Skills Aren’t Enough: Race and Pay in St. Louis’s SUE Population

The Stat

$19,000 income gap between black and white SUE (skilled underpaid earners) workers

The Insight

Even for workers who have developed clear skills, but are held back by degree requirements, race remains a persistent predictor of economic outcome. The SUE cluster as a whole is 41% white and 46% Black, but income and unemployment gaps are wide. Black SUE residents have a median household income of $52,769 and unemployment rate of 6.9%, while White SUE residents’ median household income is $71,947 with 3% unemployment.

Why It Matters

Skill gaps are not the only barrier. For Black SUE workers in St. Louis, the return on experience and demonstrated competency is significantly lower, pointing to structural inequities in hiring, advancement, and pay.

👉 Full analysis in the Enhanced Labor Market Analysis (ELMA) made in partnership with the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership, Key Strategic Group, and East-West Gateway