According to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the first quarter of 2025, the median weekly earnings of full-time wage workers in the United States rose to $1,194, translating to a monthly income of $5,174 or an annual income of approximately $62,088, representing a 4.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, nearing 5%.
The specific wage levels are related to age, gender, and level of education, with men aged 45-54 typically earning the most, reaching a peak in mid-career.
Gender wage gaps persist. Data shows that women earn a median weekly wage of $1,096, approximately 83.9% of the median weekly wage of men at $1,307.
Income for black women is 96.8% of black men’s income.
Income for Hispanic women is 88.7% of Hispanic men’s income.
Income for white women is 82.2% of white men’s income.
Income for Asian women is 79.9% of Asian men’s income.
Age remains an important factor affecting income, with wages usually increasing as age advances until mid-career but declining towards retirement.
Average weekly earnings by age group are as follows:
16-19 years: $648 per week or $33,696 annually.
20-24 years: $792 per week or $41,184 annually.
25-34 years: $1,125 per week or $58,500 annually.
35-44 years: $1,332 per week or $69,264 annually.
45-54 years: $1,376 per week or $71,552 annually.
55-64 years: $1,302 per week or $67,704 annually.
65 years and older: $1,222 per week or $63,544 annually.
Data shows that men aged 45-54 have the highest income, earning $1,512 per week, while women of the same age group have slightly lower peak income at $1,233 per week.
The gender wage gap is smallest for young workers aged 16-24, with women earning 92.2% of men’s income. According to BLS data, the gap widens with age, with women earning 84% of men’s income for workers aged 25-54, and only 77.1% for workers aged 55 and above.
Education level also plays a significant role in income potential. The median weekly earnings for American workers based on education level are as follows:
Elementary school education: $743 per week or $38,636 annually.
High school diploma only: $953 per week or $49,556 annually.
Some college or associate degree: $1,096 per week or $56,992 annually.
Bachelor’s degree: $1,603 per week or $83,356 annually.
Advanced degree: $1,961 per week or $101,972 annually.
Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn over 68% more than those without any college education, equating to around $33,800 per year.
In the high-income bracket of those with advanced degrees, 10% of men earn $5,079 or more per week, while women at this level earn $3,528 or more.
It is worth noting that wages are also significantly influenced by the workers’ place of residence, as wages are closely linked to the cost of living. Data from Forbes and BLS show that the average incomes vary among states, with some states having considerable differences compared to the national average income.
Some states on the U.S. West Coast and Northeast have the highest average wages, such as Massachusetts, New York, Washington, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Although incomes in these “wealthier” states are higher, the cost of living and housing prices may also be higher, with housing prices rising along with the cost of living.