Let's be fair here, jemt.
Poverty in the US is defined as a total family income of $22,000 for a family of 4. Yes, at $10/hr, working 2040hr year at 40hrs a week, and relying solely on one persons income, then yes, poverty. However, at $15hr for the same 2040hr year, that's now $30,000, above poverty. Granted, not hugely above...
The national average for a household income is ~$43,300. That's household, usually meaning 2 adults. I make more than that by myself as a Paramedic, working a single job (Not by a huge margin). Granted, I do 48 hour weeks, so ~16% of my salary is built in OT... it's still not bad money. Now... not what it's supposed to be, but not bad.