The time has come to eliminate the minimum wage and to associate what an individual is paid with education and experience.
When an individual turns 16, a rite of passage usually results: a driver’s license, which costs money. In the form of savings or modest earnings accumulated through allowance or chores, the cost of the license is covered, but then come the costs of a vehicle – insurance, gas and maintenance.
More often than not, parents are willing to allow for such expenses if the new driver agrees to a part-time job which would pay the expenses; a job that pays a minimum wage, at best. Instead of the minimum wage, a student wage should be paid – perhaps $5 an hour.
In order to earn more, the student must agree to learn and consistently demonstrate competency and knowledge relevant to their job. As they demonstrate these skills, their pay increases.
When a student graduates high school and pursues higher education, they would again be paid another student wage, perhaps $7 an hour. After they complete their education, they would gain employment based on a salary, not an hourly wage because, again, their pay would be determined as a result of education and experience, and it would increase as they continue to fulfill relevant educational requirements and gain experience.
In the free market, such a model would encourage employers to acquire and retain qualified and competent employees.
James C. Hess
Loveland