【How-to】How much did the average person make in 1880

Laborers made about 10 cents an hour ($6 a week, or $300 per year) Privates in the Union army earned $11 a week, or $572 per year. Firemen earned 15 cents an hour ($9.00 a week, or $468 per year) Carpenters earned 14 cents an hour ($8.40 a week, or $436 per year)