Report: Only 1 in 3 young adults in Dallas County earn a living

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DALLAS – Public education must continue to transform to give the next generation of workers a chance at a living wage, according to a new report.

“The current statistics today, according to the most recent census, are that 33% of all 25- to 34-year-olds in Dallas County are actually making a living wage, right now,” said Miguel Solis, President of Commit Partnership.

The nonprofit partnered with D Magazine to report on Dallas County’s 2024 living wage statistics. It shows a connection between a living wage – what a full-time worker would earn – and post-secondary education.

“Graduates can expect to earn nearly $22,000 more per year than their peers without any type of post-secondary experience,” Solis said.

But fewer than half of high school graduates in Texas go to college.

“High school is no longer just about graduating high school. It’s more about preparing young people for the next stage of their lives,” said former Dallas ISD trustee Karla Garcia.

Some school districts do this by offering a curriculum that prepares students for careers in the medical or technical fields, even jobs in the aerospace and aviation industries.

Garcia, who is now with Dallas County Promise, said public school districts need to do more to transform instruction in preschool through 12th grade.

“Ultimately, our entire system is about preparing young people to make a living, support their families and pursue fulfilling careers,” she said.

Commit Partnership hopes to create systemic change through partnerships with public schools, colleges and employers so that students are prepared for the jobs that await them.

“Commit is committed to ensuring that at least half of Dallas County residents ages 25 to 34, regardless of race, earn a living wage by 2040,” Solis said.

The aim is to also give them economic opportunities.