Living Wages vs Minimum Wages; Is Minimum Wage Livable, and Fair? By: Katie Ho

As the cost of living continues to rise around the U.S, many believe the average U.S minimum wage earning is not enough to keep up with the constantly growing economy. Many believe the need for standard living is no longer obtainable, especially when paychecks are calculated based on minimum wage. So, the question is, is minimum wage fair? 

While the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25, and has been since 2009, the amount of minimum wage ranges depends on state to state. Avery Kelley, a student at Hillgrove High School, stated, “I recognize my minimum wage here is so much less than it is in Illinois, which is the state I'm from. And so, it's interesting just how like different cities with bigger metropolitan areas have it then, compared to like states in the South.” Expressing how minimum wages can range depending on area, Avery describes how Illinois’s minimum wage is much higher than southern states. Liliana Clark, another student at Hillgrove High School, also stated, “It’s probably based off the poverty level and crime rates, the demographics also.” Suggesting how mimimum wages can possibly depend on areas ranging from crime, poverty, and different demographics.

However, though minimum wage ranges between states and cities, many still believe that minimum wage is unrealistic, unlivable, and affects poverty levels. Liliana Clark said, “I think it affects it greatly, because people will be working like a dog, literally working like a dog, and still get paid, what, $7 yeah. And it will really impact them and their families.” Explaining how minimum wage affects poverty levels greatly, and how much workers are working for so little. Avery Kelley also stated, “I think it should be at least $15 for the work that minimum wage workers do.” Proposing that minimum wage should be increased to balance out what workers do. 

As the debate over minimum wage continues, it remains clear that many believe minimum wage is not livable by today's standard of living. Whether it depends on the state or job, the minimum wage is considered unfair by those standards of many. So, this leaves the question, is minimum wage fair?