Latina Equal Pay Day reminds us just how far into the year Latinas must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men made the year before. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Latinas working full time and year round make about 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men (AAUW, 2025). When part-time and seasonal workers are included, that number drops to 51 to 54 cents (Equal Pay Today, 2025).

Over a lifetime, that pay gap adds up to more than 1.3 million dollars in lost wages for the average Latina worker (Latina Futures, 2024). In a single year, it amounts to about 32,000 dollars less than white men earn for similar work (National Organization for Women, 2025).

Education doesn’t fix the gap either. Even among college graduates, Latinas earn only 59 cents for every dollar earned by white men with the same level of education (Axios, 2023). These disparities don’t just affect individuals, they ripple through families and communities.

Lower wages mean fewer opportunities to build wealth, invest in education, and access financial stability. For many Latinas who are also caregivers or heads of household, this inequity creates added stress and fewer options for growth (California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, 2024).

The solutions are clear but require commitment. Employers can conduct pay equity audits and make salaries transparent. Policymakers can push forward legislation like the Paycheck Fairness Act, which aims to close loopholes in existing wage laws (U.S. Congress, 2024).

Most importantly, we as Latinas must continue advocating for ourselves and each other – whether that’s negotiating pay, mentoring others, or holding leadership accountable.

At Mujeres in Marketing, we know change begins in community.

We’re creating spaces for Latinas to learn, lead, and lift each other as we claim the value of our work and voices.

This Latina Equal Pay Day, we invite you to join us for our upcoming conversation on negotiating pay with confidence and building the professional tools needed to close the gap. Together, we can make equity not just a goal, but a guarantee.