Two-thirds (64%) of low-wage workers are in their prime working years of 25 to 54.
More than half (57%) work full-time year-round, the customary schedule for employment intended to provide financial security.
About half (51%) are primary earners or contribute substantially to family living expenses.
Thirty-seven percent have children. Of this group, 23% live below the federal poverty line.
Less than half (45%) of low-wage workers ages 18 to 24 are in school or already have a college degree.
These statistics tell an important story: Millions of hardworking American adults struggle to eke out a living and support their families on very low wages.
What should be done? Some suggest that education and “upskilling” is the answer, arguing that if these workers got more education and increased their skills, they would move up to higher-paying jobs.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2020/01/08/low-unemployment-isnt-worth-much-if-the-jobs-barely-pay/ 