MacCoun, R. J., & Reuter, P. (1992). Are the wages of sin $30 an hour? Economic aspects of street-level drug dealing. Crime and Delinquency, 38, 477-491.

186 adult male probationers in Washington, D.C., who acknowledged a recent history of drug dealing, were interviewed about their legitimate and illegitimate activities. Ss reported median net earnings of about $700/mo from drug sales. This figure was $2,000/mo, or nearly $30/hr, among the 37% who reported selling drugs on a daily basis. These figures compare with median monthly earnings of $849 from legitimate employment for the 75% who reported such earnings. Street-level drug dealing appears to complement rather than substitute for legitimate employment, and seems to be less profitable than media reports would suggest.