What Is The Average Salary In The U.s. is a question many people ask, and at WHAT.EDU.VN we provide the answers. Understanding typical earnings, income averages, and wage statistics is crucial for career planning and financial well-being. Let’s explore the insights into U.S. salary trends, job market compensation, and regional income variations. Need more free information? Ask what.edu.vn.
1. Key Insights Into U.S. Salaries
Understanding the U.S. salary landscape requires a look at the key findings that shape earnings trends and compensation standards across the nation.
- In 2024 Q3, full-time workers earn a median weekly wage of $1,165. This figure increased slightly from 2024 Q2, when the median weekly wage was $1,151.
- As of Q3, women earn a median of $1,054 per week. Men have a median weekly wage of $1,264.
- Men aged 55 to 64 earn the most overall, with median weekly earnings of $1,490. For women, the highest earning age bracket is 45 to 54, with median weekly wages of $1,166.
- People working in management, professional, and related occupations earn the most overall. Men in these roles have median weekly wages of $1,884, and women earn $1,392 per week.
2. Understanding The Average Salary In The U.S.
The average yearly salary in the US is $65,470, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure represents the average wage regardless of location, occupation, gender, and other factors. It gives a broad overview of U.S. earnings and labor market indicators.
2.1. The National Average Wage Index
The National Average Wage Index, which the Social Security Administration uses to monitor wage growth, reflects similar findings. The national average wage index for 2023 is $66,621. This figure has increased steadily from year to year. In fact, 2023 data reflects 4.43% growth compared to 2022. Whether you own a lean startup or employ a large staff, it’s important to pay attention to average wage growth to stay competitive.
2.2. Staying Competitive With Wage Growth
To stay competitive in your space, you’ll want to consider increasing salaries at a rate that matches or exceeds these average growth figures. This data helps businesses adjust their compensation strategies and maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.
3. Diving Into The Average U.S. Salary By State
The average salary in the US differs significantly from state to state. Location plays a major role in hourly and weekly earnings. Regional income variations and state-specific pay rates influence the national average.
3.1. Average Hourly Salary By State
Overall, the District of Columbia has the highest average hourly wage ($51.66), while Mississippi has the lowest hourly wage ($27.12). On average, Mississippi residents earn 51.7% as much as DC residents make per hour.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alt: Map of average hourly wages by state in the US, highlighting variations in compensation across different regions.
States and districts with the highest average hourly wages include:
- District of Columbia: $51.66
- Massachusetts: $41.92
- Washington: $41.42
- California: $40.09
- Colorado: $38.64
States with the lowest average hourly wage include:
- Mississippi: $27.12
- New Mexico: $28.49
- Arkansas: $29.03
- West Virginia: $29.15
- Kentucky: $29.15
3.2. Average Hourly Salary Adjusted For Cost Of Living
Hourly earnings only tell part of the story. In states with lower costs of living, wages go much further. However, the same salary doesn’t cover as many expenses in states with higher costs of living. Cost of living adjustments provide a clearer view of purchasing power across different regions.
When adjusted for cost of living, the District of Columbia still has the highest average hourly salary in the US. But with the cost of living adjustment, the capital’s average wage is just $45.02 per hour. With this adjustment, Mississippi still has the lowest average hourly wage. But instead of the actual average of $27.12, the state’s average hourly salary equals $30.56 with the cost of living adjustment.
(*Calculated using the BLS report for actual hourly wages and the Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal consumption expenditures and income data.)
Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alt: Chart illustrating average hourly wages by state adjusted for cost of living, demonstrating the impact of regional costs on real income.
States and districts with the highest average hourly wages adjusted for cost of living include:
- District of Columbia: $45.02
- Minnesota: $38.87
- North Dakota: $38.16
- Massachusetts: $37.98
- Colorado: $37.75
States with the lowest average hourly wages adjusted for cost of living include:
- Mississippi: $30.56
- New Mexico: $31.06
- Maine: $31.80
- Louisiana: $32.00
- Nevada: $32.10
3.3. Average Weekly Salary By State
The number of hours worked per week isn’t necessarily consistent from state to state. DC has the highest number of average weekly hours (36.6), while Delaware has the lowest (32.2). This translates to vastly different weekly wages across the US. Average weekly earnings range from $1,890.76 in DC to $941.06 in Mississippi.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alt: Graph comparing average weekly earnings across US states, showing the wide range of income based on location.
