Median salary figures mean different things in different cities. Use the cost of living calculator to find the equivalent salary you would need in any other US city to maintain the same purchasing power.
Once you know where your salary sits relative to the median, use the salary negotiation tips guide to build the case for a raise using real market data.
Average American Salary 2026: Complete Breakdown
What is the average American salary, average American wage, median salary US 2026, and average US income 2026? The BLS Q1 2026 figure for the typical American salary is $64,220 per year ($1,235/week). This guide covers the average American income by age, state, industry, education, and gender: with every figure sourced directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and SSA. See exactly where your salary ranks.
Average US Salary 2026: Key Numbers at a Glance
Three different figures are used to describe the average American salary. Each measures something different. Understanding which number applies to your situation determines whether you are above or below the American average salary in 2026.
| Metric | Annual amount | Weekly | Monthly | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median wage (full-time workers) | $64,220 | $1,235 | $5,352 | BLS Q1 2026 |
| Mean (average) annual wage: all occupations | $69,770 | $1,342 | $5,814 | BLS OEWS May 2025 |
| Average annual wage (SSA) | $63,795 | $1,227 | $5,316 | SSA 2024 data |
| Average household income | $87,730 | , | $7,311 | Census Bureau |
| Men: median weekly earnings | $69,316 | $1,333 | $5,776 | BLS Q3 2025 |
| Women: median weekly earnings | $55,952 | $1,076 | $4,663 | BLS Q3 2025 |
Average Salary vs Median Salary: Why It Matters
The difference between the average salary and median salary in the US is not just statistical: it affects how you interpret every salary comparison you make. When someone asks "what is the average American income," the answer depends entirely on which measure they are using.
Why mean salary overstates what typical workers earn: simplified example
This is exactly how US salary data behaves at scale. A small number of workers earning $500,000+ annually pulls the national mean far above what the typical worker earns. The BLS median of $64,220 reflects real conditions for the American average worker far more accurately than any mean figure. When negotiating a salary, comparing job offers, or evaluating a raise, always benchmark against the median: not the mean.
Average American Salary by Age 2026
Earnings follow a predictable arc across a career: rising steadily through the 20s and 30s, peaking in the 35 to 44 bracket, then gradually declining as workers approach retirement age. Understanding average salary by age shows where you should expect to be at each career stage and whether you are ahead or behind your peers.
| Age group | Median weekly | Median annual | vs overall median | Career stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 to 19 years | $648 | $33,696 | −$30,524 | Entry: student/part-time |
| 20 to 24 years | $792 | $41,184 | −$23,036 | Early career: new graduate |
| 25 to 34 years | $1,125 | $58,500 | −$5,720 | Growth: building experience |
| 35 to 44 years (peak) | $1,385 | $72,020 | +$7,800 | Peak earnings decade |
| 45 to 54 years | $1,377 | $71,604 | +$7,384 | Senior: near peak earnings |
| 55 to 64 years | $1,322 | $68,744 | +$4,524 | Late career: approaching retirement |
| 65+ years | $1,222 | $63,544 | −$676 | Post-retirement age: often part-time |
The peak earnings decade of 35 to 44 reflects accumulated experience, seniority bonuses, and management-level compensation. Workers who earn $72,020 at 40 are at the national median for their age group: not above average. The decline after 55 is partly structural (some workers voluntarily shift to lower-stress, part-time, or consulting roles) and partly market-driven (age discrimination and reduced demand for physical labor in older workers). Workers in professional, technical, and management roles often maintain or grow earnings well into their 60s.
Average Salary by State 2026: Highest and Lowest Paying States
Where you live is one of the strongest predictors of your salary. Average wages by state in 2026 vary by more than $33,000 from the highest to lowest paying state: a gap explained by industry concentration, cost of living, union density, educational attainment, and economic development. High-salary states are not always the best financial outcome once cost of living is accounted for.
