A new report from the California Budget & Policy Center sheds light on the enduring wage gap disproportionately impacting Black women and Black single mothers in California. Authored by Hannah Orbach-Mandel, Laura Pryor, and Nishi Nair, in collaboration with Kellie Todd Griffin from the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, the report titled “Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California” unveils how structural barriers steeped in racism and sexism continue to obstruct economic opportunities, creating ripple effects on families and communities.
The findings are stark. On average, Black women in California earned $54,000 annually in 2022, while Black single mothers earned just $50,000. Comparatively, white men earned nearly $90,000. Simply put, for every dollar a white man earns, Black women receive only $0.60, and Black single mothers just $0.56. These discrepancies highlight the systemic inequities embedded in the labor market.
“Black women work hard and significantly contribute to California’s economy, yet the system continues to work against them,” said policy analyst Hannah Orbach-Mandel. “The Black women wage gap doesn’t just affect Black women; it hurts families and entire communities. Without targeted policy interventions, these disparities will persist for generations, keeping Black women and their families in cycles of economic hardship.”.”
The economic consequences of this gap are profound. Black women and single mothers often must juggle multiple jobs to afford essentials like housing, childcare, and groceries due to decades of systemic racism and sexism and policies that have not been updated with consideration and support for them. The report emphasizes that equitable wages for Black women could mean eight years’ worth of groceries, a full year of rent, or two years of childcare expenses—transformative changes for many households.
“This report confirms what Black women in California have known for generations — our labor is invaluable, but our worth is consistently undervalued. The wage gap is not just a number; it’s a reflection of systemic racism and sexism that has persisted for far too long,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, president and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.
“Black women are the backbone of our families and communities, yet we’re forced to navigate economic systems that were never designed to support us. It’s time for policymakers to enact bold, transformative policies that prioritize pay equity, affordable childcare, and leadership opportunities for Black women. Economic justice for Black women isn’t just beneficial for us — it strengthens California as a whole.”
The report outlines key policy recommendations to address these disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Strengthening pay transparency and equity laws is crucial to combating wage discrimination and ensuring fair compensation. Expanding access to affordable childcare programs can help reduce the financial burdens faced by single mothers, enabling greater workforce participation. Additionally, supporting workforce development in high-growth industries is essential for improving job opportunities for Black women and fostering economic stability. Increasing investment in affordable housing is another critical step in addressing the high cost of living that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Finally, promoting leadership development programs can enhance Black women’s representation in higher-paying roles, creating pathways for career advancement and economic empowerment.
Without decisive action, the report warns it could take nearly a century—until 2121— to close the wage gap for Black women in California.
“This isn’t just about paychecks; it’s about ending discrimination and ensuring that Black women, single moms, and their families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Laura Pryor, research director at the California Budget & Policy Center. “California has the opportunity to lead in closing these wage gaps by implementing policies that promote economic security.”