) LFPR 64.8 percent 2023.
Single source
8Black 55+ LFPR 56.2 percent in 2023.
Verified
9Black LFPR in Northeast 61.5 percent 2023.
Single source
10In South, Black LFPR 63.2 percent 2023 regional data.
Single source
11Black less-than-HS LFPR 52.1 percent 2023.
Directional
12Some college Black LFPR 61.7 percent 2023.
Verified
13Black veterans LFPR 64.3 percent 2023.
Verified
14December 2023 Black LFPR 62.9 percent.
Verified
15Black disabled LFPR 39.2 percent 2023.
Verified
16Black parents LFPR 70.1 percent for those with children 2023.
Verified
17Black single mothers LFPR 72.4 percent 2023 CPS data.
Verified
18In Midwest, Black LFPR 60.8 percent 2023.
Verified
19Black LFPR with advanced degree 78.9 percent 2023.
Directional
20Foreign-born Black LFPR 67.1 percent 2023.
Verified
21Native-born Black LFPR 61.4 percent 2023.
Verified
22Black LFPR in urban 62.5 percent 2023.
Verified
23Rural Black LFPR 59.8 percent 2023 estimates.
Verified
24Black LFPR aged 16-24 45.2 percent 2023.
Directional
25Black LFPR in California 64.1 percent 2023 state data.
Verified
26In New York, Black LFPR 59.3 percent 2023.
Verified
27Texas Black LFPR 65.7 percent 2023.
Verified
28Black LFPR declined 0.3 points to 62.7 percent over 2023.
Verified
29Black married men LFPR 72.8 percent 2023.
Verified

Labor Force Participation Rates Interpretation

The statistics tell a story of resilience and disparity, where Black single mothers hustle at 72.4% participation and advanced degree holders near 79%, yet systemic gaps persist, leaving the disabled at 39.2% and youth at 33.1%, proving that in America, the starting line is not the same for everyone.

More related reading

Occupational Segregation

1Blacks represented 12.6 percent of the labor force but only 6.5 percent of managers in 2023.
Directional
2In 2023, 32.1 percent of employed Blacks were in service occupations, vs 16.4 percent Whites.
Single source
3Black workers comprised 13.2 percent of production and transportation jobs in 2023.
Verified
4Only 9.8 percent of Black workers were in management compared to 32.5 percent Whites 2023.
Verified
5Blacks made up 20.4 percent of healthcare support occupations in 2023.
Directional
6In sales and office, 24.3 percent of Black employed vs 28.1 percent White 2023.
Verified
7Black representation in computer/math occupations: 8.1 percent of those jobs 2023.
Verified
815.7 percent of Black women in healthcare practitioner roles 2023.
Verified
9Blacks 11.2 percent of natural resources/construction/maintenance workers 2023.
Verified
10In protective services, Blacks held 22.6 percent of jobs 2023.
Verified
11Black men overrepresented in transportation at 18.9 percent 2023.
Single source
12Only 4.2 percent of lawyers are Black despite 13.6 percent population 2023.
Verified
13Blacks 26.1 percent of postal service clerks 2023.
Verified
14In education/training/library, Blacks 12.4 percent 2023.
Single source
15Black overrepresentation in food prep/serving: 28.3 percent 2023.
Single source
167.5 percent of physicians/surgeons Black 2023.
Directional
17Blacks 14.2 percent of building/grounds maintenance 2023.
Verified
18In business/financial operations, Blacks 9.3 percent 2023.
Verified
19Black women 35.2 percent of nursing assistants 2023.
Verified
203.1 percent of software developers Black 2023.
Single source
21Blacks 19.8 percent of security guards 2023.
Verified
22In architecture/engineering, Blacks 5.6 percent 2023.
Verified
2316.4 percent of child care workers Black 2023.
Verified
24Black share of CEOs: 1.6 percent in Fortune 500 2023.
Verified
25In personal care aides, 31.7 percent Black 2023.
Verified
2610.2 percent of accountants/auditors Black 2023.
Verified
27Blacks 24.5 percent of home health aides 2023.
Directional
28In legal occupations overall, 5.8 percent Black 2023.
Verified
292.9 percent of civil engineers Black 2023.
Verified

Occupational Segregation Interpretation

The ladder of professional advancement appears to have a stubbornly sticky middle rung for Black workers, who are consistently overrepresented in essential but lower-paid support roles and drastically underrepresented in the higher-paying decision-making and specialized fields that dictate terms.