While location is just one factor that affects average salaries, it’s an important one for business owners who employ staff in various states. You’ll likely want to consider this data if you’re considering expanding your business to another state. For example, say your company is headquartered in a state with low average earnings and you’re planning to open a satellite office in a state with high average earnings. You’ll need to budget accordingly for payroll.
3.4. Considerations For Remote Workers
If your business employs remote workers, you’ll likely need to make similar considerations. After all, you’ll want to make sure you’re compensating employees appropriately, given their location and title. Plus, this location-focused data can help confirm if you’re paying competitive wages. A competitive salary can help retain employees, which can benefit the business in the long run.
Here’s the full list of salary data (including cost of living adjustments) by state:
| State | Average Hourly Earnings 2024 | Average Weekly Hours 2024 | Hourly Wage Adjusted for Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $30.32 | 35.0 | $34.03 |
| Alaska | $37.17 | 34.7 | $36.43 |
| Arizona | $33.89 | 35.5 | $33.92 |
| Arkansas | $29.03 | 35.3 | $32.92 |
| California | $40.09 | 34.2 | $35.09 |
| Colorado | $38.64 | 33.8 | $37.75 |
| Connecticut | $38.21 | 34.0 | $35.76 |
| Delaware | $31.91 | 32.5 | $32.56 |
| District of Columbia | $51.66 | 36.6 | $45.02 |
| Florida | $32.95 | 34.3 | $32.24 |
| Georgia | $32.81 | 34.6 | $34.18 |
| Hawaii | $37.00 | 33.5 | $32.99 |
| Idaho | $31.90 | 34.8 | $34.51 |
| Illinois | $34.22 | 33.7 | $33.79 |
| Indiana | $31.00 | 34.1 | $33.54 |
| Iowa | $29.84 | 34.3 | $33.29 |
| Kansas | $31.12 | 33.9 | $34.24 |
| Kentucky | $29.15 | 35.2 | $32.25 |
| Louisiana | $29.24 | 35.9 | $32.00 |
| Maine | $31.97 | 33.7 | $31.70 |
| Maryland | $35.52 | 33.6 | $33.76 |
| Massachusetts | $41.92 | 33.8 | $37.98 |
| Michigan | $32.65 | 34.3 | $34.80 |
| Minnesota | $38.00 | 33.3 | $38.87 |
| Mississippi | $27.12 | 34.7 | $30.56 |
| Missouri | $32.10 | 34.0 | $34.95 |
| Montana | $32.14 | 33.1 | $35.27 |
| Nebraska | $31.61 | 33.8 | $34.83 |
| Nevada | $30.98 | 34.6 | $32.10 |
| New Hampshire | $35.53 | 33.5 | $32.81 |
| New Jersey | $37.14 | 33.8 | $33.89 |
| New Mexico | $28.49 | 33.8 | $31.06 |
| New York | $38.15 | 33.1 | $35.25 |
| North Carolina | $33.06 | 34.4 | $34.98 |
| North Dakota | $34.27 | 35.8 | $38.16 |
| Ohio | $32.47 | 34.5 | $35.25 |
| Oklahoma | $30.56 | 35.5 | $33.99 |
| Oregon | $36.34 | 35.1 | $33.95 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.07 | 34.3 | $33.28 |
| Rhode Island | $36.20 | 33.5 | $34.50 |
| South Carolina | $31.19 | 33.9 | $33.20 |
| South Dakota | $31.16 | 33.9 | $34.90 |
| Tennessee | $30.34 | 34.9 | $32.83 |
| Texas | $33.25 | 36.2 | $34.08 |
| Utah | $34.42 | 33.9 | $36.32 |
| Vermont | $34.11 | 34.0 | $33.74 |
| Virginia | $34.22 | 34.6 | $33.49 |
| Washington | $41.42 | 34.8 | $37.34 |
| West Virginia | $29.15 | 35.1 | $32.29 |
| Wisconsin | $33.77 | 33.2 | $36.37 |
| Wyoming | $31.60 | 35.6 | $34.16 |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis
4. Exploring Average Weekly Salary By Sector
Across all industries and occupations, the average weekly salary in the US is $1,266. However, wages vary significantly by sector. Sector-specific wage data and industry compensation standards highlight the diverse economic landscape.
