For most long-haul truck drivers, an increase in fuel economy of 54 percent would equate to a savings of around $25,000 per year at current diesel prices. The SuperTruck uses lightweight materials, an efficient engine and aerodynamic improvements to net its fuel economy increase.
The average living wage in California is $8.83. Adjusting this for the cost of living in Sacramento gives a living wage of $8.50. The second method adjusts the federal poverty guideline by the cost of living in Sacramento. The poverty level for a family of 3 is $15,020. The cost of living in Sacramento is approximately 15% higher than the national average, 2 so the poverty level for Sacramento is $17,273. The wage sufficient for a family of three with one full time worker to reach this poverty line is $8.64.
Effective January 1, 2008, the minimum wage in California is $8.00 per hour. It will increase to $9.00 per hour effective July 1, 2014, and to $10.00 per hour effective January 1, 2016. For sheepherders, however, effective July 1, 2002, the minimum wage was set at $1,200.00 per month.