Money is weird. We're taught from a young age that if we work hard, our paychecks will naturally grow. And for the most part, that’s true. But when you actually sit down and look at the hard data, the "climb" looks less like a smooth ladder and more like a series of erratic jumps, plateaus, and—honestly—a bit of a slide toward the end.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you’re "behind" or just curious what your peers are actually taking home, you aren't alone. Most people fixate on the national average, which is currently hovering around $63,180 per year. But that number is a bit of a lie. It mixes a 19-year-old flipping burgers with a 50-year-old executive. To get the real story, you have to look at the average salary in the US by age.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the third quarter of 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time workers hit $1,214. That sounds decent, but once you slice it by age, the numbers get much more specific.
The Breakout: What People Actually Earn Right Now
Let's get into the weeds. These figures represent the median annual earnings based on the most recent 2025 BLS reports. I'm using "median" here because "average" gets skewed by people like Elon Musk. Median is the literal middle—half of people earn more, half earn less.
- Ages 16 to 19: $32,344. No surprises here. This group is mostly part-timers or entry-level retail.
- Ages 20 to 24: $41,392. This is the "launch" phase. You've got trade school grads and new college alumni starting to find their footing.
- Ages 25 to 34: $59,800. This is arguably the most important jump in the entire lifecycle. It’s nearly a $20,000 raise from the previous bracket.
- Ages 35 to 44: $72,020. This is where specialized skills finally start to pay off in a big way.
- Ages 45 to 54: $71,604. Interestingly, the growth often plateaus here. You’ve reached your "peak" power.
- Ages 55 to 64: $68,744. A slight dip begins. Some people start scaling back or taking "pre-retirement" roles.
- Ages 65 and over: $62,036.
It's kinda wild to see that 40-somethings and 50-somethings are making almost double what the 20-somethings are. That’s a massive gap. But it’s not just about age; it's about what those years represent: experience, negotiation power, and—frankly—staying power.
Why the 20s to 30s Jump is Everything
If you're in your mid-20s, you might feel like your bank account is stagnant. But the data shows that the period between 24 and 35 is when the "rocket ship" usually takes off. This is when the average salary in the US by age sees its most aggressive incline.
Why? Because you're no longer "the intern." You have a track record. You’ve probably job-hopped at least once—which, by the way, is still one of the fastest ways to increase your income. JPMorgan Chase Institute noted in late 2025 that while real income growth has slowed down slightly due to inflation, the most successful wage earners in this bracket are those who leverage their early-career mobility.
The Mid-Career Peak and the Gender Gap
By the time people hit 45, they are usually at their maximum earning potential. For men in the 45 to 54 bracket, the median weekly earnings sit around $1,497. For women in that same age group, it’s $1,192.
That’s a gap of roughly $300 a week.
This isn't just a random stat. It's a persistent trend that experts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics have tracked for decades. While the gap is much narrower for 20-year-olds (where women earn about 89% of what men do), it widens significantly as careers progress. Reasons cited by economists often include the "motherhood penalty," differences in industries, and the fact that more men occupy high-level executive roles that see massive year-end bonuses.
Education Still Changes the Math
We hear a lot about whether college is "worth it" anymore. Honestly, the numbers say it is—at least for now.
A worker over 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher pulls in a median of $1,747 per week. Compare that to someone with only a high school diploma, who earns roughly $980. Over a year, that is a $40,000 difference. Over a 40-year career? That's $1.6 million.
Geography: Where You Live Changes the Value of Your Age
A 30-year-old in Mississippi making $60,000 feels like a king. That same 30-year-old in Massachusetts or New York is probably looking for a roommate.
States like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland show the highest jumps in salary as you age. In Massachusetts, for example, the gap between what someone under 25 makes and what a 45-year-old makes can be as high as $70,000. These states have "high-floor, high-ceiling" economies driven by tech, finance, and specialized healthcare.
In contrast, many states in the Midwest or South have "flatter" income curves. You might start at a higher relative wage compared to the local cost of living, but you won't see those massive $20,000 raises every decade.
Beyond the Numbers: Actionable Steps for Your Career
Knowing the average salary in the US by age is only helpful if you use it to move the needle. Don't just look at these numbers and feel bad if you're below the median. Use them as a benchmark for your next review.
1. Audit your industry every two years.
If you’re 32 and making $45,000 in a field where the median for your age is $60,000, you aren't just "unlucky." You’re likely being underpaid or you're in an industry with a low ceiling. It might be time to look at a pivot.
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2. Maximize the "Jump Years" (Ages 25–35).
This is your window. Don't be afraid to change companies if your current one isn't offering a path to that $60k+ median. This is the decade where your "market value" increases the fastest.
3. Factor in the "Hidden" Compensation.
As you move into the 35–44 and 45–54 brackets, base salary matters less and benefits matter more. 401(k) matching, health insurance premiums, and stock options can often add $10,000 to $20,000 of real value that doesn't show up in the "average salary" stats.
4. Prepare for the 55+ Plateau.
Since earnings tend to taper off after age 55, your 40s are the time to get aggressive with retirement contributions. You want to be "coasting" by 60, not scrambling to make up for lost time when your earning power is naturally beginning to dip.
Income is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you're a 22-year-old just starting or a 50-year-old eyeing the finish line, understanding these age-based benchmarks helps you navigate the market with your eyes open. Be realistic about where you are, but don't be afraid to demand what the data says you're worth.