You're probably wondering if you're making enough. Everyone does it. You see a headline about a "six-figure minimum" for a comfortable life in some city, then you look at your direct deposit and feel a tiny pang of dread. Honestly, trying to pin down what is the average US salary is a bit like trying to catch a cloud. The "average" isn't really what you think it is, and the number that actually matters to your life is usually a lot different than the one the news anchors shout about.
Money is weird. Especially right now. We've just come through a couple of years where inflation felt like it was eating our paychecks for breakfast, yet wages actually grew quite a bit.
If you just want the quick, "give it to me straight" number, here it is: As of late 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time workers in the United States sit at $1,214. If you do the math—basically multiplying that by 52 weeks—you’re looking at roughly $63,128 per year.
But wait. That's the median.
Why the "Average" Is a Total Lie
We use the word "average" in conversation, but economists usually hate it. If Jeff Bezos walks into a local dive bar, the average income in that room suddenly jumps to billions of dollars. Does that mean the guy at the corner table can suddenly afford a yacht? Nope.
That’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) focuses on the median. The median is the literal middle. If you lined up every worker in America from the lowest paid to the highest, the person right in the center is making that $63,128.
According to Social Security Administration data and recent BLS trends into 2026, the mean (the mathematical average) is actually higher—closer to $69,846. This happens because the super-high earners pull the average up, making the rest of us feel like we're falling behind even when we're doing okay.
What Really Influences Your Paycheck (It’s Not Just Your Boss)
It’s easy to blame your company for a low salary, but there are massive, systemic factors at play. Location is the big one. Honestly, making $70,000 in Mississippi feels like winning the lottery, while making $70,000 in San Francisco feels like you’re essentially broke.
The Geography Gap
The difference between states is staggering. In Washington, D.C., the median annual wage is north of $119,000. Contrast that with Mississippi, where the median hovers around $49,920.
You’ve also got high-flyers like:
- Massachusetts: ~$90,272
- Washington State: ~$92,612
- California: ~$88,088
- New York: ~$87,568
These numbers aren't just high because people are smarter there. They're high because it costs a fortune to buy a sandwich and pay rent in those places. If you’re looking at what is the average US salary to decide where to move, always look at the cost-of-living adjusted wage. For instance, Minnesota often ranks as one of the best "bang for your buck" states when you factor in how much things actually cost versus what you get paid.
The Age and Experience Factor
Your 20s are usually a scramble. For workers aged 20 to 24, the median is only about $41,392. It feels like a lot when it’s your first "real" job, but it disappears fast.
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Earnings generally peak when you’re between 35 and 54. Specifically, men in the 35–44 bracket see a median of roughly **$1,504 per week** ($78,208 a year). For women in that same age group, the median is **$1,226 per week** ($63,752 a year).
Interestingly, after age 54, the numbers start to dip slightly. This isn't necessarily because people get pay cuts, but because many high-earners start retiring or shifting to part-time "consulting" roles as they eye the finish line.
Education Still Matters (Unfortunately for Your Debt)
We hear a lot about the "successful college dropout," but the data is pretty cold on that. It's a rare bird.
If you don't have a high school diploma, the median weekly pay is roughly $777. That's a tough way to live. High school graduates without college bump up to $980.
Once you hit the Bachelor's degree level, the number jumps significantly to $1,747 per week. That’s over $90,000 a year. And for those with advanced degrees—PhDs, Lawyers, MDs—the top 10% of male earners are clearing over $4,800 a week.
The Industry Divide: Where the Money Is Hiding
Not all sectors are created equal. If you're in Professional and Business Services, the average weekly earnings are sitting at a healthy $1,645.
Contrast that with Leisure and Hospitality, where the average is a mere $595 a week. That’s a huge gap. It explains why we see so much turnover in service jobs—the math just doesn't work for a lot of people long-term.
Other high-paying sectors as of early 2026:
- Utilities: ~$2,306/week (People always need power and water).
- Information (Tech/Media): ~$1,988/week.
- Financial Activities: ~$1,810/week.
- Construction: ~$1,570/week (Trade skills are becoming incredibly lucrative).
The Gender and Race Gap Is Still There
It’s 2026, and we’re still talking about this because it hasn't gone away. Women are currently earning about 80.7% of what men earn, with median weekly earnings of $1,076 compared to $1,333 for men.
The gap is even more pronounced across different ethnicities. Asian workers have the highest median earnings at $1,620 per week, followed by White workers at $1,238. Black and Hispanic workers trail at $970 and $944 respectively. These disparities aren't just "flavor text"; they represent real-world differences in access to high-paying industries and seniority.
Is Your Salary Actually "Good"?
"Good" is relative. If you’re making the median $63,128 but you’re supporting a family of four in a suburb of Chicago, things are probably tight. If you’re single in Indianapolis making that same amount, you’re likely doing great.
The real measure of a salary isn't the gross number. It's the disposable income—what’s left after the "Big Three":
- Housing: (Should be <30% of your gross).
- Taxes: (Federal, State, and those annoying FICA deductions).
- Health Insurance: (Which seems to go up every single year).
If you’re researching what is the average US salary to negotiate a raise, don't just use the national number. Use the "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics" (OEWS) from the BLS for your specific city.
Actionable Steps to Improve Your Position
If you find yourself on the wrong side of the median, don't panic. The market is shifting.
- Audit Your Local Market: Use tools like the BLS database or even localized sites like Glassdoor to see what people in your exact zip code are making for your exact job title. National averages are just a baseline.
- Upskill in the "Green" or "Tech" Segments: We're seeing a massive surge in wages for anyone related to renewable energy infrastructure and specialized AI implementation. You don't need a new degree; often, a specific certification is enough to jump your bracket.
- Negotiate Based on "Real" Dollars: When you talk to your boss, mention the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the "average" wage grew by 4.6% this year and you got a 2% raise, you actually took a pay cut in terms of purchasing power.
- Check the Benefits: Sometimes a $60,000 salary with a 100% 401k match and $0-premium health insurance is worth way more than an $80,000 salary with terrible benefits. Do the "Total Compensation" math.
Understanding the landscape of American earnings is the first step toward getting what you're actually worth. The "average" is a starting point, but your specific value is defined by your skills, your location, and your willingness to ask for more.
Next Steps for You
- Download the latest BLS "Usual Weekly Earnings" report to see the raw data for your specific demographic.
- Calculate your "Real Wage" by subtracting your local cost-of-living index from your gross pay to see how you truly compare to the national median.
- Map out a 2-year certification plan if you are currently in a sector (like retail or hospitality) where the median pay is below $40,000, as the gap between service and professional wages is widening.