| State | Avg annual salary | vs national avg | Key industries driving pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $76,600 | +$6,830 | Biotech, finance, higher education |
| Connecticut | $75,200 | +$5,430 | Finance, insurance, pharma |
| New Jersey | $74,800 | +$5,030 | Pharma, finance, tech |
| Washington | $74,100 | +$4,330 | Tech (Amazon, Microsoft), aerospace |
| California | $73,500 | +$3,730 | Tech, entertainment, finance |
| New York | $72,900 | +$3,130 | Finance, media, healthcare |
| Colorado | $70,200 | +$430 | Tech, aerospace, energy |
| Texas | $63,400 | −$6,370 | Energy, tech, healthcare: no state tax |
| Florida | $57,800 | −$11,970 | Tourism, healthcare, real estate |
| Georgia | $59,100 | −$10,670 | Logistics, film, tech (Atlanta) |
| Arkansas | $46,200 | −$23,570 | Agriculture, retail, manufacturing |
| Mississippi | $43,100 | −$26,670 | Agriculture, government, healthcare |
Average Salary by Industry and Occupation 2026
Industry is one of the strongest predictors of salary: more predictive than geography for most workers. The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2025 data shows mean annual wages across all occupations averaging $69,770. The range from the lowest to highest paying occupations spans more than $460,000 per year.
| Industry / Occupation group | Mean annual wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric surgeons | $502,050 | Highest paid occupation overall (BLS) |
| Cardiologists | $454,940 | 2nd highest overall |
| Management occupations (all) | $145,260 | C-suite to mid-management |
| Engineering | $123,614 | Software, civil, mechanical, electrical |
| Information Technology | $86,342 | Software devs, network admins, IT support |
| Healthcare overall | $87,380 | Includes RNs ($101,420 mean), therapists |
| Finance & Insurance | $70,150 | Banking, financial advisors, analysts |
| Sales & Marketing | $79,211 | Variable: heavily commission dependent |
| Legal Services | $70,627 | Lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants |
| All occupations (mean) | $69,770 | BLS national average: all 155M workers |
| Construction & Extraction | $65,360 | Below US average; higher for skilled trades |
| Education (all) | $73,429 | K-12 teachers, professors, administrators |
| Retail & Customer Service | $49,874 | Wide range: entry-level to management |
| Food Services | $42,138 | Cooks, servers, managers combined |
| Dietetic technicians | $40,630 | Lowest paying healthcare occupation (BLS) |
Average Salary by Education Level 2026
Education has a larger impact on lifetime earnings than almost any other single factor. A worker with a bachelor's degree earns approximately 43% more than a high school graduate: a gap that compounds over a 40-year career into hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional earnings. However, the relationship is not linear: skilled trades without a degree can match or exceed many four-year degree paths.
| Education level | Median weekly | Annual equivalent | vs high school grad | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | $682 | $35,464 | −$14,508 | 5.5% |
| High school diploma / GED | $950 | $49,400 | , | 3.9% |
| Some college, no degree | $1,024 | $53,248 | +$3,848 | 3.5% |
| Associate degree | $1,058 | $55,016 | +$5,616 | 3.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | $1,358 | $70,616 | +$21,216 | 2.3% |
| Master's degree | $1,583 | $82,316 | +$32,916 | 2.0% |
| Professional degree (JD, MD, etc.) | $2,019 | $104,988 | +$55,588 | 1.5% |
| Doctoral degree | $2,083 | $108,316 | +$58,916 | 1.3% |
The college wage premium: the earnings advantage of a bachelor's degree over a high school diploma: remains substantial at $21,216 per year. Over a 40-year career, this compounds to approximately $848,640 in additional gross earnings before accounting for investment returns on the salary differential. However, student loan costs, years of foregone income during study, and field of study dramatically affect whether a specific degree generates a positive financial return. Engineering, nursing, computer science, and accounting have strong ROI. Liberal arts and many social science degrees have much lower earnings premiums relative to their cost.
Gender Pay Gap in the US 2026
The gender wage gap: the difference between men's and women's median earnings: remains a significant feature of the US labor market in 2026. Women earn 80.7 cents for every dollar earned by men among full-time workers, a gap that has narrowed slowly over decades but has not closed in any state.
| Group | Men median weekly | Women median weekly | Women as % of men | Annual gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All workers (overall) | $1,333 | $1,076 | 80.7% | −$13,364/yr |
| White workers | $1,380 | $1,108 | 80.3% | −$14,144/yr |
| Black workers | $1,108 | $942 | 85.0% | −$8,632/yr |
| Hispanic / Latino workers | $948 | $889 | 93.8% | −$3,068/yr |
| Asian workers | $1,780 | $1,395 | 78.4% | −$20,020/yr |
The gap is largest for Asian workers ($20,020/year) because Asian men have exceptionally high median earnings in high-paying tech and finance roles: not because Asian women are especially underpaid. The smallest gap is among Hispanic workers where median wages for both groups are closer together at a lower overall level. Young workers aged 16 to 24 show the smallest gap (women earning 92.2% of men): the gap widens with age, reaching 77.1% for workers aged 55 and older, reflecting occupational differences, career interruptions, and historical pay structures in senior roles.
