| Annual Earnings at the Minimum
Wage Compared to the Poverty Guideline for a Family of Three: 1970-1996 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Minimum Wage ($/Hour) | Annual Earnings at Minimum Wage | Federally Defined Poverty Level (Family of 3) |
| 1970 | $1.60 | $3,200 | $3,100 |
| 1975 | 2.15 | 4,300 | 4,450 |
| 1976 | 2.35 | 4,700 | 4,650 |
| 1977 | 2.35 | 4,700 | 5,050 |
| 1978 | 2.65 | 5,300 | 5,200 |
| 1979 | 2.90 | 5,800 | 5,800 |
| 1980 | 3.10 | 6,200 | 6,600 |
| 1981 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 7,300 |
| 1982 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 7,760 |
| 1983 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 8,220 |
| 1984 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 8,460 |
| 1985 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 8,850 |
| 1986 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 9,120 |
| 1987 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 9,300 |
| 1988 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 9,690 |
| 1989 | 3.35 | 6,700 | 10,060 |
| 1990 | 3.80 | 7,600 | 10,560 |
| 1991 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 11,140 |
| 1992 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 11,570 |
| 1993 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 11,890 |
| 1994 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 12,320 |
| 1995 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 12,590 |
| 1996 | 4.25 | 8,500 | 12,980 |
(assumes person works 40 hrs/wk and 50 wks/year).
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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