You ever look at those headlines about the US average income and think, "Who are these people and where is my share?"
Honestly, I get it. The numbers the government puts out usually sound way too high or weirdly low depending on whether you’re looking at a tech worker in San Jose or someone working a retail gig in rural Mississippi.
The short answer is that the "average" is a bit of a trap. In the third quarter of 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median usual weekly earnings for full-time workers hit $1,214. If you do the math, that’s about $63,128 a year.
But wait.
If you look at "household" income—which counts everyone living under one roof—the Census Bureau recently noted that the real median household income for 2024 hovered around $83,730. That’s a huge gap. It's basically the difference between one person's salary and a family's combined resources.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Average
When we talk about the US average income, we usually use the word "average" loosely. In reality, economists prefer the median. Why? Because the actual mathematical average (the mean) is skewed by billionaires.
Think of it like this: if you’re at a bar with nine teachers making $50k and Elon Musk walks in, the average income in that bar just jumped to about $20 billion. But the median—the person sitting in the middle—is still making $50k.
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The median tells you what a "typical" person makes. Right now, that middle point is roughly $1,214 a week for full-time employees. If you’re making more than that, you’re in the top 50%. If you're making less, you’re in the bottom half.
Breaking It Down by Age and Experience
Your age is probably the biggest predictor of where you land on the scale. You’ve probably noticed that entry-level pay is... well, rough.
- Ages 16–24: These folks are averaging about $715 to $802 per week. It’s the starting line.
- Ages 35–54: This is the "peak" earning window. Men in this bracket are seeing medians around $1,504, while women are closer to $1,226.
- The 55+ Taper: Income actually starts to dip slightly as people approach retirement, dropping back toward that $1,200/week range as some move to part-time or senior roles with different structures.
Location Really, Really Matters
You can’t talk about the US average income without talking about where you park your car at night. A $70,000 salary in Jackson, Mississippi, makes you feel like royalty. That same $70k in San Francisco? You’re probably looking for a roommate.
The District of Columbia remains the outlier with a median weekly wage of roughly $2,290. That is almost double the national average. Meanwhile, states like Mississippi ($960/week) and West Virginia ($1,085/week) sit at the bottom of the list.
California and Massachusetts are the heavy hitters, often crossing the $1,600 to $1,700 per week mark. But the "real" value is what's left after you pay rent.
According to data from USA Facts, when you adjust for the cost of living, states like North Dakota and Minnesota actually look a lot better than the coastal giants. Your dollar just goes further when milk doesn't cost $6 a gallon.
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The Education Gap is Still Real
I know, I know—everyone has a story about a plumber who makes more than a lawyer. And those people exist! But statistically? The degree still carries weight.
For full-time workers over age 25, the gap is stark:
- No High School Diploma: $777 per week.
- High School Grads (no college): $980 per week.
- Bachelor’s Degree and Higher: $1,747 per week.
That is nearly a $40,000 annual difference between a high school diploma and a college degree.
What’s Happening in 2026?
We’re currently seeing a bit of a cooling period. Employers are getting a little stingier. A massive study by Mercer and another by Payscale both suggest that 2026 salary increases are going to stay flat, averaging about 3.5%.
That’s basically a "cost of living" adjustment. It’s not a "buy a new boat" raise. Most companies are citing "economic uncertainty" as the reason they aren't bumping pay higher.
Why the Numbers Don't Match Your Life
If you feel like you’re falling behind even though you’re at the "average," you aren't imagining things.
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Inflation has been a beast. Even though wages grew about 4.2% over the last year, the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) rose by about 2.9% in the same timeframe. You’re getting more money, but the grocery store is taking most of it back.
Also, the "gender pay gap" is still a factor in the national US average income statistics. As of late 2025, women were earning about 80.7% of what men earned—roughly $1,076 compared to $1,333 per week. This fluctuates based on race and industry, with Asian women and men generally seeing the highest median earnings across the board.
Take Action: How to Use These Numbers
Don't just read these stats and feel depressed. Use them as leverage.
- Audit Your Salary: Go to the BLS website or use a tool like Payscale. If you’re a mid-level manager and you're making less than the median for your age and education, it’s time to have a talk with your boss.
- Consider the "Real" Wage: If you're thinking about moving for a higher "average" income in a state like New York, calculate the tax and rent hit first. Often, a $10k raise in a high-cost state results in less take-home pay.
- Upskill for 2026: Since companies are focusing their limited 3.5% raise budgets on "high-demand skills," find out what those are in your field.
The US average income is just a benchmark. It’s a snapshot of millions of people, but it doesn't define your ceiling.
Check your current pay against the 2025 Q3 median of $1,214 per week to see exactly where you stand in the national landscape. If you're below it, your first step is a market value assessment of your specific job title.