More related reading

Unemployment Statistics

1In 2023, the annual average unemployment rate for Black or African American workers aged 16 years and over was 5.8 percent, compared to 3.4 percent for White workers.
Verified
2The Black unemployment rate in December 2023 stood at 5.3 percent for those 16 and older, higher than the 3.1 percent national average.
Verified
3Black youth (ages 16-19) experienced an unemployment rate of 12.9 percent in 2023, nearly triple the rate for White youth at 4.5 percent.
Verified
4In Q4 2023, the unemployment rate for Black men aged 20 and over was 6.1 percent, versus 3.2 percent for White men.
Verified
5Black women aged 20 and over had a 5.9 percent unemployment rate in 2023 annual average, compared to 3.3 percent for White women.
Verified
6The long-term unemployment rate (27 weeks or more) for Black workers was 24.5 percent of all unemployed Blacks in 2023, higher than 18.2 percent for Whites.
Verified
7In January 2024, Black unemployment reached 6.1 percent, up from 5.3 percent in December 2023.
Verified
8During the COVID-19 peak in April 2020, Black unemployment hit 16.7 percent, compared to 12.4 percent for Whites.
Verified
9Black unemployment in the South region averaged 6.2 percent in 2023, higher than the national Black average of 5.8 percent.
Single source
10For Black workers with less than a high school diploma, unemployment was 10.2 percent in 2023.
Verified
11College-educated Black workers had a 3.4 percent unemployment rate in 2023, still above the 2.1 percent for White college grads.
Verified
12Black unemployment in construction industry was 7.8 percent in 2023.
Verified
13In manufacturing, Black workers faced 6.5 percent unemployment in 2023 annual data.
Verified
14Black teens (16-19) not in school or working numbered 22.1 percent in 2023.
Verified
15Discouraged Black workers (wanting job but stopped looking) were 1.2 percent of labor force in 2023.
Verified
16Black involuntary part-time workers averaged 3.1 percent of employed in 2023.
Single source
17In 2022, Black unemployment duration averaged 23.4 weeks, vs 20.1 weeks for Whites.
Directional
18Black unemployment in urban areas was 6.0 percent in 2023, vs 5.2 percent in suburbs.
Verified
19For Black veterans, unemployment was 5.2 percent in 2023.
Directional
20Black workers aged 55+ had 5.1 percent unemployment in 2023.
Single source
21In leisure and hospitality, Black unemployment hit 8.4 percent in 2023.
Verified
22Black high school grads (no college) unemployment at 6.3 percent in 2023.
Verified
23During 2023 recession fears, Black unemployment rose to 6.1 percent in October.
Verified
24Black unemployment in professional services was 4.2 percent annual 2023.
Single source
25Marginally attached Black workers were 2.5 percent of labor force in 2023.
Verified
26Black workers in retail trade had 6.0 percent unemployment in 2023.
Directional
27In education and health services, Black unemployment was 5.0 percent 2023.
Directional
28Black unemployment for those with some college was 5.1 percent in 2023.
Verified
29In transportation sector, Black unemployment averaged 5.9 percent 2023.
Verified
30Black workers aged 25-54 prime age unemployment at 5.7 percent 2023.
Single source

Unemployment Statistics Interpretation

The data clearly shows that no matter how you slice it—age, gender, education, industry, or region—the American economy serves Black workers a consistently bitter cocktail of higher unemployment, longer job searches, and greater instability, proving that equality in the labor market remains, at best, a distant garnish.

More related reading

Wage Disparities

1Median weekly earnings for full-time Black workers were $993 in 2023 Q4, 81.2 percent of White median $1,223.
Verified
2Annual median earnings for Black full-time workers in 2022 were $49,300, versus $61,100 for Whites.
Verified
3Black men full-time weekly earnings $1,058 in 2023, 80.5 percent of White men's $1,315.
Directional
4Black women earned $899 weekly full-time in 2023, 84.3 percent of White women's $1,066.
Verified
5In management occupations, Black median weekly pay $1,450 in 2023, vs $1,780 White.
Directional
6Black service workers earned $682 weekly in 2023, 88 percent of White service pay $775.
Verified
7College-educated Blacks earned 73 percent of White college grads' wages in 2023.
Directional
8Black high school grads median weekly $785 in 2023, vs $912 White.
Verified
9In sales occupations, Black weekly earnings $842, 82 percent of White $1,027 in 2023.
Verified
10Black construction workers median $950 weekly 2023, vs $1,120 White.
Verified
11Overall Black-White wage gap narrowed to 18.8 percent in 2023 from 20.1 percent 2022.
Verified
12Black professionals in healthcare earned $1,120 weekly 2023, 85 percent White $1,318.
Single source
13In manufacturing, Black hourly median $22.10 in 2023 May, vs $24.50 White.
Verified
14Black retail sales median $15.80/hour 2023, 92 percent of White $17.20.
Single source
15For Black bachelor's holders, earnings ratio to White was 82.4 percent in 2022.
Verified
16Black supervisors in production earned $28.50/hour 2023, vs $32.10 White.
Verified
17In transportation, Black drivers median $24.20/hour 2023, 89 percent White $27.10.
Verified
18Black office clerks weekly $750 in 2023, 90.4 percent White $829.
Verified
19Wage premium for Black union members 15.2 percent higher than non-union 2023.
Verified
20Black median family income $52,860 in 2022, 59 percent White $89,050.
Verified
21In finance, Black weekly earnings $1,200 2023, vs $1,550 White.
Verified
22Black food service workers $14.50/hour median 2023, 94 percent White $15.40.
Directional
23For Black advanced degree holders, earnings 78 percent of White counterparts 2023.
Directional
24Black janitors median $16.20/hour 2023, vs $17.80 White.
Directional
25In education, Black teachers weekly $1,150 2023, 87 percent White $1,320.
Verified
26Black security guards $18.10/hour median 2023, 91 percent White $19.90.
Directional
27Overall controlled wage gap after education/experience: Blacks earn 88 cents per White dollar.
Directional
28Black cashiers median $13.90/hour 2023, 93 percent White $14.90.
Verified
29In nursing, Black RNs median $38.50/hour 2023, vs $41.20 White.
Verified
30Black laborers $17.40/hour 2023, 89 percent White $19.50.
Verified

Wage Disparities Interpretation

The data reveals a stubbornly persistent pay gap—no matter the education, occupation, or even the union card, Black workers still face a financial discount rate just for being Black.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). Black Employment Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/black-employment-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "Black Employment Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/black-employment-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "Black Employment Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/black-employment-statistics.

Sources & References

  • BLS logo
    Reference 1
    BLS
    bls.gov

    bls.gov

  • CENSUS logo
    Reference 2
    CENSUS
    census.gov

    census.gov

  • EPI logo
    Reference 3
    EPI
    epi.org

    epi.org

  • PEWRESEARCH logo
    Reference 4
    PEWRESEARCH
    pewresearch.org

    pewresearch.org

  • NCES logo
    Reference 5
    NCES
    nces.ed.gov

    nces.ed.gov

  • URBAN logo
    Reference 6
    URBAN
    urban.org

    urban.org

  • AMERICANBAR logo
    Reference 7
    AMERICANBAR
    americanbar.org

    americanbar.org

  • AAMC logo
    Reference 8
    AAMC
    aamc.org

    aamc.org

  • FORTUNE logo
    Reference 9
    FORTUNE
    fortune.com

    fortune.com

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