Average Salary in the US: Understanding Wage Trends and Influences
Current Wage Trends in the US
As of the first quarter of 2025, the average salary in the US shows that the median weekly wage rose to $1,194, resulting in an annual salary of approximately $62,088. This is a 4.8 percent increase from the previous year, indicating a solid upward trend in compensations.
Gender Pay Gap
Despite improvements in wages, the gender pay gap remains prominent. Women earn around 83.9 percent of what men make weekly. The disparities vary by race:
- Black women earn 96.8% of Black men’s wages.
- Hispanic women make 88.7% compared to Hispanic men.
- White women earn 82.2% of White men’s earnings.
- Asian women earn 79.9% of their Asian male counterparts.
Average Salary by Age
Age continues to play a pivotal role in salary levels:
- 16-19 years: $648/week ($33,696/year)
- 20-24 years: $792/week ($41,184/year)
- 25-34 years: $1,125/week ($58,500/year)
- 35-44 years: $1,332/week ($69,264/year)
- 45-54 years: $1,376/week ($71,552/year)
- 55-64 years: $1,302/week ($67,704/year)
- 65+: $1,222/week ($63,544/year)
Men aged 45 to 54 earn the most at $1,512/week, while women peak at $1,233/week.
Salary and Education Level
The average salary also varies significantly by education:
- Grade school: $743/week ($38,636/year)
- High school diploma: $953/week ($49,556/year)
- Some college/associate degree: $1,096/week ($56,992/year)
- Bachelor’s degree: $1,603/week ($83,356/year)
- Advanced degree: $1,961/week ($101,972/year)
Holders of bachelor’s degrees earn 68 percent more than those without any college education.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.