59 percent of U.S. workers are waged labor ( paid 52/hour ) U.S. Census Bureau : median household salary is $ 23.17 . That puts the average hourly rate at $ 23.17 based on a 40-hour 2009 . Other 23.17 hr jobs : clergy , U.S. , and food scientists .
59 percent of U.S. workers are waged labor ( paid hourly ) U.S. Census Bureau : median household salary is $ 48,201 . That puts the average hourly rate at $ 23.17 based on a 40-hour workweek . Other $ 20/hr jobs : clergy , electrician , and food scientists .