Burger Flipping in the US: What Does It Tell Us?

The Process of Making a Burger at McDonald's

The process of making a burger at McDonald's is not exactly filled with creative flair. The steps are standardized and followed by employees at every location to ensure that each burger is made the same way.

The Wages of Burger Flippers in the US

In her August 9, 2024 Financial Times opinion piece "What burger flipping tells you about the US," David Autor finds that following the Covid-19 pandemic, wages for lower-paid U.S. workers have not kept pace with inflation. This has led to a decline in the real wages of these workers, making it more difficult for them to make ends meet.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for food preparation and serving workers was $15.63 in May 2023. This is up from $12.63 in May 2020, but still below the overall median hourly wage of $20.32.

The Impact of Burger Flipping on the US Economy

The decline in the real wages of burger flippers in the US is having a negative impact on the economy. These workers are less likely to be able to afford to buy goods and services, which can lead to a decrease in economic growth.

In addition, the decline in the real wages of burger flippers is making it more difficult for these workers to make ends meet. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of life for these workers and their families.

Conclusion

The decline in the real wages of burger flippers in the US is a serious problem that is having a negative impact on the economy and the lives of these workers and their families. It is important to find ways to increase the wages of these workers so that they can make ends meet and contribute to the economy.