US Wage History 823

Pre-1938 US Average Wages 

From 1900 to 1930, the average starting wage in the US for unskilled labor was 25 to 50 cents per hour. An 8 hour day would pay $ 4.00 per day.  Rent was $25 per month. Bread was 2 cents per loaf.

https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HistoricalSociety/GeneralStore/1900wages.htm

From 1930 to 1939, the average starting wage in the US for unskilled labor was 45 cents per hour.  An 8 hour day would pay $3.60 per day. Unemployment in the 1930s was 25%.

https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/pricesandwages/1930-1939

In 1938, Congress established the Minimum Wage Law.

US Federal Minimum Wage History

Year   Min Wage

1938    0.25

1939    0.30

1945    0.40

1950    0.75

1956   1.00   

1961   1.15

1963   1.25

1967   1.40

1968   1.60

1974   2.00

1975   2.10

1976   2.20

1977   2.30

1978   2.65

1979   2.90

1980   3.10

1981   3.35

1990   3.80

1991   4.25

1996   4.75

1997   5.15

2007   5.85

2008   6.55

2009   7.25

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart

https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hour-payment-act/minimum-wage-history

Comments

The State Minium Wage in 19 States is 7.25/hr. It ranges from 8.75 to 16.10 in 33 other States and Districts

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader