Whether you’re deciding on a new career path or wondering if you’re being paid enough, it can help to know what the typical American worker earns per year.
Based on the latest data available from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average annual pay in the U.S. in 2024 was $69,846 — a 4.84% jump from the previous year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the average worker made $75,585 that same year.The amount you make may depend on a number of factors, including your occupation, where you live, your gender, and your level of education.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Understanding what other workers are earning, both in your field and beyond, can help guide your career decisions.
• The average annual pay in the U.S., according to the most recent data from the Social Security Administration, is $69,846.
• Many factors can influence your pay, including your race, gender, and geographic location.
• Examples of high-paying roles include cardiologist, dentist, lawyer, and pilot.
• There are steps you can take to get the most out of your salary, such as negotiating your bills, regardless of how much you earn.
Key Findings
Let’s take a closer look at how the average annual salary in the U.S. has changed over a three-year period based on data from both the SSA and BLS.
| Year | Average Annual Salary per SSA | Average Annual Salary per BLS |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $55,628.60 | $64,021 |
| 2021 | $60,575.07 | $67,610 |
| 2022 | $63,795 | $69,986 |
It can also be helpful to look at median earnings, which represent the midpoint of salaries in the U.S. In other words, half of the salaries fall below the median, and half are higher than the median.
The following table shows the median annual salaries over a three-year period.
| Year | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,460 |
| 2023 | $63,030 |
| 2024 | $63,360 |
Source: BLS
As you can see, average and median incomes have risen each year. However, various factors can affect average salaries, such as your occupation, age, and gender. Note that the numbers above also don’t include unearned income, such as interest earned on investments, dividends, rental income.
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Examples of High-Salary Jobs in the US
Some industries tend to pay more than others, which means the career you choose may affect how much you earn. Here’s a sample of high-paying jobs and their average annual salaries, according to the BLS:
• Cardiologist: $432,490
• Dentist: $196,100
• Airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer: $280,570
• Lawyer: $182,760
• Public relations manager: $163,520
• Air traffic controller: $142,740
Recommended: How to Reduce Taxable Income for High Earners
Average American Income by Occupation
While salaries tend to vary based on region, some industries and sectors pay more or less than others. Let’s take a look at different occupations and their typical earnings, including some with six-figure salaries.
| Occupation (Type) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Management | $122,090 |
| Legal | $99,990 |
| Computer and Mathematical Operations | $171,200 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $97,310 |
| Health Care Practitioners and Technical | $83,090 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $80,920 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $78,980 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $54,870 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $59,220 |
| Construction and Extraction | $58,360 |
| Community and Social Service | $57,530 |
| Protective Service | $59,530 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $58,230 |
| Sales (and Related) | $37,460 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $46,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $42,740 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $36,750 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $36,790 |
| Personal Care and Service | $35,110 |
| Health Care Support | $37,180 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $34,130 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 data
Keep in mind that average salaries may differ depending on your specific occupation. For example, although claims adjusters fall under the business and financial operations category, their average salary is around $75,770.
US Income by Gender
Demographics, specifically gender, are an important factor to consider when contextualizing salaries. Men tend to outearn women throughout their careers. In 2024, the median annual salary for a 16- to 24-year-old man was $40,456; a woman of the same age earned $36,868, per the latest data available from the BLS. Likewise, the 2024 median annual salary for a man aged 25 and older was $69,992; a woman of the same age earned $57,356.
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RL24-1993217-B
Median Income by State
Wages often vary based on where you live. In many cases, states with higher costs of living also have higher wages. For example, the median annual household income in Hawaii was $100,745 in 2024 — much higher than Mississippi’s median annual income of $59,127 in the same year.
Below is the median income by state for a household of three people, according to data compiled by the Census Bureau for 2024.
