4 ms·
What is considered a living wage to you? I'm honestly asking because that term is thrown around in the US, but no one can ever define a number. In many large
by j_walter 3y ago
What is considered a living wage to you? I'm honestly asking because that term is thrown around in the US, but no one can ever define a number.
In many large cities in the US the starting wage for a fast food worker can be $18+/hr. For someone working in an upscale restaurant can easily get hundreds per day in tips.
- Symbiote 3y agoSince the purpose is to be a minimum wage to live in, it means a wage expected for low-skill jobs. $18/hr is also a typical American salary for a new teacher [1], or $25+ with more experience, and I don't think working in an upscale restaurant should pay better. [1] Many hits on Google.
- 3littlefish 3y agoThe average wage in Spain is 2268 EUR per month (very low compared to many places), though people in the service industry will earn less than that of course. In the villages a coffee is about EUR 1.50-1.80 and a set 3-course lunch is around EUR 11-13 (but more in the big cities). There are a lot of cultural differences (obviously) but the cost of living is generally less overall. Cafes and restaurants here are often staffed by either younger people still studying (and usually living at home), or older people. It isn't a route to riches by any stretch, but people get a set minimum wage which should be enough to afford rent/shopping without needing to be supplemented with tips. That said - life is hard and the cost of living is definitely going up here. You wouldn't earn hundreds of Euros in tips even in the best Spanish restaurants though.
- j_walter 3y agoWould you believe that most restaurants in the US have a minimum 18% tip if you have more than 6 people in your party? The norms here are very different and part of the problem is lifestyle expectations. Minimum wage isn't expected to be glamorous, but some people think that having roommates is not a reasonable expectation for anyone.
- 3littlefish 3y agoSimilar in the UK to be fair. Tables of 6+ often have a tip (10-15%) added as standard, though this is still "discretionary."
- j_walter 3y agoIt is not discretionary most places here...it is mandatory.
- m_0x 3y ago> I'm honestly asking because that term is thrown around in the US, but no one can ever define a number. There is no definition because it is impossible to define. Everyone will say a number based on their very specific circumstances, problems and expected quality of life (Which will also vary from person to person) The elephant in the room is that besides trying to define a number for a livable wage there is nothing else but an extreme status quo replacement.