How much do Americans really earn: data on the average salary in the USA in 2025

Against the backdrop of global economic changes, understanding the real income of the population is becoming increasingly important. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in the United States for full-time workers at the end of 2025 is a substantial amount — $1,214 per week. This is equivalent to approximately $63,128 per year, reflecting a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. These figures are based on data from the Current Population Survey — a nationwide household survey that asks respondents about their typical weekly earnings.

Weekly Income in the USA: Key Wage Indicators

For the third quarter of 2025, the average salary in the USA demonstrated resilience and slight growth. Seasonally adjusted median weekly earnings reached $1,215, nearly matching the previous quarter’s figure ($1,206). These numbers indicate stability in the U.S. labor market despite economic uncertainties.

It is important to understand that the average salary varies depending on many factors — from demographic characteristics to work experience and specialization. Data analysis shows that the range of fluctuations in the U.S. is quite significant, making the study of these indicators useful for both social analysis and personal career planning.

Where the Highest Pay Is: The Impact of Education on Average Salary

Educational level remains one of the most significant factors influencing income in the U.S. population. The average salary in the USA varies considerably depending on the level of education attained.

Workers without a high school diploma earn a median weekly income of only $777. High school graduates without further vocational training earn $980 per week. In contrast, those with a bachelor’s degree or higher education earn $1,747 weekly.

Especially impressive are the figures for those with advanced degrees. The top ten percent of men with master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees earn $4,809 or more per week. Their female counterparts in this category earn $3,697 or more weekly. This disparity vividly demonstrates the remaining inequalities in the U.S. reward system even among the most educated segments of the population.

Gender and Racial Disparities in American Earnings

An analysis of gender disparities in U.S. earnings reveals a complex picture. Women have a median weekly income of $1,076, which is 80.7% of the median for men ($1,333). However, this difference is not uniform and depends on racial and ethnic background.

White women earn 81.0% of their male colleagues’ income. Black women are in a more favorable position, earning 89.8% of the male median, while Asian women earn only 78.7%. Latina women earn 89.5% of the income of Latino men.

At the level of broad racial and ethnic groups, the picture is also notable. Latinos earn an average salary of $944 per week, Black workers earn $970. In comparison, whites earn $1,238, and Asians earn significantly more — $1,620. Latino men earn $994, which is 73.0% of the median for white men. Latino women earn $890, or 80.7% of white women’s income.

Age and Profession as Factors Influencing Income

By age groups, a clear trend emerges: weekly earnings depend on accumulated experience and professional qualification. Among men, the highest earnings are observed between ages 35 and 64. Median figures are $1,504 for ages 35-44; $1,497 for 45-54; and $1,481 for 55-64. In contrast, young men and women earn significantly less.

Among women, the median weekly income for those aged 35-44 is $1,226; for the 45-54 group — $1,192. Young women aged 16-24 earn only $802 per week, and girls aged 25-34 earn $715. This significant variation underscores the importance of experience in the structure of earnings in the U.S.

The professional sphere also significantly impacts income. People engaged in management, professional, and related occupations have the highest median weekly earnings — $1,912 for men and $1,466 for women. Conversely, workers in the service sector earn $897 (men) and $747 (women). This two-and-a-half times difference vividly demonstrates how the nature of work influences pay in the U.S.

The data on average salaries in the U.S. are based on official reports from U.S. statistical agencies and provide a comprehensive view of income structure, considering education, age, gender, racial and ethnic background, and professional characteristics.