In 1970, being a paperboy was more than just a small side job for teenagers. It was a common first step into the working world, teaching responsibility, money management, and customer service. Many young boys, and sometimes girls, woke up before sunrise to deliver newspapers across quiet neighborhoods. When people ask how much did a paperboy make in 1970, the answer depends on several factors such as location, route size, and the type of newspaper being delivered. However, looking back at the numbers gives us a clear picture of what this classic job was worth during that era.
Average Paperboy Salary in 1970
The typical earnings of a paperboy in 1970 ranged between $10 and $30 per week. While that may sound small by today’s standards, it was a reasonable amount for a part-time job performed by teenagers. Most paperboys worked early mornings before school or in the afternoons delivering evening editions.
Income depended largely on how many newspapers were delivered. A small route might include 30 to 50 homes, while a larger route could reach 100 or more customers. Paperboys usually earned a profit from the difference between what they paid the newspaper company and what customers paid them.
How the Payment System Worked
Unlike many modern jobs with hourly wages, paperboys in 1970 often operated under a commission-based system. They purchased newspapers at a wholesale rate from the publisher and then collected full payment from subscribers. The difference became their earnings.
For example, if a newspaper cost the paperboy 5 cents per copy and customers paid 7 or 8 cents, the paperboy kept the remaining 2 or 3 cents per paper. Over dozens of deliveries each day, those small profits added up.
- Wholesale price paid to publisher
- Retail price collected from customers
- Extra income from tips
- Bonus earnings from holiday subscriptions
This structure encouraged paperboys to maintain good relationships with customers. Prompt delivery and polite behavior often resulted in better tips.
Comparing Earnings to Minimum Wage in 1970
To better understand how much a paperboy made in 1970, it helps to compare it to the federal minimum wage at the time. In 1970, the minimum wage in the United States was $1.60 per hour. Since most paper routes took about one to two hours per day, a paperboy working seven days a week might spend around 10 hours weekly delivering newspapers.
If we calculate based on time spent, earning $20 per week for roughly 10 hours of work equals about $2 per hour. That was slightly above the federal minimum wage, although paperboys were not always formally covered by minimum wage laws due to their independent contractor status.
Factors That Affected Paperboy Income
Not every paperboy earned the same amount in 1970. Several important factors influenced weekly pay
1. Route Size
The number of homes on a delivery route directly impacted earnings. Larger neighborhoods meant more newspapers delivered and more profit per day.
2. Type of Newspaper
Morning newspapers often had steady subscribers, while afternoon editions sometimes depended more on street sales. Sunday editions were heavier and often more expensive, which could increase earnings.
3. Tips and Holiday Bonuses
One of the biggest income boosts came from customer tips. During the holiday season, especially around Christmas, customers often gave generous cash bonuses. Some paperboys reported earning an extra $20 to $50 in tips during December alone, which was significant at the time.
4. Geographic Location
Paperboys in larger cities sometimes earned more due to higher subscription prices and denser routes. Rural routes required more travel time and might result in lower hourly earnings.
What $20 a Week Meant in 1970
Understanding how much did a paperboy make in 1970 also requires adjusting for inflation. Twenty dollars in 1970 had far greater purchasing power than twenty dollars today. With $20 per week, a teenager could buy records, movie tickets, snacks, or even save for larger purchases like a bicycle.
Gasoline prices were around 36 cents per gallon in 1970, and a movie ticket cost about $1.50. That means a paperboy’s weekly income could cover multiple entertainment expenses and still leave money for savings.
Responsibilities Beyond Delivery
Being a paperboy in 1970 involved more than dropping newspapers at doorsteps. Many were responsible for
- Collecting subscription payments in person
- Maintaining accurate payment records
- Replacing missed or damaged papers
- Finding new subscribers
This level of responsibility helped young workers develop business skills early in life. Managing money, tracking debts, and handling customer complaints were part of the job.
Work Schedule and Lifestyle
Most paperboys started their day very early, often before 600 a.m. Morning deliveries had to be completed before customers left for work or school. Evening paper routes were usually delivered after school hours.
Deliveries were made by bicycle in many suburban neighborhoods. In some cases, especially in colder regions, paperboys walked their routes or used small carts. Weather conditions added to the challenge, particularly during rain or snow.
Despite these challenges, many former paperboys remember the job fondly. It provided independence and a sense of accomplishment.
Opportunities for Extra Income
In addition to regular subscriptions, paperboys could increase their earnings in several ways. Selling extra copies on busy street corners during major news events often resulted in higher profits. Special editions, such as those covering significant political events or sports victories, were in high demand.
Some newspaper companies also offered incentive programs. Bonuses were given for gaining new subscribers or maintaining perfect delivery records. These small rewards added to overall weekly income.
Paper Routes as a First Job Experience
For many young people in 1970, delivering newspapers was their first experience earning money. It taught discipline and time management. Since customers expected reliable service every day, skipping a route was not an option.
The job also introduced the concept of entrepreneurship. Because earnings were commission-based, effort directly influenced income. A motivated paperboy could grow his route and improve profits.
How It Compares to Modern Times
Today, traditional paper routes are far less common due to digital news and changing distribution models. Modern delivery drivers are usually adults employed directly by distribution companies. Teenagers rarely manage independent routes as they did in 1970.
If adjusted for inflation, earning $20 per week in 1970 would equal well over $150 per week today, depending on calculation methods. This shows that the job provided meaningful spending power for young workers at the time.
So, how much did a paperboy make in 1970? On average, between $10 and $30 per week, with opportunities for additional income through tips and bonuses. When compared to the federal minimum wage of $1.60 per hour, the earnings were competitive for a part-time teenage job.
Beyond the money, the role of a paperboy in 1970 represented responsibility, independence, and early business experience. Delivering newspapers each day required dedication and consistency. While the world of news delivery has changed dramatically, the memory of paper routes remains an important part of American work history and youth culture.