What Is a Good Salary in the US in 2026?
What counts as a good salary depends on three things: where you live, your household size, and your fixed expenses. There is no single national threshold. However, there are income percentiles that provide a useful framework for benchmarking against other American workers.
| Income percentile | Annual salary | Hourly equiv. | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | ~$24,000 | ~$11.54/hr | Bottom 10% of full-time earners |
| 25th percentile | ~$37,500 | ~$18.03/hr | Below average: entry-level or low-wage sectors |
| 50th percentile (median) | ~$64,220 | ~$30.87/hr | Exactly average: half earn more, half less |
| 65th percentile | ~$80,000 | ~$38.46/hr | Above average: generally considered a "good salary" |
| 75th percentile | ~$95,000 | ~$45.67/hr | Top quarter: comfortably above average |
| 90th percentile | ~$140,000 | ~$67.31/hr | Top 10%: high earner in most US cities |
| 95th percentile | ~$185,000 | ~$88.94/hr | Top 5%: high earner even in NYC or SF |
A salary that is "good" in practical terms means your housing costs are below 30% of gross income, you can fund retirement contributions, maintain an emergency fund, and have discretionary income. Using that framework: $80,000 is genuinely comfortable in most of the South and Midwest; in San Francisco or New York City, $120,000 to $150,000 is needed to achieve the same financial position. To understand your true take-home on any of these salaries, use the take-home pay calculator for your specific state.
How to Compare Your Salary to the American Average
Comparing your salary to national averages requires using the right benchmark. The median for your age group, industry, education level, and state is far more meaningful than the broad national median. A 28-year-old teacher in rural Ohio should not be benchmarking against the national $69,770 mean: they should compare to the education industry median in Ohio for their experience level.
| Your situation | Best benchmark | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Am I paid fairly for my job? | BLS OEWS median for your specific occupation | BLS OES data |
| Am I above or below average for my age? | BLS median by age group table (this page) | BLS quarterly earnings |
| Is my state salary competitive? | State average salary table (this page) | BLS + Census |
| Mortgage / loan qualification | Your gross annual salary: not median | Lender DTI calculations |
| Monthly budget planning | Your net monthly take-home: not gross | Take-home pay calculator |
| General salary comparison | BLS median $64,220: full-time workers Q1 2026 | BLS April 2026 release |
4 Common Mistakes When Comparing Your Salary
Comparing gross salary without accounting for state taxes
A $70,000 salary in Texas and $70,000 in California are not equivalent. After California's 9.3% state income tax, the California worker takes home approximately $5,950 less per year. Always compare net take-home: not gross salary: when evaluating offers across states. See the states with no income tax guide.
Using the mean (average) instead of the median
The mean annual wage of $69,770 is skewed upward by a small number of very high earners. If your salary is $55,000, you are below the mean but that does not mean you are underpaid: you are below the midpoint for full-time workers, not below some typical benchmark. The median ($64,220) is the correct comparison for most workers.
Comparing to the wrong age group
A 26-year-old earning $58,000 is above the median for their 25 to 34 age group ($58,500): roughly at par for their career stage. That same salary at age 45 is significantly below the 45 to 54 median of $71,604. Age-adjusted comparisons are far more meaningful than comparing to the national median regardless of career stage.
Ignoring total compensation for benefits
A salary of $65,000 with full health insurance, 401k match, and pension can be worth $80,000+ in total compensation. A $75,000 salary with no benefits may be worth less. When comparing to national salary averages: and especially before entering salary negotiation: factor in employer health coverage (worth $7,000 to $20,000/year), 401k match, and paid time off: not just the gross salary figure.
Average American Salary: FAQ
What is the average American salary in 2026?
The median weekly earnings of full-time US workers in Q1 2026 were $1,235/week = $64,220 annually per the BLS April 2026 earnings release. This was 3.4% higher than a year earlier. The mean (average) annual wage across all occupations is $69,770 per OEWS May 2025 data. The average household income is $87,730 per the Census Bureau. Always use the median when comparing your individual salary: the mean is skewed by high earners.
What is the average American salary per month in 2026?
