Get A New Job Now If You’re Not Making This Much In UT & ID

The debate about minimum wage in the United States is a hot topic, with some arguing for a higher federal minimum wage, while others believe it should be left to the states to decide. As of January 1, 2024, 30 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. However, the situation varies widely across the country.

Do you make enough to be considered middle class in Idaho?

Five states have not adopted minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In these states, the federal minimum wage applies. This means that many workers in these states earn just $7.25 per hour, well below the living wage in most areas of the country.

Two states, Georgia and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7.25 per hour. However, since federal law takes precedence, the minimum wage in these states is effectively also $7.25 per hour.

The disparity between these states and those with higher minimum wages is striking. For example, California has a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour, more than double the federal minimum wage. Even more, the District of Columbia stands out with its $17.00 per hour rate.

If you're single in Idaho, this is how much you need to make to have a quality life. 

Minimum wage is a complex issue, tied up with cost of living, inflation, and economic factors that vary from state to state. However, all agree on one thing, and that's the importance of a fair wage for hard work. The question remains: what is the best way to ensure this?

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures