Arizona’s minimum wage to rise to more than $15 an hour
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona’s minimum wage will rise to more than $15 an hour starting Jan. 1, marking the first time it will pass that threshold.
The increase from $14.70 to $15.15 is required under state law, which adjusts the minimum wage each year to keep pace with inflation.
For many workers, the raise may still not cover the rising cost of living.
“Jobs around here are very scarce. A lot of part time. And the cost of living here is not comparable to the minimum wage standards,” said Keri, a local resident.
Ezequiel Urzua, a minimum wage worker, added, “I do think it’ll help people out. But then again, when that increases, other things will also increase.”
Some residents have their own ideas about what a fair wage should be.
“An appropriate amount for bare minimum wage around here should at least be 16 to $17 an hour,” Keri said.
Even with the raise, many say getting by day to day remains difficult.
Clinton Gomez, a gig worker, said, “I don’t even know how most people do it. I know they work multiple jobs, like I live in the city, like in Phoenix, and I remember working jobs there, and people are working multiple jobs just to like, survive.”