4.1. Highest and Lowest Earning Sectors
The management, business, and financial operations sector has the highest median weekly earnings ($1,743), while the professional sector has the second highest weekly wages ($1,503). The farming, fishing, and forestry sectors have the lowest median weekly earnings ($727), while the services sector garners the second lowest weekly wages ($772). The difference between the highest-earning and lowest-earning sectors is stark. Management, business, and financial workers earn 139.75% more than those in farming, fishing, and forestry jobs.
4.2. Budgeting Considerations
This data is essential if you need a ballpark idea of wages for your industry. It can help you estimate what you’ll need to spend as you hire the first employees for your business or take steps to expand your team.
| Occupation | Median Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|
| Management, business, and financial operations occupations | $1,743 |
| Professional and related occupations | $1,503 |
| Service occupations | $772 |
| Sales and related occupations | $1,017 |
| Office and administrative support occupations | $925 |
| Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations | $727 |
| Construction and extraction occupations | $1,020 |
| Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations | $1,207 |
| Production occupations | $935 |
| Transportation and material moving occupations | $867 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Understanding The Highest And Lowest Paid Professions
Examining the highest and lowest paid professions provides insight into career earning potential and job market dynamics. Occupational income disparities and earning potential analysis inform career choices and workforce strategies.
5.1. Highest Paid Professions
Among all occupations in the US, physicians earn the highest median annual wage ($236,600). Other roles in the medical field, such as nurse anesthetists ($212,650) and dentists ($170,910), also rank near the top of the list. Executive and manager roles, such as chief executives ($212,650), computer and information systems managers ($169,510), and architectural and engineering managers ($165,730), also earn comparatively high wages.
However, the difference between the first and tenth highest-paid professions is significant. On average, physicians earn 66.88% more than marketing and sales managers.
| Profession | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians | $113.46 | $236,600 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $102.24 | $212,650 |
| Chief Executives | $102.24 | $212,650 |
| Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers | n/a | $171,210 |
| Dentists | $82.17 | $170,910 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $81.50 | $169,510 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $79.50 | $165,730 |
| Financial Managers | $75.05 | $156,100 |
| Lawyers | $68.48 | $142,440 |
| Marketing and Sales Managers | $68.17 | $141,780 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5.2. Lowest Paid Professions
Hosts, hostesses, and baristas have the lowest median annual wage, earning just $29,220. Service workers like fast food workers ($29,540), cashiers ($29,740), and ushers and ticket takers ($29,780) also earn some of the lowest median incomes in the US. Unlike the highest-paid professions, there isn’t a significant difference between earnings among the first and tenth lowest-paid professions. The hosts, hostesses, and baristas earn 91.48% of the salary of waiters and waitresses.
| Profession | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts, Hostesses, and Baristas | $14.05 | $29,220 |
| Fast Food Workers | $14.20 | $29,540 |
| Cashiers | $14.30 | $29,740 |
| Ushers and Ticket Takers | $14.32 | $29,780 |
| Childcare Workers | $14.60 | $30,370 |
| Hotel Desk Clerks | $14.80 | $30,790 |
| Dishwashers | $15.00 | $31,200 |
| Animal Caretakers | $15.00 | $31,200 |
| Bartenders | $15.15 | $31,510 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $15.36 | $31,940 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5.3. Most Common Professions
In the US, the most common profession by far is laborers and material movers, with a total of 6,935,980 workers. The next most common profession, home health and personal care aides has 46.81% fewer workers (3,689,350).
