Why Do Labourers Get Paid So Less?

If 100 people were made to sit at this desk and were asked to work on Swift, Objective C, Python, PERL or Java, chances are that nearly 75 per cent would not be able to get the job done.

But, if those same 100 people were asked to move this brick from point A to B, more than 95 per cent would be able to do it easily. If they were asked to do it repeatedly for a whole day, chances are that nearly 75 per cent would be able to get the job done.

Obviously, the data provided here isn't accurate and is not based on any kind of research. But, it is derived from the observation of people around us.

The jobs that involve tedious physical labour don't require any kind of pre-learning or even skills. And, anyone who is physically fit can start doing that work whenever the need arises. That is why people willing to work as daily wage labourers are easily available and are in plenty. Their supply overtakes their demand, most of the time.

The same is not the case with jobs that require extensive learning and also skills.

A software engineer spends years polishing his skills. A layman can't sit on a computer and start coding without any kind of learning. That is why people who can code excellently are scarce. And, their demand overtakes supply, most of the time.

But, this isn't as simple as it seems.

There are times when daily wage labourers are in huge demand and there is not enough supply. For example, during crop cutting seasons here, the wages reach as high as Rs 500/day which is double the usual.

And even jobs that involve tedious physical labour but require specific skills pay well. For example, the wages of masons are higher than the labourers who are there to supply bricks and do other chores. The pay gap is usually double.

The grass isn't greener on the other side too.

In modern times when people are highly competitive and skilled, it is difficult to stand out in a crowd.

Just a degree or a few years of learning isn't enough to earn decently. There are jobs where the supply is overtaking the demand. And that's when such professionals do not get paid well.

I would also like to add that white-collar jobs take a load on your mental health. You get tired mentally. It becomes exhausting and getting relaxation becomes difficult.

So is not the case with manual work. In such jobs, you get physically tired and a good bath at the end of the day makes everything good.

Although daily wage workers work very hard than the people who sit in cubicles, they are easily replaceable and available. That is also one of the reasons they don't get paid well.

Software engineers and daily wage workers are used here just for the simplification of the article. The article applies to all the professions that require and don't require manual work.