Maximum Wage What It Is How It Works and Examples
Maximum Wage: What It Is, How It Works, and Examples
What Is a Maximum Wage?
A maximum wage is a price ceiling on worker compensation in a given period. It can be absolute or a ratio between high and low earners. If binding (below market wage), it can create problems associated with price ceilings, though policy considerations may outweigh these costs.
A maximum wage contrasts with a minimum wage or the floor on employer payments.
Key Takeaways
– The maximum wage is the most compensation a firm can pay a worker in a given period.
– Economists believe artificially imposed wage ceilings cause inefficiencies and are undesirable in a free market.
– Maximum wages may signal social virtue against income inequality or favor certain influential businesses.
Understanding the Maximum Wage
A maximum wage can be binding (below market wage) or not (above market wage). A binding maximum wage results in a shortage of high-earning workers who cannot receive full compensation for their value, reducing labor supply.
These workers may reduce effort, exit the labor market, or seek employment where the maximum wage doesn’t apply. The wider the scope, the greater the impact.
This shortage reduces consumer and producer surplus, imposing a deadweight loss. High-skilled employment decreases, firms become less productive, and society suffers reduced productivity.
Capital and workers may flow out of affected firms and economies unless employers find ways to circumvent the maximum wage. Non-wage benefits, bonuses, or illicit payments may be used. This can lead to suboptimal employment and reduced entrepreneurial judgment.
The costs imposed by a maximum wage may be justified by moral arguments against income inequality. Rent-seeking by employers with an advantage in attracting high-skilled workers may motivate policymakers.
Examples of Maximum Wages
– U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a 100% marginal tax rate for incomes over $25,000 to discourage war profiteering.
– The maximum wage debate intensifies as CEOs earn millions compared to minimum wage employees.
– Cuba had a maximum wage of $20 monthly until 2021 when it changed due to currency unification.
– Egypt’s banking industry suffered after a maximum wage law set a limit of approximately $5,800 monthly.
– Switzerland failed to pass a referendum that aimed to limit executive pay to twelve times the lowest-paid employee’s wage.
– British politician Jeremy Corbyn called for a CEO-to-worker pay ratio of 20:1 after the Brexit decision.
Pros and Cons of a Maximum Wage
Proponents argue that a maximum wage can benefit the economy by redistributing funds, increasing employment, and tax revenue. However, the assumption that firm revenues are given and dependent on top-earning employees is uncertain.
Critics argue that a maximum wage compromises a free market’s economic state. Setting limits would reduce talent retention and may lead to human capital flight. The policy may not result in a more productive and profitable economy as advocates claim.
How Much Is Elon Musk Worth?
Elon Musk’s net worth was estimated at $243 billion but most of his wealth is in non-liquid assets.
Which Country Has the Highest Income Tax?
Cote d’Ivoire has the highest personal income tax rate at 60%, followed by Denmark, Japan, Finland, and Austria.
How Much Does a CEO Make?
The average U.S. CEO salary was approximately $142,000, but it varies widely. CEOs of S&P 500 companies make around $16.7 million, while startup executives may not receive cash salaries.
The Bottom Line
A maximum wage is a hypothetical policy that caps individual incomes. While proponents aim to control high salaries, economists argue it can distort the market.
