What is the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage?

The difference between a minimum wage and a living wage is an important consideration when it comes to labor law in Washington. A minimum wage is the lowest wage rate that an employer is legally allowed to pay an employee for their work. In Washington, the current minimum wage is $13.50 per hour, and it increases yearly. A living wage, on the other hand, is a wage rate that is sufficient to cover the cost of basic living expenses, such as food, housing, and utilities. It is often determined by taking the total cost of living in a given area and dividing it by the number of working hours needed to earn that amount. In Washington, the living wage is $19.73 per hour, which is significantly higher than the minimum wage. The difference between a minimum wage and a living wage is significant and can have a large impact on employees in the state of Washington. For example, an employee earning the minimum wage may not be able to afford necessary living expenses, while an employee earning the living wage may find it easier to make ends meet. As such, it is important for employers to be aware of the difference between these two wages and make sure that their employees are being paid appropriately.

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What is the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage?

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