Definition

The hourly pittance exchanged for your labor, calculated with mathematical precision to be just enough to keep you showing up but not enough to feel financially secure. It's the working class's version of a salary, typically paid weekly or biweekly and always subject to mysterious deductions. Unlike salary, it makes overtime possible—the only silver lining to being paid by the hour.

Example Usage

Her wage barely covered rent, which explained why she was still eating ramen at age 30.

Source: HR and economics terminology

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