New Study Finds 1 in 3 American Workers Earn Less Than $15 Per Hour

October 13, 2025

(Gray News) – Approximately one in three workers in the United States earns less than $15 per hour, according to new findings.

Oxfam America, a poverty-fighting advocacy group, released the findings on Monday.

A wage of $15 per hour works out to $31,200 a year, based on a full-time 40-hour work week.

The report is part of the push to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25, where it has stood since 2009. Oxfam America said that with inflation at a 40-year high, the value of the minimum wage has fallen by at least 21%.

The researchers also say that 47% of Black workers are below the $15 per hour threshold, which is almost double the share of white workers at 26%.

A similar gap appears among women: 40% report earning less than $15 per hour, compared with 25% of men.

Oxfam America found that the vast majority of workers earning under $15 per hour are not teenagers: 89% are 20 years old or older.

Madelyn Carter

My name is Madelyn Carter, and I’m a Texas-born journalist with a passion for telling stories that connect communities. I’ve spent the past decade covering everything from small-town events to major statewide issues, always striving to give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. For me, reporting isn’t just about delivering the news — it’s about building trust and shining a light on what matters most to Texans.