New York’s Equal Pay Day reveals harsh economic realities for Black and Hispanic women as state intensifies efforts to create a fairer labor market for all

New York – On Equal Pay Day, Governor Kathy Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the persistent gender wage gap in New York State, emphasizing ongoing efforts to ensure equal pay for all. This day marks how long into the new year women must work to match what men earned in the previous year. In New York, women earn approximately 87.3 cents for every dollar earned by men, a slight improvement over the national average but still a gap that demands attention.

“Women are too often the first to care for a child or an aging parent, sacrificing their own financial security in the process and in New York we refuse to accept this as the status quo,” Governor Hochul said.

“We are doing the hard work. We’ve enshrined abortion rights in our constitution, guaranteed women 20 hours of paid prenatal leave, expanded access to childcare, developed workforce development programs to expand opportunities for women and bolster our Minority and Women Owned Business Programs — because when women have the freedom and support to succeed, our entire economy grows. Equal pay isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more equitable future for all and as New York’s first woman Governor, this is a fight I look forward to winning.”

The analysis by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) highlighted the harsher economic realities faced by women of color, with Hispanic and Black women earning significantly less than their white male counterparts. The wage disparities are stark, with Hispanic women earning only 60.6 cents and Black women 67.7 cents for every dollar earned by white non-Hispanic men.

To combat these disparities, the state has launched several programs under Governor Hochul’s administration. The establishment of the New York Coalition for Child Care and the creation of a child care substitute pool aim to lessen childcare barriers that disproportionately affect women’s earnings and job stability. Additionally, a $100 million fund has been allocated to improve childcare facilities, pushing the state closer to universal child care—a move expected to significantly enhance women’s participation in the workforce.

Further strengthening her policy agenda, Governor Hochul has introduced measures in her 2025 State of the State Address and the Fiscal Year 2026 State Executive Budget Proposal that prioritize family-focused initiatives. Among them is the historic expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit, which is projected to impact over 1.5 million families. This enhancement represents the largest increase in the state’s child tax credit ever.

Workplace rights have also seen significant improvements under Hochul’s leadership. New York was the first state to mandate 20 hours of paid prenatal leave. In 2024, the state further supported working mothers by mandating paid time off for breast milk expression, ensuring that women do not have to choose between their health and their employment.

Additionally, the push for a higher minimum wage continues as part of a broader strategy to improve economic outcomes for women, particularly women of color who make up a large portion of minimum wage earners. Alongside wage improvements, the New York Pay Transparency law now requires employers to disclose salary ranges on job postings, empowering women to make informed decisions about their employment opportunities.

NYSDOL’s Career Centers play a crucial role in these efforts, offering free career counseling, skills development, and resources like a salary negotiation guide to help individuals maximize their earnings potential.

These comprehensive efforts reflect New York’s commitment to fostering a labor market that values all workers equally. With annual updates from the NYSDOL on the state of pay equity, New York aims to remain at the forefront of national efforts to close the gender wage gap. For more information on these initiatives, individuals are encouraged to visit the NYSDOL’s Gender Wage Gap Hub.