Survey reveals changing job landscape for diverse workers

Over the last few decades, the makeup of the U.S. labor force has changed significantly with women accounting for half of all workers and companies becoming both racially and ethnically diverse. CareerBuilder surveyed more than 1,300 workers to gauge how their work experience has evolved with their growing proportions in the U.S. workforce.

The survey findings reveal continued inequalities between diverse and nondiverse groups. Women and Hispanic workers were twice as likely to hold an administrative or clerical entry-level job. African-American workers were nearly twice as likely. More than half of women, Hispanics and workers with disabilities reported earning less than $50,000 compared to three in 10 white male workers.

Asian workers were the most likely to report salaries of $50,000 or more and were among the highest for earning six figures, but only 11 percent report holding a management position. Most Asian workers (69 percent) fall into the professional/technical category and were the most likely of all segments to work in technology-related positions. Disabled workers also ranked high in the professional/technical category at 62 percent, and were the most likely of all segments to work in health-related positions and social assistance.

Workers are aware of the improving employment landscape and are making plans to find better earning and advancement opportunities. Nearly 38 percent of workers plan to look for new jobs as the economy improves. More than half of nondiverse workers feel diverse workers have a better chance of landing a new job. Thirty-four percent of diverse workers agree.