| Profession | Number of Workers | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Material Movers | 6,935,980 | $17.65 | $36,720 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 3,689,350 | $16.12 | $33,530 |
| Retail Salespersons | 3,684,740 | $16.19 | $33,680 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 3,676,580 | $14.20 | $29,540 |
| Drivers and Truck Drivers | 3,511,470 | $23.14 | $48,120 |
| General and Operations Managers | 3,507,810 | $48,69 | $101,280 |
| Cashiers | 3,319,210 | $14.30 | $29,740 |
| Registered Nurses | 3,175,390 | $41.38 | $86,070 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 3,171,290 | $22.12 | $46,010 |
| Building Cleaning Workers | $16.63 | $34,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
6. Analyzing Average Weekly Salary By Age
Age also plays an important role in earnings. The average professional is in the workforce for decades before reaching their earnings peak, which gradually declines prior to retirement. Age-related income trends and career stage compensation analysis show how earnings evolve over a professional’s lifetime.
6.1. Highest and Lowest Age Brackets For Earning Potential
The peak earning age is 45-54 with an average annual salary of $69,628 and a median weekly wage of $1,339. This can be attributed to the experience you gain and the career progress you make toward better paid jobs. The 35 to 44 and 55 to 64 age brackets aren’t far behind. The younger bracket has a median weekly salary of $1,301, while the older bracket earns a median weekly wage of $1,268.
That rise in average earnings persists into retirement, where it does dip from the peak, but it’s reassuring to see that experience is rewarded and that aging is not detrimental to earning potential. Unsurprisingly, the age brackets with the lowest earning potential are 16 to 19 and 20 to 24. The median weekly wage for the former is $746, while the latter earns $778 per week.
The difference between the highest and lowest brackets is significant. On average, workers aged 16 to 19 make 55.71% of the salary that workers aged 45 to 54 earn.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Age | Median Weekly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 16-19 | $746 | $38,792 |
| 20-24 | $778 | $40,456 |
| 25-34 | $1,107 | $57,564 |
| 35-44 | $1,301 | $67,652 |
| 45-54 | $1,339 | $69,628 |
| 55-64 | $1,268 | $65,936 |
| 65 and over | $1,121 | $58,292 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
7. Gender And Its Impact On Average Salary
Across the US, men made a median annual salary of $66,790 in 2023. In comparison, women earned $55,240. Gender pay gap analysis and gender-based income disparities highlight ongoing inequities in the workforce.
7.1. The Gender Pay Gap
Median earnings for both men and women have increased relatively steadily for decades. However, they haven’t always increased at the same rate. In fact, in recent years, men’s salaries have increased at twice the rate of women’s. From 2022 to 2023, men’s earnings increased by 3%, while women’s increased by only 1.5%. Historically, however, women’s earnings have increased faster.
Also known as the gender pay gap, the female-to-male earnings ratio in 1960 was 60.7%. In 2023, the ratio was 83%. While the gender pay gap has remained relatively static for the past five years, it’s gradually approaching parity.
7.2. Obligations Surrounding Pay Equality
As a business owner, it’s important to understand your obligations surrounding pay equality. In some cases, you may need to document fair pay practices or report payroll data. If fair pay is integral to your business values, it’s worth auditing your current situation and considering how to address any remaining pay gaps. For example, you might evaluate your hiring practices and compensation structure as well as the total business impact of adjusting salaries.
7.3. Gender Pay Gap By State
Women and men both earn the highest median salaries in the District of Columbia with men earning a median salary of $81,197, and women earning $70,095. DoC also has the lowest pay gap across all states, most likely due to government salaries helping to close the gap. Behind the capital, the next lowest pay gap is 18.3% in Vermont varying across the US up to a considerable 42.3% in Utah with the highest pay gap.
Source: United States Census Bureau
Alt: Map showing gender pay gap percentages across US states, reflecting differences in earnings between men and women.
