A Cuban woman living in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently took to TikTok to share her experience working at Walmart, sparking a heated discussion about whether it's feasible to cover basic living expenses in the United States on the salary offered by the retail giant. "Can I really make ends meet with a Walmart salary, or is it just a pittance?" she questions in her video posted on her profile, @unacubanaenknoxville. "Full-time work is defined as 40 hours a week at $15 per hour, which totals $600 weekly. After taxes, you're looking at about $2,000 a month, and that's without any hours being cut."
She goes on to detail how this income must cover essentials like rent, groceries, internet, phone, and transportation. "I have to pay rent, which alone can be around $1,400; add roughly $500 for food. Then there's internet, phone, a car... and if you have kids or pets, it doesn't stop there."
Throughout the video, she expresses her frustration with a lifestyle that, in her words, "doesn't allow for saving or enjoyment." She states, "In this country, you work to pay bills and stay alive—not to save or live well, but literally to survive." Firmly, she concludes, "My answer is no, the Walmart salary isn't enough to live on."
She clarifies that much of what her family has achieved is thanks to the combined efforts with her husband and their own business: "A big part is also due to my business. For me, living isn't just about paying rent and eating rice with eggs; it's about enjoying the opportunities this country offers."
Just weeks earlier, she had posted another video explaining her situation as a personal shopper, revealing that after eight months at Walmart, her pay increased by just 30 cents an hour. "I was earning $15 an hour, and after eight months as an associate, they only increased it by 30 cents," she stated.
While she acknowledged that the job provides some stability and timely pay, she added that it "only covers some needs." Working just four days a week to devote time to her personal business, her bi-weekly pay hovers around $700.
"People think working at Walmart is all about advancement and constant raises, but the reality is quite different. Many can't survive on a $2,000 monthly salary when their bills exceed $3,000. That's why having two or three jobs is often necessary."
Walmart Employees Share Their Experiences
The post received thousands of comments, many from fellow Walmart employees and workers from various sectors across the United States, sharing similar experiences: "You can't live on $4,000 here"; "$2,000 isn't enough for rent"; "I also work at Walmart and make $15, and it's not enough."
Others shared their earnings: "I get paid $23 an hour for night shifts in a warehouse"; "In Puerto Rico, you start at $11.50"; "I take home $5,000 a month and have less than $1,000 in expenses because I paid my car in full."
There were those who suggested seeking alternatives: "Study and you'll see your life change"; "Apply to a warehouse, they pay more"; "Costco pays better, offers bonuses, and raises your salary every year." Some argued it depends on personal choices: "You have to cut expenses while earning like this. Less debt, more money in your pocket."
Several people offered advice: "If you're paid little, study, improve, and change jobs"; "Work more hours and save"; "Luxury is for those who know how to work the system, wage earners live to pay debts."
Continuing the Debate
While some defended Walmart as a source of stability, others questioned the working conditions. "At Walmart, if you work fast, they give you more work"; "Bosses do nothing and earn more"; "They don't guarantee 40 full hours, especially in that position."
This testimony adds to a growing list of similar accounts. In January, a young Cuban man shared he quit Walmart after nearly two years due to stress, workload, and unequal treatment as a Latino. "I was never valued as I deserved," he said at the time.
Conversely, there are positive stories. In February, another young Latina highlighted the benefits Walmart offers: healthcare insurance, mental health programs, discounts, free education, and fertility treatment coverage. "I was surprised to learn this," she said in her video.
Additionally, another Cuban woman recounted her experience working in a Walmart bakery, stating she enjoys the routine despite the effort required to learn all the tasks.
This ongoing conversation surrounding this Knoxville Cuban highlights broader issues about minimum wage value, living costs in various U.S. cities, and the necessity of exploring alternatives to thrive.
Understanding Walmart Salaries and Living Costs in the U.S.
How much does a full-time Walmart employee typically earn per month?
A full-time Walmart employee typically earns about $2,000 per month after taxes, assuming they work 40 hours a week at $15 per hour.
What expenses do Walmart employees find challenging to cover with their salaries?
Walmart employees often find it challenging to cover expenses such as rent, groceries, internet, phone bills, and transportation with their salaries.
What alternatives do people suggest for those struggling on a Walmart salary?
People suggest pursuing further education, applying for higher-paying jobs like warehouse positions, or reducing personal expenses to manage better on a Walmart salary.