Army private would love California’s minimum wage
The minimum wage should be $8.92 per hour. How did I come up with this number?
According to data in the February newsletter of the Military Officers Association of America; an E1 (private) in the military earns $18,531 per year. This magnanimous sum is for someone who has had extensive training, is on call 24/7 and in combat could work 24 hours a day without overtime.
For a little more perspective, an E5 (sergeant), with eight years’ service, infinitely more training and responsibility, and more stressful working conditions, makes $35,400 per year.
Our Legislature and Gov. Brown have passed a $15 minimum wage. Based upon a 40-hour workweek, this is $31,200 per year. In comparison to the military, and viewed from the standpoint of human effort and individual contribution to society, my $8.92 suggested minimum wage is more than adequate.
Mary Ann Gamegan-Richardson, Clovis
This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 6:29 AM with the headline "Army private would love California’s minimum wage."