1890s Wages

Did you ever wonder how much money people were paid for working at various jobs over 100 years ago? Listed in the chart below are the weekly wages for various occupations during the late 19th century along with figures from 1996. How does it compare to today’s wages?

Coming Soon! Price excerpts from several mail order companies of the late 19th century. Just what could you purchase with say $3 in the 1890s? Would it be that beautiful Crystal Glass Berry Dish for Mother, maybe you would like to start your own harmonica band in which you could order a dozen harmonicas for all your friends for $3, or a genuine “Cow Boys’ Hat” with silk ribbon band for Papa, or purchase a baseball mitt & throwing glove for brother*, or how about the latest in fishing gear - 10 “luminous” fishing lures made out of soft rubber in the shape of frogs?

*or perhaps for your sister - baseball in the late 19th century did see a small share of women players.


1890s Wage Chart
Click Here! for a printable 1890s wage chart

Click on the Dollar Sign icon on the left to download a printable .pdf file of the above 1890s Wage chart.

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These fun facts brought to you by the 1895 Rosson House at Historic Heritage Square in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. For historical trivia, optical toy flip books you can download & print, early recipes and more Click Here! to visit our Historical Fun links page.