43 Million U.S. Workers Earn Under $20 per Hour: Education Breakdown
A new analysis charts American workers earning low wages. Nearly 43 million people make less than $20 per hour. This data clearly links education levels to earning power.
The labor market is currently strong. However, millions still take home low average pay. Therefore, education alone does not guarantee high wages.
Less Education Means Higher Risk
Workers without a high school diploma face the greatest risk. About 67% of this group earns under $20 hourly. That equals roughly 6.9 million individuals.
People with only a high school diploma also struggle. In fact, 43% of them are low-wage workers. This represents the largest group, at nearly 15.9 million people.
College Is Not a Complete Shield
Some college education offers only partial protection. More than one-third of these workers earn below the threshold. Consequently, 12.9 million people with some college are low-wage.
Even a completed degree does not eliminate the issue. About 12% of college graduates still earn under $20 per hour. This means over 7 million degree-holders are affected.
The Bigger Picture
Education strongly influences earnings, but other factors matter. Industry, location, and job market conditions all play key roles. In summary, while education is crucial, it is not an absolute solution for low pay.
