To determine which of the listed salaries provides pay that is equal to or above a living wage for a household with 2 working adults and 2 children, we can calculate the annual income based on the hourly wage and the assumption of full-time work (typically around 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year).
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Home health aide at $17/hour: \[ 17 , \text{(hourly rate)} \times 40 , \text{(hours/week)} \times 52 , \text{(weeks/year)} = 17 \times 2080 = 35,360 , \text{(annual salary)} \]
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Sonographer at $38/hour: \[ 38 , \text{(hourly rate)} \times 40 , \text{(hours/week)} \times 52 , \text{(weeks/year)} = 38 \times 2080 = 79,040 , \text{(annual salary)} \]
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Physical Therapist at $48/hour: \[ 48 , \text{(hourly rate)} \times 40 , \text{(hours/week)} \times 52 , \text{(weeks/year)} = 48 \times 2080 = 99,840 , \text{(annual salary)} \]
Next, the living wage varies by location, but it is commonly estimated to be between $15 and $20 per hour for single adults and can be higher depending on the number of dependents. For a household with 2 working adults and 2 children, the living wage would likely be approximately $20 per hour or more to sustain a decent standard of living.
Based on these calculations:
- Home health aide: $35,360 (below living wage)
- Sonographer: $79,040 (above living wage)
- Physical Therapist: $99,840 (above living wage)
Thus, the salaries that provide pay equal to or above a living wage are:
- Sonographer: $38/hour
- Physical Therapist: $48/hour