United States: highest low-wage jobs rate, OECD says

A recent report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) on “Low-wage Lessons” reminds that “about one-fourth of U.S. workers [are] in low-wage jobs, defined as earning less than two-thirds of the national median hourly wage.”  Even though this proportion is below 10 percent in only four OECD countries (Belgium, Italy, Norway and Finland), and it is over 20 percent in the UK, Canada, Ireland and Germany, this percentage is the highest in developed countries.  “Moreover, the incidence of low-wage work in the United States has been rising for at least three decades” the study points out. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Norway and Finland), and it is over 20 percent in the UK, Canada, Ireland and Germany, this percentage is the highest in developed countries. “Moreover, the incidence of low-wage work in the United States has been rising for at least three decades” the study points out.

Unemployment rather than a low-wage job. “For some workers, low-wage work is a stepping stone to better things” recognizes John Schmitt, senior economist at the CEPR, who wrote the report. “For an important share of...

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: social conference on labour and pensions to proceed without main employers’ group
The preparatory meeting ahead of the social conference on labour and pensions, which is set to decide on the pension system model and the funding thereof, was held on 4 November at France's labour...
Spain: already well on the way to pay transparency?
Spain is preparing for the implementation of its national law transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which will take effect on 7 June 2026. The legislation marks another step forward in...
5 November 2025
Italy: decree-law adopted to increase workplace safety
On 28 October, the Italian cabinet adopted a decree-law on health and safety at work, aimed at preventing and reducing accidents. The text addresses both the powers and actions of supervisory...
4 November 2025
Romania: parents of children with disabilities granted up to eight days of remote work per month
On 9 October, the Romanian parliament adopted a bill aiming to bolster support for parents of children with disabilities up to the age of 18. The legislation, which came into force on 12 October...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: social conference on labour and pensions to proceed without main employers’ group
The preparatory meeting ahead of the social conference on labour and pensions, which is set to decide on the pension system model and the funding thereof, was held on 4 November at France's labour...
2
Candice Guillot (Talan): “Our recruiters save just over 80 hours per year on administrative tasks thanks to AI”
Candice Guillot, group director of employee experience and HR performance at Talan (7,000 employees), outlines for mind RH her vision and strategy for introducing artificial intelligence at the...
20 October 2025
3
France: insurance sector becomes first to sign agreement on employment of older workers
On 25 June 2025, France Assureurs – the employers’ association for the insurance industry – and five representative trade unions signed the sector’s first three-year agreement aimed at promoting...