STUDY: One In Four Private Sector Workers Earn Less Than $10 An Hour

[hue]

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/07/24/573671/one-in-four-private-sector-workers-earn-less-than-10-an-hour/?mobile=nc

The last increase in the federal minimum wage was passed into law four years ago today, but the current minimum wage falls far short of meeting the needs of the average worker. To match the buying power of the 1968 minimum wage, for instance, today’s would need to be increased to $10.55 an hour.

And yet, more than a quarter of America’s private sector workers make less than $10 an hour, according to a report released this month by the National Employment Law Project:

In 2011, more than one in four private sector jobs (26 percent) were low‐wage positions paying less than $10 per hour. These jobs, moreover, were concentrated in industries where low‐wage workers make up a substantial share – in some cases more than half – of the entire workforce.

Worse yet, the share of low-wage jobs is increasing, as five industries that are comprised primarily of low-wage workers have grown faster than total employment since the end of the Great Recession, as this NELP chart shows:

[limpyhobbler]

1. k/r nt

[TheMastersNemesis]

2. The $10 An Hour Job Is Our New Future Per GOP

When Reagan said he was creating a "service economy" it meant $10 an hour for about 80% of the population. As far as Romney is concerned that is enough for worker/servants.

[raccoon]

3. Oh, I believe it. I totally believe it. One more puts this on Greatest! nt

[Bill USA]

4. recommended. bookmarked.

[Mojorabbit]

5. kick nt

[Quantess]

6. That's about what the going rate is.

Depending on your region, you can expect a more or less crappy wage.