Hispanics to account for 74% of U.S. labor force in next 10 years

Hispanics are expected to account for 74% of the growth in the nation's labor force from 2010 to 2020, according to new projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

A major reason is that the Hispanic population is growing rapidly due to births and immigration. At the same time, the aging of the non-Hispanic white population is expected to reduce their numbers in the labor force.

Another important factor is that Hispanics have a higher labor force participation rate than other groups. The nation's labor force participation rate-that is, the share of the population ages 16 and older either employed or looking for work-was 64.7% in 2010. Among Hispanics, the rate was 67.5%. There are two main explanations for this gap: Hispanics are a younger population than other groups, and include a higher share of immigrants.