Nobody pays $7.25/hr in 2024, as nobody will work for that. McDonald's here is paying $15/hr and in the past 10-15 years have completely rebuilt their stores and kitchens and preparation processes to reduce labor needs.
This does not include those in tipping industries where they are allowed to have a base pay of under the minimum wage.
I stand by my claim that (essentially) nobody is working for minimum wage in 2024.
like they work 4hr/day and accumulate ~1000 hours/year and then work off w2-payroll
In NC, where I live, the average wage for an entry-level crew member at McDonalds is $12.16, effectively 20% lower than the original purchasing power of the 1996 minimum wage.
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/McDonald%27s/salaries?location=US...