Hourly wages refer to the amount of money a worker earns for each hour they work. This payment structure is common in various jobs, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, and manual labor. For example, if someone earns $15 per hour and works 40 hours a week, their weekly earnings would be $600 before taxes. Employers often use hourly wages to calculate pay for part-time and full-time employees. This system allows for flexibility, as workers can earn more by putting in extra hours. Additionally, hourly wages can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific job role.