Is $32 an hour good? What does it work out to be over the year? More importantly, is it enough to live on comfortably?
While it might not sound like a fortune at first glance, you might change your mind when you see what $32 an hour is for a year.
Scroll down for a detailed analysis we hope will help you make a more informed decision about your career.
Coming up next
$32 an hour is how much a year?
Here's what your annual salary would be based on the hourly rate, calculated for both part-time and full-time jobs.
- Part-time work. If you work 20 hours per week at the rate of $32 per hour, your annual earnings would amount to $33,280. ($32 per hour x 20 hours per week x 52 weeks in a year).
- Full-time work. Meanwhile, if you work 40 hours per week at the same hourly rate, your annual gross income would be $66,560 ($32 per hour x 40 hours per week x 52 weeks in a year).
Note that these calculations represent your earnings before taxes and any other deductions are applied. It's essential to consider taxation and other relevant deductions to get a clearer picture of your net income.
Small differences in hourly rate add up over time. Although there's only $1 difference between earning $31 an hour or $33 an hour, the difference compared to earning $32 an hour over the course of a year is substantial — especially if you have a full-time role.
The moral of the story, therefore, is that you make money when you negotiate your salary.
How much is $32 an hour per day?
This is what you would take home per day on an hourly wage of $32.
- Part-time work. If you work 4 hours per day at $32 an hour, your daily earnings would amount to $128. Similarly, working 6 hours per day would result in a total daily earnings of $192.
- Full-time work. For full-time employees earning $32 an hour, your daily earnings before taxes would be $256, assuming an eight-hour workday.
How much is $32 an hour per week?
Here's how weekly earnings would pan out for part-time and full-time work at $32 per hour.
- Part-time work. If you work approximately 20 hours per week at a rate of $32 an hour, your weekly earnings would amount to $640. Meanwhile, working 30 hours a week would result in weekly earnings of $960.
- Full-time work. If you work around 40 hours per week at $32 an hour, your weekly earnings would total $1,280.
How much is $32 an hour bi-weekly?
With a bi-weekly pay cycle, this is what your income would be when working 20 or 40 hours per week.
- Part-time work. For part-time work, if you work a total of 40 hours in a bi-weekly pay period (20 hours per week) at $32 per hour, your earnings would amount to $1,280 over the course of two weeks (calculated as 40 hours x $32 per hour).
- Full-time work. On the other hand, for full-time work, if you work a total of 80 hours in a bi-weekly pay period (40 hours per week) at $32 per hour, you could expect a total earnings of $2,560 bi-weekly (calculated as 80 hours x $32 per hour).
How much is $32 an hour per month?
The number of working days in a month, as it directly influences your overall income. Here's how it would work out for two common working arrangements.
- Part-time work. For part-time work, if you work approximately 80 hours in total during a month at an hourly rate of $32, your monthly income would amount to $2,560 (calculated as $32 x 80 hours).
- Full-time work. For full-time work, assuming a total of approximately 160 hours in a month, working eight hours per day over 20 working days, at a rate of $32 per hour, your monthly earnings would sum up to around $5,120 (calculated as $32 x 8 hours per day x 20 working days).
How much is $32 an hour quarterly?
Looking at your income from a different perspective, a quarterly glance could also help you plan better.
- Part-time work. Assuming you work approximately 240 hours within a quarter (averaging 20 hours per week), at an hourly rate of $32, your total earnings for the quarter would amount to $7,680 (calculated as $32 x 240 hours).
- Full-time work. If you work around 480 hours within a quarter (averaging 40 hours per week), at a rate of $32 per hour, your total earnings for the quarter would sum up to $15,360 (calculated as $32 x 480 hours).
Is $32 an hour enough to live on?
As you will see, the viability of $32 an hour largely depends on an individual's circumstances, location, and financial goals. Is it enough to live on? As with so many financial questions, it depends.
Young college graduate
A young college graduate starting their career might find $32 an hour to be a reasonable starting salary, especially if the job offers benefits, growth opportunities, and aligns with their career goals. However, it is essential to consider the cost of living and student loan repayment.
Middle-aged person changing careers
Switching careers can be challenging, particularly for those with financial commitments such as mortgage and family expenses. While $32 an hour might be sufficient for some, it may not cater to a middle-aged person's financial needs if their previous income was significantly higher.
Someone living in a rural area
In rural areas with a lower cost of living, $32 an hour could be enough to lead a comfortable life. This income typically covers housing, food, and other essential expenses, with potential for savings or discretionary spending.
Remote worker
For a remote worker not bound by geographical limitations, $32 an hour can be suitable if the cost of living in their chosen location is within reason. However, it may not be a lucrative wage choice if they live in expensive cities.
Single parent
The challenges faced by single parents often involve managing childcare and household expenses on a single income. While $32 an hour could be enough for some single-parent households, this largely depends on the cost of living, the number of children, and access to affordable childcare services.
$32 an hour vs the national average
The national average hourly wage in the USA is $33, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Therefore, $32 an hour is only $1 below the national average. However, this might not impact one's quality of life if living in an area with a relatively low cost of living and taking into account their individual circumstances.
$32 an hour vs the national median
Comparatively, the national median hourly pay in the USA is $22.26, as per the BLS. This means that earning $32 an hour is above the median wage, indicating a relatively higher income level. As such, this wage is considered favorable on a national level.
Who is $32 an hour a good salary for?
At the rate of $32 per hour, someone working 40 hours a week stands to make approximately $66,560 annually. For a young college graduate with no dependents and living in a rural area, this salary could be considered good. However, if you're a single parent residing in a city, the earning power may not be sufficient to keep up with the higher cost of living.
$32 an hour is a good salary for:
- Individuals living in areas with a lower cost of living.
- Young professionals in entry-level roles.
- Remote workers who can choose affordable locations.
$32 an hour is a bad salary for:
- Professionals with significant experience seeking a higher wage.
- Single parents with multiple children and high living expenses.
- Individuals living in expensive cities who may need a higher income to maintain their lifestyle.
Again, whether or not $32 is good for you really depends on your personal circumstances.
