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Wages Of Hispanic Women Decline Nearly 21 Percent In Wisconsin
Wisconsin Has Biggest Decline In Wages Of Hispanic Women Out Of All 50 States
A new report shows wages of Hispanic women in Wisconsin declined 20.8 percent during the last decade.
The Institute for Women's Policy Research analyzed census data from the American Community Survey between 2004 and 2014. Wages of Hispanic women decreased 4.5 percent nationwide, but Wisconsin had the biggest decline out of all 50 states in the United States.
In the report, an average of wages from 2002-2004 showed the median annual earnings of Hispanic women working full-time, year-round in Wisconsin were $31,585. The average from 2012-2014 showed their median annual earnings were $25,000.
Julie Anderson, research associate at the institute, said it's not obvious what is causing the wage decline. However, women of color still face discrimination in the job market, she said.
"We know that to some degree, there still is simple gender discrimination and race discrimination occurring," Anderson said. "That can be in hiring practices, promotion practices and pay equity."
Women of color are more likely to work low-waged jobs and are more vulnerable to wage theft, according to the report.
Anderson said in order for things to improve, the minimum wage should be increased and tied to the rate of inflation. She also said women need to be made aware they have the right to ask about their wages to make sure they are paid fairly.
Wisconsin is also one of the top five states that saw a decline in black women's wages. Their wages went from $32,901 in 2004 to $30,000 in 2014, an 8.8 percent decrease.
In Wisconsin, African-American women are paid 64 cents for every $1 paid to white, non-Hispanic men, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. Hispanic women are paid 54 cents to the white man's dollar.
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