Minimum wage across the United States is as varied as the states carrying them. In Washington, the wage is $9.32 per hour. In Kansas — like in many other states — it’s $7.25 per hour.

Federal minimum wage is currently under examination as President Obama has deemed $7.25 a non-livable wage.

Many legislators in Congress are debating about a new wage more than $10 per hour.

Many states, such as Connecticut and California, already have plans in place to gradually increase to those levels or higher.

Although many (correctly) claim a raise in the minimum wage would hurt businesses’ ability to hire, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

For college students, a work-to-school balance is a way of life.

Finding a job that pays well for relatively few hours is rare and many turn to retailers that pay near-minimum-wage levels.

Employers that offer minimum wages may have problems keeping good employees on the payroll when similar industries can offer higher wages for the same job.

Places like Starbucks and Olive Garden have the ability to offer higher wages, leaving smaller businesses in the same industries without the leverage to hire and keep good employees.

In many ways, this principle can help regulate the minimum wage without government intervention.

But, if implemented, a raise in minimum wage could help part-time workers find a better wage without working for chain restaurants or retailers.

A higher minimum wage could also strengthen the types of jobs — and wages — for non-college-degree-holders.

With tuition on the rise, many are not able to afford school without going into serious debt in student fees.

Better wages in retail, restaurants and the service industry could make finding a living without a degree more viable.

— For the editorial board,

Jake Trease