Is McDonald’s New Pay Scale Enough to Live On in New York City?

The New Pay Scale

McDonald’s has implemented a new pay scale for individuals working in its New York locations in 2015. The new system offers a “wage range” based on the employees’ job title, experience, and location. Employees can negotiate their pay within a certain range, based on their qualifications.

The Pay Rates

A crew member in New York could earn between $9.05 and $13 per hour. A shift manager could earn between $11.40 and $17.50 per hour. The highest earners are general managers, who can earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year.

Cost of Living in New York City

The cost of living in New York City is notoriously high. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in New York City is 100, significantly higher than the national average of 100. Individuals living in New York City are likely to pay more for everything from rent to groceries to transportation.

Impact on Living Wage

According to a study conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the average hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment in New York City is $35.20. This is significantly higher than the highest pay rate offered to general managers at McDonald’s.

Implications

While low-paying jobs may provide value to individuals who may not have many options, they perpetuate a cycle of poverty and limit individuals’ potential for career advancement. Ultimately, whether or not the new McDonald’s pay scale is enough to live on in New York City depends on a variety of factors.

Conclusion

The new pay scale implemented by McDonald’s in New York City is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to provide employees with a comfortable living wage. The high cost of living in New York City is a major factor that must be considered when determining whether or not a job pays enough to live on. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to determine whether or not a job meets their financial needs and to advocate for fair pay and working conditions.