(AURN News) — The U.S. economy added 139,000 jobs in May, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the latest numbers also highlight an ongoing gap: Black Americans continue to experience the highest unemployment rate of any racial group.
The national jobless rate remained unchanged at 4.2%, the same as in April. But racial disparities persisted. In May, Black unemployment stood at 6.0%, down slightly from 6.3% in April, yet still the highest among all tracked groups. Hispanic unemployment came in at 5.1%, while white and Asian workers saw rates of 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively.
The small dip in the Black unemployment rate may look encouraging at a glance, but it’s part of a larger pattern. Black workers have historically faced higher jobless rates, and that reality hasn’t shifted even as overall job growth continues.
Health care led job gains in May, adding 62,000 positions — well above the sector’s average monthly growth of 44,000 over the past year. Other parts of the economy were less robust. Federal government employment dropped by 22,000 last month and is down 59,000 since January.
Wages also posted modest growth. Average hourly earnings rose 15 cents in May to $36.24, marking a 3.9% increase over the past 12 months. But many working families — especially those already facing employment barriers — may not feel that boost as rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets.