The states where there is a lower gender pay gap are:
- District of Columbia: 13.6%
- Vermont: 18.3%
- Nevada: 21.3%
- Maryland: 21.9%
- Hawaii: 22.5%
States with the highest difference between men and women are:
- Utah: 42.3%
- Wyoming: 40.5%
- Louisiana: 36.9%
- Idaho: 36.3%
- Alabama: 34.0%
Here’s the full list of state-by-state differences:
| State | Female Median Earnings – Annual | Male Median Earnings – Annual | Percent Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $29,874 | $45,272 | 34.0 |
| Alaska | $40,165 | $53,311 | 24.6 |
| Arizona | $35,599 | $45,963 | 22.5 |
| Arkansas | $30,687 | $41,445 | 25.9 |
| California | $37,927 | $51,028 | 25.6 |
| Colorado | $39,279 | $54,888 | 28.4 |
| Connecticut | $41,426 | $57,388 | 27.8 |
| Delaware | $37,382 | $49,396 | 24.3 |
| District of Columbia | $70,095 | $81,197 | 13.6 |
| Florida | $33,256 | $42,944 | 22.5 |
| Georgia | $34,421 | $46,369 | 25.7 |
| Hawaii | $39,182 | $50,585 | 22.5 |
| Idaho | $27,822 | $43,706 | 36.3 |
| Illinois | $36,899 | $52,394 | 29.5 |
| Indiana | $32,688 | $47,316 | 30.9 |
| Iowa | $33,724 | $48,115 | 29.9 |
| Kansas | $32,564 | $46,797 | 30.4 |
| Kentucky | $31,440 | $43,912 | 28.4 |
| Louisiana | $29,657 | $47,051 | 36.9 |
| Maine | $34,624 | $46,196 | 25.0 |
| Maryland | $46,332 | $59,324 | 21.9 |
| Massachusetts | $44,721 | $61,060 | 26.7 |
| Michigan | $32,208 | $47,107 | 31.62 |
| Minnesota | $39,871 | $54,060 | 26.2 |
| Mississippi | $28,841 | $41,512 | 30.5 |
| Missouri | $33,619 | $46,102 | 27.0 |
| Montana | $30,643 | $43,187 | 29.0 |
| Nebraska | $33,786 | $47,603 | 29.0 |
| Nevada | $35,155 | $44,706 | 21.3 |
| New Hampshire | $39,729 | $56,601 | 29.8 |
| New Jersey | $42,399 | $60,103 | 29.4 |
| New Mexico | $29,731 | $40,012 | 25.6 |
| New York | $41,423 | $53,541 | 22.6 |
| North Carolina | $33,834 | $44,832 | 24.5 |
| North Dakota | $35,363 | $50,877 | 30.5 |
| Ohio | $33,651 | $47,317 | 28.9 |
| Oklahoma | $30,499 | $44,449 | 31.3 |
| Oregon | $34,964 | $47,618 | 26.5 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,252 | $50,951 | 30.8 |
| Rhode Island | $38,912 | $52,663 | 26.1 |
| South Carolina | $32,164 | $44,652 | 27.9 |
| South Dakota | $33,516 | $45,835 | 26.8 |
| Tennessee | $32,935 | $44,951 | 26.7 |
| Texas | $33,429 | $47,330 | 29.3 |
| Utah | $29,250 | $50,742 | 42.3 |
| Vermont | $36,824 | $45,098 | 18.3 |
| Virginia | $38,966 | $55,259 | 29.4 |
| Washington | $40,196 | $58,197 | 30.9 |
| West Virginia | $29,470 | $43,262 | 31.8 |
| Wisconsin | $35,339 | $50,064 | 29.4 |
| Wyoming | $30,693 | $51,640 | 40.5 |
Source: US Census Bureau
7.4. Gender And Occupation
Wage disparity is much more pronounced in certain occupations than in others. The gender pay gap is low in community and social service occupations, where women earn 97.8% of men’s median earnings. However, the legal field tells a different story. Women earn just 53.5% of men’s median earnings in this field. The gender pay gap is also relatively high in sales, where women earn 67.7% of men’s median earnings, and transportation, where women earn 71.8% of men’s median earnings.
| Occupational Category | Men’s Median Earnings | Women’s Median Earnings | Women’s % of Men’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Engineering Occup |
