Average Salary in the US (2026): State-by-State Pay, Age, Education & BLS Data

Quick Answer

The median annual salary for full-time workers in the United States is $65,052 as of the second quarter of 2026. That breaks down to $1,251 per week, $5,421 per month, or approximately $31.28 per hour for a 40-hour work week. Wage growth of 4.6% over the past year continues to outpace inflation (3.9%), meaning real purchasing power for American workers is slowly increasing.

Key Statistics at a Glance

Metric	Value
Median Weekly Earnings (Q2 2026)	$1,251
Median Annual Salary	$65,052
Median Monthly Salary	$5,421
Median Hourly Wage (40-hour week)	$31.28
Year-over-Year Wage Growth	4.6%
Inflation Rate (CPI-U)	3.9%
Total Full-Time Workers	120.9 million
Men’s Median Weekly Earnings	$1,380
Women’s Median Weekly Earnings	$1,131

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Q2 2026.

Average vs. Median: Why the Numbers Differ

If you’ve seen different salary numbers in different places, there’s a good reason.

The average (mean) salary—sometimes reported as $69,846—is calculated by adding every worker’s income and dividing by the number of workers. The problem? Extremely high earners pull this number upward. A handful of CEOs and hedge fund managers can make the “average” American look wealthier than they actually are.

The median salary is the precise midpoint of all incomes. Half of workers earn more, half earn less. The median is not distorted by outliers.

Editorial Analysis: For a typical professional evaluating their own earnings, the median of $65,052 is the more accurate benchmark. The average is useful for understanding the overall economy, but the median tells you what your actual peers are earning.

Salary Growth Since 2020: Where We’ve Been

Understanding how salaries have changed in recent years provides critical context for the 2026 numbers. The pandemic, inflation, and a tight labor market have all shaped wage growth.

Year	Median Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent	Year-over-Year Change
2020 (Q2)	$1,008	$52,416	—
2021 (Q2)	$996	$51,792	-1.2%
2022 (Q2)	$1,048	$54,496	+5.2%
2023 (Q2)	$1,108	$57,616	+5.7%
2024 (Q2)	$1,151	$59,852	+3.9%
2025 (Q2)	$1,196	$62,192	+3.9%
2026 (Q2)	$1,251	$65,052	+4.6%

Career Insight: Wages stagnated briefly during the pandemic, then accelerated sharply in 2022 and 2023 as employers competed for talent. Growth has since stabilized but remains healthy. Workers who switched jobs during this period typically saw larger increases than those who stayed in place.

Salary by State: Complete Table

State-level data reveals dramatic differences in pay across the country. The table below shows average weekly wages for all covered workers, including part-time and salaried employees, as of Q4 2025 (the most recent complete state data available from the BLS). Estimated median salaries are editorial calculations based on the average-to-median relationship in national data.

