Share of change in black-white wage gaps accounted for by observable and unobservable factors, by gender and potential experience, 1979–2015

Total observables Total unobservables  Total
New entrants men 1.21 1.99 0
New entrants women 8.91 1.09 0
Experienced men -0.48 4.56 0
Experienced women 3.28 7.54 0

Note: Experienced workers have 11 to 20 years of experience. New entrants have 0 to 10 years of experience. Change in gaps are of adjusted average hourly wages. Labels on top of bars indicate net change in the black-white wage gap. Total unobservables include factors such as racial discrimination, unobservable skills, and wage inequality. Total observables include education, experience, region of residence, and metro status.

Source: EPI analysis of Current Population Survey (CPS) Outgoing Rotation Group microdata

View the underlying data on epi.org.