Job Prospects for Black Workers Have Never Been Better—In Ways That Might Last

Record low unemployment rate for Black workers in tight job market as they move into higher-paying industries and occupations, offering better long-term stability and resilience in potential recession.

May 18, 2023 . 5:51 PM

1 min read

Unemployment rate for Black workers fell to record low of 4.7% in April, accounting for nearly half the total employment gain since February 2020.
Black workers moved into higher-paying industries and occupations, such as professional and business services, finance, and construction.
Gap between unemployment rate for white Americans and Black Americans narrowed to 1.6 percentage points, the narrowest on record.
Improved job prospects could provide resilience for Black workers in potential recession.
Long-term forces are reshaping U.S. labor market and growing Black workforce.