I know plenty of US families who gross less than 50k. They live comfortably, but not extravagantly, and not in California.
I also know a handful of people who make less than $25k/yr. They struggle more, but they still get by.
$50k/yr, $25/hr may be chump change to a big tech company engineer with a degree from a prestigious university, but it's a very normal hourly (non-overtime) wage (maybe even on the high side) for a lot of regular people.
Addition: For example, journeyman electricians average $24/hr in my state.
I also know a handful of people who make less than $25k/yr. They struggle more, but they still get by.
$50k/yr, $25/hr may be chump change to a big tech company engineer with a degree from a prestigious university, but it's a very normal hourly (non-overtime) wage (maybe even on the high side) for a lot of regular people.
Addition: For example, journeyman electricians average $24/hr in my state.