Need a job? These jobs pay livable wages and are currently hiring in Whatcom County
Many businesses seem to have hiring signs in their windows, but finding a job that pays a livable wage can be more difficult than it seems.
When factoring in the cost of food, rent, utilities, transportation and other necessities, part-time jobs that pay a low wage cannot cover basic living expenses.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has calculated the livable wage by county by accessing typical expenses to see how much an individual must make hourly to support themselves, or multiple dependents in a full-time job.
The institute records living wages for individuals, couples and families that vary based on the number of children or dependents and the number of adults who are working.
▪ Whatcom County’s livable wage for an individual with no dependents is $16.95 an hour, working full time.
▪ For a household with two adults, no children, and only one individual working, the livable wage is $25.43 an hour.
▪ For a household with two adults, no children and both adults working, the livable wage is $12.71 an hour.
▪ For a household with two adults, one child, and only one adult working, the livable wage is $30.57 an hour. If this household had two children the livable wage would be $35.89 an hour.
▪ For a household with two adults and two children and both adults working, the livable wage is $23.54 an hour. If the family had three children, both individuals would need to make $28.80 an hour.
Jobs currently paying living wages
The Bellingham Herald has searched Indeed and LinkedIn to find job positions that are available as of Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Here are a few jobs with minimal requirements that advertise wages at or above livable wages:
▪ Multiple cities in Whatcom County.
▪ Part-time or full-time.
▪ $19-$33 per hour, benefits available.
▪ No requirements listed.
▪ Whatcom County.
▪ Part-time or full-time, benefits available.
▪ From $800 a week (about $20 per hour).
▪ Requires work authorization.
Manufacturing/Sawmill Production at Interfor Corporation
▪ Sumas.
▪ Full-time.
▪ $18 per hour with bonuses and benefits.
▪ Entry-level, requires the ability to lift 50 pounds.
Line Cook/prep cook at The Heliotrope
▪ Deming.
▪ Full-time or part-time.
▪ $18-$22 per hour.
▪ Restaurant experience preferred.
Server Assistant/Service Partner at Red Robin
▪ Bellingham.
▪ Full-time or part-time.
▪ $28.75-$30.15 per hour, benefits available.
▪ No requirements listed.
Dishwasher at La Fiamma
▪ Bellingham.
▪ Full time.
▪ $17.49-$21.49 per hour.
▪ Knowledge of food preparation preferred, requires the ability to lift 30 pounds, work in a fast-paced environment and stand for long periods of time.
Receptionist at Express Employment Professionals
▪ Bellingham.
▪ Full-time.
▪ $20.82 per hour.
▪ Requires the ability to work with others, ability to operate office equipment, a basic knowledge of building construction terminology and more.
But how much do you think is a living wage in Whatcom County? We’d love to hear your thoughts or any questions you have. Fill out the form below to send us your feedback:
