The pay of workers is generally regulated by minimum wage laws designed to protect their incomes and prevent labor exploitation. However, the minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of living. There has been a call to raise the minimum wage to the level of a living wage. This study explores the residents of Guam's shared understanding of a living wage through the lens of Social Representations Theory. We conducted six in-depth interviews, a focus group discussion, and a qualitative survey. All participants came from diverse workforce sectors and represented different groups within the island. Our analysis identified themes indicating that a living wage is key to a decent life: it is above the mandatory minimum wage, allows for financial security, promotes mental well-being, supports dependents, enables autonomy, and is a pressing social concern. Our research indicates that the people of Guam believe a living wage is essential for enabling wage workers to attain a satisfactory standard of living, underscoring the need to advocate for a wage significantly higher than the minimum wage: a living wage. This study not only contributes to the existing literature on decent wages but also helps shape Guam's living wage policies.