Ever feel like you’re behind? You see a 24-year-old on TikTok bragging about a six-figure "day in the life" or a 50-year-old neighbor buying a second boat, and suddenly your own bank account feels a little thin. Comparing yourself to others is a national pastime, but most people are actually looking at the wrong numbers.
When we talk about the average income by age in us, we have to get real about what "average" actually means. Honestly, the "average" (mean) is often skewed by the Elon Musks of the world. If you want to know where you really stand, you need the median. That’s the middle-of-the-pack number where half of people earn more and half earn less.
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from late 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time workers in the U.S. hover around $1,214. If you multiply that out, you're looking at roughly $63,128 a year. But that number changes drastically depending on whether you’re just starting to pay off student loans or you're eyeing the exit ramp toward retirement.
The Brutal Reality of Your 20s
Your early 20s are basically the "paying your dues" phase. It’s a grind. If you're between 20 and 24, the median weekly pull is about $796. That’s roughly $41,392 a year.
It feels low because it is. You're competing with people who have decades of "institutional knowledge" (which is just a fancy way of saying they’ve made more mistakes than you). But then something happens. Between 25 and 34, income takes its most aggressive leap.
The median jumps to $1,150 a week ($59,800 annually). This is the decade where you stop being "the kid" and start being the person people actually rely on. It’s also the decade where the gap between those with a degree and those without becomes a canyon. Workers with a bachelor’s degree are currently pulling in a median of $1,747 a week, while those with only a high school diploma are stuck around $980. That’s a massive difference that compounds every single year.
When Do You Actually Peak?
There’s a common myth that you’ll just keep making more money until the day you retire. Kinda wish that were true. In reality, the average income by age in us follows a very specific bell curve.
The peak happens earlier than most think.
The 35 to 54 Power Years
If you’re looking for the high-water mark, this is it.
- Ages 35-44: Median weekly earnings hit $1,385 ($72,020/year).
- Ages 45-54: The absolute summit at $1,377 weekly ($71,604/year).
Wait, did you notice that? The 45-54 group actually saw a tiny dip compared to the decade before in the most recent Q3 2025 report. It’s marginal, but it shows that by your late 40s, your "earning velocity" starts to stabilize. You’ve reached the senior roles. You’re the manager, the director, or the highly specialized technician.
But there’s a catch. This is also when the gender pay gap hits like a freight train. For men in the 35-44 bracket, the median is $1,504. For women? It’s $1,226. That’s a 18% gap that persists even as we move into 2026.
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The Pre-Retirement Slide
Once you hit 55, the numbers start to soften. It’s not necessarily because people are getting demoted. It’s lifestyle.
A lot of folks in the 55 to 64 range start downshifting. Maybe they consult. Maybe they move to a part-time role or take a "bridge job" that pays less but doesn't require 60-hour weeks. The median drops to $1,322 a week. By 65 and older, it falls further to $1,193.
It’s also worth noting that the National Average Wage Index for 2024 was recently set at $69,846.57. This is the number the Social Security Administration uses to calculate your future benefits. If you’re turning 62 in 2026, the government is looking at that 2024 index to figure out how much you've "kept up" with the standard of living.
Location Is the Great Equalizer (or Destroyer)
You cannot look at the average income by age in us without looking at a map. Making $70k in Alabama is not the same as making $70k in Massachusetts.
In California, a householder between 45 and 64 has a median income of about $113,000. In Arkansas? That same age group is looking at closer to $69,000. This is why "average" can be so misleading. If you live in a high-cost coastal city, you might be "out-earning" the national average by 30% but still feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck because your rent is $3,500.
What Really Moves the Needle
If you aren't happy with where you sit on the curve, three things matter more than your age:
- Industry Choice: Management and professional roles are currently the kings of the hill, with median earnings far outpacing service or construction roles.
- Education: It’s an old song, but the data doesn't lie. Professional degree holders (doctors, lawyers) are averaging $105,150, while those with "some college" are stuck at $45,830.
- The "Job Hop" Premium: Staying at the same company for 10 years used to be the goal. Now, it’s often a recipe for wage stagnation. Recent trends show that "job switchers" are seeing higher percentage raises than "job stayers," particularly in the 25-34 age bracket.
How to Use This Data
Don't just look at these numbers and feel bad. Use them as a diagnostic tool. If you're 40 and making $50,000 in a major city, you're significantly under the median for your peer group. That’s your signal to negotiate or upskill.
On the flip side, if you're 22 and making $45,000, you're actually ahead of the curve. Breathe.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your "Real Wage": Use a cost-of-living calculator to see how your income compares to the national median when adjusted for your specific zip code.
- Audit your industry: Look at the BLS "Occupational Outlook Handbook" to see if your current field is projected to grow or shrink by 2030.
- Verify your Social Security statement: Log into your my Social Security account to ensure your reported earnings match the National Average Wage Index trends, especially if you are nearing age 62.
- Negotiate based on the median: Use the $1,385/week figure as a baseline for mid-career professional roles during your next performance review.
Income is a marathon, not a sprint. The "peak" doesn't happen until your late 40s, so if you haven't hit your "number" yet, you likely have more time than you think. Keep an eye on the median, but focus on your own trajectory.