Income can vary between different groups much like cognition, and sexuality. Overall, there is no right or wrong number, for wages or income, its a number and it either works for a specific person or it doesn't. Overall, there are some basic guidelines that developed between 2014/2015 that are fairly consistent through 2018/2019 and that will continue now that the recession is over.
$85k to $150k per person is about average for modern adults.
Mostly, nobody is going to admit to how much money they make except to the IRS, there is very little tax evasion, or even crimes for that matter with people making over $60k per year. Just one night in jail for a fist fight can cost over $5k when low income penalty waivers aren't available.
Jobs often depend on brain function, for example someone that is unable to understand anatomy and circulatory systems is very unlikely to be a surgeon. However, this does not mean that a person with a job that requires a lower IQ is not able to perform at a job that requires a higher IQ. It just means they chose a job that is not representative of their IQ for income.
Work Developments
Overall, work is going away from the 40 hour work week and veering towards 25 to 35 hours in developed nations with less than 20 minute commutes, paid time off only, meaning someone will either be at work or not and no doctors notes or absence documentation is needed, many benefits are paid for out of pocket so cash only compensation is normal, and some employers offer unlimited time off or 4-8 weeks of PTO.
This is because independent work has become the preferred work style for many people, and even if they are working in small groups or with other independent workers, they have a lot of control and autonimity over how their work reflects them and which projects they are willing to contribute to and attach their name to.
Computer programmers, it administrators, writers, authors, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, editors, marketers, and more recently lawyers, accountants, and hr specialists have all selected independent work that is goal based, financially stable, and set your own schedule as the preferred work method and most favorable work condition.
There are a few industries that require 40 hour or more per week workers and many of them are going towards shift work. For example a 20 hour per week worker and a 30 hour per week worker can complete the same 50 hour work week as a 50 hour worker with less exhaustion and fatigue which can mean less mistakes and better revenues for the employer.
Overall, developed nations need better work life balance, more time with friends and family, and more financial stability that can lead to better environments for human growth and development.
Gender based wage gaps
Iceland beats developed nations in wage similarities for men and women having lead the study on wage disparities, had its population protest the differences, and implemented laws on same pay for same job roles at the same company.
A concern here would be women being placed at lower paying companies and men being placed at higher paying companies but still with the same job role. Iceland is always on top of things and thinking ahead of the problems before they arise.
Sustainable Economies and Smart Cities
Economies outside of socialist and communist areas have a tendency to crash often, without warning, and leave people in dire need for financial assistance without an ability to qualify because their income levels or savings, which may last less then 2 years in a recession, are too high. This creates many problems.
Sustainable economies focus on several things:
- Economies that are at least functional during a recession and don't cause people to sell all their property or belongings in order to make ends meet. This has a dire effect of potentially starting in a new economy broke and destitute rather than rested and ready to work.
- Often focused on renewable energy to power the electrical grid because it is easier to manage than nuclear power plants, an area of human development that not many people have studied or have an interest in.
- Economies that are circular meaning that if government workers have to go into the retail industry to make purchases, pack everything up, and send it back into a warehouse in order to get all the retail workers their direct deposit then that is what will happen.
- Few points of failure, meaning having one or two people quit their jobs won't cause a recession or industry wide economic crash.
- Work that meets cost of living in an area, and requires little effort to get started even if lots of effort may be required to progress to the more difficult tasks that often times pay more or allow more free time and amenities.
- Also circular in that they are self sustaining meaning that there is a clear line of services required and available to exchange work for income or money. The services are also modular and can be replaced fairly easily if there is a failure to meet agreements.
Smart Cities
Modern cities are implied to be smart cities, if something is current, futuristic, and contemporary; why wouldn't it be smart? Smart cities have lots of automation, lots of alerts, lots of places to socialize and make friends without being harassed or stressed, and its easy and effortless to find work, obtain a worthwhile home, find nutritious foods and beverages, and enjoy amenities near home and/or work.
Most smart cities focus on achieving and maintaining a developed nation status including financial stability as a top priority, reducing or minimizing hand holding or micromanaging, and freeing up time for feedback, comments, planning, and improvements based on majority votes and area consensus.
The goal is to make life effortless, plan for resource availability and distribution intelligently, and free up time to plan for future human developments without stress, anxiety, or cramped and unmanageable schedules.
Financial Stability Threshold
Most working adults in western hemisphere developed nations are single, few are in relationships although the number of adults in ongoing or long term relationships is increasing as an ongoing trend.
Numbers:
- $0 to $45k per year - low income and requires government services, financial planning and budgeting, plus workplace training.
- $50k to $60k - Often times the minimum wage for 1 adult which is $25 to $30 per hour. Includes money for home, transportation, medical costs, clothing, shoes, beverages, foods, outings, and vacations. Depending on budgeting can include money for gifts and family visits. If its necessary for well being, money for gifts and family visits outside the area will often be included, otherwise its optional or the money can be used for additional vacation time, clothing, home based amenities, or outings.
- $85k to $150k - this is the average for a person with more than 5 years experience and is set to be the wage for workers that are planning to rent and have stable pricing on expenses and necessities throughout their life. Can vary based on performance.
- $160k to $210k - this is often the upper wage threshold for high performers and can lead to nicer clothes, nicer car, nicer apartment or home, or additional money for vacations, outings, and at home amenities.
- $400k is the threshold where equal and proportionate taxes currently ends and where income is taxed based on international treaties and agreements.
How much does a YouTuber make?
This is one of the most uncomfortable questions ever asked because most people no longer freely and openly disclose incomes due to financial privacy and personal safety risks. However, they do fall within the threshold for developed nation single adults based on available data.
- As of 2016, around $75k per person or per channel for regular content and a good follower count.
- As of Summer 2024, $120k per year for a typical content creator which is $10k per month or slightly over $2k per week.
Compare this to the US Federal Poverty level which allocates $52k per year for a family of 8 people in 2024 and about $5k for each additional person per year. As of 2010, a single person living in a big city renting a room for less than $500 per month needed around $20k to $24k per year just to pay for the room, food, and moderate transportation, usually a bus or train pass.
Most healthcare costs are self pay at these income levels with the exception of long term or terminal illness, in which case expanded medicaid is the suggested option among voters.