What do you think a decent wage should be for a college educated 24 year old living in MA?
605765
Most of what the one poster said is true, with a few exceptions.\n\nA good math teacher may start at 35000, but can end up at the better end of 60,000 after a few years.\n\nComputer science is actually a fairly in demand major, despite the tech bubble burst. They are still reporting starting salaries in the 50,000 range. The burst caused an exodus in the computer science major, which has actually worried companies like Microsoft, Intel, IBM, etc.\n\nYou have the equivalent of an A.S. degree, though. A decent salary might be 22-25 thousand.
366512
This isn't perfect or exact but this should be a pretty close representation of a typical family:\n\nhttp://www.bls.gov/ro9/cexphoe.htm\n\nIf you're in California or the east coast then I'd expect housing to be a lot closer to 50%-60% of income.
623997
Asked off the bat abourt minimum wage the average joe would most definitely be in support of rasing the thing out the waaaaaaaazzzzzoooooo. When one really thinks about rasing the minimum wage in each city we realize that not everyone will directly benefit from a raise. For instance, a recent study shows that most individuals that take a minimum wage job move up in pay to a position  that is above both the state and the federal minimum wage within three months. If one was to raise the federal minimum wage I believe that it would cause an overall pay raise, thus having no affect at all because of the raise in living that would quickly follow. Although this hypothisies hasn’t been proven due to a lack of searching skills, I have found that some others will side with me on this belief. \n\nAnother issue that is along the lines of minimum wage,and is just as promonent, is a term called living wage.  Although there isn’t exactly a  set figure on what a living wage is, a general definition for some one living in Vermont  would be that minimum wage is a salary that a single individual or family can live off of with 5% left over for spending. Its clearly a serious issue. Companies see more and more young, unexperienced individuals entering their businesses, and there for it is easier for them to keep their wages a level that is very low.\n\nI believe that it is very important for one to keep in mind the type of work that is under the minimum wage blanket. Typically the individual that is being paid minimum wage is doing all of the difficult jobs. Many of the individuals that work as cashiers for example are often required to stand in one posistion for hours at a time. Although the work isnt as phsycially  demanding as general labor, many workers suffer from a wide variety of physcial aliments.\n\nSo, from the limited amount of information that Im going to bother to provide you with, one becomes rather lazy in 90’ weather, you should be able to make your own decision on where you stand on the minimum wage issue. I for one believe that we should evaluate each situation on an individual basis and go from there. What do you think?  To get back to your question the federal minimum wage is $5.75 and Vermont’s is $ 7.25
513805
depends on where you work.  most go into academics and make from 19-30k to start.
307788
I found this information that is specific to MA.  There are certain qualifications for it, but it may be worth looking in to.  Good luck.
993425
It depends on the area, try www.salary.com
200738
First of all adulthood shouldn't be defined by a job you have, or the income you make.\n   If you in fact have a college education then perhaps you need to take reasonable risks and look for other employment.\n   $30,000 a year happens to be way above poverty level, or even most class median incomes. \n   Another change you might make is in location. If you are unhappy where you are, in what you're doing, taking a moderate risk in relocating, seeking employment elsewhere, and making an effort to find what it is that might cause you more happiness, seems to be a better course for you than the one you're on.\n    Finally, and meaning no offense; perhaps your sights are set too high at the moment? It's possible to be happy on less, and have a family, and in another location, with whatever education you have (unstated) you may find a comfortable lifestyle? 24 is young by my standards, and life is long so pace yourself.\n    I'd try looking into employment that fits your education, perhaps in another location. Monitor spending within reason. Save any amount of money you can, for such time when you are more stable and ready to take on a family or greater responsibilities, and heed this,,,"you're only young once, but can be immature forever."\n    A tired old saying,,,"Just do it."\n\nRev. Steve
985128
I found some links below.\nThe salary looks good.\nGood luck.
627314
About 6.50/hr.  That was in Freeport, IL.  But you might make more depending on cost of living.  NOt by much though.  I'd bet you'd stay under $7.
696488
I don't live in your area, but I would suggest that you go through an employment agency to find work that pays better.  I would imagine that a lot of it depends on education and experience -- just like everywhere else.
895935
I knew a manager that made 25,000 thousand a year but she'd worked at the restaurant from age 16 to age 23 which is when she was promoted to manager. There are teachers, unfortunately, who make that much and less. In todays cost of living scenario 25,000 dollars just isn't that much money unless you have no children and no costly financial demands.
441413
minimum wage. go get a four year degree. finish what you started.
931123
You need to make at least, bare minimum of $50k if you are to live in the bay area. But if you are living more inland and northern, you can do okay on $35k. Anything more southern add 10k for bare minimum living.
284336
It depends on what part of the country you live in (because the cost of living is different throughout the US) and also how much experience you have.  I would say it can range from $10 an hour if you are just getting out of school on up to $25 an hour.
443567
I'd get a general idea of how much overtime they will be wanting out of you, because salary is just another way of saying your our b*tch now, and add that ontop of what you think your worth.
289650
Probably whatever the CA minimum wage is, and maybe more if you have decent experience.
348664
I would say that's fairly adequate, though it all depends on your spending habits. If you save more importantly than you spend, you will do well. Also if you drive further to work it will have a greater impact today than it did several years ago. It also depends on the area to which you plan to live. Cost of living is higher in more busy areas, but Porstmouth is planning a large project on public transportation. If you are careful, you can live comfortably and save for retirement. But you may have to use your savings for unexpected emergencies.\n\nI'd say you're on the bottom of the comfortable class, but it is what you make it.