Historically, black women have had higher labor force participation rates than white and Hispanic women. Between 1994 and 1996, however, black and white women had virtually identical rates-approximately 59 percent. Hispanic women participated at a rate of about 53 percent. Women's share of the labor force reached 46 percent in 1994 and has remained at this level. By 2005, women are projected to comprise 48 percent of the labor force.
Educational attainment is a reliable predictor of labor force participation.
The higher the level of education, the lower the unemployment rate. The presence and age of children also affects the participation rate of women. Mothers with teenagers are more likely to be in the labor force than those with younger children. Many women choose the armed forces as an employer. There were 193,000 women in the active military as of January 31, 1999-14 percent of the military.