Rank	State	Avg Weekly Wage	Avg Annual Wage	Est. Median Salary
1	Washington, D.C.	$2,587	$134,524	~$110,000
2	Massachusetts	$1,980	$102,960	~$85,000
3	New York	$1,975	$102,700	~$82,000
4	California	$1,954	$101,608	~$80,000
5	Washington	$1,948	$101,296	~$82,000
6	Connecticut	$1,801	$93,652	~$77,000
7	New Jersey	$1,691	$87,932	~$72,000
8	Colorado	$1,683	$87,516	~$72,000
9	New Hampshire	$1,652	$85,904	~$70,000
10	Maryland	$1,616	$84,032	~$70,000
11	Illinois	$1,588	$82,576	~$68,000
12	Virginia	$1,585	$82,420	~$68,000
13	Texas	$1,549	$80,548	~$66,000
14	Minnesota	$1,505	$78,260	~$65,000
15	Delaware	$1,502	$78,104	~$64,000
16	Alaska	$1,497	$77,844	~$64,000
17	Florida	$1,471	$76,492	~$63,000
18	Pennsylvania	$1,470	$76,440	~$63,000
19	Oregon	$1,468	$76,336	~$63,000
20	Arizona	$1,446	$75,192	~$62,000
21	Georgia	$1,440	$74,880	~$62,000
22	Rhode Island	$1,429	$74,308	~$61,000
23	Michigan	$1,427	$74,204	~$61,000
24	Tennessee	$1,424	$74,048	~$61,000
25	Hawaii	$1,411	$73,372	~$60,000
26	North Carolina	$1,409	$73,268	~$60,000
27	Nevada	$1,395	$72,540	~$60,000
28	Utah	$1,389	$72,228	~$59,000
29	Vermont	$1,378	$71,656	~$59,000
30	Ohio	$1,358	$70,616	~$58,000
31	North Dakota	$1,350	$70,200	~$58,000
32	Wisconsin	$1,346	$69,992	~$58,000
33	Maine	$1,332	$69,264	~$57,000
34	Missouri	$1,324	$68,848	~$57,000
35	Idaho	$1,303	$67,756	~$56,000
36	Alabama	$1,301	$67,652	~$56,000
37	Wyoming	$1,297	$67,444	~$55,000
38	Montana	$1,296	$67,392	~$55,000
39	Iowa	$1,282	$66,664	~$55,000
40	Indiana	$1,276	$66,352	~$55,000
41	South Carolina	$1,276	$66,352	~$55,000
42	Nebraska	$1,275	$66,300	~$55,000
43	New Mexico	$1,275	$66,300	~$55,000
44	Kansas	$1,268	$65,936	~$54,000
45	Louisiana	$1,267	$65,884	~$54,000
46	Kentucky	$1,235	$64,220	~$53,000
47	South Dakota	$1,230	$63,960	~$52,000
48	Oklahoma	$1,217	$63,284	~$52,000
49	Arkansas	$1,213	$63,076	~$51,000
50	West Virginia	$1,203	$62,556	~$50,000
51	Mississippi	$1,075	$55,900	~$46,000

Note: Estimated median salaries are editorial approximations and not direct BLS figures.

Highest Paying States (Average Wages)

1. Washington, D.C. – $134,524/year
2. Massachusetts – $102,960/year
3. New York – $102,700/year
4. California – $101,608/year
5. Washington – $101,296/year

Lowest Paying States (Average Wages)

1. Mississippi – $55,900/year
2. West Virginia – $62,556/year
3. Arkansas – $63,076/year
4. Oklahoma – $63,284/year
5. South Dakota – $63,960/year

Editorial Analysis: The gap between the highest (DC) and lowest (Mississippi) average annual wages is an astonishing $78,624. However, this doesn’t tell the full story. The cost of living in high-wage states like New York and California is significantly higher than in Mississippi. A $100,000 salary in New York City has roughly the same purchasing power as $52,000 in Jackson, Mississippi. Always evaluate job offers in terms of real purchasing power, not nominal dollars.

Salary by Age: When Your Earnings Peak

Age remains one of the strongest predictors of income. The following table shows median weekly earnings for full-time workers in Q2 2026.

Age Group	Median Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent	Women’s Earnings as % of Men’s
16-24	$806	$41,912	91.1%
25-34	$1,160	$60,320	89.2%
35-44	$1,436	$74,672	78.3%
45-54	$1,421	$73,892	78.4%
55+	$1,335	$69,420	78.5%

Career Insight: Earnings accelerate rapidly between age 25 and 44, peaking in the mid-40s. For most professionals, the 10 years between 25 and 35 are the most critical for establishing a career trajectory. If your earnings are flat during this period, it’s worth evaluating whether your current employer or industry offers sufficient growth potential.

Salary by Education: The ROI of Degrees

Education credentials continue to deliver significant earnings premiums.

Education Level	Median Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent	Premium Over HS Grad
Less than High School	$803	$41,756	-$9,932
High School Diploma	$994	$51,688	$0
Some College / Associate	$1,125	$58,500	+$6,812
Bachelor’s Degree	$1,628	$84,656	+$32,968
Advanced Degree	$1,963	$102,076	+$50,388

Editorial Analysis: A bachelor’s degree commands a premium of nearly $33,000 annually over a high school diploma—a substantial return on investment. Advanced degrees add another $17,000 on top of that. However, these premiums vary dramatically by field. A degree in engineering or computer science typically yields a higher ROI than a degree in liberal arts or education.

