Correct, except smaller pyramids, those were also for the kings only, workers building pyramids had their own cementaries iirc.

But knowledge of this fact actually makes this meme even more relatable - the people in it were closer to wage slaves like us.

Correct, conditions of the workers of the Pyramids and Temples

-8 h per day, 6 days a week

-Free housing, food and a small garden for themselves and their families

-Medical assistance and care in sick leave due to illness and accident.

-Exempt from paying taxes

-Care and assistance for the old ex-workers.

(better than today in most countries)

Slaves (mostly prisoners of war and criminals) were naturally also used, but only for basic jobs and assistance. The Pharao knew very well that if he wants a job well done, he cannot get it with slaves and in poor conditions, but with well-cared and happy professionals.

I think that was a recent discovery, let me check

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/who-built-the-egyptian-pyramids-not-slaves 2021

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/11/great-pyramid-tombs-slaves-egypt 2010

https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/06/5000-year-old-pay-stub-shows-that-ancient-workers-were-paid-in-beer/ 2016

so yeah kind of recent in the grand scheme of things, but you are correct