This brief analyzes the employment patterns and socioeconomic characteristics of Latinos. Nationally, Hispanics constitute 11.1 percent of the U.S. workforce. The number of Latino workers is expected to grow by 36.3 percent this decade. Working Latinos have persistently had high poverty and unemployment rates due to such factors as insufficient education and discrimination. The Latino workforce is younger than the black or white workforce. Mexicans constitute the majority of employed Latinos. Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate. Employment and labor force participation rates vary widely between Hispanic subgroups. Latinas have lower employment and labor force participation than non-Hispanic females. Working-age Latinos have lower educational attainment levels than their black and white peers. Latinos with more than a high school education earn less than other groups with similar educational backgrounds. Latinos represent one in ten employed workers but are a much larger share of the workforce in specific industries. Patterns of concentration in specific occupations are distinct between racial/ethnic groups. Latinos are especially likely to work in low-paying occupations. The Hispanic unemployment rate is significantly higher than that of Whites but lower than that of Blacks. Unemployment rates vary significantly between Hispanic subgroups. Fewer Latinos are affiliated with unions than are members of other groups. Disparities in pension coverage remains between Latino and other unionized workers. (Contains 13 references and 11 tables/figures.) (SM)