Salary by Gender: The Gap Persists

Despite progress, significant earnings disparities remain between men and women, and across racial and ethnic groups.

Demographic	Median Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent	Ratio to White Men
White Men	$1,400	$72,800	100%
White Women	$1,142	$59,384	81.6%
Black Men	$1,089	$56,628	77.8%
Black Women	$991	$51,532	70.8%
Asian Men	$1,902	$98,904	135.9%
Asian Women	$1,489	$77,428	106.4%
Hispanic Men	$1,080	$56,160	77.1%
Hispanic Women	$902	$46,904	64.4%

Career Insight: The gap between White men and Hispanic women is particularly stark—White men earn 55% more on average. Among younger workers (16-24), the gap is narrower, suggesting generational improvement. However, the gap widens as workers age, reflecting the compounding effects of career interruptions, industry segregation, and negotiation disparities.

Salary by Occupation: Which Fields Pay the Most?

Your industry and specific occupation remain the most significant determinants of your earnings.

Occupational Group	Median Weekly Earnings (Men)	Median Weekly Earnings (Women)	Gap
Management, Professional	$1,928	$1,476	23.4%
Sales and Office	$1,214	$943	22.3%
Natural Resources, Construction	$1,120	$812	27.5%
Production, Transportation	$1,022	$829	18.9%
Service Occupations	$920	$730	20.7%

Top 10 Highest Paying Occupations (2026 Estimates)

Occupation	Median Annual Salary
Anesthesiologists	> $250,000
Cardiologists	> $250,000
Surgeons	> $250,000
Psychiatrists	~$220,000
Chief Executives	~$210,000
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)	~$210,000
Software Engineers (Senior)	~$185,000
Management Consultants	~$165,000
Data Scientists	~$155,000
Financial Managers	~$150,000

Editorial Analysis: The highest-paying occupations cluster in healthcare, technology, and finance. These fields reward specialized knowledge, licensing, or advanced technical skills. For professionals considering a career pivot, these are the sectors with both high earning potential and sustained demand.

For detailed compensation information, see our guides on Software Engineer Salary, Registered Nurse Salary, CRNA Salary, Data Analyst Salary, and Management Consultant Salary.

Salary by Industry: Where the Money Flows

Beyond specific occupations, the industry you work in heavily influences your pay.

Industry	Median Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent
Finance & Insurance	$1,650+	$85,800+
Information Technology	$1,600+	$83,200+
Professional Services	$1,500+	$78,000+
Healthcare	$1,350+	$70,200+
Manufacturing	$1,200+	$62,400+
Construction	$1,100+	$57,200+
Government	$1,050+	$54,600+
Retail Trade	$850+	$44,200+
Accommodation & Food	$650+	$33,800+

Career Insight: Finance, technology, and professional services pay significantly above the national average. Retail and hospitality pay significantly below. For workers in lower-paying industries, gaining specialized skills or credentials is often the most effective path to higher earnings. For more information on finance careers, see our Accountant Salary guide.

Salary Percentile Distribution

Understanding where you fall in the income distribution provides important context for career decisions.

Percentile	Weekly Earnings	Annual Equivalent
Bottom 10%	< $642	< $33,384
Bottom 25%	< $850	< $44,200
Median (50%)	$1,251	$65,052
Top 25%	> $1,915	> $99,580
Top 10%	> $2,924	> $152,048

Editorial Analysis: Earning $100,000 per year places you above the 75th percentile—roughly the top 25% of full-time workers. Earning $150,000 places you in the top 10%. These thresholds vary by state, but they provide a useful national benchmark.

Is $50k, $75k, or $100k a Good Salary?

Whether a salary is “good” depends heavily on where you live and your household circumstances.

