Black Women Earn 66 Cents Dollar Nationally on Equal Pay Day

Black Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025, observed on July 10, highlights the persistent and severe wage disparities between Black women and white men, with Black women earning only about 66 to 67 cents for every dollar earned by white men nationally, and as low as 53 cents in Mississippi. This pay gap means Black women must work nearly seven extra months into the new year to earn what white men made the previous year, resulting in an estimated $1 million loss in earnings over a 40-year career. The inequity is exacerbated by factors such as occupational segregation, historic discrimination, employer salary-setting practices based on job history, and bans on salary discussions. The challenges are compounded by rising unemployment rates for Black women and cuts to public sector jobs and social programs under the current administration, which disproportionately affect Black women and their communities. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for policy changes like the Paycheck Fairness Act and increased salary transparency, as well as cultural shifts encouraging Black women to negotiate and advocate for fair pay. Despite slight improvements attributed to economic responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements, experts remain skeptical about sustained progress given ongoing economic and systemic barriers.