Change in minimum wage vs. top incomes
Since 1970, in 2015 dollars
-40%
-20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
140%
160%
180%
200%
1970
1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
Change in real value since 1970:
Top 1% average income = 200%
Federal minimum wage = -26%
Minimum wage
Average income of 1%
Minimum wage
Average income of 1%
Chart by Mother Jones