| State | Median annual income< |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,659 |
| Alaska | $95,665 |
| Arizona | $81,486 |
| Arkansas | $62,106 |
| California | $100,149 |
| Colorado | $97,113 |
| Connecticut | $96,049 |
| Delaware | $87,534 |
| District of Columbia | $109,707 |
| Florida | $77,735 |
| Georgia | $79,991 |
| Hawaii | $100,745 |
| Idaho | $81,166 |
| Illinois | $83,211 |
| Indiana | $71,959 |
| Iowa | $75,501 |
| Kansas | $75,514 |
| Kentucky | $64,526 |
| Louisiana | $60,986 |
| Maine | $76,442 |
| Maryland | $102,905 |
| Massachusetts | $104,828 |
| Michigan | $72,389 |
| Minnesota | $87,117 |
| Mississippi | $59,127 |
| Missouri | $71,589 |
| Montana | $75,340 |
| Nebraska | $76,376 |
| Nevada | $81,134 |
| New Hampshire | $99,782 |
| New Jersey | $104,294 |
| New Mexico | $67,816 |
| New York | $85,820 |
| North Carolina | $73,958 |
| North Dakota | $77,871 |
| Ohio | $72,212 |
| Oklahoma | $66,148 |
| Oregon | $85,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,545 |
| Rhode Island | $83,504 |
| South Carolina | $72,350 |
| South Dakota | $76,881 |
| Tennessee | $71,997 |
| Texas | $79,721 |
| Utah | $96,658 |
| Vermont | $82,730 |
| Virginia | $92,090 |
| Washington | $99,389 |
| West Virginia | $60,798 |
| Wisconsin | $77,488 |
| Wyoming | $75,532 |
US Income by Race
There is often a pay disparity among workers of different races and ethnicities. The BLS data below shows the median annual wages of workers of different ethnicities in 2024.
• Asian: $79,300
• White: $61,204
• Black or African American: $49,868
• Hispanic or Latino: $46,904
How Does Your Income Stack Up?
Now that you’ve seen some of the average and median annual salaries by occupation, location, gender, and race or ethnicity, how does yours compare? If you’re not making as much as you’d like, you may want to research wages in your industry and region, and use that information to help you negotiate a higher salary. If you’re ready to make a bigger change, you can use this data as you consider whether to switch to a more lucrative field or relocate to a higher-paying region.
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
How to Stretch Your Income
Here are some different strategies to help you increase your savings:
Track Your Spending
Understanding exactly where your money is going can help you identify areas where you can cut back. Consider using an app to track your spending and saving.
Negotiate Bills
Want to lower monthly expenses, such as your cell phone or internet services? Consider calling up various providers to see if you’re able to get a better deal or if there are promotions you can take advantage of.
Cut Back on Large Expenses
Housing, food, and transportation tend to be the largest line budget items. Explore ways to trim your highest costs. Examples include refinancing your mortgage, negotiating your rent, shopping at discount grocery stores, and taking public transportation when possible.
Sharpen Your Marketable Skills
Accepting networking opportunities and taking professional development courses could help you become a more marketable employee. This could set you up to earn more in the long run. If you’re on a tight budget, look into no- or low-cost ways to cultivate high-income skills, and ask your employer if there are any free resources available.
Pros and Cons of a High Salary
A high income can be great, but it does come with some downsides.
Pros:
• Improved quality of life: With more money, you can afford a higher standard of living and be able to afford different amenities such as better access to health care and food.
• Financial security: The more you earn, the more you can feel secure you have enough money to afford the things you want and need.
• Ability to achieve financial goals faster: Having more disposable income could mean you can set more money aside for long- and short-term savings goals, like retirement or going on a family vacation.
Cons:
• Higher taxes: Earning more can put you in a higher tax bracket. However, there are ways to reduce your taxable income.
• Pressure to maintain income: If you’re accustomed to a certain living standard, you may feel like you need to keep earning the same amount or more to maintain it.
• More work stress: In many cases, higher-paying jobs come with more responsibilities and, at times, longer hours.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
Understanding what the average American worker makes in a year can be beneficial, especially if you’re considering a new career path, negotiating a higher salary, or looking for a new place to live. According to a report released in 2025 by the SSA, the average annual pay in the U.S. is $69,846. But the amount you earn may depend on a wide range of factors, such as the industry you work in, where you live, your gender, and your race or ethnicity.
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FAQ
What is a good salary in the US?
There’s no one set amount that would be considered a good salary in the U.S. How far your salary goes depends on where you live and your financial situation. However, the average salary is around $69,846, according to the SSA.
What is the real average wage in the US?
The median wage in the U.S. is estimated to be around $63,360, according to the most recent data available from the BLS. Median annual wage is often considered a better measure than the average, as it is not significantly changed by outliers.
What is the top 10% income in the US?
According to Forbes, the top 10% of workers in the U.S. earn $173,176.
How much should you be making at 30?
While there is no definitive amount you should earn by the time you’re 30, the median weekly salary for U.S. workers aged 25 to 34 is $1,268, according to data from the BLS.
What should I do if I am not being paid fairly for my position?
If you feel that you are not being fairly compensated for your work, the first step you should take is to thoroughly research your field so that you understand the standard rates for your position. From this research, come up with an ideal salary or compensation package. Once you know what you want, document your accomplishments and build a case for higher compensation that highlights your strengths. Bring your findings to your manager to negotiate a raise or develop a performance-based plan to reach your goal.
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