Wage Disparities by Ethnicity and Education
For the 100.6 million full-time wage and salary workers in the U.S., the median wage amounted to ($753). Further demographic breakdown, by ethnicity and education, are featured below on the graph.
In terms of ethnicity, Asians appeared to be top earners, with median weekly earnings at ($872). Median weekly earnings of Hispanics who worked full time ($565) were lower than the median weekly earnings of blacks ($623) and whites ($770), the B.L.S. confirmed.
Education played a substantial role in average weekly earnings as well, as high school graduates ($643) and individuals with no high school diploma ($458) made far less money than individuals with an associate degree ($743) or a bachelor’s degree ($1,043).
Overall, the data portrays some alarming figures, especially the lower earning echelons. Looking at the average weekly earnings by ethnicity, perhaps the breakdown is as much a reflection of the unrelenting pressure of the recession, as it is a statement on the varying degrees of social and economic opportunities available here in our nation.
The schooling data has less surprises. A familiar adage comes to mind when observing the educational demographics – more education equals more wealth. This explanation supports the notion that potential earning increases exponentially as greater learning and networking opportunities become available.