Here are the least paid demographics in the United States

In the land of the free, the American Dream is often sold as an achievable goal for anyone willing to work hard enough. But for some demographics, that dream feels like a distant illusion, as they struggle to make ends meet on low wages and face persistent income inequality.

Women, people of color, young workers, those with lower levels of education, and part-time and hourly workers are often among the least paid in the United States. While these demographics are not mutually exclusive, they all share one common struggle: the fight for fair pay and the ability to live a decent life.

Women, who make up around half of the US workforce, continue to face a gender pay gap, with women earning less than men in nearly every occupation. On average, women earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This gap is even wider for women of color, with Black women earning around 63 cents and Latina women earning around 55 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men.

This disparity is particularly harmful to women who are the sole breadwinners for their families or who have caregiving responsibilities, as they often have to stretch their income to cover basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. The gender pay gap also has a ripple effect on the economy, as it limits women's ability to save for retirement, invest in education or start a business, and contribute to economic growth.

People of color, particularly Black and Hispanic workers, also face persistent wage gaps, with Black workers on average earning about 75% of what white workers earn, and Hispanic workers earning about 82%, according to the BLS. These disparities are not solely due to differences in education or experience, but also to structural racism and discrimination that limit opportunities for people of color.

These wage gaps also exacerbate existing wealth inequality, as people of color are more likely to live in poverty and have fewer opportunities to build generational wealth. Additionally, people of color are often overrepresented in low-paying industries like food service and retail, which offer little job security or benefits.

Young workers, particularly those without a college degree, are often among the least paid as well. According to the BLS, workers aged 16 to 24 earn an average of $12.93 per hour, which is lower than the overall median hourly wage of $19.14. Young workers may face challenges like lack of experience, limited job opportunities, and a lack of bargaining power due to their age and inexperience.

Those with lower levels of education, particularly those without a high school diploma, also tend to earn less than those with higher levels of education. For example, according to the BLS, workers with a high school diploma earn an average of $38,792 per year, while those with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $74,568 per year. This can create a vicious cycle of poverty, where low wages make it difficult to afford education or training, which in turn limits opportunities for higher-paying jobs.

Part-time and hourly workers are often among the least paid as well, as they typically do not receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for part-time workers is $12.64, which is lower than the median hourly wage for full-time workers. This can make it difficult for part-time workers to afford basic needs like healthcare or save for emergencies.

For several decades, these demographics have often been among the least-paid workers in the US, facing a range of challenges that limit their ability to live a decent life and achieve their dreams. The fight for fair pay and economic justice is ongoing, and it's up to all of us to recognize and address these disparities to create a more equitable society.