The average American salary per month gross is approximately $5,352 based on the BLS Q1 2026 median of $64,220 ÷ 12. The mean monthly salary is approximately $5,814 based on the $69,770 mean annual wage. After federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and state income tax, the typical monthly take-home for a single filer at the median is approximately $4,100 to $4,400 depending on state. Use the take-home pay calculator to find your exact monthly net pay.
What is considered a good salary in the US in 2026?
A good salary in the US in 2026 generally starts around $80,000 to $100,000: placing a worker at the 65th to 75th income percentile nationally. At $80,000 a single person can comfortably afford housing at 30% of gross income in most US cities, contribute to retirement, and maintain savings. In high-cost cities (NYC, San Francisco, Seattle), $120,000 to $150,000 is needed for the same financial comfort. The key test: if housing, transportation, retirement contributions, and basic savings are covered without strain, the salary is good for your location.
What is the average salary in the US by state?
The highest paying state in 2026 is Massachusetts at $76,600 average annual salary, driven by biotech, finance, and higher education. The lowest paying state is Mississippi at $43,100. The gap between highest and lowest is over $33,000 annually. Other high-paying states: Connecticut ($75,200), New Jersey ($74,800), Washington ($74,100), California ($73,500). Other low-paying states: Arkansas ($46,200), West Virginia ($47,800), Kentucky ($48,500). Note that Texas ($63,400) has no state income tax, making its effective take-home competitive with higher-paying but higher-tax states.
What is the average American salary by age?
Per BLS 2025 to 2026 data: ages 16 to 19 earn $33,696; 20 to 24 earn $41,184; 25 to 34 earn $58,500; 35 to 44 earn $72,020 (peak); 45 to 54 earn $71,604; 55 to 64 earn $68,744; 65+ earn $63,544. Earnings peak in the 35 to 44 bracket and gradually decline as workers approach and pass traditional retirement age. Workers in professional and management roles often maintain near-peak earnings into their late 50s and early 60s.
What is the difference between average and median salary in the US?
The average (mean) salary is the sum of all wages divided by the number of workers: currently $69,770. The median salary is the midpoint: $64,220 in Q1 2026. The mean is higher because a small number of very high earners (executives, surgeons, investors) pull it up. The median is unaffected by these outliers and better represents what a typical American worker actually earns. For personal salary comparisons, always use the median: not the mean.
What is the gender pay gap in the US in 2026?
Women's median weekly earnings are $1,076 vs $1,333 for men: making women's earnings 80.7% of men's among full-time workers (BLS Q3 2025). This represents an annual earnings gap of approximately $13,364. The gap varies by race: Black women earn 85% of Black men's wages; Hispanic women 93.8%; Asian women 78.4%; White women 80.3%. The gender wage gap widens with age: young workers (16 to 24) show a much smaller gap (women earning 92.2% of men) than workers 55 and older (77.1%).
How does education affect salary in the US in 2026?
A bachelor's degree earns 43% more than a high school diploma: $70,616 vs $49,400 annual median. A professional degree (JD, MD) reaches $104,988 median. A doctoral degree earns $108,316. The college wage premium is real and substantial over a 40-year career. However, skilled trades without a degree: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding: can generate $65,000 to $90,000+ in states with strong labor markets, often without student debt. The decision to pursue a degree should weigh specific field ROI, not just the general wage premium.
Is $60,000 a good salary in the US in 2026? Is 60000 a good salary?
$60,000 is just below the BLS Q1 2026 median of $64,220: placing a worker roughly at the 48th to 50th income percentile. It is a reasonable salary in most of the South and Midwest. In high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle, $60,000 is challenging: housing alone may consume 40 to 50% of gross income. After federal tax, FICA, and moderate state tax, take-home on $60,000 is approximately $45,000 to $48,000 per year ($3,750 to $4,000/month). Use the take-home pay calculator for your exact net by state.
Is $100,000 a good salary in the US in 2026? Is 100000 a good salary?
$100,000 places a worker at approximately the 75th income percentile: top quarter of all US earners. It is a strong salary in most of the country and is comfortable for a single person in all but the highest-cost metros. In New York City and San Francisco, $100,000 requires careful budgeting due to housing costs. After federal tax, FICA, and state tax, take-home on $100,000 ranges from $71,000 (no-tax state) to $65,000 (high-tax state). Net take-home: not the $100K gross: is what determines your actual standard of living.