Charted: Low Wages Impact Millions of U.S. Workers Across All Education Levels
A new chart shows U.S. low-wage workers by education level. Nearly 43 million people earn less than $20 per hour. This data highlights a clear link between schooling and pay.
Education plays a major role in determining earnings. However, it does not guarantee high wages. This reality persists despite a strong labor market.
Less Education, Higher Risk
Workers without a high school diploma face the greatest risk. About 67% of this group earns under $20 an hour. That equals nearly 6.9 million individuals.
People with only a high school diploma also struggle. In fact, 43% of them are low-wage workers. This group totals almost 15.9 million people.
College Degrees Are Not a Shield
Some college education offers only partial protection. Therefore, over 12.8 million with some college earn below the threshold. That is more than one-third of such workers.
Even advanced degrees do not eliminate low wages. About 12% of college graduates still earn under $20 hourly. This translates to roughly 7.2 million workers.
The Bigger Picture
Multiple factors influence income beyond education. Industry, location, and market conditions all matter. In conclusion, while education is powerful, it is not an absolute shield against low pay.
