Black and Latino workers in southeast Michigan, particularly those living in Detroit, have less access to the region's fastest-growing, well-paying jobs, according to a report released Monday by Detroit Future City.
The nonprofit's report, "Growth Occupations: Opportunities for more equitable participation in Detroit's Growing Economy," says the reasons for this gap include the need for skills training as well as systemic racism and discrimination in hiring. Detroit Future City's Center for Equity, Engagement and Research worked with Brookings Metro on the analysis of the American Community Survey.
According to the report, 16% of Black workers in the region are in a growth occupation compared to 26% of White workers. These jobs include 107 roles in three major fields: management, business and finance; healthcare and computers, engineering and science. Wages for these positions would be considered middle-class at a minimum of $25 per hour as of 2019.
