What do you earn and where do you live?

I want to get a good idea of what is considered a “good rate” by gen z. I was born 2004.

I live in Washington, USA. Minimum wage in the Seattle area is 19.97 and I think it’s at least 20.10 in some cities. State min wage is 16.28. Seems high to anyone who might not live in the west coast but things here are stupidly expensive.

I earn $22 per hr and it doesn’t feel like a lot. I know it doesn’t sound bad but $22 in 2024 has the same purchasing power as $18.01 in 2019. It’s not bad, but really not that good. I also work 36 hrs a week and I can’t go above that because my schedule is strict.

I work in a kitchen and most of everyone else is earning at least $24, some may earn as high as $28-29 . Almost everyone I know lives in a apartments, many have to rely on the bus because they can’t afford a car.

Anyone who lives in the west coast has a similar experience? My online friends tell me I’m killing it at $22/hour but they live in other parts of the US.

Also how are you Canadian gen z holding up? In terms of money, I’ve heard some of you guys are struggling.