Topical Talk

The McWages Index

A typical worker in America earns six times as much as a typical worker in Mexico. A star footballer makes 100 times more than a firefighter. Why is this?

Collage of pages from the “The McWages Index” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 03 October 2025

About this lesson

The Economist created the “McWages Index” in 2004 to compare how far a day’s pay stretches in various countries around the world. What explains why some jobs pay so much better than others?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand the difference between a salary and a wage
  • Explore pay in different countries
  • Debate what is fair

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 5: Recognising purpose
    I know why someone is communicating with me
    Did you find out facts about the McWages index from the journalist?

    Step 7: Active listening
    I show I am paying attention
    Did you pay attention to the scenario before you cast your vote?

    Step 11: Identifying influence
    I recognise when someone is trying to influence me
    Did you recognise when someone influenced your vote on the fairometer?

  • Knowledge

    I know a person’s wage can be based on where they live and their education
    How does pay differ according to where you live? How does it differ when you are more educated?

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