Just saw an article last year that the maximum wage in federal prison is $1.15 an hour.
This makes good sense. The cost of living is pretty low there. COLA adjusted, this works out to more than the kids at McDonalds make.
Yeah it is not like they have to pay for food, clothing, or housing. However, I saw an article that states after the money is taken for fines and other fees the average prisoner takes home $0.18 an hour. That is pretty terrible but I guess they don't really need to use it except for goodies or phone calls.