Salary	National Ranking	Purchasing Power in NYC	Purchasing Power in Mississippi
$50,000	Bottom 40%	Struggling	Comfortable
$65,052 (Median)	Average	Tight	Comfortable
$75,000	Above Average	Tight	Very Comfortable
$100,000	Top 20-25%	Comfortable	Excellent
$150,000	Top 10%	Good	Excellent

Career Insight: A $75,000 salary in New York City may feel similar to a $45,000 salary in rural Alabama. Always evaluate job offers using a cost of living calculator that accounts for housing, taxes, and goods.

Cost of Living Adjustment: Real Earnings by State

The table below adjusts average salaries for cost of living to show real purchasing power.

State	Avg Annual Salary	Cost of Living Index (U.S.=100)	Real Adjusted Salary
Mississippi	$55,900	86.4	$64,700
Arkansas	$63,076	88.2	$71,500
Texas	$80,548	92.8	$86,800
Illinois	$82,576	95.6	$86,400
U.S. Average	~$75,000	100	~$75,000
Colorado	$87,516	109.7	$79,800
Massachusetts	$102,960	125.1	$82,300
California	$101,608	138.5	$73,400
New York	$102,700	139.1	$73,800

Editorial Analysis: When adjusted for cost of living, some “lower paying” states offer greater real purchasing power than “higher paying” states. Texas and Illinois offer solid real earnings due to moderate costs. California and New York salaries, while nominally high, lose significant purchasing power to housing costs.

How to Increase Your Salary: 5 Evidence-Based Strategies

Based on the data above, here are the most effective ways to increase your earnings.

1. Switch Jobs Strategically

Workers who change employers typically see larger raises than those who stay. The gap is often 5-10% in a single move.

2. Invest in High-ROI Credentials

Not all education is equal. Degrees in technology, healthcare, and finance consistently offer the best returns. Advanced degrees in these fields can add $20,000-$50,000 annually.

3. Relocate to Higher-Paying States—Carefully

Moving from Mississippi to Massachusetts could increase your nominal salary by $47,000. But factor in housing costs before making the leap.

4. Negotiate

Research consistently shows that workers who negotiate their starting salary earn more over their career. The gap compounds over time.

5. Build Skills in High-Demand Fields

Technology, healthcare, and data analytics continue to show strong demand. Even for non-technical roles, proficiency in AI tools, data analysis, or business intelligence commands a premium. For technology careers, see our Product Designer Salary guide.

The 2026 Outlook: Where Are Salaries Headed?

Several factors will shape salary growth over the next 3-5 years.

• Technology Integration: AI and automation will reshape many roles. Professionals who can work alongside AI tools will command higher pay.
• Demographic Shifts: As baby boomers retire, demand for healthcare and skilled trades will intensify.
• Remote Work: Geographic pay differentials are compressing. Some companies are adjusting salaries for remote workers, while others are maintaining location-based pay.
• Labor Shortages: Skilled workers in healthcare, technology, and construction will continue to have negotiating leverage.

Career Insight: The outlook for wage growth is positive, but it won’t be uniform. Healthcare, technology, and skilled trades will see above-average growth. Retail, hospitality, and some manufacturing roles will see slower growth or contraction.

Methodology

The data in this article is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey, a monthly survey of approximately 60,000 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The earnings data is collected from one-quarter of the CPS monthly sample and is limited to wage and salary workers. All self-employed workers, both incorporated and unincorporated, are excluded.

Key definitions:

• Usual weekly earnings: Earnings before taxes and deductions, including overtime pay, commissions, or tips. Weekly values are converted from other reporting periods.
• Full-time workers: Individuals who usually work 35 hours or more per week at their principal job.
• Median: The midpoint of the earnings distribution. Half of workers earn above the median, half below.
• Average (mean): The sum of all earnings divided by the number of workers.

State-level data: Average weekly wages by state are sourced from the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) for Q4 2025. These figures represent all covered workers (including part-time) and may differ from median full-time worker figures.

Estimated values: Where estimated median salaries are provided for states, these are editorial calculations based on the relationship between average and median earnings at the national level. They should be considered approximations.

For more information on how to calculate your take-home pay, use our Income Tax Calculator or CTC Calculator .

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Current Population Survey
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Usual Weekly Earnings News Release, Q2 2026
• Social Security Administration – National Average Wage Index

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